Tim_944

Hey guys, I am looking to buy a 996 in the Vancouver/ lower mainland area. I mainly see cabs and targas for sale around here. I'm looking for a clean original car with no accidents (minor scrapes etc. are okay). I would like to purchase a manual car but I am open to an auto. I recently test drove a 996 with auto transmission and it wasn't bad. Also I have done some research on the common issues with these cars including the ims bearing so if the car has had the ims replaced already that would be a plus but I can get it replaced myself.


Anyways if anyone here knows of a 996 in the lower mainland (or possible Vancouver island and fraser valley) that fits what I'm looking for then please let me know.


I'm not looking for a GT3 or a turbo as those are out of my budget.


Thanks,


Tim

Tim_944

Also any recommendations on what year 996 to avoid? I've read that early 996 has the stronger ims but I will be upgrading that anyways. From what I've read the 2002+ 996 has a better chain tensioner and less likely to have issues with engine block/cylinder head cracks.

Vancouver996

I'd recommend talking to James at scan automotive in North van . They have recently added sales to their mechanical services and can help you find a good one . They have a lot of 996 customers and often know when good ones come up.

There are a lot of early 996 fans on this forum , but the later 3.6 cars have a lot going for them , stiffer chassis , improved interior , more powerful motor , variocam plus , improved more robust manual gear box , nicer wheels , the headlights .
IMO , these improvements make for a better car .

mattie_k

Scan had a really nice MK1 for sale not long ago. Worth a look if you are in the market. Scan is a great shop as well.

Tim_944

thanks for the replies. I'll try calling scan and asking.

i've been doing some research on 996s and I would be replacing the ims bearing (or buying one with the bearing replaced). However, i've also read about cylinder wall/ hard failures. From what i have found this is only found in the 3.4l engines. Is it correct that the later 3.6l engines don't have the failed cylinder wall/ head issues?

thanks.

Vancouver996

A small percentage of the later ones can suffer bore scoring .
Regular oil changes , i.e. Twice a year and a lower temperature thermostat and Evans waterless coolant are reasonable preventative measures .

Tim_944

thanks for the replies. I was thinking of buying a 99 cabrio that i found on craigslist. The car looks pretty clean and original with 120,000 kms and 5speed. I would get the ims replaced but i am worried about the cylinder wall/ head failures. There is another 99 on sale on craigslist with a failed head/ cylinder (mixing oil and coolant and needs a new engine).

I think i'll wait until I find a 2002-2004 and pay to have the ims replaced.

808Bill

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...modelCode1=911

Vancouver996

Niagra Falls , that's just a little east of Chilliwack isn't it?