Buying a '99 Carerra convertible - any warnings?
05-05-2014, 06:36 AM
#16
Drifting
Uhmm, I currently have a 2000 Carrera and a 1984 Targa Carrera in the garage...and the Targa Carrera is the one leaving the nest. To each his own...
And while I sincerely appreciate your concern regarding my mental heath, let's just say I like both the water-cooled AND the air-cooled Pcars...reread your posts, perhaps you are the one with the issues...Again, your posts are embarrassing...
And while I sincerely appreciate your concern regarding my mental heath, let's just say I like both the water-cooled AND the air-cooled Pcars...reread your posts, perhaps you are the one with the issues...Again, your posts are embarrassing...
05-05-2014, 06:49 AM
#18
Drifting
I'll take your word for it Cuda that Ed's a good guy...all in good fun anyway as I don't take too much of this too seriously...
05-05-2014, 06:54 AM
#19
Race Director
I have to admit, I cringed a bit when I saw Ed's posts. But I know him, and he's really a nice guy. So, as you say, don't take it too seriously.
And, I agree with your comment... I love the air-cooled and water-cooled, but for different reasons. Hell, I really want a 914 even! And, a 944 and a 928. They all have their charms. Sort of like women... lots of variety, much to be appreciated about the various models.
And, I agree with your comment... I love the air-cooled and water-cooled, but for different reasons. Hell, I really want a 914 even! And, a 944 and a 928. They all have their charms. Sort of like women... lots of variety, much to be appreciated about the various models.
05-05-2014, 07:11 AM
#21
Race Director
(Ed and Javier made me park in the next row away from them at Festival of Speed, since I showed up in a 996. Still living down that humiliation).
05-05-2014, 12:37 PM
#23
Rennlist Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Somewhere in a galaxy far, far away....
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
Received 258 Likes
on
172 Posts
The O.P came to the right place because now he can realize that the 996 series suck and what he really wants is a nice air cooled car. 
the 1999 996 had the 3.4 engine. Mixed reviews on that engine. One thing for certain is that it is hard to find a replacement 3.4....
Given that you are looking at 50k mile 996 id say your budget is $15-25k.
With that budget I would be looking for 1978-1983SC or the 1984-1989 models....
Really the best choice would be a $30k 964 but alas this is not the right forum
the 1999 996 had the 3.4 engine. Mixed reviews on that engine. One thing for certain is that it is hard to find a replacement 3.4....
Given that you are looking at 50k mile 996 id say your budget is $15-25k.
With that budget I would be looking for 1978-1983SC or the 1984-1989 models....
Really the best choice would be a $30k 964 but alas this is not the right forum
05-05-2014, 03:42 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
To me, basically ANY car can be 'someone's dream car. I guess the OP was seeking some practical help, and probably got it, since in the early looking stage it seems that mass info from fans and detractors is a good thing.
A friend of mine who's very knowledgeable and far more than a weekend DIY'er, has purchased three 996 cars in the past: a 2000 with 34k, a 2001 with 90k, a 2002 with 78k. His 00 had an IMS failure, yet was covered (after much harangue) by Porsche. His 01 had a head gasket go, which he is currently correcting. Though he loves much about the 996s still, he is saddened by their record and reputation.
My 996tt was a stupendous car, fast as the blazes, well composed. I traded a 993tt toward it (yes, I beat myself up about it regularly) but for driving dynamics it was a joy. At the current market prices, a 996tt is a LOT of performance for the dollar, without nearly the IMS concerns.
Hope the OP stays with his "dream" and ends up with the right Porsche. Looking is about half the fun!
A friend of mine who's very knowledgeable and far more than a weekend DIY'er, has purchased three 996 cars in the past: a 2000 with 34k, a 2001 with 90k, a 2002 with 78k. His 00 had an IMS failure, yet was covered (after much harangue) by Porsche. His 01 had a head gasket go, which he is currently correcting. Though he loves much about the 996s still, he is saddened by their record and reputation.
My 996tt was a stupendous car, fast as the blazes, well composed. I traded a 993tt toward it (yes, I beat myself up about it regularly) but for driving dynamics it was a joy. At the current market prices, a 996tt is a LOT of performance for the dollar, without nearly the IMS concerns.
Hope the OP stays with his "dream" and ends up with the right Porsche. Looking is about half the fun!
05-05-2014, 05:45 PM
#25
Team Owner
Well here is the way i see it ..
the 996 series does have some very very serious issues that can prematurly end the life of the car , be it , IMS bearing failure, D chunking, scored cylinders etc. The issue we have is really if we try to tell someone that, there will be 996 guys jumping in to the aid of their car trying to protect the plumetting resale value that makes these things look so attractive in the first place.
personally i think the OP did a great thing here as he doesnt see the +ve bias he would have received in the 996 forum blowing it off as internet hype.
Now the OP can do some serious research and decide for himself if he want to take the risk. the 996 is a great car .. until it breaks ... all our cars break lets face it .. but on a 996 series and to some degree the 997 series.. when they break, they break BIG !!!
I dont see it as snobery at all ... well,,, some of it .. thats why for the most part we just have people " google IMS " and let them make their own choices ..
Also, please keep in mind op specifically asked for any warnings. To not mention the above would be just silly. If a guy went on the 996 site and asked about warnings for a 911, I would not be offended if someone said SC can break head studs and carrera can have premature valve guide wear or rupturing fuel lines . I would be pleased a possible new owner got some sound things to investigate.
cheers..
the 996 series does have some very very serious issues that can prematurly end the life of the car , be it , IMS bearing failure, D chunking, scored cylinders etc. The issue we have is really if we try to tell someone that, there will be 996 guys jumping in to the aid of their car trying to protect the plumetting resale value that makes these things look so attractive in the first place.
personally i think the OP did a great thing here as he doesnt see the +ve bias he would have received in the 996 forum blowing it off as internet hype.
Now the OP can do some serious research and decide for himself if he want to take the risk. the 996 is a great car .. until it breaks ... all our cars break lets face it .. but on a 996 series and to some degree the 997 series.. when they break, they break BIG !!!
I dont see it as snobery at all ... well,,, some of it .. thats why for the most part we just have people " google IMS " and let them make their own choices ..
Also, please keep in mind op specifically asked for any warnings. To not mention the above would be just silly. If a guy went on the 996 site and asked about warnings for a 911, I would not be offended if someone said SC can break head studs and carrera can have premature valve guide wear or rupturing fuel lines . I would be pleased a possible new owner got some sound things to investigate.
cheers..
Last edited by theiceman; 05-06-2014 at 02:44 PM.
05-06-2014, 01:31 AM
#26
Track Day
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My '87 had 236,000 miles on it when I bought it in December. I took the cover off of it mid-March and have since put another 2,000 miles on it. If I get a day when I don't feel like driving it, rain or otherwise, maybe I'll change the oil. Or not. 
