thetimmer

I have an opportunity to buy a 968 convertible with triptronic. I owned a 1987 944NA with auto trans back 10 years ago and now that my sons no longer need car seats, the decade with a lame sedan are over. My 944 had a flex plate issue and needed that replaced at mucho dinero and I don't want that again. I'm not sure if flex plates on the 968 are any better than 944s.

For 968s, what questions should I ask the seller such as when the flex plate was replaced (if at all), when the timing belt was last replaced, etc.

TIA

plumbum

From my experience belts and water pump are a good start. Any history of the car is a bonus but the best thing would be to have the car looked at by a local expert as they will know where to look for common issues.

odurandina

don't be so daunted by the prospect of big money in/low payback/no payback cargo.

just dive in. no guts/no glory.

thetimmer

so what can i expect if i take the car to a local Porsche dealership to do PPI in terms of time, cost and what they inspect?

Arominus

The dealership may not be so into doing PPI's on it anymore. 944's are so far off the dealer mechanics radar these days, my local one HATES working on them though the parts guy is fine with the DIY crowd and does well by us. Check with the dealership and they will tell you what they are willing to do.

Look over the car, plan on doing the belts/WP if it hasn't been done recently. The cam chain pads need to be checked/replaced if never done or cracked. Otherwise if the car looks good, your probably ok, you'll end up figuring out everything else after you drive it for a while.

odurandina

add to that, a new cam chain. they stretch and cause excessive wear on your cam's sprockets.

I'd say, get a manual car, but they're selling for well more than tiptronic cars.....

RajDatta

Find a shop that knows these cars. With tiptronic, you need to make the flex disk has been serviced at some point.

thetimmer

do they service flex plates or just replace them? and, how often do they need to be serviced and/or replaced?

TIA

thetimmer

is there an inspection checklist available here for the 968. i might see the car as early as tomorrow