experiences with 968
10-25-2001, 02:29 AM
#1
1st Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
experiences with 968
I am considering buying a 968 with about 50,000 miles on it- any problems, suggestions or thoughts on this topic? I am mainly concerned about reliability, and I would love to here from current 968 owners about their cars and issues/problems they have had with them. Thank you for your thoughts!
10-25-2001, 08:21 PM
#2
Intermediate
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Texas
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chris 1994 968 60,xxx miles
The 968 does have a few things you should know about.
First, with 50,000 miles on it I would change the cam belts quickly, if not done already. I had mine changed at 45,000 miles.
The water pump can be changed at the same time and it will save you a lot of money. I wish that I had changed my water pump at the same time as the cam belts, it went out at 50,000 miles and was about $1,000 parts and labor to change out alone.
Second, the dreaded pinion bearing failures on the 6 speed cars, like mine. That was over $2,000 parts and labor to fix.
Third, the clutch and flywheel are expensive to replace. When my clutch went out it ruined the flywheel and they both had to be replaced. That was $2,500 parts and labor.
All of the work has been done a Porsche Dealerships in my area. The current labor rates here are $95 per hour.
That is all of the major items that I have had problems with. I still enjoy the car very much, but I have spent about $7,500 in repairs and maintenance over the 15,000 miles that I have owned it.
The 968 does have a few things you should know about.
First, with 50,000 miles on it I would change the cam belts quickly, if not done already. I had mine changed at 45,000 miles.
The water pump can be changed at the same time and it will save you a lot of money. I wish that I had changed my water pump at the same time as the cam belts, it went out at 50,000 miles and was about $1,000 parts and labor to change out alone.
Second, the dreaded pinion bearing failures on the 6 speed cars, like mine. That was over $2,000 parts and labor to fix.
Third, the clutch and flywheel are expensive to replace. When my clutch went out it ruined the flywheel and they both had to be replaced. That was $2,500 parts and labor.
All of the work has been done a Porsche Dealerships in my area. The current labor rates here are $95 per hour.
That is all of the major items that I have had problems with. I still enjoy the car very much, but I have spent about $7,500 in repairs and maintenance over the 15,000 miles that I have owned it.
10-25-2001, 09:27 PM
#3
Visit 968.net, although rennlist is great there is much more participation by the 968 owners over there.
Just approaching 60K in my 94, and no problems to speak of, as stated keep on top of the belts. Little stuff will crop up, sticking headlamp (lube it!), door alarm switches, hatch rattles etc. Sssh, these cars are the used car bargain supreme. They look like a million bucks, and embarrass almost everything on a twisty road. Plus they aren't slow like the 44's, or need maintenance like the 951's. Many are adult driven, lo miles, not thrashed like the other waterpumpers in the series. No disrespect to the 24/44/51 crowd, I used to own them too . . .
Just approaching 60K in my 94, and no problems to speak of, as stated keep on top of the belts. Little stuff will crop up, sticking headlamp (lube it!), door alarm switches, hatch rattles etc. Sssh, these cars are the used car bargain supreme. They look like a million bucks, and embarrass almost everything on a twisty road. Plus they aren't slow like the 44's, or need maintenance like the 951's. Many are adult driven, lo miles, not thrashed like the other waterpumpers in the series. No disrespect to the 24/44/51 crowd, I used to own them too . . .
10-26-2001, 12:11 AM
#4
7th Gear
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: PCA NNJR
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I suggest you have it independently inspected by a mechanic familiar with 968's.
My '95 cab has been really good so far and I have met many other owners at various PCA and 968 get-togethers. Most have over 50k miles without significant trouble and I have seen one over 200k miles and still going.
Also, I am subscribed to 968, 944, 951, 924 and 911 mailing lists and judging by the activity (almost always something like this, "Help! I blew up ..."), the 968 is the quietest list. Mostly items like "What tires should I buy...".
The pinion bearing (I am a victim, -$1800), water pump and belts are items to watch. Also I have heard some minor issues with the DME and clutch. As with any Porsche, regular maintenance will keep you on the road for many miles.
Good luck!
My '95 cab has been really good so far and I have met many other owners at various PCA and 968 get-togethers. Most have over 50k miles without significant trouble and I have seen one over 200k miles and still going.
Also, I am subscribed to 968, 944, 951, 924 and 911 mailing lists and judging by the activity (almost always something like this, "Help! I blew up ..."), the 968 is the quietest list. Mostly items like "What tires should I buy...".
The pinion bearing (I am a victim, -$1800), water pump and belts are items to watch. Also I have heard some minor issues with the DME and clutch. As with any Porsche, regular maintenance will keep you on the road for many miles.
Good luck!
11-24-2001, 02:12 PM
#5
I second mark's post. A pre-purchase inspection with a mechanic familiar with 968s is an absolute must (even if it costs $100-$200)! This can mean the difference between shelling out thousands to fix a car versus having to only worry about routine maintenance items. Service records are also extremely helpful to figuring out when routine items needed be changed, like the belts and waterpump. Have the pinion bearing inspected thoroughly (also have the torque tube converter checked on tiptronic cars - this can be a $1k+ item to fix). A combination of good service records and a passing PPI will ensure you get the 968 you will be happy with forever!
11-30-2001, 02:36 PM
#6
6th Gear
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Ohio
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 95 CAB with 50,000 is awesome. No big problems and very few little ones. Including Oil Changes I have less than $1000.00maint cost in two years. I would do it gain in a sec.
11-27-2011, 09:40 PM
#7
Team Owner
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: one thousand, five hundred miles north of Ft. Lauderdale for the summer.
Posts: 28,705
Received 213 Likes
on
153 Posts
two transcon drives in as many weeks in the refridgerator....
nothing but win every minute with this one and a half tons of dynamite.
today's experience was giving her a well deserved hand washing from head to toe
on a beautiful 79 degree day within a stone's throw of the Atlantic Ocean in lovely St. Augustine....
long live the greatest Porsche ever.
today's experience was giving her a well deserved hand washing from head to toe
on a beautiful 79 degree day within a stone's throw of the Atlantic Ocean in lovely St. Augustine....
long live the greatest Porsche ever.
Trending Topics
11-28-2011, 01:18 AM
#9
Team Owner
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: one thousand, five hundred miles north of Ft. Lauderdale for the summer.
Posts: 28,705
Received 213 Likes
on
153 Posts
well, the 2nd post just goes to show how spoiled we are (we've taken the cars with no pinion bearing issues) basically for pennies on the dollar compared to those who came before.....
but, down in the bellhousing, my ring gear is showing some age.
but, down in the bellhousing, my ring gear is showing some age.
11-29-2011, 05:50 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
I've had my 968 for a little over 12 years now! The longest I've ever owned a car. I've put 32k miles on it during this time. It now has 74k on the odo.
I've had to replace the clutch, heater core, water pump, and a few electrical issues over the years plus routine maintenance such as timing belts, tires, struts, etc. In all an average about $1,500/year in maintenance and upkeep, plus a few mods. I think this is a little higher than average and not exactly cheap to run but still relative bargin compared to a newer car.
Generally speaking, as other's have said, unique "problem issues" on these cars include the pinion in the trans on 6 speed cars that can go bad (I heard in less than 30% of cars), cam sproket/teeth/pads, and of course the timing belts are required every 5 years or 30-40k miles.
I've had to replace the clutch, heater core, water pump, and a few electrical issues over the years plus routine maintenance such as timing belts, tires, struts, etc. In all an average about $1,500/year in maintenance and upkeep, plus a few mods. I think this is a little higher than average and not exactly cheap to run but still relative bargin compared to a newer car.
Generally speaking, as other's have said, unique "problem issues" on these cars include the pinion in the trans on 6 speed cars that can go bad (I heard in less than 30% of cars), cam sproket/teeth/pads, and of course the timing belts are required every 5 years or 30-40k miles.