rhs63

I'm looking at a 1992 968 with 133k miles. The current owner had it for 10 years and it was meticulously maintained with a stack of receipts. The car looks great inside and out. I'm hesitant because it already has a lot of miles on the clock and I'm looking to replace my mint 944 that has just 53k miles. Should the high mileage deter me? What major expenses should I expect for a 968 at this stage?

sydneyman

rod bearings! if they haven't been done that is. as far as 968 specific stuff though you have your cam pads and tensioner. if the R and P hasn't gone bad by now, you've got a good one. hmm, others will chime in with more stuff im sure...

sydneyman

and for being 20 years old, 133k miles isn't bad... its just broken in i'd say!

968workaholic

If its a '92 i hope your not planning to track it due to the weaker rods. If it has been properly maintained by a shop that knows 968's than you shouldn't really have anything to worry about.

chudson

Hey workaholic - most of us know the 92/93 - 94/95 rod difference, but no one really seems to care and I know several people who track the early cars on a regular basis with stock bottom ends. I'm curious, is there any proof that there has ever been a early rod failure that was stress (and not lubrication) related? Not taking issue with your statement; later rods are better, but have any early ever failed? Is there a post?

sydneyman

i'd be interested to hear some real testimony as well. ive always heard the early rods are weaker (and they are) but has this really manifested itself at the track?

flwbyu

I think some of the issues that you might face are cumulative regardless of how well the car was cared for. I am not saying that the care of the car is not important. These cars are over 10 years in age and have one thing against them, time. A lot of basic things need to be checked. Brakes, bearings, wiring, locks, seals, etc. I recently had several things just stop working - the sunroof broke (more common than you know), back left tail light went out, one of the glove box hinges broke, etc.

It's the little details not to mention the things that are no longer available. Preventative maintenance is the key. Finding a good mechanic is priceless! So, many issues can be resolved simply, if you have the right person (some of us do not have garages, hint, hint). It's a true love hate relationship. I don't mean to sound negative because that's not it at all. The 968 is a true Porsche in every way. You can feel and hear the road. You are required to drive it, it demands your focus and rewards you in return. It does not come at a cheap price but it is definitely one of the most reliable Porsche's I have known.

Grandpa#3

Go to 968forum.com and become a member. Go down to library. You will find all kinds of information on the 968.

Cheers,
Larry

JDS968

My car is a '92 and has lived most of its life on the track.

sydneyman

there it is, waited for someone else to say it. i don't think 968s(even early '92s) get to be 20 years old with 100k+ miles with having weak parts... now did they replace the early rods with thicker later rods? yes. has it been a problem in the real world? im not sure but not for me.

and mine's a '92

chudson

My theory is that Porsche had forecasted a longer run for the 968 to include (as it did) a turbocharged model and possibly improvements to increase HP of the N/A engine which would require strengthening the bottom end. Unfortunately...............

Sorry to get the thread off topic, but I have yet to hear of a rod failure from stress.

richard glickel.

The OEM rods are fine. BTW, I did have a rod blast through the engine while racing at Pocono ... but it wasn't a stock rod, it was a Pauter rod. Needless-to-say I go with the Porsche rods since then.

ernie9468

Ok let take a step back & resume what your saying.92-133k miles it's a 19 years old car with an average of 7k miles per year which will be what a 968 owner will put on his car if not daily driven (+1).Current owner had it for ten year ,meaning the car had less chance of being abuse (+1) Meticulously maintain with a stacks of receipts (+1) since you can go back & see what or what not was done to the car.Should higth mileage deter me NO at 113K miles a well maintain 968 is just starting it's life.Major cost will be ( timing -BSB- water pump and all associated parts to do the job (rule of thumb they should be done every 35K to 40K miles or every 4 years whatever come first same as your 944) the catch the 968 is a DOC 16 valves & has certain need the 8 valves SOC doesn't " already mention cam pads-tensioner & chain" here opinion differ has which mileage they should be check & done & it will be a good idea to find out if they been done,also something nobody up to date mention (the clutch) even though a lot easier to do than on a 944 it's still a major job.I think flwbyu has hit the nail on the head, it will be little issues that any 19 years car has that will make owning it a PITA,but remenber this car was well taken care off & those small issues migth have long way to go before they show up .Motor -tranny I can see them going nuke all of a sudden, like mention preventive maintenance will be a must specially dropping the oil & changing filter at regular interval ,this is the key for a healthy motor.One golden rule PPI before you buy the car by a source that knows what 968 are all about.Try the car out in different driving condition (smooth-rough-long strait & curvy roads -low speed -cruising & very higth speed don't be afraid to step on it see if your comfortable with the 968 which is quiet different than a 944.By the way like you I had a very well sort out pristine 944 which I own for 26 years ,two year ago a took the leap now driving one of the best Porsche ever made & love it.GL

sydneyman

Ernie's got some good advice/food for thought.

rhs63

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated.