velorider562

I've been looking for a new project car, maximum fun and min cost! Been looking at 996's because it fits that bill.

Found this on ebay, I think he's overpriced, the car is nearby so I can check it out in person. I'm thinking more 8K and put in a rebuilt engine.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264120042108

Seems like similar 996's are going for 25K, but I'm still working through the configurations to compare apples to apples.

I'm fairly mechanical, I would not be able to rebuild the engine but I could swap an engine. My background has been with BMW, Audi, and Volvo, not Porsche. I know about the IMS but that would be addressed with a rebuilt engine. I know nothing about the 4 wheel drive system and it's reliability or what other pitfalls I should look for. I'm seeking advice, knowledge, and your thoughts on a project like this.

Thanks
John

808Bill

That's a $4-7K car.

TexSquirrel

In my opinion it is WAY overpriced.
I'm searching for something similar, but I wouldn't spend more than $5K.
If it had fewer miles I might go $6K.
If it were a C2, I wouldn't go over $4K.
The prices above would be local prices.
Shipped would reduce what I'd pay.

Also I doubt it is a head gasket.
More likely cracked head or bad oil cooler.

Horsepwr

This guy is out of his mind. I could send you dozens upon dozens of well running 996s for that price. Hell there are two near me I am considering grabbing because they are good clean examples with about 100k on each. Both under 13k. THIS GUY NEEDS A REALITY CHECK ON THE OLE 996!!

Southernman

Guys, that's a widebody car. It is priced high, but I don't think he's too far off. A nice C4S with decent miles would price around 25-30k.

wyovino

It is never a head gasket with these cars. If it has intermix (coolant and water) it will need to be flushed out asap or you will likely need to replace all hoses, which is not a cheap or easy task.
That being said, watching the video, it doesn't sound or drive like it has cracked heads. A better diagnosis as to why it's losing coolant might be worth it.

motoo344

I feel like when it comes to anything possibly involving internals with these cars it's better to plan for the most expensive outcome possible. It's unfortunate because the car looks relatively clean so it could be a good buy but with the way, these engines are there are just too many what ifs imo.

808Bill

(Holes in both seats, carbon fiber is cracked and the motor needs a complete rebuild (most likely)...Who knows who did what to it for $13K?

motoo344

Noticed the holes after you pointed it out. Smokers car? Also looks like cracks in the tail lights?

strathconaman

That is a heavily optioned hot mess.

TexSquirrel

That's why I said $5K.
A higher mileage C4 is worth around $25K, at least in my mind.
With an unknown engine, you might end up spending $20K.
That way you've ended up with a car worth what you spent.
Could you end up spending less?
Sure, but you need to plan for the worst.
If you luck out and it's something relatively inexpensive to fix, then that's awesome.

TexSquirrel

Thanks for pointing that out.
I would have to fix the interior if it were mine.
At least the passenger seat needs work.
I would replace the carbon fiber.
It just doesn't fit the 996 to me.
Not that I don't like CF.

Prelude Guy

I have a 36k mile 2004 3.6L engine for sale. Just sayin'. :-P

velorider562

Thanks for all the feedback. I thought I was expecting the worst scenario by replacing the motor. I agree its high. If it's still available next weekend I'll check it out just to get a sense of condition and price so I can educate myself.

Again thanks for the feedback!

Thank
John

TechSavvySam

So if someone "rebuilt" the engine for $13,000 and it subsequently blew a head gasket, I would definitely question their abilities and then I would wonder what else they screwed up in the engine.

I'd rather have an engine with a problem that I knew had not been opened up by some doofus that didn't know what they were doing.

There's no mention of "IMS" in the article, so that's an issue as at 134K miles you should be on your 2nd replacement--unless you have "the solution", which I'm guessing they would mention if it had it.

For that price I would expect a pristine interior. There's some weird shading on the picture of the steering wheel and some pinholes in the headrest--which with the crest is probably the one piece of that seat you don't want to have to replace.

The seller didn't get great pictures of the tires so I can't really see the wear bars but my tires were 7 years old with full tread and needed to be replaced.

And it's sliver

Based on my recent purchase and knowing how much I've spent so far on a "perfectly running" car, I'd be shocked if there was less than $20K-$25K in repairs on this.

So instead of asking is it worth $14,500, ask yourself, are you willing to spend $30K to get this car in great worry-free condition.

By the way, this is assuming no accident history.