Hi all, new to rennlist but a long time Porsche owner (1976 911 backdate ) and Pelican Parts forum subscriber. I joined this forum because I have been searching for a 996 to replace my daily driver and seems Rennlist is the place for 996 info...

https://www.krautogroup.com/vehicle/...-6-SPD-MANUAL/

any thoughts on how to approach the purchase dealer with this listing? Listing says it has good records, car looks clean but mileage is really high. I have searched this topic before and can't seem to find a consensus on whether a high mileage car is good idea or not. I briefly spoke with the dealer last week who seemed to be in a rush and didn't have time to talk because he was at an auction. When I asked if the IMS was replaed, he said the car didn't need it because the mileage was high... I am not new to Porsche whatsoever (have had an old 76 911 for 17 years now)... but am entirely new to 996s. I would like a DD to drive to/from work and fun on the weekends in the mountain twistys....

Should I request copies of the records to review prior to spending big $ on a PPI with bore scoring inspection, etc..? Is the car too precarious with the mileage if I am not mechanically inclined ( I am not). Thanks in advance!up.com/vehicle/189.875/2004-PORSCHE-911-COUPE-6-SPD-MANAnyUAL/tps://imgur.com/6DwMNi9

 

Tough to say with the car- Following the carfax, I see it was serviced quite regularly at a few Porsche dealerships. I notice the fuel pump, and water pump were done more recently so that’s a plus. I’d see if you could get some more detailed records on this car, because the mileage is definitely on the high side, the car does appear to be cared for however.

No question- I would have the ims replaced as it is a single row bearing- consider the ims solution vs retrofit. At some point a rebuild MAY be in the future, however you may get many more miles out of the vehicle.

if you get more detailed records, test drive the car if local. The PPI is a absolute must, including a borescope. Drop the pan, and inspect the sump for any metals, plastic materials from guides etc. Other important items will be the AOS condition, see if there’s any record of replacement. Injectors at that mileage would compliment the new fuel pump- if you don’t mind going in further into some service after purchase. Also, the PPI will reveal coil pack condition, spark plug condition—Other common items and cost effective ones that can be addressed. Suspension- at the Mileage, a overhaul is likely in order if on original components. Lots of aftermarket solutions for coilovers, to control arms etc. You’ll have plenty of oem parts to choose from as well depending on your goals.

Others can continue to elaborate on the above list, if you get to the stages of PPI and have interest in the purchase. I just wanted to outline a few items off the top of my head to keep a close eye on.

 

thank you for the well thought out and detailed response. Would you agree that the order of progress would be inspecting the records first, then test drive, then if still interested a thorough PPI?

also, looks like there are not a lot of Porsche specialists in the Palm Springs area, I am out in LA about 1.5 - 2 hours out… there is a Porsche dealer in the PS area, would that be a good place for the PPI? Do dealers let your mechanic come and check out things on their lot regularly? Or is that a No-no?

 

Car looks amazingly clean for that many miles. That said you still need a thorough PPI including bore scoping. Best of luck.

 

Yes

tell the dealer that ignores IMS bearing to drop the oil pan and send you video of the cylinder walls

 

Its a 2004. Assuming it doesn't have an engine replacement with the newer IMSB, you need to replace the IMSB. The dealer is FOS.