Hi everyone, Im a new user to this site so forgive me if i mess up any protocall. Aparently I got on the 993 forum last night asking about 996's and was directed to a Molsons beer site by one user, pretty funny I thought. Any way I'm considering buying a used 996 but I have heard alot about this RMS issue. What are your feelings on this and are any of you just so mad about it you would direct me to another model Porsche?

 

I would use the "search" function of this site and get LOADS of info about this and other issues. I doubt you'll find many on the 996 site that would recommend against 996's. May have to look at the 993 or 964 site for that conversation.
For me? I have a 99 996. My feelings on the RMS issue is this:
1) If it's got over 30k miles on it and has been driven a reasonable amount (at least 7-10k/year) and it hasn't had the RMS issue yet. Odds are greatly in your favor it won't.
2) You hear about 996's and engine failures because the Porsche community is vocal and we take care of each other. I haven't checked, but don't think theres a Ford Fucus forum on Kia forum (nothing personal, Tim ). In other words, I think there's engine failures w/any car but ours get more attention, IMHO.
All I can say is, look good, do your homework, use these guys for advice, and I think you will be like me, a very happy 996 owner!!!

 

No one on this site has any opinions on RMS. Is that a traction control thing?

Seriously, you won't be disappointed in 996 purchase if you do your homework.
Welcome.

 

That is what I'm doing, my homework. Thank you for your kind reply I feel better all ready.

 

Brew - feel free to PM me. I have purchased 2 cherry 996's so far and can offer input. Feel free to pm any questions you might have.

C.

 

They are spectacular cars - just ask anyone here in the forum!

+1 to doing your homework - I'm sure there are some rats/suspect cars out there. But there are also many fantastic ones - search for some of the threads about cars with over 100k miles.

 

Also, if you find one your interested in, post pics and all the info you got here. We'll be glad to offer anything we can.
Gota911(Tim) has a beautiful well cared for car for sell on this site! May want to contact him.

 

+1 on Tim's car. Awesome condition... I saw just a couple weeks ago.

C.

 

Thank all of the previous for the warm wellcome. This is my first Porsche after many years of hard work and I want to get it right. It is a beautiful car and I thank you for your input.

 

In my opinion the RMS issue is really not much of an issue. Some small % of cars have a rear main seal that leaks. Were not talking about quarts of oil and becoming stranded on the roadside, were talking about a few drops on the garage floor. The cheap fix is a 2' X 3' strip of cardboard (or scrap carpet) on the garage floor under the rear part of the car (where the engine is). The expensive fix is a new seal (about $800 depending on where you get it). I think most conventional wisdom says live with it until you need a new clutch and have it replace then. It adds very little cost to the clutch replacement because the labor is the most expensive part and with the clutch replacement you have to take it apart anyway.

by the way, I have a 2000 996 with no leaks to date...50K miles and going strong.

 

On the manual trans is there a prescribed mileage that the clutch should be replaced ? I understand alot depends on how you drive. Any comments on the tiptronic?

 

Thanks for the plug guys! However, after the "welcome" I gave Brew on the "02 Targa's .. How are they? thread he may not even want to consider my car. BTW Brew, I did offer an apology on that thread.

https://rennlist.com/forums/showpost...7&postcount=43

I agree with what everyone else has said about the RMS issue. When I first got may car and then got onto Rennlist, the initial comments I read about the RMS issue scared the crap out of me. But after reading and learning more about it, that stopped being an "issue" for me. My RMS was replaced about 9 months ago under warranty and I didn't even know it was bad. No leaks, no drips. I took the car into the dealer for some routine maintenance and when I picked it up the invoice stated they had changed the RMS.

BTW - I can make you a "killer" deal on my '04 C2. The price is negotiable. PM me if you are interested and I will let you know the "discounted" price. Here is a link to the ad in the classified section: 2004 C2 Lapis Blue

 

Thanks all for your introduction. As a "newbee" I figured I'd get slapped around a bit, but thats ok. I'm committed to my purchace of a 996 and will find out everything I need to know to make sure it runs with the best. After all, You don't drive a Porsche unless one is that special type of person who can rise above the rest! Thanks again, I'll keep in touch. Brew

 

On the RMS issue, the older the car the more you need to worry, but you shouldn't lose sleep over it. The '99 cars seemed to need multiple fixes (for some), but the part has been redesigned several times and the latest version seems to be solid. Also, the worry should be capped by the repair cost, which is not that bad - $1200 from a deal, $900 from an independent (ymmv).

If the potential for problems scares you, stick with 2002 and up, which is the 3.6l engine. You get the facelift, more power, and various design issues with the engine corrected.

I bought my 2003 on March 1, and on March 13 my RMS blew out. Beware of garage queens, these cars like to be driven! But, after that repair, the car has been flawless, and I'm lovin' it!

 

I have a 99 996 that I bought 14 months ago. It has not had the RMS replaced(yet) and it now has just over 40k miles on it. I have not had any oil leaks to date and the car makes me smile everytime I drive it. There are plenty of 996 for sale, and the right one has your name on it. Look around and drive during your search, then just pull the trigger.