Wanna Buy a 2004 996 - Am I crazy??
09-12-2010 | 03:44 PM
#1
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Suburban Chicago
Wanna Buy a 2004 996 - Am I crazy??
OK, I've read all about the RMS, IMS and D-Chunk issues. I found a 2004 996 Targa in Houston with a 6 spd manual and 24K miles on it for $31,900. I am scheduling a PPI for Monday with ProTechnik, an independent shop highly recommended by someone on the "P" BBS.
Did Porsche get most of it's issues resolved by the time they produced the 2004's? Are most 996's prone to engine failures, especially low mileage ones? This one looks pristine, and I can't wait to drive it. (It's in Houston, I'm in Chicago). It seems that there is no way of telling if there's a potential problem in the engine, so you're buying a pig in a poke from that perspective. Will ALL of these engines fail by the time they hit 100K miles? That would be sad if it were true.
It looks like there is little that can be done to prevent such a failure. I am not planning on tracking this car - just enjoying driving it. I've read articles that say that changing the oil every 3K - 5K will help forestall the problem, but doesn't look like there is anything that will PREVENT it!!
Looking for sage advice from those who have 996's or are working on them. I appreciate everyone's comments, but I have done some research on this issue on various BBS', and have read much of the chatter.
TIA
Larry
Did Porsche get most of it's issues resolved by the time they produced the 2004's? Are most 996's prone to engine failures, especially low mileage ones? This one looks pristine, and I can't wait to drive it. (It's in Houston, I'm in Chicago). It seems that there is no way of telling if there's a potential problem in the engine, so you're buying a pig in a poke from that perspective. Will ALL of these engines fail by the time they hit 100K miles? That would be sad if it were true.
It looks like there is little that can be done to prevent such a failure. I am not planning on tracking this car - just enjoying driving it. I've read articles that say that changing the oil every 3K - 5K will help forestall the problem, but doesn't look like there is anything that will PREVENT it!!
Looking for sage advice from those who have 996's or are working on them. I appreciate everyone's comments, but I have done some research on this issue on various BBS', and have read much of the chatter.
TIA
Larry
Last edited by larry47us; 09-12-2010 at 07:47 PM.
09-12-2010 | 06:21 PM
#7
Poseur
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
Your subject line is incorrect. Porsche's 996s ended in 2005. The 2006 models were exclusively 997s. Where you guys hear that 'most 996s are prone to engine failure' is total BS.
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09-12-2010 | 07:40 PM
#10
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,005
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OK, I've read all about the RMS, IMS and D-Chunk issues. I found a 2004 996 Targa in Houston with a 6 spd manual and 24K miles on it for $31,900. I am scheduling a PPI for Monday with ProTechnik, an independent shop highly recommended by someone on the "P" BBS.
Did Porsche get most of it's issues resolved by the time they produced the 2004's? Are most 996's prone to engine failures, especially low mileage ones? This one looks pristine, and I can't wait to drive it. (It's in Houston, I'm in Chicago). It seems that there is no way of telling if there's a potential problem in the engine, so you're buying a pig in a poke from that perspective. Will ALL of these engines fail by the time they hit 100K miles? That would be sad if it were true.
It looks like there is little that can be done to prevent such a failure. I am not planning on tracking this car - just enjoying driving it. I've read articles that say that changing the oil every 3K - 5K will help forestall the problem, but doesn't look like there is anything that will PREVENT it!!
Looking for sage advice from those who have 996's or are working on them. I appreciate everyone's comments, but I have done some research on this issue on various BBS', and have read much of the chatter.
TIA
Larry
Did Porsche get most of it's issues resolved by the time they produced the 2004's? Are most 996's prone to engine failures, especially low mileage ones? This one looks pristine, and I can't wait to drive it. (It's in Houston, I'm in Chicago). It seems that there is no way of telling if there's a potential problem in the engine, so you're buying a pig in a poke from that perspective. Will ALL of these engines fail by the time they hit 100K miles? That would be sad if it were true.
It looks like there is little that can be done to prevent such a failure. I am not planning on tracking this car - just enjoying driving it. I've read articles that say that changing the oil every 3K - 5K will help forestall the problem, but doesn't look like there is anything that will PREVENT it!!
Looking for sage advice from those who have 996's or are working on them. I appreciate everyone's comments, but I have done some research on this issue on various BBS', and have read much of the chatter.
TIA
Larry
09-12-2010 | 07:57 PM
#11
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Suburban Chicago
OOPS Sorry, a mistype on the lead. This is a 2004 Targa in Teal.
Ed, you're killing me.
Guys:
Honestly, I am looking at buying this car IN SPITE of my wife's protestations. I failed to adhere to the old porschephile motto. "it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission." Permission was NOT granted, but I'm doing it anyway. It seems that I can't have both at the same time (wife and Porsche) One has to go - sorry honey.
The shop that is doing the PPI is supposedly really good, so I'll hope that they are picky about their PPI. My thoughts are that MOST of the 996's that I have seen for sale have been 3 - 4 or even 5 owner cars. That's pretty bad news on a car that is between 6 and 10 years old!! It seems to me that these owners found things that they didn't like about their car - and dumped it. This car is a one owner car. So, my hope is that he took better care of it than one of the serial owners that are out there.
I'll keep you posted. Anyone have experience with the 996 Targa top as an issue? Someone posted a note that I should AVOID a Targa. I loved my 73 Targa, but this ain't no '73.
thanks for the comments. (even Ed's.)
larry
Of all the Pcars made..6spd, low mile, 2004 Targas were prone to most of the problems you mentioned ..so choose wisely....
Guys:
Honestly, I am looking at buying this car IN SPITE of my wife's protestations. I failed to adhere to the old porschephile motto. "it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission." Permission was NOT granted, but I'm doing it anyway. It seems that I can't have both at the same time (wife and Porsche) One has to go - sorry honey.
The shop that is doing the PPI is supposedly really good, so I'll hope that they are picky about their PPI. My thoughts are that MOST of the 996's that I have seen for sale have been 3 - 4 or even 5 owner cars. That's pretty bad news on a car that is between 6 and 10 years old!! It seems to me that these owners found things that they didn't like about their car - and dumped it. This car is a one owner car. So, my hope is that he took better care of it than one of the serial owners that are out there.
I'll keep you posted. Anyone have experience with the 996 Targa top as an issue? Someone posted a note that I should AVOID a Targa. I loved my 73 Targa, but this ain't no '73.
thanks for the comments. (even Ed's.)
larry
09-12-2010 | 09:16 PM
#12
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 15
From: Apex, NC
Look into an aftermarket warranty if you are worried about the problems you mention. RMS is no big deal. $1500 to fix. If you can't afford that you should not buy a Porsche. IMS is catastrophic. Sure they happen, but not as much as the Chicken Littles will tell you. If and when you have a rear main seal or clutch repaired/replaced, consider the LN Engineering IMS upgrade while the engine and trans are apart.
Otherwise, drive the hell out of it and sleep soundly.
Otherwise, drive the hell out of it and sleep soundly.
09-12-2010 | 09:17 PM
#13
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 487
Likes: 3
From: Mission Viejo, CA
Larry, great avatar!
I'm glad you took our advice over on the other forum and came over here to the MUCH more active RL 996 forum. These guys live and breath 996's and will answer just about any question you may have.
I won't bore you with a repeat of the comments I made about my daily driver, 110,000+ mile Guards Red 996, except to say that I love that car!
Best of luck to you with the PPI.
-Scott
I'm glad you took our advice over on the other forum and came over here to the MUCH more active RL 996 forum. These guys live and breath 996's and will answer just about any question you may have.
I won't bore you with a repeat of the comments I made about my daily driver, 110,000+ mile Guards Red 996, except to say that I love that car!
Best of luck to you with the PPI.
-Scott
09-12-2010 | 10:22 PM
#14
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11,801
Likes: 14
From: Kittery, Maine
OOPS Sorry, a mistype on the lead. This is a 2004 Targa in Teal.
Ed, you're killing me.
Guys:
Honestly, I am looking at buying this car IN SPITE of my wife's protestations. I failed to adhere to the old porschephile motto. "it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission." Permission was NOT granted, but I'm doing it anyway. It seems that I can't have both at the same time (wife and Porsche) One has to go - sorry honey.
The shop that is doing the PPI is supposedly really good, so I'll hope that they are picky about their PPI. My thoughts are that MOST of the 996's that I have seen for sale have been 3 - 4 or even 5 owner cars. That's pretty bad news on a car that is between 6 and 10 years old!! It seems to me that these owners found things that they didn't like about their car - and dumped it. This car is a one owner car. So, my hope is that he took better care of it than one of the serial owners that are out there.
I'll keep you posted. Anyone have experience with the 996 Targa top as an issue? Someone posted a note that I should AVOID a Targa. I loved my 73 Targa, but this ain't no '73.
thanks for the comments. (even Ed's.)
larry
Ed, you're killing me.
Guys:
Honestly, I am looking at buying this car IN SPITE of my wife's protestations. I failed to adhere to the old porschephile motto. "it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission." Permission was NOT granted, but I'm doing it anyway. It seems that I can't have both at the same time (wife and Porsche) One has to go - sorry honey.
The shop that is doing the PPI is supposedly really good, so I'll hope that they are picky about their PPI. My thoughts are that MOST of the 996's that I have seen for sale have been 3 - 4 or even 5 owner cars. That's pretty bad news on a car that is between 6 and 10 years old!! It seems to me that these owners found things that they didn't like about their car - and dumped it. This car is a one owner car. So, my hope is that he took better care of it than one of the serial owners that are out there.
I'll keep you posted. Anyone have experience with the 996 Targa top as an issue? Someone posted a note that I should AVOID a Targa. I loved my 73 Targa, but this ain't no '73.
thanks for the comments. (even Ed's.)
larry
