KrazyK

After a long time of searching, I have made a conditional offer on this 2001. It has 50,000 miles. Does anyone know of any particular issues for this year model? My father in law lives 20 miles from the dealer and will be looking at and driving it for me. I hate to buy a car so far away but I have been looking for @1 year since my last offer on a 996. Any ideas or check list to send my in law? I may have him schedule a PPI also. Thank you.


http://images.dealertrend.com/compan...jpg?1349289251

rmc1148

Other than glovebox and a few minor things its the same car minus 25% regidity and that can be argued if true or not.You will hear many opinions most should be ignored just research it yourself amd make the decision that fits your needs.There is a lot of great info here by using search.Get a ppi done period do not buy without.Check for service records.Most things are the same things you look at when buying any used car,body/paint work ,tire wear etc.That said they are great cars.

billyboy

+1
No maybe. Get the PPI done.

rmc1148

Did notice has bumper warts these cannot be removed without repairing holes in bumper.most people do not care for these.Also may have solid spoke wheels instead of hollow which makes them heavier.My car is a later build and has hollow spokes,pop out cupholders some early cars are different,the bumperettes can be deleted when car is ordered new as mine were.

nick49

Just wondering, why the first gen of the first year?

Later '01 would be preferable to most everyone, '02 better yet.

By all means a PPI, also I would not buy a car sight unseen period. Many early cars I looked at were trashed and so full of issues it was mind boggling.

Hurdigurdiman

Ignore any PPI given by the actual dealer. They will only tell you what they want you to know and they will ignore things that they dont want you to know so get an Independant pre purchase inspection. Get to know everything that there is to know on what is supposed to work on that model and more importantly, HOW it's supposed to work. To hell with the tires and the body as such as you can see that for yourself. I mean little things at are supposed to work. Mainly the electrical side. Alarm system, gas door lock, inside lights, parking lights, seat adjustments, wing mirror adjustments. Those are the things that the dealer will skim over. Brake wear doesnt matter as brakes do actually wear anyway and can be replaced. Lets put it this way. If some PO has been modding and he didn't know quite what he was doing, then you could be in for a rough expensive ride. I speak from experience my friend lol. Then make a list to your Father in law for him to check off your list. Hopefully this car may not have been modded as I see it still has the pumpkins.... But then again SO DID MINE haha. You might consider an extended 3 year/30000 mile warranty to cover the Engine and Gearbox/transmission. Good luck.

C4CRNA

Thats a turbo,talk to the turbo guys!

Gator996

That is the first 996 I have seen with the front bumperettes. Whas that for the U.S. market?

ivangene

there is NO way I would have my in-law do anything other than confirm the car actually exists

get a PPI - - turbo PPI is pretty pricey - to do correctly - you might be looking north of $500 - if they remove the plugs - have them replaced (its like $20 more)

get a warranty if you can and drive the freaking wheels off it with a huge smile

kromdom

In one of your many threads, MACSTER offered good tips on doing a "personal" inspection PRIOR to the actual PPI.

This link is for another good checklist: https://rennlist.com/forums/911-foru...immermann.html

Last but not least, did you see this thread by a member who bought a car "SIGHT UNSEEN": https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...asy-on-me.html

dotframe

oh man what the hell are those things on the front bumper?

Dennis C

The front bumperettes were only on 2001 US-spec cars, if I'm not mistaken. I've seen them before, but they are usually black instead of being painted as they are on this particular car. They look even worse when they are black on a light-colored car.

wwest

Are we sure this is a 2001..?

Did the 2001 turbo model look that different from the 2001 C4...?

PS: I would NEVER buy a turbo-charged(***) car, let alone a used one.

Engine runs in derated mode 99% of the time, base/native CR lower than otherwise optimal.

soverystout

It is my understanding that the potential weak link for the the pre 02 turbo cars is the transmission. Something about popping out of gear? I know it was specific to the pre 02 turbo cars.

OP, you need to do some digging in the 996 turbo section.

KrazyK

I guess Im missing something. First most of you guys scare the #@#% out of me about buying a NA 996 3.4 or 3.6 because of the laundry list of engine problems in the posts. I finally gave up after looking at several NA 996's. Then you tell me the 996T has a completely different engine and is immune to the RMS, IMSB, issues etc. I read lots of reviews about the 996T cars and every review was about how great they run, drive, handle, with no engine problems. I look at several 996T cars, make a CONDITIONAL offer, and I get grief over the bumperettes or whatever they are called? I have seen several with these and of course we all know their purpose, to help protect the bumpers. If I cant live with them I know you can remove them. The ONLY issue I have found with the 996T is the "pops out of 2nd gear on decelleration" issue with some. Dont get me wrong, I want all the comments good and bad but I cannot afford a 2009 model. And,,, my father in law is mechanically inclined, can give a good once over, and test drive before I pay for a PPI. This forum has been great. I appreciate and respect all opinions. I hope this makes sense?