Update on my 12K 996
#1
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Its been about a month since I purchased my $12,000.00 996 with 110,000 miles. So far so good. Just passed 500 miles since I bought it.
Heres a summary of what I think. This is my second Porsche. My first was a 99 Boxster.
The more I drive it, the more I like it. Never really got on it until recently. Was telling everyone how quite it is for a sports car. Not so much at wide open throttle and anything above 3000 RPMs. It sounds awesome. Reminds me a bit of my 348. The handling is exceptional. Really feels connected to the road. I get just a hint of drifting on the highway. Could be tires, could be something in the suspension. Not bad or anything, just something I noticed. I never thought I would say this, but its a great car to drive until my Z06 comes out to play this spring. I suspect I will be driving the 996 more then the Vette though. Almost makes me want to sell the Vette and buy a Comparably priced Turbo Porsche.
Just some very minor issues I have come across.
1. Both sunvisors are broken and rattly
2. Horn button/plate needs replacing. I think I can fix it though rather than buying a new one.
3. Radio reception is horrible. Not sure if its the radio or the antenna (or lack there of) I suspect its not the radio because its new and the old one was just as bad.
4. Directionals do not self cancel. Will work on this soon.
5. oil gauge shows that its about half full yet the dip stick is near the max?
Thats about it for issues.
I replaced the radio with a NAV unit, bought the ashtray delete and also a cup holder. Made my drive a bit better not that it needed it. Really liking this car so far.
Mike
![](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/michaeleverson/DSC05408_zpsc2c28257.jpg)
Always an animal in my pictures.
![](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/michaeleverson/DSC05407_zpsda76cbaa.jpg)
Heres a summary of what I think. This is my second Porsche. My first was a 99 Boxster.
The more I drive it, the more I like it. Never really got on it until recently. Was telling everyone how quite it is for a sports car. Not so much at wide open throttle and anything above 3000 RPMs. It sounds awesome. Reminds me a bit of my 348. The handling is exceptional. Really feels connected to the road. I get just a hint of drifting on the highway. Could be tires, could be something in the suspension. Not bad or anything, just something I noticed. I never thought I would say this, but its a great car to drive until my Z06 comes out to play this spring. I suspect I will be driving the 996 more then the Vette though. Almost makes me want to sell the Vette and buy a Comparably priced Turbo Porsche.
Just some very minor issues I have come across.
1. Both sunvisors are broken and rattly
2. Horn button/plate needs replacing. I think I can fix it though rather than buying a new one.
3. Radio reception is horrible. Not sure if its the radio or the antenna (or lack there of) I suspect its not the radio because its new and the old one was just as bad.
4. Directionals do not self cancel. Will work on this soon.
5. oil gauge shows that its about half full yet the dip stick is near the max?
Thats about it for issues.
I replaced the radio with a NAV unit, bought the ashtray delete and also a cup holder. Made my drive a bit better not that it needed it. Really liking this car so far.
Mike
![](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/michaeleverson/DSC05408_zpsc2c28257.jpg)
Always an animal in my pictures.
![](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/michaeleverson/DSC05407_zpsda76cbaa.jpg)
![](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/michaeleverson/DSC05406_zps0f99d577.jpg)
#3
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Keep it clean, check the front rads for debris, and give it fresh fluids. For the $12K you paid, drive and enjoy. You may want to install wheel spacers to improve the tracking/handling. Other than taking care of the cosmetic issues, crawl underneath to inspect for any leaks and/or items that will be due for replacement.
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#4
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You may need to replace the combination switch. If you have the 4 stalk switch look at Part # 996 613 219 80 EWC
How to replace the indicator and wiper switch assembly on a Porsche Boxster 986 or 996 model 911. 996 613 219 10 EWC (equipped with computer IE 4 stalks)
Tools Required:
8mm spanner
10mm spanner
T-30 Torx screwdriver bit with long thin extension
T-10 Torx bit
Philips Screwdriver
24mm Socket & Ratchet
Tipex, or paint and a permanent marker
Duct tape
1. Turn on ignition (to prevent alarm from going off) and disconnect negative terminal from battery. Cover the terminal to make sure it cannot contact the wire.
2. IMPORTANT! Wait for at least 10 minutes to allow the airbag system to discharge.
3. Fully extend the steering column.
4. Undo the 2 T-30 torx head screws behind the wheel. Turn the wheel to help access them.
5. Remove the airbag and carefully pry the connector off with a flat bladed screwdriver. Set the airbag aside. If removing for an extended period of time, Porsche recommend keeping in a locked container!
6. There was already paint on the shaft and nut from the factory, but if not, use paint and a permanent marker to mark the position of everything, so the wheel goes back on straight.
7. Undo the 24mm nut holding on the wheel.
8. Keeping the nut on a couple of threads (so you don't smack yourself in the face with the wheel) pull and wobble the wheel free. If stuck, a couple of taps with a rubber mallet should help.
9. Remove the nut and spring washer. Make another mark where the splines on the wheel meet the shaft. Then after disconnecting the electrical connectors remove the wheel.
10. Stick a bit of tape on the clock spring to stop everything moving around.
11. Remove 4 philips screws on the column faceplate, and 2 on the clock spring. There are a further 2 T-10 screws on the side on the column.
12. Carefully unclip the plastic parts, noting the routing of the wires inside. Move the clock spring to one side whilst connected. Remove the rubber stalk surrounds noting which is which.
13. The switch assembly is clamped around the shaft. Mark it's position on the shaft to make sure it goes back at the same depth, then loosen the 8mm bolt on the clamp.
14. Disconnect the 2 wiring plugs by pulling to the front of the car and remove the unit.
15. The new unit was supplied minus the wash/wipe insert (for cars with/without headlamp washers) so I swapped the old one over.
Reassembly is the reverse of dismantling.
The steering wheel nut torque setting is 34 ftlbs. It's just more than hand tight if you haven't got a torque wrench. The mark on the nut lets you know where it should be.
Porsche recommend fitting new airbag screws each time the seal is broken. Or just use a dab of blue loctite as they do to prevent them vibrating loose.
Once everything is back together reconnect the battery and enjoy working indicators again!
How to replace the indicator and wiper switch assembly on a Porsche Boxster 986 or 996 model 911. 996 613 219 10 EWC (equipped with computer IE 4 stalks)
Tools Required:
8mm spanner
10mm spanner
T-30 Torx screwdriver bit with long thin extension
T-10 Torx bit
Philips Screwdriver
24mm Socket & Ratchet
Tipex, or paint and a permanent marker
Duct tape
1. Turn on ignition (to prevent alarm from going off) and disconnect negative terminal from battery. Cover the terminal to make sure it cannot contact the wire.
2. IMPORTANT! Wait for at least 10 minutes to allow the airbag system to discharge.
3. Fully extend the steering column.
4. Undo the 2 T-30 torx head screws behind the wheel. Turn the wheel to help access them.
5. Remove the airbag and carefully pry the connector off with a flat bladed screwdriver. Set the airbag aside. If removing for an extended period of time, Porsche recommend keeping in a locked container!
6. There was already paint on the shaft and nut from the factory, but if not, use paint and a permanent marker to mark the position of everything, so the wheel goes back on straight.
7. Undo the 24mm nut holding on the wheel.
8. Keeping the nut on a couple of threads (so you don't smack yourself in the face with the wheel) pull and wobble the wheel free. If stuck, a couple of taps with a rubber mallet should help.
9. Remove the nut and spring washer. Make another mark where the splines on the wheel meet the shaft. Then after disconnecting the electrical connectors remove the wheel.
10. Stick a bit of tape on the clock spring to stop everything moving around.
11. Remove 4 philips screws on the column faceplate, and 2 on the clock spring. There are a further 2 T-10 screws on the side on the column.
12. Carefully unclip the plastic parts, noting the routing of the wires inside. Move the clock spring to one side whilst connected. Remove the rubber stalk surrounds noting which is which.
13. The switch assembly is clamped around the shaft. Mark it's position on the shaft to make sure it goes back at the same depth, then loosen the 8mm bolt on the clamp.
14. Disconnect the 2 wiring plugs by pulling to the front of the car and remove the unit.
15. The new unit was supplied minus the wash/wipe insert (for cars with/without headlamp washers) so I swapped the old one over.
Reassembly is the reverse of dismantling.
The steering wheel nut torque setting is 34 ftlbs. It's just more than hand tight if you haven't got a torque wrench. The mark on the nut lets you know where it should be.
Porsche recommend fitting new airbag screws each time the seal is broken. Or just use a dab of blue loctite as they do to prevent them vibrating loose.
Once everything is back together reconnect the battery and enjoy working indicators again!
Last edited by fpb111; 03-15-2013 at 11:46 AM.
#7
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Darrick. No idea why he was selling it so cheap. Im still waiting for the hammer to fall. I like the BBS wheels as well. Had no idea how much money they cost until I just looked them up. Close to $3500.00 worth of wheels. Yikes.
Mike
Mike
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#8
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Mike, you def got some free hp with those wheels(I have the same). Just be careful on using any harsh wheel cleaner as the finish on those discolors easily and doesn't hold up as well as other wheels.
Also, thanks for the candid comments about your 996 which says a lot coming from a Z06 owner.
I've always wanted to own a Z06 in the back of my head, however timing hasn't worked out but I'm glad I have a 996.
How's your new radio thus far? Any display or glare issues in the daylight? How's the GPS and bluetooth been working out?
Also, thanks for the candid comments about your 996 which says a lot coming from a Z06 owner.
I've always wanted to own a Z06 in the back of my head, however timing hasn't worked out but I'm glad I have a 996.
How's your new radio thus far? Any display or glare issues in the daylight? How's the GPS and bluetooth been working out?
#9
Former Vendor
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You got one great deal and a lot of car for that. Did you end up picking it up local then ? That first picture cracks me up ![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
fpb111 Thank you for sharing the DIY videos, those are great.
![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
fpb111 Thank you for sharing the DIY videos, those are great.
#10
Burning Brakes
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Wow! 12k for a 996. That's a lot of car for the money
I've always thought that Porsche's run on and on and on and on... so long as you take care of the machinery in a timely manner. But there was/is always this fear about my car when it gets to higher mileage.. 'what if' Lately, I've been reading on cars that have done some serious high mileage, with no major issues - maybe I can confidently hold onto my 996 for a loooooong time. its only done 70k miles now
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#11
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Now that 2nd-3rd generation of DIY owners are getting these cars folks are finding how easy it is to repair them.
Michael if the horn blows over bumps or on hard stops you might need an airbag frame. This is for the 4 spoke steering wheel.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...ILTER_TOOL2=21
There are also a number of ways to repair the original. A popular one is with silicone seal or Phenoseal (stiffer) on/around the rubber isolation mounts.
Michael if the horn blows over bumps or on hard stops you might need an airbag frame. This is for the 4 spoke steering wheel.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...ILTER_TOOL2=21
There are also a number of ways to repair the original. A popular one is with silicone seal or Phenoseal (stiffer) on/around the rubber isolation mounts.
#14
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You dont a filter change and checked the oil?, be worth pulling the filter apart to see if there is any debris. Great buy, I may need to sell my A6 and try and find a 996 C4 winter beater after reading this
#15
Instructor
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I picked up a black '99 C2 last April with 78K miles for $15K. PPI showed it needed a new clutch, RMS and a few other smaller items. I split the cost of repairs at a local Indy with the PO and had the IMSB replaced at the same time. Other that a minor intermittent problem shifting into 1st, it has been flawless. I drove it yesterday for the first time after 3 months of winter storage and it fired right up. Made me remember how much I love driving this car! Best $15K I've ever spent! Glad to hear you're having good luck so far and enjoying it.