Abefroman55

Hello folks,
I realized a couple weeks ago I could afford a high mileage 996. I was blown away and shocked that I could afford my absolute dream car...I'm talking around 23k and I could have a beautiful carrera !!!!!

I was soooo excited and ready to start saving. But I believe, unfortunately, that dream may be silly.

Trying to learn everything I can about the 996 c2 02-04...I have read that possibly when someone like my self spending 23k on a 996 may be a lot more expensive than I think. I have read some comments referencing a 20k 996 will require replacement items of such large cost which would have a guy like me spending 15k-20k on replacement parts and labor. (Not talking about ims)

This was the quote.....
more than that - i actually spoke with my mechanic a lot of what options he can offer as i keep beating my car on a track, and he is under opinion that any of modern 996/997 street cars should be treated as disposables because as they get used up they accumulate such list of issues that total 'proper' repair price get astronomical and you have to replace half car to keep it working - axles, bearings, gearbox, steering - all has its limit and when it`s reached it has to be carefully assessed what to do next, financially.

So my question is, if I spend 25k on a c2, do I need an additional 15k laying around to keep her running. I don't want to buy one and it fall apart on me and I can't fix it.

Maybe that is why the higher mileage 996's are so cheap. No one in the right mind would buy one.

Please help.

thstone

Plan on spending $2-$3K per year on repairs and maintenance. If you can afford that on a year to year basis, then you should be ok. This will cover clutch, RMS, brakes, AOS, starter, water pump, thermostat, tires, CV joints, etc. over a several year period.

Of course, eventually something expensive WILL fail. Replacement (eBay) engines are $6K-$8K + $2k installation. Custom rebuilt engines are $12K and up. 6-spd trans are $3K + $2K install.

Never think that maintaining and repairing a $70,000+ car will be like owning a Honda or a Toyota. If you have to take the car to a shop, every repair will be more than $500. The best way to save money during Porsche ownership is to learn to do all of the maintenance and most of the repairs yourself.

Remember that there are no cheap Porsche's.

fpb111

All Porsche watered cooled car depreciate more and quicker then Air-cooled (except GT3). Many of us have only had to do routine maintenance + consumables to keep our cars running well at 100k+ miles.
That said if you buy a car that has deferred maintenance or been abused you will have to pay to bring it up to date. There are many things that a competent DIY'er can do to save $$$ on labor. There are also suppliers that sell parts at a discount.
For example SAI pump- Bosch in Porsche box = ~ $1200, Bosch pump in Bosch box = $300
ETC...
Pick a well cared for car, get a PPI, have fun enjoying an incredible deal on a "Super Car"

I have averaged ~$700 per year over the last 5 yrs.

Sue Esponte

...but you're the Sausage King of Chicago.

I'm not sure where the $15-20k number came from but that seems kind of high to me. That's basically the cost of a new engine. If you plan on replacing the IMSB early on then I wouldn't think that should be a high risk item. That said, a 996 is not unlike any other used car in that the closer it gets to 100k miles, the more likely expensive parts are to break. Unless you plan on doing work yourself you're looking at the cost of expensive parts and labor. Hopefully you won't have to spend $2k per year on maintenance but if you can set that much aside as insurance for when or if something does go wrong you should be in pretty good shape. Of course, as with any car, there are no guarantees. Do your diligence, find the bet 996 you can afford, be patient (don't let your heart get the best of you), get a PPI and be smart about maintenance. Or, if the time isn't right, don't rush into something that will turn into a financial nightmare for you. Wait a little longer, save some more and then pick up your Porsche. These cars aren't going anywhere. Only you know your financial circumstances and what is right for your budget.

Best of luck!

-Eric

KrazyK

Sigh,,,,,,,

Hey I have an idea. Tell your "mechanic" hes fired and you will be repairing the car yourself.


Dont believe it. I spend more than this per year on oil.

ivangene

And this is why I sold my 996
The fear of needing $15k sitting there "in case"

The reality of it is, I may have spent $500-1000 on basic keep it running costs/year
2 months after I sold it the cam solenoids went and cost the owner $5k to have fixed, and the car still has the original ims

So either learn to fix things
Have cash available
Have a second car so you can spend large amount of time if needed with the car down
Get a newer car
Find a bumper to bumper warranty
All of the above

A the end of the day.... I may spend even more on my current ride...so learn to NOT add up the receipts....best plan

DaveSpeed

I was told when I purchased my 996 to have $5K in reserve that repairs can easy add up to that. Now that being said I don't think I've ever spent $4K in a year (and that was the year I replaced all 4 tires). Last year I think was my cheapest year at around $1,100. So far this year nothing...but I need breaks soon.

rpm's S2

Two basic Porsche ownership rules:

1. Keep the key in your left pocket
2. Never total maintenance and repair receipts

relinuca

"Affordable high mileage Porsche"...get serious, folks. No such thing exists in the real world.

Its the "pay me now" (high purchase price/low maintenance) vs. "pay me later" (low purchase price/high maintenance) trade-off that applies to nearly all used automobiles, especially complex German luxury cars.

relinuca

KrazyK

Read this until you can recite it from memory.

cds4402

I'd love to get an early 2000s Aston Martin, but I know that I'd never be able to afford the maintenance for this very reason. In fact, this is why I spent a little bit more for a CPO Porsche.

LordVicious

I'm not sure from your post whether you plan to drive the car or track it. As a driver the 996 is no different from any other 10 to 15 year old car of this level of technology (mercs, jags, bimmers, etc.) Yes they are expensive but the costs are manageable. If, for example, you budget 20k for the purchase and another 10k for maintenance for the first few years then you are still well under the cost of a new Camry. If you intend to track, well, your in for a different kind of ride cowboy! As a general rule of thumb you can afford to track one level down. If you can afford to drive a Ferrari then you can prolly afford to track a Porsche. If you can afford to drive a Porsche then you can prolly track a Miata.

pl

how will you use this car?
regular daily drive, weekend fun car, or track car?
depending on your usage, the main. cost varies a lot.
but if you don't mind get your hands dirty, 996s are easy to work on, and parts are not *that* expensive.

MiamiC70

My 2004 is DD and in 3 years I have spent maybe $800 in non schedualed maintinance and $200 of that was a battery. Sure, clutch and 60K were expensive but most reliable car I have ever owned and absoloute blast to drive.

So, my suggestions are as follows:
1. Take your time and find a good one
2. Do a PPI
3. Do a PPI
4. Do a PPI
5. stay up to date on maininance and oil changes and enjoy

XR4Tim

I've bolded the key phrase in that quote. A normal, street-driven 996 won't see most of these major repairs needed. How many of you guys have had to replace the gear box or axles on your street cars?