I don't see any cause for alarm with this car. If the condition is immaculate and the rest of the PPI checks out, and if the price is right, then why steer clear? Come on now, we have a 12 year old Porsche that is at a DEALER lot on trade in. Are you guys shocked that it might need $5k in repairs to fix the big issues and make it road worthy? You'd be pretty damn lucky to find any 996 on a dealer lot that doesn't need at least $2k - $3k in repairs and maintenance. Negotiate a good price and tell the dealer to split the repair bill with you (including the cost of tires and other small bits that need attention), and then you'll have a well sorted car......

Also those repair prices seem a bit high. I'm sure you can find someone that is more experienced and charges more reasonable rates. Not to mention the fact that I'd walk from any Porsche mechanic that tells you to ignore the 996 and buy something 2x more expensive just because of a $600 part (LN IMS shaft) that he doesn't know how to install. In most parts of the county that's a $1600 upgrade, TOPS, with labor. Name me one high end sports car that doesn't need a mandatory $1k+ repair/upgrade/service every so often; it doesn't exist.

On a side note, Even with the "issues," I don't see this as a $20k car. In most parts of the country this same car would be listed for $30k+. For $25k you'd be more likely to find a well sorted 99-01 with double the mileage. I think around $30k with the repairs and maintenance issues addressed would be a decent deal if you really like the color combo and options, and if the car is as immaculate as you say it is.

 

Wow, those prices are almost double of what they should be. Assuming the work is even necessary ... resealing the cam covers is just silly. Weepy cam covers and a leaky RMS are par for the course for these older machines. I'd offer the guy $18k and leave him my number. He'll get less at auction.

 

He posted IMS not RMS. Huge difference in fixing a leaking IMS.

 

That's right Krazy, and unless his mechanic has X-Ray vision then he doesn't really know where the oil was coming from now does he? Either way it's really normal unless there is oil dripping from the bell housing. From the PPI description I get the impression the cam covers were "wet" as well as the bell housing. Big deal. This is NORMAL.

 

WHAT? Leaking normal? Heaven forbid my car leaves a drip. Leaks should be fixed. These are not the air-cooled engines of ancient.

 

KK, Very True! These aren't Harleys or Fords where if there's no oil under it, there's no oil in it!

 

I note that someone thinks that the dealer will get less than $18k for a 2002 with less than 25k miles at auction. I highly doubt that. It seems to me that they should be able to get a bit more than that. Wouldn't you think dealer who specializes in these older cars (and we know there are plenty of these brokers) could come in and spend 24-26k, spend $2-3k on repairs (with an in house shop) and turn this two owner car for $35k? This seems likely to me. I doubt the would take less than $27k from me. Nevertheless, I think it is a moot point as I believe the car is gooooooooone.

 

That went but heres another http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2dr-C...orcev4exp=true

 

That link is for a 1999, Hurdigurdi, and has a starting bid of almost $27K. Personally, I went for a higher mileage car, then had all the necessary PM work (including RMS replacement and IMSB upgrade) done by my local shop. So, now I know exactly what work has been done on the car. I've been closely watching prices for quite some time. An '02 with 25K mileage is easily over $30K. $18,000?? Not a chance.

 

Yes, I saw that one. I have a few color schemes in mind. I'm odd, but really like yellow. Also like red, but it has to have Savannah beige int. Really, I will consider most cars with a Savannah beige int. Anyway, I am sure I will find one, but just TRYING to be patient.

 

I'd find someone who goes to the auction and work out a deal to purchase it from him if the price is right. As far as price is concerned I paid $27,500 for my 2002 Targa w/ 62k only a few months ago but it was 100% sorted. 60k service, new rubber etc. Plus they gave me clean NADA trade on my 2005 Corvette(which DID have issues)

 

The data don't lie (the dealers do though) ... http://clearbook.truecar.com/used-po...2u5d/o/t_curve

So in this particular example we are retaining about %30 of the original retail value after 11 years, non-inflation adjusted. That ain't bad! For what it's worth, I think theses numbers represent a relative floor for the 996 going forward. Beyond this it's really just about condition and features.

 

$25k is good deal for low mileage 02. Ims cost at my indie is about $1200. If car needs clutch perhaps. $2k . So car worth 27k with all that work done IMHO . However while you do all that you might as well do a few other things like aos.

 

Use these silly-stupid high repair quotes to your advantage then take it somewhere that isn't trying to shove it up your ***. Those repairs... Less then 1000.00

 

And now for some REAL numbers. I saw some mention of the dealer getting less than $18K at auction. Just ran a report on for Manheim wholesale auctions. Here's the latest pricing for 2002 Cabs (add about $500+ for auction fees):

DATE LOCATION SALE TYPE PRICE MILES CONDITON COLOR ENG TRANS IN SAMPLE
04/11/13 PA Regular $31,500 38,410 Above GREY 6G 6 Yes
04/16/13 ORLANDO Regular $29,000 52,672 Avg RED 6G A Yes
04/24/13 SF BAY Regular $20,700 87,011 Below BLACK 6G A Yes
05/23/13 ATLANTA Regular $25,300 58,915 Avg BLACK 6G 6 Yes
05/30/13 RIVRSIDE Regular $26,250 52,345 Avg GRAY 6G 6 Yes
05/30/13 ATLANTA Regular $29,600 37,786 Avg SILVER 6G 6 Yes

And note that those leaks will have no affect on pricing if they aren't instantly detectable, which they most likely aren't.

Sounds to me like that dealer will do much better with taking it to auction..and you can't arbitrate oil leaks. By the way, this is the exact info that dealer will be looking at when any offers are presented. PLUS, they don't have to deal with PPI's and other retail buyer issues.