FRUNKenstein

I say "go for it". Your risk is pretty minimal at that price point. Let us know how it turns out. And post pics as soon as you can.

Hsg

I'm leaning towards going ahead with it aswell. I'll post pics for sure.

RJHerrmann

Just know, if you replace your G96/30 transmission with a G96/31, you will need a new front prop shaft as well. They are easy to find used, as all of the AWD 996.2 thru 997.2 use the same front prop shaft. They can be had used for around $200.

Hsg

I've been doing a lot of research on this model and it seems people generally have negative feedback. It seems that porsche cut back on quality and the cars are prone to breaking down often. I'm stuck with a similar problem at the moment owning a e39 bmw 540i. In my opinion bmw has done this same thing. Cut back on production cost and make a subpar car that people will still buy thinking its a quality automobile because of the badge.

FRUNKenstein

Well, for $8,500, I think the car is priced appropriately. What are your expectations for what $8,500 will get you for a high performance sports car? If this is your first foray into buying an older sports car, you could do a lot worse reliability wise than a 996. If someone has talked you out of a 996 due to maintenance issues, ask them what year 996 he owned. My bet is that he has no firsthand experience owning one.

dgjks6

Ouch

I don't agree. In my opinion these cars come in 2 flavors. Japanese reliable or American nightmares. The hard part is making sure you get a #1 not #2.

Hsg

I've just done research on my part. Sometimes you just have to roll the dice.

Hsg

My problem right now is that I want to get away from bmws problems but other cars are just not the same. They really are a blast to drive. I imagine Porsche is 3x the fun to drive.

prosled8

Having owned a half dozen BMWs over the years I would say the 996 is a different experience. The 540 is likely a constant repair project, never anything major but usually something. I think the 996 is the opposite. If you avoid the engine lottery the rest of he car is going to be pretty trouble free. Tons of great experiences if you research this board and its owners. I would expect the 996 to be much more reliable in general than an e39 540.

KrazyK

Hsg, if your not an accomplished mechanic, keep looking. The trans is very expensive to repair/replace, the front dif could be next if it was neglected. The 99 is less likely to have IMSB issues but more likely to have the porous block, cracked heads, etc.

After your repair the trans your going to be up to a decent fully sorted 99 without issues anyway so why not buy one to begin with? As other have stated, this one sounds like a project car nightmare.

Hsg

I currently do all repaiers, maintenance, etc myself on the e39. I find it more enjoyable and cheaper so it pays off. My buddy owns a shop and he specializes in European cars. He said he can price a trans at 2k. I'm looking at around 11k for the whole ordeal. You think I can get lucky finding a 996 for around that? If so it would only make sense to go with a road worthy car.

FRUNKenstein

I think if the car has been sitting for 4 years, you'll have more to do than just the transmission swap. $12,000 to $13,000 will get you a decent Mk I 996 with around 100,000 miles. I'd be willing to bet that if you pay $8,500 for the one you are looking at with the bad transmission, you'll have at least $12,000 in it before it is sorted out and running well (and when I say "at least $12,000" I really mean more like $15,000 or $16,000).
Like I said earlier, every time I buy a project car, I regret it. I will never, ever buy another fixer upper. I have one car now that's in pieces that I have nearly $30,000 into that I bought way back in 2008. I got it cheap. Super cheap. I figured I'd have all the work done and in great shape for about $19,000.
You see I'm not just any regular Joe - I've got access to lots and lots of mechanics, shops, specialty stores. I've got a nice set of tools, two 4 post lifts in my garage, do a lot of my own work. I've got several relatives who are professional mechanics. Blah, blah, blah. I've still got a car in pieces that I've got $30,000 into right now, with at least another $5,000 to go to make it into a car that's worth maybe $25,000 if I'm lucky. Do you think my wife is pissed? Yes. Do you think my superpowers of mechanical ability and relatives and friends made a difference? Nope. I'm still just a dumbass who bought a project car and has spent way, way too much time and money on it.
I'm not the first person to make that mistake, and I won't be the last. So, if you think you can take a Porsche that's been sitting for 4 years and has a known bad transmission and turn it into a nice running car for $2,500, then knock yourself out. I'm just sayin' that's probably a little unrealistic. Learn from my mistake - go spend a little more and buy a car that's in good running condition. My 2 cents worth.

KrazyK

^^^Completely agree. Every time I buy a project "insert truck, car, boat, etc. here" I have to endure my wife shouting "no more #$%# parts!" each time the UPS, Fedx, USPS, arrives at our house with a package. My argument of "I can fix anything" does not impress her. I've gotten very good at beating her to the mailbox when the parts bills arrive.

Hsg

I can imagine the fights with the wife. Especially since women generally don't care if it's a porsche sitting in the driveway or a civic. It see the points on having potentially more problems because it's been sitting. It's temting though since the engine and undercarriage look clean. Not a spot of oil where it's been sitting. I think it would be smarter to wait. Thanks for the awesome advice.

c4racer

Really? With the E39 generation? I beg to differ. I think the quality is much higher than the E60 generation of 5 series. Those had more serious problem areas in electronics and in the V8 motors.