Hi all I'm looking at a 1999 996 c4 and was wanting to know what im getting myself into? I've never owned a Porsche and plan on using it as a daily driver. Thanks

 

Other than the engine exploding the cars have very few issues. Replacement engines cost more than the car is worth in most cases. I suggest hours of reading and researching to determine what your tolerance level for this potential failure is. That will determine whether or not this is the car for you.

 

^^^^Awesome advice

Now to answer the OP's question.....I had a C4 for 6 years and 80,000 miles. The only issue I had was the CV boots (inner and outer) tearing. I replaced both axles complete with used ones. The other thing I would look at during a PPI would be to remove the front underbody panel and look for any leaks with the differential. If it looks clean you should be fine. C4's are great cars. Good luck!

 

I have a '99 C4 with 147,000 miles. I use it as a DD. It is reliable, comfortable in all kinds of weather, gets very good gas mileage, draws tons of compliments and is a blast to drive. It actually hauls quite a bit as well - I have 2 small businesses and I always seem to be bringing supplies to the building in it.
These are great cars. The major issues have been largely resolved over the years and are avoidable. They do require maintenance (like any older vehicle), but between many easy DIY repairs and a good independent Porsche mechanic, the maintenance costs are very reasonable. Yes, sometimes someone's engine will grenade itself, but the engine failure risk is way overblown. I would summarize it like this: If you cannot tolerate an 8% chance that your engine may fail (including other types of failure than the dreaded IMSB), which will reduce your car's value down to about $6,000 or require about a $15,000 repair, then the 996 is not for you. But, the same can be said for nearly any sports car that is now at least 11 years old.

 

Thanks for making my point though.... Other than the exploding engine, it is very much like any other used car.

 

Which C4 do you have? Gets good gas mileage? Hauls quite a bit?

Do we have the same model? Maybe I just put my foot into it too much!

 

Well, I gets well over 20 mpg even with my foot in it. Compared to our Saab 9-7x, or any small SUV I've owned, it is a much more enjoyable way to burn a lot less gas. Crap, once upon a time, I commuted in a Ford Expedition and you could literally see the gas gauge move toward empty. With the frunk, the rear seats and the passenger seat and footwell, I can haul 6 cases of paper plus a bunch of smaller crap. Only if I need to haul a really big item do I have to swap cars. One time I bought a card table with 4 folding chairs at Walmart - hauled it home no prob.
Actually, that gives me an idea for a new thread - pics of people hauling large amounts of stuff in their 996s. Ultimately, it would evolve into a boobie thread, I'm certain, but heck that's a winner.

 

Those of us that have experienced the "exploding engine" issue on our '99 C4s would argue that it is indeed awesome advice.

 

Don't forget that I'm one of those that have gained that experience. One painfull time for sure.

We have a guy looking to buy a C4 and he asked specifically about the C4.....and he gets the "exploding engine" speech on the 1st response. That's all I'm sayin' here.

GO PACK!

 

Totally OT here... but I saw Pete's "GO PACK!" comment and it compelled me to respond.

1. I think the Pack will probably win the Super Bowl. I'd much rather see them win than the cheating Patriots.
2. That was a catch by Dez... it should be the Cowboys headed to Seattle!

 

Brats and kraut serving at 430 PM Eastern.......come on over!

 

Count me in!

 

Upset wife due to spending too much time with the car.
Inability to stop finding excuses to go drive it.
Grin that is hard to get off your face.



We're about to start the 15th year with her 01 C4 and it has been mostly trouble free.

Basically anything you see about the C2 cars is possible in the C4 as well and you have the addition of the front drive components. Other than the axle boots though, I haven't seen many reports of issues with the drive system. Seems pretty solid.

 

The most common issue I have is I always want to drive it. Going on two years and still love every time I pull out of the garage.

Now for reals issues - not including an exploding engine as stated above - very solid car mechanically. But lots of little things no one ever talks about and probably don't matter, but I am slowly correcting all of these. This is the list in no particular order of things that seem to go bad eventually. I have been hit by all of these, and they are relatively cheap and easy fixes with good write ups on how to fix.

Visor lids
Light in frunk
parking brake light
back up light
ignition switch
remote fob
seat side bolsters
clogged drains

 

Thanks for all the awesome advice! Can someone elaborate on the exploding engine issue? The car I'm looking at has been sitting for about four years due to a transmission issue (grind from third to fourth and pops out of first gear at times). Other than that, it sounded really good on a cold startup and I plan on replacing the trans and the Ims bearing aswell to be safe. As far as the engine goes, would full coverage insurance not cover that?