This is very applicable to this thread and Porsche buying in-general. I just watched the movie and found this scene to be one of the best in the film.

 

I don't know if I'm a gambler, but you got to know...

 

Both of those clips are very relevant to this thread and my interests.

Maybe it does not need to be this C4S. How are the higher mileage examples of the 996? I am getting a feeling that if I can find a car with around 100k on the clock with a detailed service history and a PPI (of course), I can lower the depreciation aspect of the purchase even more and be in a better position if the IMSB does decide to give me issues.

Or maybe I just like to gamble.

I just dont feel right going back to any other make right now.

The logical choice to make is just get a Cooper S while I am in school and be done with it. I never said I was logical though.

Thanks again for the input though.

Regards,
DC Josh

 

Bruh, if your still in school, forget this POS with unending CEF's and wait. The you can get the car you want. A student with a project 996 is not a good combination.

 

Thanks, but I'm not your average 'student'. I separated from active duty service and am going to school on the GI Bill. I am also studying Automotive Engineering and students 'project' cars are always needed.

But thanks.

I'm still looking and on the fence at the same time.

 

Actually, going the route of a high mileage, inexpensive 996 with a good service history is not a bad way to go with your first Porsche. There are lots of nice higher mileage cars in the $13,000 to $15,000 range. If you lose the engine, sell the carcass for $5,000 and you're max loss is $10,000. On the other hand, that car might run like a champ for 3 or 4 years and you might sell it for close to what you paid for it. That's what I did with my 964 - net depreciation of $150 over 5 years and 40k miles.

 

GI Bill is not a FU position.

You don't need a old super-car in college, trust me. Unless you have additional funds coming from somewhere to have a comfortable stream of DI, 996 is not a good college car. You don't want to be choosing between books and set of tires. Also, parking a 911 on campus would be very unwise. There are plenty of haters out there and having and aged super-car on the lot with a lot of young guys with excess testosterone is a bad idea. I am four years removed from college, so I have been there and done that.

A good choice for a college car is a Honda/Acura or Toyota/Lexus, period. Pick the one you like, hold it through college. Use the money you saved on maintenance to buy a 911 once you graduate.

 

Jesus H. Christ, when did I ask about how I should pay for the car or where I should keep it safe?

Are all 996 drivers Guidance Counselors now?

 

Yes.

 

If I had it to do over again, I would probably buy a cheaper, high mileage car. Then I wouldn't be facing the potential of so large a depreciation at some point.

That being said, I really like the one I bought, so I'm hopeful (as I would be with any car) that it will be a solid ride for many years.

 

Well, you probably won't like the answer, but the "rebuild" operation doesn't need this info, really.

I have come across one 996 in a dealer service bay for "rebuild" after a failed IMSB.

The engine was fine until the IMSB failed.

Luckily the owner upon hearing the bearing noise shut down the engine and the Porsche tech working from Porsche guidelines determined the engine was "rebuildable".

He proceeded to disassemble the engine and identify what was required. Other than the IMS and a new IMSB and a few chain guides -- the composite plastic coverings had been damaged -- that was all that was needed.

Now, as i mentioned above the engine was healthy before the IMSB. It had not been manifesting any symptoms of an engine with worn out main or rod bearings, the crank journals and main bearings looked just fine (I took pics of these). The cylinder bores showed no signs of wear/tear and the pistons and rings looked healthy.

While not a by the book and with micrometer and bore gage "rebuild" this is a viable rebuild technique.

My point is I would not have any qualms about the car in question, at least no qualms about car arising from the engine "rebuild". I would of course were I interested in the car subject it to a thorough used car check out and this starts with a through test ride and test drive to make a high confidence determination of the engine's condition.

 

Haha yea everyone turns into a guidance counselor! Opinions are like a**holes, everyone has got one. I would've bought the C4S you were looking at pending a few things. I think it looks like a nice car. I wouldn't buy a high miler though, I just don't believe in that. I want to put the high miles on it, not purchase a car thy is potentially past its prime that somebody could be selling for hard to discover (even in a ppi) unsavory reasons. As for having the car in college? Go for it. Park off campus and walk, and plan (if all goes well) on around 2-3k per year in maintenance.

 

Hey, you asked for opinions and that's just what your getting. Did you really think all comments would be "Yes, buy it! Cant go wrong! Do it!" ???

BTW, thanks for your service.

 

Thanks, sorry my feathers got ruffled.

I'm still looking at 996's, but I am considering 997.1's as well, and possibly entertaining the idea of the right SC if it comes along.