03 996 4S - more maintenance?
Thread Starter
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
03 996 4S - more maintenance?
Noobie here - is a 4S appreciably more maintenance than a RWD?
I'm looking at a used one in a few days and welcome any and all advice!
60K miles, no change in IMS, RMS - but owner claims to have no issues (I'm still worried anyway).
Thanks to you all!!
I'm looking at a used one in a few days and welcome any and all advice!
60K miles, no change in IMS, RMS - but owner claims to have no issues (I'm still worried anyway).
Thanks to you all!!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Not really.
As Groove said, get a PPI.
Obviously, there is an additional front differential that could need attention long term.
The VC does have wear components, but it shouldn't be enough to dissuade you from buying the car.
As Groove said, get a PPI.
Obviously, there is an additional front differential that could need attention long term.
The VC does have wear components, but it shouldn't be enough to dissuade you from buying the car.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,636
Likes: 16
From: Apex, NC
I'll be honest, if you are already 'worried,' this hobby may not be for you. Things will break. A Porsche will cost you money, more money than a Honda. You can bank on that as a fact.
With that said, get a thorough PPI from a good shop - and not one that has serviced the car previously. Don't get ahead of yourself. Be prepared to walk away if it doesn't pass muster. And finally, get what you want, not what you can find. Be patient and find the car with the right options in the color you want. It may take a while, but you'll be glad you did. My advice is to find a car with lots of options, like full leather, PSM, and Bose/Litronics. Of course a base C4S has all that, plus the turbo bodywork. Great car if you find a good one.
Good luck!
With that said, get a thorough PPI from a good shop - and not one that has serviced the car previously. Don't get ahead of yourself. Be prepared to walk away if it doesn't pass muster. And finally, get what you want, not what you can find. Be patient and find the car with the right options in the color you want. It may take a while, but you'll be glad you did. My advice is to find a car with lots of options, like full leather, PSM, and Bose/Litronics. Of course a base C4S has all that, plus the turbo bodywork. Great car if you find a good one.
Good luck!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Greater Seattle (via NH)
Let me add I bought an '03 C4 Cab early this year with only 31k miles. So far I've had to replace the driver's window regulator, two regular oil/filter changes. Oh, one other thing re PM - I had them clean out the radiator openings
in the front. Lots of crap had wound up in there.
The AOS was done under dealer warranty. The IMS is original. What I've done to allay my fears is to have the oil filter replaced every 2k miles - and I have them cut it open to look for any metal fragments.
The only "negative" I've found is due to the car not being driven daily, I find I have to use a battery tender to keep the battery up to snuff.
in the front. Lots of crap had wound up in there.
The AOS was done under dealer warranty. The IMS is original. What I've done to allay my fears is to have the oil filter replaced every 2k miles - and I have them cut it open to look for any metal fragments.
The only "negative" I've found is due to the car not being driven daily, I find I have to use a battery tender to keep the battery up to snuff.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,035
Likes: 269
From: Bentonville, AR
There's the extra diff which gets its fluid changed on the same schedule as the rear but the "extra" maintenance is negligible in the overall scheme of things.
But be aware there are more things to go wrong. Front diff seals can leak. The front axle boots can require replacement and if these fail and let dirt in the CV's you could be facing new half shafts.
The front diff could fail.
Also, the viscous coupling could fail.
But most front diffs and most viscous couplings don't fail. CV boots are a "wear" item but when they will need replacement with possibly a cleaning of the CV's and packing with grease varies.
Be sure you give the car a thorough road test and verify the diff (front and rear) are quiet and there are no other issues.
After the road test check that all the car's subsystems are working.
Follow this with a PPI that among other things gets the car in the air so a careful check can be made for any issues. The biggie is leaks. But of course bent/damaged suspension hardware, signs of accident damage, etc. need also be checked for.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21,788
Likes: 7,392
From: Seattle, Washington
put seller in a holi-daze
then yer sittin pretty!
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,086
Likes: 27
From: Ephrata, PA, USA now. Originally from the UK
Let me add I bought an '03 C4 Cab early this year with only 31k miles. So far I've had to replace the driver's window regulator, two regular oil/filter changes. Oh, one other thing re PM - I had them clean out the radiator openings
in the front. Lots of crap had wound up in there.
The AOS was done under dealer warranty. The IMS is original. What I've done to allay my fears is to have the oil filter replaced every 2k miles - and I have them cut it open to look for any metal fragments.
The only "negative" I've found is due to the car not being driven daily, I find I have to use a battery tender to keep the battery up to snuff.
in the front. Lots of crap had wound up in there.
The AOS was done under dealer warranty. The IMS is original. What I've done to allay my fears is to have the oil filter replaced every 2k miles - and I have them cut it open to look for any metal fragments.
The only "negative" I've found is due to the car not being driven daily, I find I have to use a battery tender to keep the battery up to snuff.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 11
You should not have to use a battery tender if you keep the car fully locked every time you leave the car. Even inside your own garage. I drive mine at least 10 miles every 2 or 3 days during the day light hours. Hardly ever use the disc or radio and never had to use a tender. The engine kicks up first time, every time.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 1
From: Castle Rock, Colorado
also, grind the hell out of the seller - show fear of no replacement IMS bearing and how everyone is telling you to stay away from the car - grind on seller like there is no tomorrow - if you do it right and be persistent, it can pay for 1/2 the IMS/clutch bill.
put seller in a holi-daze
then yer sittin pretty!
put seller in a holi-daze
then yer sittin pretty!
And although I agree that a PPI should not be done at the same shop the seller has been using, it might be worthwhile to find out what shop the seller has been using, and "quietly" contact them to get their feedback on the car. The prospect of getting the next owner of the car (i.e., you) as a future customer may persuade them to confide to you about past work and pending issues.
But that said, it's a great car.