Dennis C

+1

Turbos are great, but they do have the coolant line issue that can be expensive to fix. Additionally, most of the repair issues that people have with the 996 apply to the turbo too. My C4S had both window regulators replaced, the cooling fans replaced, the front differential was rebuilt, etc. Turbos can have all of those problems too.

I'm not trying to discourage you from buying a turbo; just make sure you go into it with both eyes open.

Faceman742

I was under the impression that the turbo does not suffer from IMS fails, and all the issues that come with the m96 motor.

I still have a lot to learn though

craig001

Since I just picked up a C4S after looking at the C4S, TT's and 997's here's what I found.

All three models tend to be initially overpriced, especially at dealers, but you can negotiate.

Look for service history, records and the like.

Get a PPI since there can be less than obvious issues.

Yes, TT's have the Mezger engines without the IMS problem but they are initially more costly to acquire and your maintenance costs are be higher.

I was within a couple of days of going to Atlanta to pick up a 2004 TT Cab with X50 pkg. It was at a Porsche dealer there and they had a nice list of things they were going to fix/replace and preform the 90k major service before I got there. Long story short, had a PPI done - about $10k of additional work was needed that I could not see in the pictures or maybe even noticed in the test drive. The car needed new front strut mounts (and probably struts and shocks); tires; brakes (rotors, pads and flush and fill), it had a CF interior which certain pieces had spider cracks; paint was good, but not perfect and things like that. I got them down to $31k and offered to split the cost of what the PPI brought up. No go with that offer.

The 997 is a nice ride, not quite the look of the 996C4S or TT, I was looking at a C4 cab because I like the wider hips.

The early 997's used the M96 case and the early 997's (though mid-2006) also faced a possible IMSB replacement.

So my advice is to think about the following: pay the money for an independent PPI; negotiate hard, be willing to travel or have the car shipped and lastly, be patient - do not fall in love with the first car that meets your checklist.

I generally budget $3k to $4k to replace all the fluids, get at least brake pads replaced, replace plugs and plug wires, belts. etc. Plus once you get the car you will undoubtedly start down the slope of getting pieces-parts to make the car yours. I am doing that right now, LOL.

Dennis C

You are correct - the IMSB isn't an issue with the 996 turbo. My point was that there are other things that break besides the dreaded IMSB. A turbo is a more complicated vehicle in many ways, and the repair costs are generally thought to be higher than normally aspirated cars. Your mileage may vary....

Atrox

Turbos are a solid car, but it all depends on the car you buy. Look for limited amount of owners, unmolested, and little or no track use, and lower mileage. You can find a well sorted car in the low to mid 40's Had my turbo for a year and it's been a solid car. Spoiler hydraulics, throttle body, and ignition switch are the only issues I've had. All of which are fixable and not cost prohibitive. Paid 25$ for a new switch, $150 for tb, and pulled the fuse on spoiler until I figure what fix I will do. Stuff breaks and as the cars get up in age more stuff will. Have a little nest egg just in case, and become familiar with these cars before you jump in head first. I spent almost a year searching and my biggest advice is don't fall in love with any car until it's properly diagnosed and inspected.

Faceman742

Well everyone thanks for all the info you have posted.

I received some bad news this weekend. Needless to say the $$ saved up for a 996 must now be used for something else. I am really pissed right now, but at least I still have the Boxster to enjoy for a while longer.

Sometimes it just feels like you can never catch a break

5CHN3LL

That's a bummer, but the Boxster is an awesome consolation prize.

Triple Black

Sorry to hear that. Enjoy your Boxster - it's an awesome car too!

jdjones2010

LOW, that car is waaaaaay Over Priced in my opinion 98' for 24k REALLY! GL & Enjoy the Boxter

Vancouver996

Fiy the Canadian dollar is 70 cents us , so that car is 16500 usd$

I'd say it's priced fairly however you'd want an independent inspection , it would have had an inspection to get Canadian papers but you want a porsche specialist to look at it .
Scan Automotive , Jakobs, Weisach

Fiy that exchange rate has seen some local gt3s and turbos snatched up by Americans . I'm also seeing more Oregon and Washington plates up here for servicing .