+996. In my mind, the receipt can provide details/info that should help ascertain if shop was a certified installer so ipso facto a proper prequal and proper install were "indeed" done

 

There's also another thread here in the 996 forum by a guy who did a TON of PM - and then found that the stuff he didn't do (coolant tank and some others) were pushing that PM bill way too high, and now he's second-guessing his purchase.

If the car you ultimately decide to buy is a '99, you may elect to wait do do anything with that dual-row IMSB until a later date.

If the clutch is fine, and you are not seeing any leaking (i.e. the RMS is fine), there is no reason to drop the transmission as soon as you get the car.

There is more than one instance where someone has "preventively" replaced an AOS...with a faulty new unit that subsequently needs to be replaced.

While I am a believer in replacing known problematic systems before they fail - like the water pump - I'm also a fan of finding that balance between "he who hesitates is lost" and "look before you leap." I don't think it's wise to continue to ignore any deferred maintenance items, but I also think it's premature to jump in with a laundry list of repairs before you have the chance to feel a new car out and determine what it actually NEEDS.

 

You're getting the 996 brain trust, OP. Lots of great advice. In my opinion, if you are in a financial position that you can put a grand aside per month for an unlikely, but still possible catastrophic failure, do it. Then, follow all the other advice, and when you find the one, drive the living pizz out of it. In my opinion, the biggest financial downfall of owning a 911 is that you'll be hooked and want more and fancier...T

 

Who does this? I couldn't find anyone when I looked around.

 

Remember guys, regular PPI doesn't mean jack these days.

To the OP, it's a lot like home inspections. The home inspector can only see what he see's. He's not going to be able to tear up the drywall to look for plumbing or structural issues behind the walls. That's basically what you get with a standard PPI, just a visual check without taking anything apart.

An invasive PPI is a bit more expensive but it will allow the mechanic to probe more deeply at the condition of the cylinder walls, drop the sump and inspect for any debris, etc. This kind of procedure can catch most of the expensive repairs that can be lurking.

 

+996

 

Now that is gold

 

Lots of good information here. I really appreciate it. If it is determined that I need to do a laundry list of things which I am ok with financially is it recommended to do it all at the same time?

 

ah, yes....the "WHILE YOU ARE IN THERE" list: clutch-IMS-RMS-AOS...water pump-tstat-belt-tank-cap-hoses...and the list goes on

My 2 cents: fix/repair/replace what is BROKEN or about to break.....or you can get sucked in by the preventive maintenance spiral

 

I am not as knowledgeable as many of the members here.

But I just purchased a 996 myself. I had an Indy do a PPI and he gave me a green light. I asked him about the IMS and he told me to drive the **** out of it.

Mine is 17 years old and I expect to have some mechanical problems. But I understand that and follow my mechanics advice and drive the **** out it. I look at it as the smiles versus the price of ownership is far in the advantage of smiles.

That being said, I haven't had any expenses yet. When I have to spend money to keep her (I need a name) running I will, be it a routine maintenance part or a big ticket item, it is the price of admission. In return I get mornings like this morning, 58 degrees, low humidity, sun rising, top down on my way to work. I may or may not of spent a considerable amount of time above the speed limit.......But t was glorious.

It is a gamble, like the Vegas commercial, "if you are playing it safe, are you really playing?"

 

I bought a '99 c2 last year and i LOVE it. I did wait until I found one that had some prior service history. Don't get discouraged by all the IMS talk, you will love the car. You always roll the dice with an older car and the advice here is great. Buy the best one you can afford and enjoy it. A PPI is a very good idea, and it's common practice for porsches and not too much of an inconvenience for buyer or seller. Great piece of mind for your new purchase.

Good luck!

 

IMO, do yourself a favor and save up 40k or so and get the turbo. It is a completely different engine and you will not have to every time you drive the car. maintenance is about the same and you have a much more powerful car with less to worry about.

 

...or you could buy a N/A 996 and just decide to not worry every time you drive the car. *shrug*

The last time I worried when I drove my 996 was when I was bringing a pizza home for dinner - trying to keep the toppings from sliding off the pie.

Some of us prefer not to simply throw 2x money at every situation...and anyone who claims that a Turbo costs the same to maintain has not had to pay to rebuild a turbo yet.

 

Or buy two 996.1's and have a spare in case one goes wrong.

They are awesome machines. My biggest concern is not blowing up, but going to jail for (allegedly) breaking the speed limit.

Its the most fun you can have with your trousers on. Just do it.

 

Well said!