Hey everyone - thanks in advance for your time. Excited to join this forum as an owner soon

Looking at early 996s, and budgeting in 3-5k for IMS/RMS/etc immediately. I found this 2000 996 in Baton Rouge, 46k miles for just under $20k, leaving a healthy buffer for servicing it http://www.germanautobr.com/2000-Por...-70819/5821006

Any recommendations for a PPI in the Baton Rouge area? Other threads on this site were a little old. Brian Harris Porsche comes in at $280 - any reviews of the quality of their work?

I've read plenty of articles on the major points to look for (replace IMS bearing for peace of mind, check RMS, etc). Any other tips to consider?

Also looking at this 2002 996 (http://www.californiamotors.com/2002...-94901/5885116) - newer, but no hardtop and further away from me. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

You have to spend time at the car / in the car with the engine running.

You want to hear the engine from a cold start and as it warms up at idle for a while.

Then have the seller take you on a 15 mile test ride. Pay attention to how the car behaves, runs, etc. The route should give the driver a chance to demo the car as you intend to use it.

IOWS, a mix of driving.

Back at the starting point then you take over as driver and drive the same route the same way.

After your test ride/drive then give the car a thorough used car check out. Check everything from head lights to tail lights. Spoiler to wipers.

If after all the above you still like the car then arrange for a PPI. Among other things this gets the car in the air for a close inspection for any leak sign or signs of accident damage or bad repairs.

Check the radiator ducts for trash build up. If full of trash budget for a bumper removal and trash removal.

Check the body water drains. If full of trash be concerned the car may have had water in the cabin. Regardless check under the seats for any signs of dampness. Check along the door bottoms. Use your nose. Any odor that suggests something got wet in the car is cause for concern.

If your check out of the car finds electrical gremlins these can arise from the affects of water in the cabin or water in the doors.

Remember if you find something off putting about the car there is always another car.

 

Go with 02+ it has more power/torque via VarioCamPlus and real glass rear window. Hard tops are easy to find on CL.

 

Thanks for the replies, Macster and B8_RDC!

Based on all the advice, I changed my search to focus on local cars. Test drove a car and it drove well, PPI came back clean, and discussing a sale contingent on some repairs.

Looking forward to posting some pictures and updates soon!

 

If it has the 3.4 L. Don't worry about the IMS. Not a problem on those.

 

Thanks for the advice - ended up purchasing a '99 Arena Red cab in great condition from a local dealer (Nort Northam near Orlando).

It was a great buying experience from Nort, and he performed the IMS, water pump, chain tensioner, and a few other big service/repairs.

I'm out of town for now, but will post some better pictures when I get back. Looking forward to joining the community!

 

Cracking looking car, you don't see many in that color either . Quite rare I'd say, enjoy her

 

Congrats! You will love her.