Recently sold my 02 996.
I can't recall a major problem I faced during the time I owned the car.
There's an 01 turbo that's popped up for sale in my area and have heard how solid these cars are. In fact, probably more trouble free than normally aspirated 996 models because the engine is not faced with the problematic IMS failures.
However, the owner has told me that he's replaced the following in the past two years (said is cost him about $20k!):
Both AC fans
shift cable/fastener
Fuel tank
Clutch operating cylinder
power steering pump
wheel bearings
water pump
coolant system
Car has 69k on it. Don't think that's very low but not terribly high either.
This car is a one owner car and cost has never been a problem for repairing problems. The owner is an M.D.
Any thoughts from folks here?
Should I walk away and look for another turbo?
Thanks!

 

I would get more details on these since they are not that common to my knowledge:

AC fans
Fuel tank
Power steering pump - I have heard of a few issues but not common
water pump
coolant system - which parts?

 

I do not see any major issues with the work that was done. The car has almost 70k miles and he might be the type of owner that says " just do it". As you can read everywhere, PPI should be done regardless, fewer owners is better... a car that has not seen snow or ice is better... etc. Just my 2 cents that the 2002 and later have a few changes that I think you need to be aware off. A glove box compartment is one of them and the front bumper looks better too. It might retain its value a bit better down the road but who knows. If you are looking for and want to drive a stock car and have no urge to spend oedels of money on modifications... buy one of those. If you want to start modding... buy one that has already been done. It will save you a serious chunk of change. Next colors... Nice color combinations ( bright colors or point to sample colors) bring more money when it is time to sell and .. they look better too. But.. I bet you know all about all of this already. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the quick replies.
In regards to the snow issue, no worries about that here in Honolulu!
I checked on the fuel tank and was told that there's a seal near the filler neck that is connected to the fuel tank itself and cannot be replaced by itself and to change it you have to replace the WHOLE fuel tank if seal is leaking. First of I heard of this one!
The "cooling system" was only a change of the water pump so I guess this one is typical.
I'm not looking at doing any serious modding. But I do notice that many tt parts pop up on the classifieds at very reasonable prices.
The most I'd want to do in the beginning is maybe an exhaust to give it a bit more of a throatier sound.

Oh yeah, here's a bit more about the car:
Silver exterior
Black interior.
No major "cool" options.

 

I guess it would also depend on how much he wants for it. I was surprised how low they actually book compared to how much they sell for.

 

Sounds like you are coming from the same route as me. I owned a 2002 996 C4S before moving on to a 2001 996 turbo. Love the car and have owned it for 2 years without a problem. Get a PPI done to see if there are any remaining issues. The other expensive things to look for that may need replacement at that mileage is the clutch and check to see if the hydraulics have been replaced in the rear wing. That is prone to failure as well. Good luck with your search

 

Roger that!
The doctor definitely drives it like it should be driven.
The only issue is that he treats it just like any other car and the interior is a little beat up. But nothing a little TLC won't take care of.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about that list of parts being replaced at least the current owner is being fastidious and keeping on top of maintenance.

As said previously get a PPI and get them to map out probable expenditure over the next 12 months and use that to negotiate on price.

 

As long as your can find a shop that you trust to do the PPI, you will be fine. I would take it to a local shop that knows the cars in and out and have them go through it with a fine toothed brush. As long as it is mechanically sound, all the TLC stuff can be fixed.