Hi,

I'm a first time potential buyer for a 2002 Targa. I heard some horror stories about the 996 engine. My friend advises against the purchase and that I should go for a 993 even if it has double the miles. I guess my question is how much $ have other 996 drivers invested into repairing and maintaining your their car? Not referring to mods to make your car supercharged, but just the essentials.

Cheers and thanks for helping,
-Pete

 

for the 02 models, I have not heard of many if any engine failures. Most engine failures that I have heard are from the early model 3.4 liter 996 such as 99-01.

 

You should consider:
$1850 for a clutch
$800-$1200 RMS/IMS seal
$300 oil service
$800 spark plugs/coils
$600 brakes (front or rear)

and some stuff you can do yourself like airfilter, serpentine belt, cabin filter, etc.
Those are dealer's prices. You can do better with an indy.
Also, $15,000 for a new engine at the worst case scenario.
I don't think 50K miles is a lot.
-joel

 

I dunno about that quote above. I just paid around $1000 for complete OEM brake parts only(F and R) from Suncoast. Dealer charges an additional $1k+ for labor.

 

Just get a PPI at a Porsche dealer before you buy it.

 

Ouch for the labor cost!

I swapped out my rotors and pads myself and parts alone I paid about $500 for both front and read rotors and pads.

 

These are $80K- $100K cars (orig. sticker). Lots of the folks on this forum will tell you that the service and TLC that these cars require is consistent with that original pricetag.

If you're going to have to skimp and save to fund the kind of service listed above, you may want to wait a little while - whether you go for a 993, early 996, late 996 or 997.

Just my 2 cents.

Bob

 

$600 for either front or rear. My local indy charges me $150 in labor. I buy the stuff at Suncoast for $450. That includes pads, rotors, sensors, refresh kit for the caliper (big screws, clips, etc, noise dampers...)

 

+1

http://e-partssales.com/Merchant2/me...6BrakesCarrera

front rotors 280
rear rotors 225
front pads 130
rear pads 97
brake dampers 39
front/rear sensors 50
front caliper kit 20
rear caliper kit 40
8 caliper bolts 22
2 cans brake fluid 42

total 945

anything less, they are skimping on parts...

 

what about something like these?

http://www.vertexauto.com/ShowItem/3...-%20Sebro.aspx

 

My 02 C4S had 39k miles when I bought it.

The RMS was done under warranty.

Otherwise, the records show no drama.

I did lots of research before buying and 2002 onward seems to mark a turning point in 996 engines and RMS issues. While there are exceptions, many (i.e. Porsche Excellence magazine, numerous forums etc.) seem to suggest the massive failures happened early (low miles) so higher mileage cars are fixed or are not likely to have an issue.

Note that RMS is the common umbrella term, but there are several potential oil/fluid issues that should be looked for.

When I purchased it I did a full inspection at a Porsche dealer and then, for peace of mind, at a small Porsche specialist. All was great. Changed all fluids and filters... checked belts... all good.

I have had it about a year and put on almost 10k miles... and there is has been nothing but satisfaction.

I love Porsche and my C4S.

So I can't comment on the Targa top (which I think would be sweet and want a Targa 4S one day), you asked about the engine... my two cents is get it checked and then don't worry.

Just drive it and enjoy it!

 

Specifically to targa, make sure you drive it over less than perfect roads. The 996 targas are know for developing all sorts of creaking and groaning noises from the reat glass pane.

 

this guy obviously did it right and once checked, is enjoying the snot out of his c4s.

mine's an 02 and i've put on about 25K miles on it. knock on keyboard, but 0 problems, mine has a reman engine which gives me greater peace o mind.

it just gets better is the crazy thing. the 911 mystique grows on you like a fungus

p.s. this new format sucks. what are they thinking?

p.p.s. all cars i've owned groan and creak. don't buy any car outside of a big body sedan expecting supreme quiet. that's just absurd.