I'm purchasing my first porsche (996 Targa 2003) next week, just put the deposit down. I had a few questions I hope you guys can help me with!

(1) I noticed some 996s have these oval shaped metallic pieces on the headlights. Are these xenon headlamps? The 996 I'm buying does not have these on the headlights. What does that mean, does it not have xenons?
(2) How hard is it (and expensive) to retrofit OEM xenon/litronic headlamps?
(3) The car does not have original window sticker or maintenance records. Is there a way to get maintenance records by going to a porsche dealer?
(4) is there a way to find out the build date, if I have the VIN number?
(5) I believe I'm only getting 1 master key. what keys do these cars come with, is it 2 master and 1 valet?
(6) how much does it cost to get a new key from the dealer?

thanks very much guys.

 

1. Headlight cleaners
2. Do some searches, I know others have asked this before.
3. You should be able to call a Porsche dealer and give the VIN. However, lack of records doesn't necessarily mean anything. I've never take my car back to a dealer for maintenance.
4. Probably
5. My (used) p-car came with 2 master keys and no valet.
6. You need to buy the key and get them re-programmed for your car. I'd guess on the order of $300, but I don't know for sure.

 

CMiyc: thanks for your answers! I've since found a lot on the Litronic retrofit. Since the oval discs I was referring to are actually headlamp washers, do you know any way to tell if the headlamps are litronic or not, just by looking on the exterior area of the lamps? I'll call the guy tomorrow too to ask, but just curious..

 

just by looking at the lights, you will see a round light(ball) inside the headlights, when you put the key in they will move and adjust themselves.

btw good choice, post some pics when you pick her up.

 

cool thanks, i'll look for these ***** haha. i downloaded the 2003 996 order guide from renntech.org, and saw that the xenons nwere a $1090 option that came with auto-leveling and washers. so i'm guessing if my car doesnt have the washer 'discs', then it doesnt have the xenons. oh well, guess i'll have to look into a upgrade kit!

 

In 2003 you would have received 2 main keys and 1 valet style when you purchased the car new. In 2005 buying new you would not have received a valet style.... if that answers your question.

 

Xenons are cool and seriously bright lights, but they would not be tops on my list of must haves when buying a car.

 

Get the option sticker codes under the hood bonnet. It will tell you exactly what options originally came with car.

 

The only thing about targas is they can be a tough resale and the roof tends to squeak alot. That's the reason targas were never on my short list. The 996 I would most want would be an 04 40th anni, lot of great standard equipment.