Looking for your advise guys. I have a Porsche Certified 2005 996 C4S with 25,500 miles. The extended guarantee expires in Nov. 2010. Since I bought it in 2006, I haven't had any mayor problems (trim, battery and alike). However, I have read different articles about some reliability problems with the 996 engine,(leaks, seals etc.) that can lead, sometimes, to mayor issues.
I always planned to sell the car 6 months prior to the expiration of the guarantee so, I can get a little more for it and also, give the new owner some assurance that if anything happens, he/she still has some remaining guarantee.
However, I am having so much fun driving this car that I am thinking of keeping it a while longer. My questions are:

1.- Is it worth to take the risk, and keep the car with no guarantee ?
2.- Is there a good Extended Guarantee policy out there ?
3.- Or should I start looking for a Porsche Certified 997 C4S ?

Thanks for your advise.

 

wait a year (6 months before the ext. warranty expired) and decide then. 05's had all the updates so I dont think you need to worry about IMS/RMS etc. I maybe wrong though...

 

A reman 3.6L should cost < $15k/installed. I'd calculate how much you'd lose by selling it and compare to a cost of a reman replacement.

///Michael

 

Exactly, if you could afford to buy this car new, then you can afford to fix it if it breaks. The worst case scenario is the need for an engine swap which is $15K or less. If that doesn't scare you, then relax and enjoy the car. If you don't like the car and just want something new, well then that's a different story. I'm personally keeping my '03 C4S for at least 20 years. I love my cars and tend to keep them rather than give them up.

Kirk

 

Being able to afford $15K for a new engine, and wanting to roll the dice on blowing $15K are two separate things.

Just buy an extended warranty before the existing one runs out. I just got one from the Porsche dealership for another 3 years and 36k mile for $2.5K...

 

I would get the new car for all the reasons you state PLUS it's an upgrade . As much fun as you are having now it can get better with an improved body structure , refined interior , and more powerful engine . Add to this the peace of mind with warranty plus the peace of mind that the buyer of your car wil know that he's getting a good car which you can ask top dollar for .

In fact with Certified C4S prices in the 65K range (low miles mint condition) you may decide to go all out into a Turbo (another 25K ) and keep it forever (like I hope to do) .

Newer car, 100+Hp extra (stock), Gt1 dry sump engine, modification potential, warranty , nice interior .. your current car will be a fond memory-- but moving forward opens up a door to infinite possibilities of driving joy.

 

My warranty expired in December. I'd be lying if I said I don't worry about something bad happening (2 x IMS/RMS leak fixes), but have decided to roll with it. I will hold onto the car for a few years and either buy a late 6T or a 7S at that time.

 

keep it. i got a '03 C4S 6 months ago and love it.

 

My warranty ended 2 years ago however, I'm only paranoid when hanging around Porsche internet sites. So my advice is either stop hanging around Pcar boards or trade it in.

 

 

Yea, same here. The forums cost me the price of an extended warranty. And if you look at that one web site with all the people that have listed their engine failures, you won't be able to sleep at night. So avoid that site too.

 

It is true that late 996 models got most of the issues resolved. But, I'll bet the new 997 has its issues too. I have to admit, I haven't driven a 997 yet. Warranty aside, how much better (and fun) can the 997 be in comparison to the 996 ?? I guess the only way to know is to test drive one, which I'll try to do this weekend. My other concern is that the 996 is depreciating at a rate unseen in Porsches of the past. Will the 997 suffer from the same depreciation ?? Thanks to all of you for your advise. I know we all are passionate about this car. Keep your comments coming !!

 

It is true that late 996 models got most of the issues resolved. But, I'll bet the new 997 has its issues too. I have to admit, I haven't driven a 997 yet. Warranty aside, how much better (and fun) can the 997 be in comparison to the 996 ??

It was enough fun for me to buy three of them . Of course I could have bought another 996 . I still could but won't . The 997 "S" model has a bigger engine and the body structure is improved along with the interior . The styling is traditional .


I guess the only way to know is to test drive one, which I'll try to do this weekend. My other concern is that the 996 is depreciating at a rate unseen in Porsches of the past. Will the 997 suffer from the same depreciation ??

They all depreciate . The Turbo has taken a huge hit which actually makes the car attractive if AWD and widebody are the route . If the normally aspirated car is more suited for your needs it has retained some price value . From an economic standpoint none of these cars are cheap but the long lasting memory of Porsche ownership fior me has been priceless.


Thanks to all of you for your advise. I know we all are passionate about this car. Keep your comments coming !!

Good luck.

 

Thank you Yrralis1 !

Which do you have ? The 355 hp, the 385 hp or the Turbo ? I will see the Turbo option as you recommend. I really haven't put any attention to the used Turbo prices because, the normally aspirated engines were more than adequate for me and I always thought the Turbo was overpriced. But, yes, the widebody style is of my preference so, if I decide to make the change, it'll definetely has to be either the C4, C4S or the Turbo. One more question, does the PASM really makes a big difference ??

 

PorschePRH:

Your absolutely right ! I couldn't have say it better.

Now, how did you get an extended warranty from Porsche ? Can one apply to Re-Certify an already Certified Pcar ???