Hi, I'm thinking of buying a used low mileage (<45k) 996. Will it break me financially over time? I had a 968 at one time that I got rid of because I was tired of the repair bills. Any years I should avoid? Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

No telling. Typical repairs are not bad at all. My old 99 996 had nothing but an o2 sensor go bad in the few years I had it and that was probably due to my aftermarket exhaust.

I hope that my newly acquired 996 is as reliable, but a catastrophic engine failure can happen any time.

 

I replaced the ignition switch, and coolant tank, those are my only repairs. Any other problems were of my doing from mods that were done. So between the ignition switch $18.oo dollars and I replaced it myself and the coolant tank, that was a couple hundred to do (what a rip) my repairs so far are pretty cheap.

 

I'd say it'll depend more on the condition more than the miles it has. Make sure it has everything up to date maintenance-wise. I bought mine with higher mileage but she was well taken care of with everything up to date so haven't had any problems yet.

 

Don't forget to factor in comparatively frequent new tires. Not an insignificant expense.

 

well, it depends. as cheap as $23 plus 5 minute to install serpentine belt, to RMS, IMS or clutch or engine for up to $17,000. at least you know the truth...

Maintenance wise, really cheap unless something major needs attention. then you are screwed

 

99s have cast porosity issues "solved" in the 00 and 01's. You never know though. Ideally, an 02 mkII vs mkI (99-01)

 

All Porsche's have the ability to grenade at any moment, some models more than others. Get what you can afford, put money aside for fixes and replacement stuff ie: brake pads, rotors, tires and maintenance

 

I would says rear tires and oil changes are the biggest maint cost. Rear tires will need to be replaced every 12-15k/yearly (if a daily driver) Front will last twice as long. Home oil changes are not cheap if you used the factory M 0-40. Even worse at the dealer.

 

I tend to agree with most of the comments above. I'll add that if you do some of the easy stuff yourself, you can save a TON of cash. For instance, an oil change at the dealer was $250. Did it myself after that for about $70 (oil, filter, lube certain places, etc).

 

Bought a 99 cabriolet at 33,000 miles in 2005. have 105,000 on it now. No major work needed. only problems were coolant expansion tank and a coil which were both diy. maintenance wise spark plugs diy ($60) , mobil 1 oil changes done locally at a quick lube place for $90 (owner has a 996 and keeps filter in stock, same guy changes it everytime). about 10,000 miles ago clutch, flywheel, and rms were replaced just b/c clutch was getting weak , i believe it was around $2500 at a indy shop. This car has been very reliable. Really affordable when doing maintanance yourself , which is really easy on this car.

 

got my 2002 c4s about a year ago with 60k mi.
here is the list:
1. items discovered at PPI
additional keys $300
flush coolant $190
4 wheel alignment $165
rear pads $80
head light switch $68
turn signal box with install $300
air bag clock spring with install $300

2. after driving 15k miles
rear tires $300 used
repair air bag warning lights: seat belt receptacles and wiring harness + labor $700 (est. it will be done next week)

other than those items, lots of modifications leading to coilover shocks.
most of those items I choose to repair. The car operated fine without repairs. I just wanted it to be perfect.

JB

 

....That should scare him off!.....Next customer!

99C2

 

get a cpo car. in the two years i have had my 02' (under warranty), i have had most of the common problems: ignition switch ~$550, window regulator ~1k (lasted 2 years), oil sending unit ~$350, not to mention taking in 3x for driver side window coming out of alignment and catching on the rear window $??? ...finally figured out the window was not being held in because a rubber part which holds it slipped to one side.

oil changes, normal service, brakes, tires ~$4k (indy. add 1k for dealer)

***i drive 22.5k/yr. w/2-3 track days/yr

..no rms/ims issues though

...yet!!!

 

just oil changes for me at $250. The car has been great. 1999 C4 w/ Aero Kit...