I currently live in Okinawa, Japan, stationed here in the Air Force, and will likely be moving up to the Tokyo area in 3-4 years. I owned a 2000 996 C2 while I was living in the US, and I loved it, but when I got orders to go overseas I sold it. I've been driving everything from Civic Type R's to Skyline GT-R's now, and I still miss the 996. Considering selling my GT-R in the next year or so and getting into another 996.

In order to avoid importation issues later, I'll be shipping a car over here from the US, I'll go back home to Seattle to find one and then ship it here and get it registered. Or there are certain year models that I can bring into the US without a problem (99-00 or 02) but still some changes would have to be made. It's either spend money to import it and be able to get a better sorted car, or spend money bringing it back into the US later.

Now, to my "Am I nuts?" question.....

Okinawa has zero dealer support for Porsche, so all parts would need to be ordered from the US or Japan dealers. I can change a transmission, I can pull an engine, I have access to a full shop with lifts and everything I need for working on a car. But, I'm concerned that I might run into an issue that needs some special proprietary Porsche tool or diagnostics computer or something like that and then I'm basically SOL.

The car will be my daily driver, however my daily commute is about 3.5 miles round trip, so it's not like I will be racking up tons of miles.

So how comfortable would you all feel in my situation with owning a 10 year old 911? I'd appreciate any input and advice.

Thanks!

 

It think it depends on how handy you are working on cars and if you can live without your car for weeks while you get parts shipped? I repair my own cars and would feel comfortable using the auto repair center on post.

Rick
99 996C4
87 944S

 

If you have access to a facility and you are mechanically inclined I would not be concerned at all. You can always have parts shipped to you. You can always purchase a program and cable to read any CEL's that may come into play.

 

I'm mechanically inclined enough to remove and reinstall just about anything. I haven't yet torn into the internals of an engine or gearbox though. I'm just concerned that I'm going to run into something seemingly simple, but it requires a special tool that only Porsche dealers have. I shouldn't have to worry about anything like that though?

Having the car down occasionally is fine, my Skyline is down just as often as it's up, I've got a second car.

I'll get the car fully serviced and inspected before it leaves the US, and pick up some spare consumable parts (belts, plugs, filters, etc) so I don't have to worry about that. Any other suggestions on things to do before the car leaves the US?

Thanks for the input!

 

Aren't there any independent shops in Okinawa? In where I live, there is no Porsche dealer support. Porsche owners here depend only on one independent shop and I do order parts from the US mainland. My indy also can order parts if I'm lazy.

 

Pick up any tuning magazine in japan their are lots of pro shops in japan with all the high tech tools!!

 

I wouldn't shy from a 996 w/out dealer support. I've owned several in the U.S., and live literally less than 3 miles from a dealer that I have a good relationship, yet I haven't been in there for service in the last 5 years (except for a pre-purchase inspection a buyer requested when I sold one of them).

As bullet proof as they are, it's doubtful you'll need much of anything other than maintenance like a water pump, accessory belt, plugs, etc.

 

Thanks for the responses everyone, my mind has been set at ease.

 

It sounds like with your experience, I would go for it. Also, the right tools count for everything (sometimes even more then lack of experience). If ya need the tools, they can always be found for purchase! Get out of those japanese cars and get your butt back into the seat of that Porsche where you belong! Best of Luck to you!