I'm in the hunt for a 996 (2002-4) NA coupe. I've been lurking here on 6Speed for a while and see a fair amount of negative feedback on these cars, along with positive. Are they as bad to own as they are sometimes made out to be? I love so many things about these cars, but should I worry every time I turn the key that something's going to go wrong?

Sidebar--I'm trying to convince myself it's a good idea to buy one...

All input is welcome!

Kyle

 

I love mine and have no regrets!

 

I love mine too - also no regrets. I think you need to be somewhat wary of online comments. Most people who have never had any real problem don't go online to talk about their non-problems, however, people who are having problems *do* go online looking for solutions, advice, etc - so you tend to get a bit of a negative skew.

 

Makes good sense, Fozzy. One of my very best friends has a superb 2003 TT and loves it. I've driven it. I love it. While I'm married (and he's not) I'm looking for an NA... which are wonderful as well. While there are some items to pay attention to, it's easy to think, based on the postings, that every single one will have an IMS that goes and takes their motor with it, a leaky RMS, poor dealer support, etc. I'm just trying to make sure I'm not being overly worried about it.

 

If it really worries you look for a car that has had the LNE IMS mod done, or budget to have it done immediately.

If it's just a nagging concern, then get it done the next time the clutch needs to be done.

 

I love my car i don't worry about what they say , I even put TPC turbo on it and no problem so far....

 

I definitely planned on the IMS upgrade. I just want to be able to not incessantly worry about it. I know it's a good idea to do the clutch at the same time. Any idea on approximate cost?

 

3-4k for everything.. if your doing the clutch as well. Thats what ive been quoted 2x.

 

Had a 99 and put about 35,000 miles on it with no problems. Now have a 2003 and have put about 15,000 miles on it with no problems. No regrets and love these cars..

 

I love my '99, driving it gives me a thrill. I read about the problems here too. Its amazing how "spirited driving" makes its way many of those posts. My 996 hit the street in May of 1998, its going into its 13th year. I go easy on it.

 

I had the same problem when I bought my car. I read to many of these crazy IMS post so every time I turned on the car I was crawling on my hands and knees to make sure I wasn't hearing or seeing a IMS failure, lol.

Don't get caught up in the post of a few horror stories (although its good knowledge to be aware of). People only post the horror stories for the most part. Just enjoy the ride, once I started decided to relax on the issues (after getting my car checked at like 4 different places, lol), I have not been happier.

Buy the Porsche, embrace its quirks, and enjoy the ride.

 

I bought my car used 2 1/2 years ago and I still love it. So do my kids. Worst thing I ever had to fix was a clutch accumulator. I recently replaced the oem carbon fiber steering wheel with a custom alcantara wheel from Dallas Steering Wheels. It looks and feels great. I did an aftermarket install of a 2 DIN Alpine unit with nav. My car is black/black and only has 28k miles. I drive it about 2.5k per year. I get a kick out of detailing it myself and spent an hour waxing it this weekend. Looks great.

 

Too much IMS RMS BS..does it happen, YES sometimes, just like anything can happen to any other car..is it the norm? NO! NOT AT ALL! these are very reliable cars

 

+1
just have the car checkout before u buy it...mine runs like a champ so far...if it does happen, then let it be & just deal with it when that time comes..

 

I got mine wihtout knowing about all the negative "potential" issues...
I agree with my indie in that do the regular maintenance and just drive it like you hate it and have fun...