I really want a 996 C4s but the horror stories of the main output shaft is scaring me. My mechanic says the 996's are great reliable cars. But then my friend who is a porsche mechanic tells me these horror stories and tells me if i get one I am taking a huge risk. Please help me. Its between a range rover sport non-supercharged and 996 C4s. Personally i would rather drive the porsche till the wheels fell off.

 

with proper care, it is a maintenance issue. My previous Porsche, a 993, developed a secondary air handling fault. it too $3k to fix that - and all it was just a clogged intake tube for the exhaust causing the CEL to come on.

I have a 2002 C4S and with a little research I found out:
at 42K RMS and IMS seals replaced along with clutch (2005)
Now, in 2011, at 85k mi, i will be doing the same job. BTW, car does not leak oil. It does have a small bit of "weeping" from the clutch housing so as I need to replace the clutch, it is not too much more to replace the seals.

i drive the car 10k mi a year, including about 1k track miles. it is strong and fun. starts everytime (unless I forget to lock it).

PM me if you want more information about my experience. Otherwise, this topic has been beaten to death on this board and rennlist.org

JB

 

get a 997 C2, 5k more you can get a C2S

 

c2s is a great car but i want the wide body and cant justify the new 997 c4s because they havent taken there hit yet. ANother summer they will depreciate a good amount more. I need AWD cause i will drive this all year.

At a point where its practical to have a two seater. Any leads would be great. Any color suits me but black/black with turbo twists would be a dream come true. The cheaper the better but wont spare price for a well maintained car...

 

FYI 997 NB are Wider than 996 WB... 997 WB is even Wider... Get a 997 C2 or C2S, and you dont need AWD to DD, any RWD is just as good as a AWD Porsche with Winter Tires... Plus RWD are more Fun... Trust me i have owned a C4S for 5 years....

if you really want 996 C4S there are a Dozen or so on Ebay under your Price Range

and 2 CPO's Cars from the Dealer http://ucl.porsche.de/ucl/plsql/usa/...&pnr_=1&lnr_=1 & http://ucl.porsche.de/ucl/plsql/usa/...&pnr_=1&lnr_=2

Get the CPO'd car

Personally id be looking at this if i were you http://ucl.porsche.de/ucl/plsql/usa/...&pnr_=1&lnr_=1 or this http://ucl.porsche.de/ucl/plsql/usa/...&pnr_=1&lnr_=2

 

996 C4S wouldn't scare me in the least bit just get a PPI done before hand so you know whats going on and what to expect if anything. Go for it !

 

THose are some great deals on the 997s. I havent found good deals like that around me anywhere and i literally look everywhere on the internet. Maybe I will have to hold out unless a deal f a life time on a 996 c4s comes through. Then I would be happy.

 

You're worried about reliability and you're looking at a Range Rover? You'd better make sure that thing is under warranty, and make sure you extend the warranty!!!! Those things cost a FORTUNE to operate even while they're under warranty, and even more when they're not. Plus your $38k pre-owned Range Rover will be worth half of what you paid for it in less than 2 years. If you want a C4s and are worried about IMS then shell out the $2000 to do the bearing upgrade and call it a day......

The Range Rover is an awesome SUV, just be prepared to deal with all the headaches. Are they worth it? Yes, but it depends on your tolerance for electrical gremlins and whatnot.

 

CFA look under the craigslist in denver, I know its far from PA but shipping is not that expensive on running cars. There is a blue one for sale for like 25000 with I think 4xxxxx mile range. comes with a set of snow and summer wheels.

Hope you find what your looking for

 

You have many valid points however its a range rover sport. After 2007 the sports have limited electrical problems. Not to mention its a non-supercharged which is better on gas and way less problems. THe car however will not be worth 18k in two years. 22k yes. Its a 2008 with 50k miles with land rover warranty till 60k miles. Car is priced at 30k. No problems, no accidents, two owners. Full loaded gray on black and will have an extended warranty for 2500 till 85k miles. Overall the car is covered if there are any issues.

So yes some land rovers have problems but so do 996's. And just fixing the seals does guarentee the problem is fixed. THe rover may incur some problems but I will have a warranty to cover my problems.

A 996 c4s will depreciate less and be worth more in time but could realistically have more repair bills since there is no warranty. But i do appreicate your comments.

Voodoo thank you. I think I am gonna hold out for a black black one if i decide on the porsche since it will be with me for a bit.

 

Go for the 996 C4S, get cpo if possible or check for leaks. Get the bearing and shaft upgrade if you want. The C4S is awesome on the track !! The shaft upgrade started in 07 I do think.

 

Check the classifieds. Some great 996tt's selling for the ~40k and some in the upper 30s. MUCH more car in the turbo with a bulletproof engine and that widebody you want.

 

I do agree they have bullet proof engines but really dont need the power or extra moving parts. This will be driven 15k miles a year. This is a stepping stage car for me. If I got the C4s now in two years I would move to either a 997 turbo or 997 c4s depending on prices.

 

get a 997 C2...

 

Naive little boy. After your first Drivers' Ed event, when some asks "how much HP does it have." you will sigh and say, "not enough."

JB