I am in the process of looking for a 996 911. I think I found one that is of interest. It is a 2003 1 owner C2 with 25k miles. It was stored from Nov-April months. I have done a lot of research and the only big issue I see with these cars is the slight chance of the IMS bearing going taking out motor. The chances are slim of it happening but this is a car with low miles and did sit stored for long periods of time and I know the chances seem greater with these.

I just want to buy the car and enjoy it and not worry about the motor blowing. Down the road I may do the LN Eng retrofit ceramic bearings I believe but for now would you feel safe just installing the IMS Guardian and driving the car? Then if it does pick up warning of shavings then at that point to the LN Retro Fit.

I really wanted to get an extended warranty on the car but I am finding it impossible to find a Co that will provide a warranty on a 2003. Any suggestions there? Since from what I could read the 996 from 2003 and on seem pretty built proof except for this IMS thing and wondering about skipping the warranty and just installing that IMS Guardian.

The other cars I am looking at are 2008 M3 and 2007 M5. I have owned older models of both but never a 911.

Open to any and all thoughts.

Thank You

 

Ok, first, welcom to the 996 forum. How much are you going to spend on this car? You will need a good PPI. So let's look at your concerns and questions.
IMS - yes the actual failure rate is low considering the number of cars produced.

LNE Ceramic bearing - No, if your going to "fix" the IMS issue use the IMS Solution, it's new from LNE and Flat 6, has no moving parts.

IMS Gardian - Yes I would feel comfortable with that, but I chose to do the retrofit, but that's just my preference. You should also put in a magnetic drain plug, I would also install the LNE spin on filter adapter and use a Filtermag.

Warrenty - Call your local dealer and ask which one they sell and contact them, if you can get a warrenty do it.

What causes a lot of problems with the Porsche's is them not being driven, and don't be afraid to drive it hard, these cars love high RPM's!

What I would consider would be to have all you fluids changed to ensure there is no water build up. Use a good oil, I like DT40, but there are many to choose from. With the spin on filter adapter it's easier to change the oil which should be done every 3-5k miles, I do mine every 3 months or 3k but again that's just me.

Hope this helps...

 

Thank you very much.

The gentlemen is asking $31k for the car so I am not sure what would be a fair price. I was going to offer $28,500 for the car. It is a 1 owner, service records, 2003 C2 Manual. Does that sound fair? Or too much too less?

The great news is I just called my Porsche dealer and they will do a 6/60k warranty on the drive train for $2500 which I though was great. He said that would cover any issues motor wise which was my main concern.

 

See below for my thoughts

 

Thank you and will see if I can get window sticker.

 

Here is what the car came with. He is considering my offer for $29k. I can get a 6/60 power train warranty for $2500. Also covers all seals, gaskets internal sealed parts. So I would be into it for $31,500.

Now don’t flame me for this question please. the other consideration I have on the other side of the spectrum is a 2014 Mustang GT Prem with Track Package (Geared, Brembos Etc). I can get in to the GT brand new for $32,500.00

I have always owned MB's, BMW and Audi so used to that type of car and know the Porsche will give that to me. I understand the Ford will be loud not nearly as well built.

I am not comparing these cars by any means. I am just thinking 5 years down the road what are these cars going to be worth. The Porsche will be a 16 years old and will have one year left on warranty. The Mustang will be 5 years old and no warranty.

I know you don’t buy a car to make money but to enjoy it. But I still have to ask the question.

I am leaning towards the Porsche but that ting in my head keeps saying I could get a brand new car for what I am going to pay. I have driven both and on the street the Mustang seems like he has more 0-60 than the Porsche but the Porsche seems so much tighter for an 11 year old car.

Thanks

 

Anybody and most everybody has driven/owned a Mustang, A Porsche, well which one will still turn heads 5 years from now, and think of the FUN factor.

 

 

Wow, ok, no one is going to flame you...you have some legitimate questions and thoughts. It's all going to boil down to what your preferences/likes are, but let me give this a go.

 

This is true, let me say this....it's a Mustang.....wow, that's a Porsche!

 

Thank you Jim. This is just going to be a car I drive from April till Nov. I have PU for a winter car. So the car will be driven everyday it is nice from April-Nov. I would say no more than 5k miles a year.

From what I could see on the older 996's like 2003 beyond they are pretty built proof except the IMS thing and RMS. Does this sound about right? The IMS and RMS are my 2 big concerns. This power train warranty I am told will cover both. The other stuff like AC/Elec all I can hope for is the car will be not very problematic with only having power train warranty.

 

Well, choice is yours and your significant other.

 

Wifey is good either way she just said get what you are going to like don’t base it on price which I tend to do. Thank you for the input

 

Good advise...get the one you will be most happy with and enjoy. But if you choose mustang, get a convertable

 

TY Guardian for the price is a must