Hello,

I have been looking to buy a used 996 for some time and recently found a '99 with approximately 105,000 miles on it. Cosmetically in great shape with aftermarket rims and Headlights.

The Clutch is new and the car has a rebuilt manual transmission that was installed last year. The seller tells me that there was a problem with the Throw out bearing in the transmission and so it was replaced. RMS and intermediate shaft were inspected and have no problems.

When I checked the car myself I noticed a tan pasty like material on the inside of the coolant expansion tank cap. The coolant itself did not look healthy either but don't think it was chocolate brown. The owner looked legitimately surprised when I showed him the condition. The dipstick oil looked good with no traces of water that I could tell.

The car drove very well with no traces of smoke, crisp shifts, and no detectable loss of power. My main concern would be an early head gasket leak or cracked cylinder head causing the stuff in the coolant expansion tank. Another thought would be coolant that hasn't been change for some time leading to some precipitants on the back of the cap. He just got the car inspected I would have expected the repair place (porsche indy) to catch this. No oil leaks under the car before or after driving.

Should I keep looking for an other car perhaps 2002+ and lower miles. I can probably get this one for about 15,000.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

You have a link or pictures and description?

 

Car is on eBay

Item # 130974416735

 

I did see It in person and drove it. Runs very nice but don't like the look of the coolant. Probably should pass on it.

 

Sounds like innermix.....

 

I agree with you. Too bad car looks really nice otherwise. Not worth the risk although could just be from old coolant. He just spent about 1000 to get it inspected including new tires.

 

[QUOTE="edes300;3924404"]I agree with you. Too bad car looks really nice otherwise. Not worth the risk although could just be from old coolant. He just spent about 1000 to get it inspected including new tires. Would have expected some drivability issue but if early on may not be noticeable yet.

 

When was the last time he had a coolant flush. Brown/"intermix" coolant can be quite a few reasons. Leaky oil cooler, etc.

Cosmetically I would take off the side badges and do something about the front lower lip. Seems to protrude a bit. Other then that for the price that A LOT of Porsche for the money they are asking.

 

Problem is that if it is an intermix problem, it would need major engine rebuild. I'm not in a big hurry to buy there are many other Porsches availible. I agree with you though it could be the oil cooler or just need a flush but I am surprised that the guys mechanic ( porsche Indy) didn't pick this up. Is there an easy way for me to check for this?

 

I'm not convinced you have an intermix issue. Intermix almost *always* results in coolant mixing into engine oil with the resulting peanut butter effect. What you're describing could simply be a coolant system badly in need of a flush.

If you interested in the car, and it runs well, has the right options, and the price is right, negotiate for the car upon a clean PPI. Make the mechanic aware of your concern when you book the appointment and wait and see what he/she says.

 

I'm still looking around. By the way any idea how much a 2002 carrera 2 would run with about 80 to 100 k on the odo.

 

Have a link? Need more information