So I have read everything about avoiding the 04 CS unless under warranty. Would you guys still avoid these if all the repair work has already been done? I guess the main things are the coolant pipes and the transaxle. Any thing else to check for? I am looking at 2 cars, both with around 40k miles on them. Look forward to peoples thoughts.

 

I bought an 04CS a few weeks back. I knew there were some issues, and I paid a fair price with repairing these items in mind....I do my own work, so the repairs are basically parts and my time.....

The major issues are the coolant pipes, cardan shaft (drive shaft). As far as I'm concerned once these are rectified, then you have a pretty reliable car....My only other issues at this time are electrical, like the key fobs not working all the time etc. I however can live with these, some may not.....

Of course if you have the budget a newer car is the way to go, but bear in mind, there is no telling what lies in store for the later model years when they start getting up in mileage.....

I've had Porsche's for a long time, and every model and series have had certain issues.....

Hope this helps, and of course it's just my two cents!!

Rgds,
Bob

 

Been thinking about a CS myself- Not to throw a wrench in your plans, but I'd look into the CT if you can spare the dough. Less hassles and well a bit more fun.

I think if you plan to make the fixes yourself you'll save quite a bit of money. Otherwise with every purchase just ask to see the maintenance record and factor in what you'll need to have done.

 

My 04 CS has had a history of problems that were dealt with under the warranty.

Coolant pipes, drive shaft, key-fob problem, intermittent Xenon headlights.

I drive it daily, it is very reliable and runs great!
Just remember that all vintages will have some issues.

Good luck and take your time looking.

 

Really nice car, you can use it all year round, with the 4wheel drive. The problems i had with my 996c2 were nothing expensive at all, the car really took a beating. I say go for it, this is my 2nd porsche and plan on continuing purchasing Porsches, especially the C4S models, you get the 4wheel drive plus the little extra hP

 

My GF has been looking at some 04 CS's as well. I haven't really put any time into researching it yet, since she has only been looking since the weekend when her older A4 broke yet again.

I'm curious as to whether these common problems you guys are referring to are actually solved on a long term basis when you replace the parts. Did Porsche actually solve the problems with an updated part, or should one expect to be performing these repairs repeatedly?

I'm also wondering if anyone can state a ballpark repair cost for these.

 

Found a few good deals - 2004 Porsche 911 for sale

 

Most of these issues are fixed by the Dealer when the car is still under warranty. If the updated repair fixes the problem, then consider it done. You shouldn't have to keep doing the same thing over and over (ie. coolant pipes).

Can't tell you a figure since they were done under warranty. If I had a problem out of warranty I would fix it myself if at all possible.