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First time 996 Porsche purchase

Carpenter100

Active member
Joined
1 Jan 2019
Messages
30
Hi all I'm about to buy my first porsche I've viewed and test driven a 1998 996 with 133.000 miles on the clock seemed to drive ok to me, it has a full service history loads of receipts from main and independent Porsche garages, it's in nice condition , the dealer wants just over £11.000 any advice and views much appreciated. 👍🏻
 
My only thoughts are, the car sounds nice but have you got a few grand in reserve for bits that will need doing.
The reason I say this is lots of people stretch the budget to get into a 911 as they are now quite affordable but they dont have a 911 fund and haven't considered that a 20yr old 911 will probably need a bit of TLC from its new enthusiast owner .
They then are upset and annoyed when they get a few bills with it. As long as you are going in eyes open then happy days and enjoy they are great cars. Its the right money for what you have described but do expect to drip a few thousand at it.
On the plus side these cars have hit the bottom of the depreciation curve and are slowly moving up in price for nice ones so you shouldn't lose bucket loads in depreciation like you would on say a BMW or Ford etc, but assume that if you lost 5/7k over a few years on a BMW in depreciation ,you won't lose that on the 911 but may well have to spend that in maintaining it.
But the big win is you get to enjoy driving an iconic 911 for euro box BMW money so for me its a no brainer.
If after reading this you understand or had already understood what may be involved then have fun and keep us posted.on progress. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
 
All I'll say is things will be worn at that mileage.
You may get lucky and get another 40k trouble free but I personally just wouldn't buy one at those miles.

You'll get the high mileage lads on soon saying they'd rather have that than a lower miler that has sat around but personally I'd rather have the latter. Use means wear. Sitting in a garage doesn't.
Low mileage engines can fail too but high mileage engines have the same set of inherent risks plus another set of wear related risks.

For a grand or two more you'll get one with half the miles. No brainer to me.

Having said all that it sounds like you're buying it so good luck and enjoy.
They're all great cars if in good condition and you'll love it.

As Phil says though you'll need a good couple of grand spare. These are simply not cheap cars to keep tip top.

Anyway keep us updated and pop some pics up when you get it. :thumb:
 
Get it inspected (Pre Purchase Inspection) by a specialist. Ask him to borescope it also. Then wait and see the report.
 
...my view would be a combination of the two previous insightful responses...use always equates to holistic wear...ensure you can afford a big bill should the worst happen..

On the plus side took mine out of the car hole today as the roads were dry and despite a tight newly rebuilt engine my god are they an absolute joy to drive...so much feel and power...bloody lovely!

Ps...visited a chum with a Ferrari 355 GTS and despite it looking beautiful has no ground clearance and is about 10 feet wide...nipping down the shops for milk you ain't...
 
GMG said:
...my view would be a combination of the two previous insightful responses...use always equates to holistic wear...ensure you can afford a big bill should the worst happen..

On the plus side took mine out of the car hole today as the roads were dry and despite a tight newly rebuilt engine my god are they an absolute joy to drive...so much feel and power...bloody lovely!

Ps...visited a chum with a Ferrari 355 GTS and despite it looking beautiful has no ground clearance and is about 10 feet wide...nipping down the shops for milk you ain't...

But even with softened prices, take a look at 355 GTS prices versus a 996. They are around £120k - hardly a car to pop down to the shops for milk etc.
 
GMG said:
Ps...visited a chum with a Ferrari 355 GTS and despite it looking beautiful has no ground clearance and is about 10 feet wide...nipping down the shops for milk you ain't...

You make a really good point. I often take mine out (its mainly a weekend car) on an errand to stretch its legs....you couldnt do that with many other cars of comparable performance.

I did look at various alternatives when I bought the 911, including Cobras (always wanted one, still do) - but they are totally impractical (have got a mate who has just sold his), it takes 30 mins to put the roof on, if it starts raining (plus very claustrophobic when its up and everything steams up), plus nothing is very secure if you leave the car parked anywhere....
 
Thanks for the helpful advice, I'm considering putting in an offer of 9-10 k , reason being there are a few minor paintwork issues and the higher mileage which isn't putting me off to much as I own a transit van which has nearly 200 k on the clock !! , I also can't see in its history any evidence that the ims bearing has been upgraded, incidentally how much would that cost me to upgrade ? .
 
Marky has it nailed with his reply.The comparison with a Ford transit is totally moot. :thumb:
 
1998, 996 does it have a double or single ims bearing , so much conflicting answers on the internet , does anyone on here know for sure ? Answers much appreciated.
 
Carpenter100 said:
I also can't see in its history any evidence that the ims bearing has been upgraded, incidentally how much would that cost me to upgrade ? .

No such thing as an upgrade unless you put the bigger 997 one in during an engine rebuild. Save your money.
 
Seems reasonably priced, as others have said get it inspected.
I bought a cheap 996 last year and love it, BUT it has cost me at least £5k in maintenance, hopefully that will be less over the next couple of years as the big items have been done.
In the past I've lost more in depreciation on other marques.

Good luck with the purchase...
 
98 car will have double row bearing. I have seen one having done 120k and it looked like new still.
 
Thanks hooner, that's the answer I was hoping for , not to much to worry about , I think I'll just stop worrying ,buy it look after it and enjoy it .
 

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