993 Battery flat & dash out

[Greg Bryan]

Hi all,

I am looking at a 993 Cab Tip '97P and when we went to test drive it the battery was flat and needed a jump start despite the fact that the owner said it had started first go the previous day when he had moved it to its current location. When we took off the tip was not working and lights for the ABS and rear spoiler were lit. Added to this the speedo was not working. He claimed a relay was out.

The owner said that the heat (and the cold) causes the battteries to lose charge. I come from a place where the weather extremes are 40 degrees C in the summer and get down to minus 10 in the winter and its only the cold that ever causes any sort of trouble with the battery.

The two factors combined made me a little nervous. Is there any known electrical problems with leakage of charge in these cars?

Greg


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[James Ball]

Hi Greg. It is possible there is a simple (and cheap) answer to all the problems you listed but given that there are loads of 993s to chose from out there I would walk away from this one. When you buy a 911 you can be sure you will find new problems with the car when you get it home. The last thing youy want are problems with the car before you buy it!

Cheers, James


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[Greg Bryan]

Hi James,

This car will comes with a service before I pick it up and is thru what I understand to be a reputable dealer. Just wanted to know if there was any know issues around the batteries losing or leaking charge in the 993's. Where could I look to find known problems?



Greg


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[andyphilpott]

Greg

Best thing would be to get the dealer to change the battery and ask him what faults were shown on their system... at least then you know the real deal. Otherwise, if they cannot or will not show you, as James said, walk away and have another look. Most of us have been to look at cars that the heart says yes simply because you want a Porker, but hold out and you'll still be as impressed by the next car. Good luck

Andy


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[johnny]

Greg

I agree with the other guys, the problem with a Porsche its easy to make it an emotional pursche - try to buy on hard facts. If you are unable to walk away I would DEFINATLEY get a PPI done buy an independent specialist - won't cost much and will save in the long run.






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[jfrancas]

Run away - batteries go flat because there is current draw - extremely cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, but don't make them 'go flat'.

This car sounds like trouble with a capital $$$$.


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[Greg Bryan]

Thanks for your help guys, I have arranged to get the relevant items checked as part of the service that is due before I pick up the car. It is a new battery so I have found out that the current draw on a 993 when off is 20mA unless a aftermarket alarm is fitted. I am also getting a 12 month unlimited (to the value o the car) warantee with no excess. Seems sounds to me.

Any suggestions on a good (cheap)insurer? I was quoted £2,304 with my 70% no claims bonus!!!

Greg


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[911UK]

Insurance, try tesco online. Nobody has been cheaper yet for me.

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