5 Things to Know Before Buying a 996 911
Here's a brief buyers' guide and a list of what you should consider before buying a used 996 Porsche 911/
Maintenance
The 996 is generally considered an affordable and reliable source of performance. Replacement parts are readily available as this generation of the 911 shared many components with its successor, the 997. Of course, a premium cost for parts and labor is to be expected over your average luxury automobile. But as mentioned, these machines can live a long healthy life if properly taken care of. So do not cheap out on maintenance.
Known Issue
The one well-documented major issue with the 996 Porsches pre-2005 is the IMS bearing problem. It is often referred to as a "catastrophic failure" due to the usage of a low-quality part. The IMS bearing failure can be very costly to fix as it will cause severe damage to essential engine components. Statistics show that about 5% of all 996 Porsches of the 2000 to 2005 models years are susceptible to IMS bearing issue.
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High Mileage vs. Low Mileage
Given the fact that most 911s of the 996 generation are 20 years old or more, having low mileage is not necessarily a good thing. Cars that have been sitting for long periods of time often develop critical issues. While a well-driven, and well-maintained 996 is less likely to surprise you with a massive repair bill. Of course, a car that has been driven hard its entire life, or has extremely high is not ideal either. This is why it is important to get an expert to inspect the car you want to buy before you buy it.
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Pre Purchase Inspection
The single most important step in the process of buying any used Porsche. Getting a pre-purchase inspection from a reputable Porsche dealer can save you tons of headaches, and thousands of dollars down the road. Of course, expert mechanics can't always predict the future. But they are generally pretty good at identifying areas that could require attention soon, if not immediately.
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Value and Appreciation
And lastly, the question on everyone's mind. Will the 996 appreciate in value like every other generation of the 911? The short answer? Yes. Whether or not they will go toe-to-toe with the 993's rising value is unknown. And in this writer's opinion, unlikely. But the truth is the level of appreciation for these beasts is on the rise as more folks realize about the wonderful driving experience that they provide. So expect appreciation. And if you're looking for a bargain to get into the world of Porsche ownership, this is your chance!
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For help with maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section this forum.