mrfeh

Considering a 2003 996 C2. Here is the initial report from the mechanic that did the PPI:

• So over all the car is pretty clean. There were 2 buttons on the center console that had pushed in, we retrieved them and put back together. No issue.
• The radio had a blown fuse now turns on but no audio. Needs an amp. Dealership will be resolving this.
• Foam in ac vents is coming apart,, very normal for these cars not an issue.
• Strut on rear deck lid is not holding.
• The engine air oil separator is leaking. Some oil is pooing in the intake and slight external oil leak from it. Recommend new set of plugs with it .
• Tries 8/32
• Brakes at 7/32
• Overall nice car.

Anything here to make me bail on the purchase?

motoo344

The AOS is the glaring issue there, everything else seems minor. The AOS is a relatively cheap part but can be expensive to replace depending on what the labor rates are and how they bill it.

MikeinBloomfield

Nothing here to cause you to bail, but I wonder whether this PPI is thorough enough. More experienced owners will probably chime in, but I would think at minimum you'd want to get a look at the oil to see if there if there's anything in there that shouldn't be (metal, plastic, etc.).

Capt. Obvious

AOS is super common on these, so seeing that isn't very surprising. If you like the car, you might be able to negotiate the price a bit lower to cover the cost of that since it's a fairly labor-intensive repair (not necessarily difficult, just takes a lot of time).

mrfeh

I asked the mechanic to check out the oil filter; will verify that he did and that it looked clean.

mrfeh

I would have a 1000 mile trip home w/ the car - can it be driven in this condition, or would I need to have it fixed near the dealership first?

808Bill

Are you repaired to buy this car and put another $5K (roughly) into it? A much more thorough PPI should be done on these cars in my opinion but few will even go that deep into it.

I would not drive it that far unless the AOS was changed first.

mrfeh

I am prepared (and planning on) putting another $3K into it for IMS/RMS/clutch.

jim010

Fix the AOS first, I say. Mine blew up 2 days after buying it.

Bob Dobolina

How many miles are on the car? If they are recommending replacing the plugs, you may be due for a major service and that will cost you a few bucks.

I just went through this myself not too long ago. If they do a good job, they will find stuff. Its not a cause for bailing, but you should try to negotiate the price down to reflect the cost of the repairs. I'm not sure what other people experienced, but I budgeted about $4000 of immediate maintenance including IMS replacement and I was pretty close.

mrfeh

56K miles

Here's the carfax: https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...162&source=BUP

(sorry; looks like you can only view it from the car listing page, which is no longer available)

Bob Dobolina

Yeah, so you are coming up on your 60,000 mile service. I had the same experience. If this is a tip, then they will have to drop the motor to do the IMS. At that point, I just went ahead and had them do the 60K service (plugs, etc.) because the engine was out and it doesn't take much time. I also had them replace the AOS, water pump and thermostat while they were at it. You save on labor, not parts obviously.

dak911

Price is a consideration...how much?

Dr_Strangelove

Price will determine thumbs up or down for me - but I can tell you pretty much all of them will have little things need doing. Best to fix a failing AOS than a failed AOS. If the price is right this wouldn't scare me away.

mrfeh

$25.5K

Would provide a link to images, but the dealership has taken it down until I decide if I want it or not.

Here is the original thread I started on the car: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...is-carfax.html