thedugger1

Although I'm relatively new to Porsche, I'm not new to euro cars having owned Audis, BMWs, Saabs, Jags, MBs, Range Rovers, even two Alfas. By far, the Porsche forums are some of the most active I've dealt with. I'm not sure if it's lack of perspective or too much Honda/Toyota exposure, but 996 owners should love and enjoy these cars. Relative to other makes, these cars are bulletproof. This IMS issue is simply not that big of a deal. Sure, there is a chance that you can pop the motor if this happens, but a smart shopper can find a good used and/or rebuilt motor along with an decent indy to do the work.

For instance, I have a 100K+ Mercedes S500 and while, yes, the motor/transmission are rock solid, there are enough air suspension, electronic issues, rust (no joke), extremely expensive problems that would make an IMS issue seem like childs play! What the 996 is NOT riddled with with elaborate electronics, air shocks, climate systems, self closing doors. So yes, some of issues I've seen presented around the forum are serious and expensive, but many of the other makes out there will nickle and dime you to death. I have to giggle when I read about clutches and rear main oil seals as being major issues. It's a rear main, they sometimes leak!! If they do, fix it!!

Almost every euro car I've dealt with had some major "issue" that everyone panics over. Alfa's with snapped timing belts, Jags with disinegrating timing gear/trans issues, Rovers with a laundry list of problem areas, Benz and the bimmers with just as many issues. While not as robust as the Hondas and Toyotas (dreadfully boring) out there, based on my readings, your Porsches are probably close to the top of list for your European cars.

Having grown up in the car business, I would have to say the number 1 issue with euro cars (especially the brits) that we had at our shop was lack of use. I wonder how many RMS leaks are from sitting around! Frankly, I'm new to the 996, but have had a 1983 928 and my father had a 944, and I don't know how you don't drive these cars every day. I have been blown away with how comfortable this car is, compliant suspension, cozy seats, and actually decent storage for a "super car". Best part is that I'm fairly certain these cars have bottomed out in price. If you think you're going to be picking these up in 4-5 years for under $10K dream on!!

All in all, I'm happy to join the site and look forward to contributing!!

Capt. Obvious

Welcome. We need more realistic and reasonable people like you around here.

996_North

Great comments. I agree that some 996 owners are paranoid about some of the issues, but, compared to other makes these cars are solid.

Gonzo911

Great perspective! Welcome!

c4speedster996

Does anyone else feel the 996 will continue to start to go up in value, due to that these are truly the last mechanic friendly Porsche models to work on without all the computers.

Marc Gelefsky

Really? I don't think the 997 is much different to work on and maintain. Plenty of computers in a 996.

Invius

Dugger, 1st, welcome to RL. It's a great bunch, and I can honestly say it has significantly added to my enjoyment of ownership of my 996.

2nd, do you ever get over to Texas...if so, can you go talk to Krazy K and reiterate what you just said, but slower and with pictures?

Cheers,

DS

thedugger1

It's funny that you said that as my original post was inspired by that thread. I simply couldn't imagine owning ANY vehicle that I would be unwilling to drive 300 miles. That's an instant reason to sell.

douglasf13

My mechanic out here in L.A., who's father started their Porsche-only shop several decades ago, told me that the 996 was much easier to work on the 997, FWIW. If I remember correctly, he said the 997 was much more computer based.

street rod

dugger welcome to the board. Did you buy a 996 yet or just getting interested?

MishaDesigns

Welcome to the board. I think you'll find pleny of like-minded people here.

Jacks911

"Dugger", I agree, and I have owned all the so called "troubled" Porsches and just drove them... Joyfully everyware - and they had their issues and required service - but never failed to inspire. While we here in the USA go nutty over internet boards, the statistically superior anaysis of reliablity in Germany - the TUV - rates the 996 and its sibling 986 as the two most reliable old cars on German roads. The difference (if there is any) is that they acually DRIVE them over there, instead of just wash, wax & photograph! Welcome to the 996 community.