5CHN3LL

I don't think a $15,000 rebuild cost is necessarily a reasonable expectation for a maintenance budget. If you can't afford the rebuild, you sell the car as a roller and buy a used Toyota if something bad happens.

V996

I already own a reliable Civic for non pleasure driving. I don't NEED this car. Purely for fun. I've set aside $3000 a year budget for possible maintenance which going by my research is excessive but you guys please correct me if I'm wrong so I don't bankrupt myself. I just don't have another 15k on top of that for an immediate rebuild on a car I'm only buying for 19k or so.

Once again thanks for any and all input, it is much appreciated. I hope to get one and become an active member here :-)

alpine003

+996.

How is the condition of the top and does it go up and down smoothly?

Maybe get a quote from your Indy and show it to the seller as a bargaining tool if it needs something major.

Either way, the leak is something you'd probably want to get taken care of regardless if it's the RMS or IMS. And of course while you're in there, might as well do the whole enchilada(IMS, clutch, RMS, AOS, possible flywheel, etc) as 5Chn3ll mentioned.

V996

The top works perfectly and they are already aware of what it will cost to completely proof it against failures. I don't think they had any idea, they were convinced the inspection would be flawless and already took the ad down. I kinda had to educate them on it but they are seeing my point and continuing to negotiate instead of telling me to buzz off like I'm sure many sellers would.

DaveSpeed

Your buying a used car so there is always risk.

I replaced my AOS 2 1/2 years ago with a new clutch and RMS. Guess what the AOS needs to be replaced and the RMS is leaking again. (It has only been replaced 3 previous times). It wasn't leaking when I brought it in for its spring checkup and I've driven it more this summer than I have in the past 4 years.

It's a car they always need something! Don't be scared about the RMS just have it replaced and the IMS upgrade plus all the other replacements your probably looking at $4K.

I was told by several Porsche owners you should always bank $5K for R&M per year. I have never hit that mark but been close at over $4K.

Last year I was under $1K. This year I'm going to be under $2K. Need breaks next year so I'm planning on $1.5K next year.

DaveSpeed

Oh btw they are actually a car and really like to be driven. I've driven mine more this year than any prior year. My only regret is I haven't driven it more over the past few years. Who am I saving the car for the next owner?

V996

I'm thinking I will ask 18k firm and get a mechanic to do the work so I know it's been done right.

If they don't like the offer I can walk no problem. They're the ones who need to unload the car with no buyers in sight.

Thanks again for the advice.

5CHN3LL

18K plus 4K in work still puts you at $22K. That's a 911 for Hyundai money. Hope things all go your way with the purchase and the work.

V996

Haha, funnily enough I was looking at a Sonata Hybrid for $24k (0% financing). Then I thought "If I'm spending that kind of money why not just go with a car I've always wanted?"

silotwo

Rationalizing is fun! Before I bought the C4S I was looking at used all wheel drive Infiniti's and the price on every one I thought I might be satisfied with put me with in the 996 C4S price range. And besides, what I really really wanted was a C4S, not an Infiniti. And I really really didn't need an all wheel drive; that just made the rationalization for another car a tad more palatable.

Of course I never mentioned things like the cost of scheduled maintenance, proper N spec tires for both summer and winter, and the assumed need to rebuild as much of the car as possible whenever "you are in there" for any reason. But man, these cars sure are fun.

On a serious note; sounds like you are going in with your eyes open and you might very well score a nice car at safe cost of entry. Best of luck.