turbolent

Hello Rennlist

Long time lurker, Porsche dreamer, but hopefully soon to be 996TT owner! I found a low mileage X50 example with approximately 12k miles belonging to the original owner. I'm scheduled to check it out in person sometime over the next week. Everything seems to be fine with the vehicle except for its lacking maintenance history. After some dialogue with the seller, I've come to find out that his first engine oil service was in 2019 - THAT'S RIGHT, 16 years!!! He was under the impression that the first service needed was at 15,000 miles and was not aware of the 2 year interval for engine oil and brake fluid services. I made him aware of this huge concern and he has agreed to perform the brake fluid flush before we meet. I'm hoping there's no corrosion to the brake system components, such as the lines, master cylinder, calipers, etc. But, it is basically impossible to inspect those components even with a PPI.

Now, my second and main concern: the engine oil. Should I be worried? Or better yet, walk away?? I REALLY don't want to, but I am trying to make a logical, sensible decision. What can I (or specialist shop) do to address this red flag? I don't think dropping the engine and taking a look inside is an option. Additionally, since he performed the oil change about 2 years ago, I'm assuming sampling and testing that oil would not be an accurate read on the engine's internal state (corrosion, damage to the cylinder walls, etc.), right?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

911 Rod

Sounds like a car for a collector. Are you a collector?
Otherwise why spend the money on a car like this? Get a driver's car.
To answer your question. Did he drive it regularly or was it stored?
Cars do not like to sit.

Capt. Obvious

I wouldn't worry about the oil. Change it (and the filter) and be on your way. I wouldn't worry about the brake fluid either, just flush it really thoroughly. The likelihood of either fluid causing an issue from being old is pretty slim. The car sitting for 16 years not being driven is more likely to cause issues than the fluids themselves sitting around.

s65e90

If you're gonna use the car be prepared to shell out for all the deferred maintenance.

s65e90

Forget about the oil. Everything rubber is 20 years old and original, water pump is 20 years old, etc. Lots of stuff is gonna need to be replaced. Stop looking at miles and start paying attention to actual age/time.

Carlo_Carrera

I agree with everything above.

This car should be kept as an ultra low mileage garage queen. Putting 500-1000 miles on it each year going forward to keep it in shape. If you are buying it to drive, track and modify there are other 996TT out there with slightly more miles on them and better service for much cheaper.

The delayed oil change is not a problem, neither is the brake fluid.

Do be prepared for some maintenance costs. Spark plugs should be changed right away.

Biggest questions. Is this car a 6 speed manual? And what are the int/ext colors?

Bernard IV

I disagree with some of what is posted here. There shouldn't be much maintenance needed. Check for oil leaks. There could be an issue with water collecting in the older oil. I would take a new oil filter along and swap it. Cut up the old one looking for metal flakes. The tires will be hard and kind of dangerous if original. The rubber hoses and such should be fine. They are tough. Brakes should be ok but would possibly be a bit mushy. Check for second gear pop out.

Dock

I assume it's been in a garage when not being driven?

Carlo_Carrera

Here is an old thread with info on what to look for when inspecting the car.

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-turb...-a-996-tt.html

turbolent

I am not a collector, but I believe this can be a sweet deal. I am seeing 30-50k mi examples sell around $50k and my example is not TOO much more than that range. He drove the car every 3-6 weeks and put about 500-600 miles on it annually.

What deferred maintenance should I look into/be concerned about? I would of course perform all fluid flushes immediately..

I was thinking of asking the seller to cover the cost of a compression test (thoughts?) if I offer to cover spark plugs and potentially coils (if there are misfires or obvious signs of impending failures). Might as well if we're in there, right?

The tires have been replaced about 2 years ago along with the fuel pump, O2 wiring harness (mouse chewed into the shielding), affected O2 sensor, and oil fluid/filter change. Would you still recommend cutting up the current oil filter (since the original filter was replaced)? I am hoping the brake fluid flush will resolve any mushy brake issues. Added 2nd gear pop-out check to my test drive/inspection list.

Yes, it's been garaged.

Thanks all!!!

turbolent

@Carlo_Carrera Thank you for the link!

Bernard IV

Maybe just take a look at it. 99.5% chance it is fine but always a good idea to check.

​​​​​
​​​​​



​

Carlo_Carrera

That sounds like a good idea if he/she will go for it.

Is it a 6 speed? Color combo? Are you going to keep it as a collector car?

turbolent

Sorry, I forgot to answer!! It is indeed a 6speed, Medallion in color, and probably not? The plan is to use it as 2nd car/weekend car so I'm hoping to keep annual mileage at around 1-2,000 miles.

Carlo_Carrera

Medallion? Do you mean Meridian Metallic?

What color is the interior?