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911 C4S 2003

oliverh

New member
Joined
4 Jun 2019
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HI - Im new to this forum and Porsche ...so bear with me.....

Im looking at a 2003 911 C4S on Sunday - 75k miles, auto.

Is there anything specific to look out for.. common problems - dare I ask...

Any help is appreciated.

THANKS

OLIVER.
 
Hi Oliver,

:welcome: to 911uk

I'd normally point you to our 'Search forum' function and/or advise you to read the FAQs on the 996 sub-forum but as you are obviously completely new my starting point is to advise you read the following.

--> http://www.revolution-porsche.co.uk/news/ims-bearing-failure-symptoms-and-how-to-spot-them

If that hasn't scared you off google the phrase '996 and bore scoring'.

After that follow what I've said in my first paragraph. :wink:

NB: Beyond the specific possible issues with the 996 Carrera engines anyone familiar with cars would be able to spot other potential problems. If you are in any doubt don't commit cash (beyond a small deposit) until you've had a Pre-Purchase Inspection done.

If you're buying privately be very careful. If you're buying from a dealer make sure any warranty has a healthy single claim limit.

Good Luck
 
oliverh said:
Im looking at a 2003 911 C4S on Sunday - 75k miles, auto.

Just to clarify

A 2003 911 would be a 'type 996' and is known as such in Porsche Circles.

Type 996 appeared in 1998, was face-lifted in 2001 at the time the C4S was launched and was superseded by the Type 997 in 2004.

You'll also hear the automatic referred to as a 'Tiptronic' or Tip' for short.
 
Hi Oliver,

list is so long what to look on I don't know if I should even strat it...... I think it depends if you are DIY or service.

1. I would take car for bore scoring check as this is the most expesive repair on these cars
2. exhaust mufflers and manifolds - these are not expesive to buy but expensive to fit and usually if not done these will be in bad shape
3. any leak between gerbox and engine oil/coolant - DIY cheap fix, service expensive
4. suspension if it is in bad shape expensive to do even as DIY


List is longer but you will not be able to check it so no point to list it.

I have bought mine on auction knowing all problems with 996 but I'm DIY so not to worry about it to much.


Fantastic car to own and drive also this community brings happiness to my life :thumb:

are you around Manchester? if so this Saturday we have meeting you could come and look on our cars I will show you all small bits what to worry about, also if you have an advert of this car it would help more for us to point out good and bad bits.
 
oliverh said:
HI - Im new to this forum and Porsche ...so bear with me.....

Im looking at a 2003 911 C4S on Sunday - 75k miles, auto.

Is there anything specific to look out for.. common problems - dare I ask...

Any help is appreciated.

THANKS

OLIVER.

The list is as long as my arm. Simple answer? if you find a car you like, agree any sale and price subject to an independent Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) with refundable deposit to hold the car until the PPI is completed.

The car will need to be taken to an independent Porsche specialist - each differs on what they will do for how much. Typically will cost you £300 + £100 or so for a borescope to look for evidence of scored bores.

If all this frightens you, up your budget and get a 996 Turbo or a post 2009 997 car with the better more reliable DFI engine. But either way, have these also go through a PPI. A Porsche main dealer can also do a PPI - called a 111-point inspection, but it will pick up irrelevant issues such as non-Porsche battery fitted or after-market radio and CD player. You just need to focus on the things that really matter to you that are listed in the report.

Don't go for a verbal report to save money - it will be disputed by the seller.
But a verbal report is sufficient if all you want to tell the seller is that you will not move forward with a purchase and he agrees to a refund of the deposit without a written report.
You really must have a written report and assessment of the condition of the vehicle you are proposing to buy if you want to avoid the seller refusing to release your deposit, as normally, a deposit is a contract of sale and may constitute a breach of contract if you decide not to proceed with the contract of sale unless you have agreed the right wording to get of the contract without losing your deposit.

Happy hunting and hope it goes well on Sunday.
 
Hi - thanks for your replies - much appreciated. Seems I've got bit of thinking to do now!

Thanks again.

Oliver.
 

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