Porsche 996 engine Problems

a clean Porsche 911 could be had for the same cash as a family hatchback - however, if you are purchasing one listed here is some tips on which to watch out for.

Our expert guide is Paul Stephens, an unbiased Porsche sales and maintenance professional considering Essex.

"early 3.4-litre automobiles are far more frail than the post-2001 3.6s, " he says. "The motor's the issue. They develop cracked cylinder heads, dropepd cylinder liners and cracked intermediate driveshafts, all totally unpredictably.

"I've been aware of scrapped engines at less than 15, 000 kilometers. And changing an engine is a £10, 000 work, if you don't will find a crashed donor car. The only way to make sure you tend to be purchasing a car with a good engine would be to own it inspected."

Engine

Don’t purchase a 3.4 before you decide to’ve had it inspected. Back main oil-seal and intermediate shaft seal also provide a finite life; those tend to be £540, every year or two. Air mass yards and ignition coils tend to be troublemakers, also.

Radiators

Leaf build up inside any 911’s air intakes is usually to be avoided; it triggers the radiators to corrode, and they cost £505 for some. A coolant reservoir will cost you £293.

Air conditioningTry the air fitness within the automobile you’re taking a look at. If it doesn’t strike cold, you’ll probably need to pay for a brand new air-con condenser - and it’ll set you back a painful £570.

Chassis

If the car is creaking, it’ll most likely need new-front suspension system wishbones; Porsche calls all of them coffin arms, and fees £546 for a pair. A regularly used 996 will need new people every three-years approximately.

Brake system, tires, tyres

Brake discs can split and warp, and four brand new people will be £622. A couple of pristine alloys can be worth having to pay a £500 premium for; they’re frequently symptomatic of a cared-for automobile. If front rims appear to be they’re working way too much bad camber, the vehicle needs brand-new coffin arms.

Which version to get?

As of this age, mileage and condition determine price, perhaps not the model. Don’t fundamentally pay even more for a C4 than a C2, and for a convertible over a coupe. Guides are priced at a lot more than Tiptronics, but new clutches tend to be £1000 a pop. If you’re purchasing a convertible, keep in mind that the hard-top should come included; don’t be conned into paying extra because of it.