So you bought a car used and have no idea how the previous owner treated it and you call it junk? Was it a CPO?
I ONLY buy used cars (mostly Vw and Saabs) and accept the fact that ALL used cars need $1000 in work the day you get them. There is most likely a reason the person is selling it other then boredom. Take that same theory for more expensive car to maintain and the number could easily be doubled or tripled which is about what you have in it so far. When I bought my boxster I got it for a great deal but still put $1000 into it to get it just right with common failure items.
First thing I did was buy a Bentley and Durametric and solved all my own issues w/o having to walk near a Porsche Stealer.
water pump $200 DIY
wheel alignment (4 wheel) $100
Pully tensioner (belt?) $200
Squeeking/rattle front end (bushing) $400
That is less then a $1000 in DIY costs and I buffered my numbers.
I don't see anything that is not normal wear and tear or regular maintenance in your comments other then the window/alarm/light issue which most likely can easily be resolved. buy the durametric software for $250 and pull your codes and save money.
I'm just not supporting your concerns yet. If you knew 99-01 have engine issues, why did you buy it? or are you having lack-of-research remorse?
Did you have a mechanic check out this car before you bought it? I never buy a boat over $10K w/o a survey who buys a $40 sports car w/o a good mechanic kicking the tires?
Lastly you have posted your rant in the 986 board!
Used cars need love unless they are CPO...sounds like you feel a 7 year old car should drive factory new. Some do, most don't. From owning so many 911 and buying a used car I would expect you to have some DIY skills, but maybe not.
I know you will take this email as negative and a personal attack but it's far from that. You simply are frustrated, made some bad choices and seem to have a car with an electric issue with many symptoms that will be solved by one fix. I see nothing yet pointing to a lemon due to quality control or design.
Actually I had Porsche check the car prior to buy.. all checked fine. FYI I changed my own water pump, belt, idler pulley. I have a mechanical engineering background and have designed several mechanicals as well, including 2 patents. My point is this: The legacy Porsches are simple and tough in design and do not have serial systems whereas A has to be yes, then B is ok, then C is yes and on and on before something will work. Why on earth would an alarm black box lock the windows when the door will open with a coat hanger? This sort of engineering is too obscure. .. Forbid you have a flat tire.. What do you do with the tire after you change to the doughnut and there is a passenger with you.. Does Bently have an answer for this issue? . I drove (my son now driving) a BMW 5 Series purchased in 1997 and everything still works. 145000 miles. Nothing major .. AC is good, locks, radio, all electronics, bearings, transmission, everything is superb. The only issues were oil changes, belt at 100K brakes tires and the usual light bulb.
It is a well know fact that between 1998 to 2000 several engines failed and all Porsche did was discount replacement motors. I bought 2001 as this was supposed to be the re-engineered motor, but I don't have a lot of trust now that I have been reading the issues other owners are having. There are 20 or more posts every day here with problems from ignitions to fuel doors not opening. These problems are on almost every possible system in this vintage auto and I would be willing to bet most of their cars are less than 100K miles. Issues like this are considered premature for a car costing upwards of 40K much less 100K.
Yes I am frustrated but mostly disappointed in the newer engineering and reliability at Porsche and Porsche's lack of accountability. Sounds like another car company we all know? Not to mention pricing on parts.. I have the money to fix and repair but a 50K mile car should not have these issues..Also I take one last look every night at the car before I go to bed.. so I give it tlc and it is now giving me heartburn!