jzwu

Thanks Craig.

Yes, I am on the MacanForum.com all the time. There are a few owners who have installed the H&R lowering springs (I think in Canada). The car does look very good after lowering as the stock suspension has huge 4-5" wheel gaps.

GMP performance did that too and has before & after pics on their web site. The issue is Macan is so new that very few places have done the work. I called some local reputable Porsche shops but none has done it.

It seems that with the lowering springs the PASM settings are firmer, Comfort now feels like stock Sport, per the owners. This is fine with me since I leave the PASM mode in Sport most of the time. I have the standard 19" wheels with summer tires.

Yuan

I just got my 2015 Macan S. It drives very well for an SUV. However, I think the suspension can use some lowering to improve the handling.

H&R already came out lowering springs for the new Macan at 1.5" lower in front/rear. I bought the springs from tirerack and am looking for info on the installation. I have the steel spring w/PASM suspension on my Macan.

Has anyone done this? Any specific info/tips for the installation? I will definitelt go to a shop to do it.

Thanks for the help!

Thanks. I didn't know that.

Would a 2007-08 Boxter 2.7L free of the IMS problem?

Hi all,

I was looking to get a 2002-04 911/996. But after doing some research, I was scared by the potential engine problems. Now I am thinking about the Boxster with the 2.7 engine, which seems to be much more reliable.

What years are good for the Boxster? As I understand the Boxster S has the same engine as the 996 so it is out of question for me. What other potential issues/areas I should look out for the Boxster.

BTW, I drive a 2005 BMW 330ci convertible now and wanted something that handles and drives better. Am I asking too much? LOL

Thanks for your advice!

Just contacted the owner. Car is sold a few hours ago.

Thanks all for the valuable info/suggestions.

I plan to do an PPI next week along with a leakdown test since I am a little concerned with the high mileage. The 996 engine cylinders are a weak part prone to cracking per my research. The engine is expected to need a rebuild by 150k miles.

Good thing the owner has put in an LN 160F thermostat, which helps to keep the engine running cool. I read the Hartech articles about the 996 problems last night. Frankly, it scares me to buy a 996.

I can get a 997 (pay now) or a 996 ( pay later for the repairs/rebuild). The dilemma is the 997 has similar engine problems, albeit to a much lesser extent hopefully.

Got it. Thanks Loren. You are certainly the expert here.

I did run the AutoCheck report and it is clean.

Also additional info about the car: owner did the Targa top TSB to replace a bunch of motors/other stuff. Will also include a set of 19" lobster claw wheels (I guess from 997).

I don't see any airbag operating hrs. Just Short test with Airbag B05 - No fault codes.

Would the airbag operating hrs be same as the engine operating hrs? Pardon for my ignorance.

Thanks for your suggestions. I plan to take the car for an PPI for sure.

The owner is nice enough to send me the Durametric report.

Only fault code is for Alarm I32:

49 - K Lead status: not present

54 - Radio receiver defective

60 - Central locking limit position lock not reached

And the engine rev history:

Range 1 - 11691/2407h

Range 2 - 2/404h

Operating hrs - 2451h

Sorry, the Rennlist link doesn't work.

You can click the Porsche for sale icon and select 911/993/996 and sort by year. It is the silver car for 2002 listed at $29,800.

Features:

Year: 2002 Make: Porsche Model: 911

Miles: 94500 Engine: Fuel Inj. Stereo: AM-FM/CD

Body Style: Targa Transmission: Manual - 6 speed

Color: Artic Silver Drivetrain: 2 Wheel Drive

Options (denoted by check marks):

Power Steering Air Conditioning Rear Defroster

Power Brakes Sunroof Leather/heated Seats

Air Bags Cruise Control Foglamps

Antilock Brakes Power Windows Alarm System

Traction Control Power Locks Intermittent Wipers

Description:

-Immaculately maintained and cared for

-6 speed manual transmission

-94K miles (highway)

-GT3 style side skirts

-Carbon fiber interior trim kit (steering wheel, shift knob, center console, e-brake handle, ac surround)

-Full leather interior with 搒upple? leather seats

-AWE Sport Exhaust System

-B&M Short Shift

-Bilstein PSS9 coilover suspension

-Aluminum sport pedals

-Ipod adaptor

-New clutch at 85K

-New brakes (rotors, pads) at 78K

Hi all,

I have been looking for a 996 and also lurking here for a while. After many great suggestions from the forum members, I decided to get a 2002+ 996. Today I test drove a 2002 Targa with 95k miles. Link here on Rennlist: http://www.rennlist.com/ads/

The car is really clean and the owner seems to be a true Porsche enthusiast. Now the only thing I am worried about is the high mileage. At close to 100k miles, what do I look to repair/replace in the next few years? Is it worth it? The aftermarket exhaust/cats don't have California CARB certification but the car just passed smog test.

The IMS/RMS are still original since there is no sign of any leak, as is the water pump.

We talked about the price and $23k sounds agreeable to both parties. I need to make a decision by this weekend as the owner is going to take the car to a broker next week.

Thanks for your quick advice!

Just test drove this one today. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2212517995.html

It is a 2002 targa, 6-speed, leatherette, no heated seats, with PSM and the 3-piece 18-inch Porsche wheels. Owner did the clutch recently and it felt good. Owner also claims the IMS and RMS were done during the clutch job, but i didn't see the receipts yet. Car got a little over 50k miles, 3 owners. Rear tires have about a few thousand miles left. Car has a few scratches and small dings, and normal wear on interior. Seller is willing to let it go for $26,500.

Carfax and Autocheck both are clean. What do you think?

Thanks for the advice. I have the same feeling about the condition. It seems in northern CA such cars are asking premium.

Another '02 cab with 47k miles and Tiptronic in a better condition is asking for $30k by the owner. Guess I have to be patient.

How is this one I found on cars.com? The mileage is a little high. The free Carfax shows quite a bit of service to fix issues. Does that indicate this is a problem car? Car seems to be in decent condition. I called the selling dealer. It is a custom trade in for a new Toyota. Did the Porsche owner get fed up and traded it in for a Toyota? LOL

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=56733014&listingRecNum=0&criteria=prMx%3D25000%26sf1Dir%3DDESC%26prMn%3D0%26mkId%3D20081%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D20567%26rd%3D100%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice-yrId%26zc%3D95124%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26yrId%3D20142%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

Thanks all for the info and good suggestions.

I really enjoy Porsche shopping. So far, I have test driven a 2002 C4 cab and a 2004 C4S cab. Not really impressed with the '02 but the '04 is WOW!

Any big difference between the two? Both have 50-60k miles. The price difference is about $8k, high $20k vs. mid $30k.. Guess got to pay to play.

At mid $30k the 2007 Cayman is probably a better buy. It is 5 years newer, usually with 20-40k miles and still under warranty.

Do you think so?

What's a fair price for 2002-03 996 in the SF bay area? I have checked local listings and found prices range from mid $20k to over $30k.

I know it all depends on the model and condition but there isn't a clear difference among C2 coupe, targa or cab, or even C4. Assuming the condition is good/avg., what price should I aim at? There seems to be quite some 996's for sale in CA.

And while you are there, you can do the clutch (if it is a manual) and the RMS as well. Same labor with just additional parts cost.

I heard there are aftermarket IMS bearing fixes that can prevent this kind of engine blowup. The part costs from $150 (Pelican Parts) and $500-600 (LN engineering), but the installation costs a few grand. :cursing:

Anyway for a few grand the engine blowup can be avoided as well as the $10-20k cost for a new/reman engine.

Thanks Demosan.

Sounds like the MK2 is the way to go! :thumbup:

Thanks for the info. It is very helpful. I have seen '99-'02 996s selling for low to mid $20k here in CA.

Another question, what's mki and mkii? I heard to get mkii if possible.

Hello,

I am new here and I just joined this forum. I have a BMW 3-series for a few years now and I am looking to get a 1999-2002 Porsche 911 (996). Folks on the BMW forum (E46fanatics) referred me to this forum. I have been reading here for a few days and found it very informational and helpful - the first few pinned threads.

Now based on my very limited reading so far, it seems that the 996 is a good deal but with a few caveats as I summarized below. Here you gurus please chime in with your experience, knowledge and opinions. Nothing beats real world ownership experience. I need your help to solidify my decision to get a Porsche. It is my childhood dream and I hope to fulfill it at least once in my lifetime. I love driving and it is one of very few things I really enjoy a lot. Sorry for the long post.

911 (996) 1999-2004 engine issues:

- Intermix problem: requires engine replacement

- Intermediate shaft bearing failure: requires engine replacement/rebuild but may be fixed with aftermarket kits (LN engineering) as a preventive measure

- Engine rear main seal leak: fix requires dropping the engine but can be done at the same time with clutch work

I also realized that Porsche repairs are expensive mostly due to the tight space requiring dropping the engine/ transmission for most major work.

Thanks for your advice and help!

Jzwu