Reliability of Porsche 966

[Preslow]

hey all;

I'm considering buying a 911 Carerra, more specifically 2002-2003 Porsche 911 Carrera Rwd Coupe.
However, I'm just curious what the reliability is? I've owned unreliable cars to reliable cars, and IMO the worst thing is buying a moneypit. From my research, this car looks pretty solid reliably but with super expensive parts. Also does high miles/km matter on these? Is it worth buying an extended warranty?
thanks so much for your help if you can help me out! and i'm not sure where the best Porsche board is, any recommendations? thanks again! =)

[510-Trevor]

Here is a good read about that generation of 911: http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/cc/99-04porsche911.htm
Includes web forum references.

[rp_guy]

PS i think you mean 996

[em2ab]

Originally posted by rp_guy
PS i think you mean 996

Where's the script?

[adamc]

I'm going to have a 2001 C4S for sale super cheap here right away. PM me if interested.

[C4S]

2002 and up are SUPER reliable ..

2001 is ok reasonable reliable.. but you know they changed the 996 quite a bit from 2002 and on, right?

2002 - 2004/5 is the 996 MK II, much better and more reliable engine, some improved tranny, upgraded suspension, NEW turbo look headlight, (that is important) new turbo style fender, (not as FLAT as earlier model) different front and rear bumpers .. slightly improved interior.

That is why, you will see a huge price different between 2001 and 2002 model, (it makes the 2001 model looks like bargain)

1999 and 2000 models are general having more problem .. however, we are talking ~ 10 yr old car here, so problem is expected, and I am sure if someone says 996 is unreliabe, they are talking the early 996.

You will surprised how affordable 996 generation 911 is, oil change is like $600, brake is like only $2K.:) as long as no major problem, they are cheap to keep!:thumbsup:

[Neil4Speed]

Do some research into this, but I believe that that generation of 911's had a crucial engine problem in selected models.

Great info C4S!

[C4S]

Originally posted by Neil4Speed
Do some research into this, but I believe that that generation of 911's had a crucial engine problem in selected models.

Great info C4S!

Yeah .. "some" early model .. may be small % ..

When I had my early 996 5.5 yr ago, I got like ZERO problem at all, when I sold it, it had 60,000 km already, and I had the engine checked, no problem at all.

But yet .. I have read lots of problem for 99/2000 model. (including boxster)

When you are buying a Porsche, try to buy the latest one and the best with full service record, even you may pay more.

Try to avoid US car if you can, unless you know the car from day one. I have seen SO MANY cases .. with UNEXPECTED problem .. and easy to cost $10K plus.

(I think one beyonder said he bought a US boxster, and costed him $15K on whatever??)

:)

[Redlyne_mr2]

Yep good advice, try and stay away from US Porsches and pre 01's. Personally I think the quality on the 996 went down compared to the 993 however it really improved again with the 997.

[Casa]

there's still problems with the 997 Porsche's as well with the RMS which is rough. However if it gets fixed, it won't re-occur.