I'm looking to buy a used 911. I'm considering three models: 2002 Targa, 2002 C4S or 2001 Turbo, all with manual trans. How many miles are too many for these cars assuming the cars were not driven on the track and the previous owner did not have a death wish? I understand the difference between the turbo and non-turbo engines and I've read about the horror stories of failed RMS on the non-turbo engines. Realizing these are used cars, are there any gremlins waiting to leave me stranded with my bank account drained? I've called the dealer and know the cost of buying both types of engines so I'm a little nervous, particularly regarding the turbo engine. Any suggestion regarding price? Help, I need some information, otherwise I may have to continue living with my 95 M3.

 

Well, the turbo engines are pretty much bulletproof, so I am not sure why you are nervous about that one. They use the tried and true traditional 911 case and design. The 996 engine on the other hand is the japanese design which has had the rms and intermediate shaft issues (though the internet will lead you to believe this happens to every other case, but I assure you, the % are very small of failure).

Since you are buying used, expect to have maintenance costs right off the bat. How much is going to depend on the mileage of the car, and how much the previous owner has done. Buying a car with 15k miles on it isn't going to be as big of a deal as buying one with 30 or 60k on it. Expect the 30-60k car to need at least brakes, and a possible clutch near 60k. A turbo should have the spark plugs done every 30k miles (it is not recommended until 45k by Porsche IIRC, but we see them start to give problems around 30k). Spark plugs on a turbo engine is about 8 hours. On an NA engine is about 3, and you can get at least 45k if not 60k out of the NA plugs.

On a used 911, make sure to budget about 2-4k a year for maintenance. Some years you probably will not spend anything other than oil changes, especially if you don't drive it much, but you can plan on eventually having to do brakes, clutch, tires (quite expensive), etc.

If you hold out for an 02 turbo, there were some nice changes that the 01 didn't have, like the glovebox.

 

I opted for the 01 turbo, I bought mine at 16k miles and have done some planned maintenace such as the 30k service with the new rated plugs (FR6?) in addition to some mild upgrades (shifter kit, GIAC stage 2).

There are a couple reasons for my opting for the '01, first and foremost is cost, 01's seem to be considerably less expensive. The other is the later years have the Bose fiber optic audio system and subwoofer...no thanks. I was able to install an aftermarket GPS touchscreen with minimal issues in my '01 with the analog system, and the analog drivers have amazing frequency response.. I think coming from a 911 with a glove box to one without would be a small pain, but if this is your first 996, its no big deal. There is plenty of storage in the doors and center console.

I was initially concerned with the engines as well, having a blown NSX engine in my repotoir. However, the 993/996 turbo dry sump engines are basically detuned GT1 race engines and are legendary and bulletproof as Doc mentioned. It's all in the upkeep as well.

I think if any issue, it would be the 2nd gear pop out issue, you can search the forums on that, appearently, there is a small percentage of those as well. (6speedonline.com and rennlist.net).

 

Hi Porsche Guru's,
Can you tell me if the Porsche 2001 Turbo engine is inherantly rattly when at running temp?
Glenn