I was looking to buy a 1999 911 Carrera (40,000 miles)...and was trying to schedule a pre-purchase inspection; but was surprised when the Porsche specialist advised me to stay away from the 1999-2000years unless the engines had already been replaced. He stated that these years have had problems with their engines needing replacement.

I've done about two days worth of researchbut have been unable to find anything definitive. I am trying to learn as much as I can before deciding.

If there is anyone out there that can help me understand what the problem, if any, with these years are; I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

 

Engine replacement?

I have a 1999 911 Carrera (996), which I use as my daily driver with almost 90,000 miles on it. The car does have a technical service bulletin on it for the coolant reservoir tank, so you'll want to ask them if that procedure has been done. I have had some issues witha fewof the sensors (a relay switch for the smog pump, and air bag sensor), but other than that the engine runs perfect. I have heard of these cars having problems with the rear main seal, but that seems to be a select few cars with that problem, and mine has never dripped a drop. These cars take @ 9 quarts of mobil 1 synthetic, so its about $100.00 at the local oil changing shop, but because they hold so much oil it doesn't even look dirty after 5000 miles. All in all you’re going to pay somewhat of a premium for maintenance on these cars, but Porsche has built long lasting reliable cars for decades. Drive one and you'll be hooked too.

Hope this helps,
Kevin

 

He is talking about the earlier Boxters. The cylinder tolerance were not correct for the press fit. At idle they woukld slip and sieze the motor. Porsche replaced the motors with brand new ones from the fatherland.

The 1999 and newer 911's allowed Porsche to be in the top ten (#4 actually) for reliability for the first five years by JD Power. Porsche is at #2 now.

This guy told you the wrong model. I have a 1999 911 cab that i bought new and picked it up in mid 1998. The car has been perfect. Best car i own. It is not for sale! Itis always worthwhile to do a prebuy on used stuff.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

Lee

 

I agree with ladams. I actually had a salesman at my local Porsche dealer say something similar. I have a '99 C2 Cab and was stopping by to look at the 997s. He asked me what year it was and I told him. He commented on how good it looked and proceeded to ask if it was the original engine. I told him it was and that it has been problem free with over 40K miles. He made a comment that I am playing with fire and the engines in the early models are time bombs. I just figured he was trying to get me to buy a 997. He had a number of 99s and 2000s on the lot and I should have asked him why he is selling the 'time bombs'!

Do your research. I did and found that the RMS issue is way overemphasized on these web boards and rarely causes catastrophic failures, particularly when monitored properly.

The 996 has enabled Porsche to move to the top of the reliability rankings and that includes all models. Yes, the early models may have higher failure rates statistically, but the numbers are so small that isn't likely to affect you. Furthermore, if an engine is going to fail from defects in manufacturing/design it is more likely to fail early (ie. 20-30K miles or less).

Good luck. Don't let the dealer scare you. Do your reasearch, have a PPI done, and make the best decision.

 

Sorry to hijack your post but I have a question that is related to a topic here.

I am looking for instructions on changing the oil fora 1999 911 cabriolet. It is my parents and my father changes all the oil in his cars but not the Porsche he just bought. I told him I could find it on the Internet but that has proven to be more difficult than I expected.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

nevermind...found how to do it. here it is if anyone needs this.

http://p-car.com/996/diy/oilchange/