Will not driving a 996 kill it?
Discussion
First time venturing into this corner of PH as I seem to have reached that time in my life where a 911 wouldn't be complete financial suicide.
Im currently looking at a 2001 manual C4 with 80k on the clock. It's at a garage that specialises in performance/prestige cars. It has full Porsche history until it came into the hands of the last owner in 2011. From that point it's indie receipts for the odd service but doesn't seem religious/by the book. Body wise it's spotless, 4 matched pirellis (always think matched decent tyres are a good sign), new discs and pads and expansion tank was recently replaced. Only real concern is an oil weep which I assume is RMS so I think I'd just get the clutch, IMS and RMS done straight away.
I suspect the "light" servicing is due to the last owner only doing on average 1k miles per year over the last 8 years. Would such light use be bad for the future of the car? My own use would also be light. Used daily for short 3 to 4 miles journeys to drop kids here and there. Is it a bad idea to use these cars for short journeys, do they really need warmed up? I would be doing at least 1 longer 60 mile run in to work once a week.
Im currently looking at a 2001 manual C4 with 80k on the clock. It's at a garage that specialises in performance/prestige cars. It has full Porsche history until it came into the hands of the last owner in 2011. From that point it's indie receipts for the odd service but doesn't seem religious/by the book. Body wise it's spotless, 4 matched pirellis (always think matched decent tyres are a good sign), new discs and pads and expansion tank was recently replaced. Only real concern is an oil weep which I assume is RMS so I think I'd just get the clutch, IMS and RMS done straight away.
I suspect the "light" servicing is due to the last owner only doing on average 1k miles per year over the last 8 years. Would such light use be bad for the future of the car? My own use would also be light. Used daily for short 3 to 4 miles journeys to drop kids here and there. Is it a bad idea to use these cars for short journeys, do they really need warmed up? I would be doing at least 1 longer 60 mile run in to work once a week.
Ideally you want the car to be driven until the oil temperature gauge gets up to running temperature. My 997 takes about 6 miles to do this.
A good long run once a week should negate most of the short journey effects.
I'd suggest driving gently when the engine is cold; don't exceed 3k revs but also don't push the engine in a high gear from lowish revs.
If you want one, go for it!
A good long run once a week should negate most of the short journey effects.
I'd suggest driving gently when the engine is cold; don't exceed 3k revs but also don't push the engine in a high gear from lowish revs.
If you want one, go for it!
Opinions differ, but my view is that as long as you get the car warmed up and used properly once in a while it won’t suffer. As I say opinions differ, but cars don’t wear out standing still. Of course it’s worth taking proper precautions if stored (battery conditioner), don’t flat spot the tyres, protect from moisture etc.
Having said that, repeated short runs won’t do it any favours. Hence low mileage doesn’t always equate to good condition.
My C4 does 3000 miles in a good year, often less, but most of the journeys are 30 plus miles if not three figures.
Having said that, repeated short runs won’t do it any favours. Hence low mileage doesn’t always equate to good condition.
My C4 does 3000 miles in a good year, often less, but most of the journeys are 30 plus miles if not three figures.
Many components in a car were designed to run efficiently at a certain temperature, and I'd like to think that running the car at its intended temperature also helps ensure things don't seize from lack of "proper" use. I'm not an expert so this is just an opinion.
Of course if you drive a car more, generally parts wear out quicker than not driving it at all, but I agree with the above posters that it should be fine as long as it was warmed up properly. I personally like to think that these cars also benefit from being driven hard every now and again, so long as the owner is mechanically sympathetic.
Of course if you drive a car more, generally parts wear out quicker than not driving it at all, but I agree with the above posters that it should be fine as long as it was warmed up properly. I personally like to think that these cars also benefit from being driven hard every now and again, so long as the owner is mechanically sympathetic.
Be wary if the body is "spotless".
I bought a spotless Merc E Class from Mercedes UK five years ago. They warranty the paint on used cars.
This one had somehow missed their 121 point check and a large stone chip a week after purchase indicated all was not as it seemed.
Half the car had been painted it was discovered. Merc refunded my money without hesitation.
Beware the spotless car!
I bought a spotless Merc E Class from Mercedes UK five years ago. They warranty the paint on used cars.
This one had somehow missed their 121 point check and a large stone chip a week after purchase indicated all was not as it seemed.
Half the car had been painted it was discovered. Merc refunded my money without hesitation.
Beware the spotless car!
There were signs of age and use so when I say spotless I suppose I'm summarising my assessment of the body work ie no rust, obvious dents, bumper scuffs, horrendous stonechips etc. It appeared reassuringly well looked after but I dare say my second inspection this friday may find flaws.
I'm currently trying to get a rough cost for clutch, IMS and RMS replacement from my local indie. They are conveniently located across the road from the trader selling the car. I could possibly do the work myself.
I'm currently trying to get a rough cost for clutch, IMS and RMS replacement from my local indie. They are conveniently located across the road from the trader selling the car. I could possibly do the work myself.
nunpuncher said:
I suspect the "light" servicing is due to the last owner only doing on average 1k miles per year over the last 8 years. Would such light use be bad for the future of the car?
1k per year as 10 x 100 mile trips on a motorway - very good, 50 x 2 mile trips = awfulnunpuncher said:
My own use would also be light. Used daily for short 3 to 4 miles journeys to drop kids here and there. Is it a bad idea to use these cars for short journeys, do they really need warmed up? I would be doing at least 1 longer 60 mile run in to work once a week.
Those sort of journeys are pretty bad for any car except maybe cars designed specifically for city use. Cars appreciate being properly warmed up, run a bit and then warmed down sensiblyanonymous said:
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Niggles aren't too much of a worry. The unlubricated fist of complete engine Bork is a different matter.The way I see it the non rich PHs such as myself have 2 choices. Drive a compromise or drive something interesting. Most things interesting seem to carry risk for some reason.
No it won't. As others have said i think its important to get the car warmed up properly once in a while, it also helps if you can tuck it away in a garage. My 996T has been with me for over six years and the mileage is a few thousand a year at best, in that time it has always been garaged and doesn't come out during winter, it has also been tucked up in a carcoon for a year and half and not turned a wheel with no negative effects.
Edited by shantybeater on Wednesday 27th February 15:07
shantybeater said:
No it won't. As others have said i think its important to get the car warmed up properly once in a while, it also helps if you can tuck it away in a garage. My 996T has been with me for over six years and the mileage is a few thousand a year at best, in that time it has always been garaged and doesn't come out during winter, it has also been tucked up in a carcoon for a year and half and not turned a wheel with no negative effects.
Ditto same for me mostly less then 500 miles a year for the past 6 years, with one 1500 (Europe road trip never missed a beat), started to live in a Carcoon 18months ago as well.. Serviced every year on schedule thou,..Edited by shantybeater on Wednesday 27th February 15:07
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I've not seen many for sale with a hartech rebuild recently. About 7 years ago I went through this process of considering a 996. At the time I remember deciding not to buy a Lapis Blue one with a hartech rebuild for a mere £10k purely because I didn't like the grey interior.What an idiot.
I will echo much of the above. I am of the view that short journeys do little harm (assuming you don’t thrash it from cold) if they are intermingled with some longer journeys, we are no longer in the era of inefficient carburettors and chokes that oil up the plugs etc.
To be honest underuse can be detrimental, seals dry out (has it got aircon? Does it work?) batteries die, tyres go hard, brakes seize etc etc. But if all this is ok the long term effects should be fine.
I’ll also agree with the above, any spotless car nearly 20 years old with 80k miles has clearly seen paint. That’s only to be expected but you need to convince yourself that whatever has been done is a decent job.
To be honest underuse can be detrimental, seals dry out (has it got aircon? Does it work?) batteries die, tyres go hard, brakes seize etc etc. But if all this is ok the long term effects should be fine.
I’ll also agree with the above, any spotless car nearly 20 years old with 80k miles has clearly seen paint. That’s only to be expected but you need to convince yourself that whatever has been done is a decent job.
I've been commuting in mine. I'd guess my commute is about 6 miles. Does the car get up to temp - no idea. The only one thing I'm gentle with is the gear change as they dont like going into gear cold and I dont want any 2nd gear problems in the future. I generally stick to the first 3 forward gears to keep the revs up a little.
You are buying an 18 year old car and you have absolutely no idea what has been done to it before you so my view is just get on with it. You need to be sure you want one because if it throws up some bills you need to prepared to just pay up and not start grumbling. There might be no bills and you might do well.
My friend bought a 2003 996 last year and then his first service was £3k for clutch, brakes and coils. His had done very little mileage for a few years before he bought it. Most people prefer low mileage cars because they are less used or whatever but I think these are most likely to throw up bills if nothing has been done to it for years.
I really like mine even though it is probably totally inappropriate for commuting and I should probably ride a bike or get public transport but where is the fun in that.
I'd say get an earlier car without 4wd and just enjoy it whenever you can.
You are buying an 18 year old car and you have absolutely no idea what has been done to it before you so my view is just get on with it. You need to be sure you want one because if it throws up some bills you need to prepared to just pay up and not start grumbling. There might be no bills and you might do well.
My friend bought a 2003 996 last year and then his first service was £3k for clutch, brakes and coils. His had done very little mileage for a few years before he bought it. Most people prefer low mileage cars because they are less used or whatever but I think these are most likely to throw up bills if nothing has been done to it for years.
I really like mine even though it is probably totally inappropriate for commuting and I should probably ride a bike or get public transport but where is the fun in that.
I'd say get an earlier car without 4wd and just enjoy it whenever you can.
996Targa said:
Isn't it a water temperature gauge in a 996? The air cooled cars had an oil temperature gauge as they were largely oil cooled, 13L as opposed to (I think) 10L. The oil takes about twice as long to get up to temperature as the water.
Yes. Only water no oil temp gauge in a996.Gassing Station | 911/Carrera GT | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff