Buying a 996 C2S Cabriolet - Advice

PhilKent · Mar 27, 2018

Hi all,

Just thought I'd post a quick request for any advice regards viewing and buying a C2S cab on an 02 plate. I've read the buying guides etc and have a bit of knowledge about porsche in general owning a 1985 944 turbo for the past 15 years. Just though I may get some useful tips about the 2002 generation 996 cab from folk on here. Being 16yrs old, what are the typical areas of wear and tear/corrosion etc.
The car in question has had a replacement engine under warranty in 2007 (at just 20k miles), having covered a further 40k since. Great service history and file (not yet viewed the file). MOT history looks good with no major failure issues over the years.
Doubt the owner is on here as he's only owned it for 2 years (scratching that itch), but if you are, Hello!

Thanks in advance for any tips.

andywill · Mar 27, 2018

Hi Philip
Good luck in your quest, , no doubt you have read up a lot so you should be aware of most issues. Give the hood and it’s workings a good check, any dampness on the F & R carpets, steamy windows, corrosion should be zero any?poor accident repair. Have good check of front rads, stick your hand in if full of crud suspect there condition, low speed over speed humps listen for creaky suspension, condition of discs. oil leaks around RMS, all areas where you can wheel & deal. if you like it ? getting a independent check.
They are great cars and lot of cabs around this time of year so don’t rush and walk if you’re not smitten.
Good luck & kind Regards
Andy

PhilKent · Mar 27, 2018

Thanks for the tips Andy, much appreciated.

tim92gts · Mar 28, 2018

Our '03 has been fine. Just over 100k miles now and apart from regular service it's had a coffin arm, minor soft top fault and one rad.

Exhaust was a bit rattly a few years ago which took some time as the studs were seized, not too expensive though.

I make sure coolant is changed every five years, change gearbox oil every c40k miles and use a 10W-50 synthetic with a bit of zddp in the engine.

It doesn't like pot holes but so far the council has paid up, had a realignment a couple of years ago.

We've had good service at Autostrasse in Coggeshall.

Still drives well and hasn't been an expensive car to own. It'll be a change after a 951.

DrSimon · Mar 28, 2018

Hi Phil,

Good luck with this. If you have any doubts I would certainly get Porsche Inspections to give it a going over. Then you'll have some bargaining power if any potential nasties are pointed out.

Simon

PhilKent · Mar 28, 2018

Having seen it today, I went ahead and bought it. Can't wait to pick it up Friday and enjoy the Easter weekend, if only the clouds would break.... Thanks for the advice...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201803254918309?logcode=visc&fromSA=true

andywill · Mar 28, 2018

Looks very nice
Enjoy

PhilKent · Mar 28, 2018

Thanks Andy,

Side question following the test drive. It drove superb with no signs of issues with steering, suspension, engine etc, however I did comment that the brakes felt a bit wooden. The owner agreed, but they do appear in great shape and fluid was replaced last year.
Is it normal for a 996 (particularly when not driven hard and warmed up properly) to have 'wooden' feeling brakes? Or is this where my bills start!!

andywill · Mar 29, 2018

Not an uncommon statement, I would be surprised if you have an issue.

pattersonoxford · Mar 29, 2018

I bought my 996 C4 manual cabriolet four years ago and have enjoyed every day of ownership. Even the day I had to have new switchable sports exhaust boxes fitted.

As for tips:

Always use Shell V-Power petrol.
Ignore anyone who says a cabriolet isn't a proper 911.

Enjoy,

Jerry

PhilKent · Mar 29, 2018

I'm very used to all the jibs about 'poor mans porsche', VW, Audi etc etc!
I bought my 944 Turbo nearly 16 years ago now and it was 16 at the time, now I've bought a 996 which is 16, I wonder if I'll own it as long...they'll be stable mates for a long time to come now....
I've always wanted a rag top since my Dad had a Triumph Spitfire for a while when I was a kid. I loved that open top driving. I remember being harassed by some young hooligans in a Cortina one day and my Dad racing them through the back roads in North Wales. Suffice to say we left them for dead!

JHMotorsport · Apr 10, 2018

PhilKent said:
Thanks Andy,

Side question following the test drive. It drove superb with no signs of issues with steering, suspension, engine etc, however I did comment that the brakes felt a bit wooden. The owner agreed, but they do appear in great shape and fluid was replaced last year.
Is it normal for a 996 (particularly when not driven hard and warmed up properly) to have 'wooden' feeling brakes? Or is this where my bills start!!

Yes I would agree that the brakes can and do feel 'wooden' or a little dead at slower speeds ... basically I describe it as 'under assisted'.
The advantage of the lack of feel is that they perform brilliantly when used 'enthusiastically' and come to life. Personally I think they are fantastic brakes and stand up well to hard usage given they are standard road brakes.

Contrast this with my M3 brakes from the same era which are okay at pedestrian speeds and quite assisted, almost overly assisted. They feel like they are made of cheese when used hard;-)