PCGB - 996 Carrera - Buyer’s Checklist

The 996 is a complicated piece of machinery, and early models are now approaching 12 years old.

Whilst the majority of well-serviced and cared-for cars give largely trouble-free motoring, there are

areas that need careful attention when viewing a prospective purchase. Please don’t be put off by

this rather exhaustive list. It was compiled after visits to two independent Porsche workshops - Jaz in

Wembley, and Wrightune in Wallingford. We asked the proprietors to try and list every issue that

they had seen more than once. We hope it will provide a useful checklist when viewing a car, but

would recommend a professional inspection by an Official Porsche Centre, or a recognised

anniversary of its registration or 125000 miles. A more

comprehensive and far more detailed check by an inspection specialist such as Peter Morgan, for

example, may be a better option if you are less concerned about the Porsche warranty – or you could

always have both!! Many independent Porsche specialists also perform PPIs, and can carry out

additional tests such as cylinder leakage tests and diagnostic checks.

This checklist is intended to outline the additional checks you would make on a car apart from the

usual ones normally expected – V5C, MOT, HPI check, paint condition, interior condition, panel gaps,

water and rot the radiators.

Unclip the front carpet trim (2 black plastic stud nuts and 2 trim

studs) and peel back the carpet. Look for panel damage or

replacement panels that might indicate a front end impact. Note

that the sealant used at the factory on panel joints is a light

caramel colour.

Luggage

Compartment

The C2 comes with an inflated space-saver spare wheel, stored

vertically in the front compartment. On C4 versions it is deflated -

under the floor carpet, and should come with a compressor to

inflate it. There should also be a jack and basic toolkit. Make sure

Rear PU Again, these are often repainted due to chipping and minor

scratches – check for splits and cracks that could indicate more

Cabriolet Top On Pre-facelift cars the rear plastic screen is prone to cracking

across the middle unless the ‘Boxster chop’ is performed (while

the top is half-way though it’s drop, run your hand horizontally

across the rear window to ensure an even fold). A replacement

plastic window will cost approximately £250 and a replacement

hood around £750 fitted (non-Porsche)

Rear Spoiler The rear wing should automatically deploy at 75mph and retract

disabled.

Climate Control Make sure to check that the air-con blasts freezing cold air at its

lowest setting. Air conditioning problems can be expensive to

rectify. Common faults are corroded radiator matrices (see above

– c£500) or the filter/dryer canister (c£150).

be replaced courtesy of your insurance company, subject to

paying the excess (c£50).

Ignition Switch It is not uncommon for the ignition switch to fail. The plastic

barrel can crack, preventing the switch from returning to its 1

st

position once the engine has started. Also the contacts in the

switch can break, causing strange electrical faults. (c£22 part

cost).

The electrical systems of the 996 are generally very reliable, but

check all switches and controls perform their correct function.

Oil Pressure When hot:

At least 1.0 bar at idle

Temperature When hot: slightly over the 80°C marker

Oil Filler Cap &

Also look at the oil on the dipstick. Any traces of white foamy

substance (water/oil emulsion) and you should also start walking!

Coolant Expansion

These are prone to cracking and pinholes. Look for staining of the

engine bay panels below the tank. Not too expensive to replace

at around £250.

Idle Should be a steady 680-700 rpm when warm. Some 996’s suffer

from a slightly lumpy idle, particularly when cold. A severely

erratic idle could be caused by a fault in a Variocam solenoid

(c£400), MAF sensor (c£150) or Ignition Coil Pack (c£30 each)

Rear Main Oil Seal It is no secret that this is a common problem with the M96 en

clutch needs changing and replace the seal at that time. Multiple

failures have been recorded, but they are rare. Tiptronics appear

to be less prone, but not immune, to the problem. Cost when

doing a clutch change is an extra £20 or so, otherwise it is a

Startup Don’t be alarmed if there is a rattle at engine startup from cold.

This often happens before pressure has built up in the hydraulic

valve lifters. It should disappear within 5 seconds or so.

Manual Check for smooth operation and changes. Note that when cold

the change from first to second gear can be slightly stiff, but this

should disappear when warmed up. Listen for noises when

accelerating and on a trailing throttle. All parts are now available

for manual transmissions, so they can be repaired rather than

replaced (as was the case until December 2006).

Tiptronic Check for smooth changes (up and down) when in automatic and

tiptronic mode. Check both tip switches on the steering wheel are

working, and also check the tiptronic display in the instrument