Hello there,


I’m new to the forum and even newer to Porsche ownership as I’m finally contemplating the lifelong dream of getting one. My story is by no means unique as I understand that many of us had to build up to the financial security of being able to afford one. So here I am, ready to take the plunge looking at a 2003 C4S, a beautiful dark blue with gray interior which, while fairly basic it only has 45K miles making what I thought was a great deal and safe bet. Then I get on Carfax and learned that the transmission has been down twice (to complete repair?), and the Front Main Seal was repaired once. Here are some entries from the report:


Seat or seat upholstery repaired
Interior trim repaired
Dash trim panel replaced/repaired
Interior front pillar trim replaced
Airbag system checked
Axle bearing replaced
Front crankshaft oil seal replaced
Front seatbelt(s) replaced
Transmission removed to complete repair
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Window motor(s) replaced
Front window repaired
Transmission removed to complete repair
Lighter replaced/repaired
Instrument cluster replaced/repaired


The car has not been in any accidents so that’s a plus. However I have been reading about known issues with the Rear Main Seals (RMS) on the 996 and 997 chassis models and the IMS Catastrophic failure and preventive repair kit (a $2,000 repair when done timely- Arizona cost) and I’m getting a bit concern about the purchase, I am in Baltimore, MD. Now, the Porsche 911 is something I’ve wanted since I was in the 8th grade. I’ve own many cars in my life but never the one I really wanted and I do want this car.


Any thoughts about these concerns, recommendations, ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.


Looking forward to becoming a car-holding member of the forum.


Carlos.

 

How much are they asking? Did you take it to Porsche purchase inspection for them to do a check on it (about $400)? I did before I bought my 2003 C2 and it was worth it, they found any issues and I was able to get the price down to cover expenses.

 

Remember it's a 9 year-old car. Those repairs don't sound that far out of line. The transmission must be dropped in order to reach the rear main seal. Wheel bearings and window motors/regulators are pretty common. I wouldn't worry about it too much if the PPI checks out...

 

It sounds like a we'll maintained car to me. When I have a car inspected I'm concerned about known issues left uncorrected.

 

Thanks a bunch for the input guys, make me feel better about the car. Maybe I'm worrying about it a bit much, just want to make sure I don't mess up this purchase. In response to Gregg996, they want $35k. As I said, it's a base model C4S Coupe/6Spd. But it looks really clean on the pics. This is an out of state purchase so I would have to hire an inspector (know of any?) to do the leg work with the intention to fly out and drive it home.

Any thoughts or stories about IMS (Intermediate Shaft) failures? I was on the "LN Engineering" site and they really raise concerns about the possibility of this part failing on several model years (2000 to 2008).

 

35K seems high to me. I would expect to pay somewhere in the mid~high twenties. You *need* to get it inspected regardless of where it is.

Tranny dropped twice wouldn't concern me at all, given the age of the vehicle. There are *so* many maintenance/repair items that require (or benefit) from dropping the tranny that I'm actually surprised that it has only been down twice.

Yes, the IMS bearing may fail, as might the water pump, intercooler, or myriad other parts. Frankly I wouldn't get too worked up about it. There are measures you can take to identify/prevent the issue. Do a search on this forum - it's probably the most over-discussed topic here.

 

you really should get a PPI before you buy any pre-owned car

any porsche dealer should do it or preferably a really good indy porsche mechanic

 

Again, thanks for the info. I thought it was a good deal based on KBB values and comparisons on Car Gurus. I suppose I need to keep looking.

Any thoughts on 911 sources for purchase? Besides Autotrader, Cars.com. ebay and the afore mentioned CarGurus.

 

The price seems to be right for 03 c4s with 45Kmi

 

FWIW,
I just bought a 2003 C4S and love the car. I replaced the IMS bearing and RMS when it was down for pre-purchase inspection and I think it was worth the investment and that's what you have to figure out, is it worth it to you. I did purchase a warranty as well 3/36 because it's a 9 year old car and things are going to fail especially if it's not been driven a lot, mine had 31k on it! That being said I've had it about a month now with no problems I drive it on weekends only. When starting out don't idle warm, start it and go, but keep the RPM's less than 3k until it warms up which here in Florida is quick. Then when driving keep the RPM's over 3K, I usually go 3K to 5500K and have fun!

Keep the shiney side up!

 

You mentioned AZ when referencing the cost for the IMS retrofit. If it is in Phoenix, then I recommend Beck's European do the PPI. They are awesome and very fair. Pcar prices tend to be higher here than in many other parts of the country. I am always checking the local market and no way you are touching that car here for under $30K so the price seems to be right for AZ.

 

ctoro99. I think you did the right thing ie walking away from that particular car. assuming the driver(s) knew how to handle a 6 speed... having the tranny go out twice is an issue in my book. Somehow I wonder if that is just the result of some other problems. Also, too much repairing going on in the interior. My C2 after 9 years was immaculate and my 996TT after 8 years is still smelling new.. Porsche interiors are - perhaps not the cutest - but they certainly wear very well. You made the right decision I think. There are many others to chose from and remember the hunt is as exciting as the purchase!!

 

I'm a newbie 2 - And I have to agree - the Machbx has had very little done - 1 door handle. I also looked nationwide - but I'm glad I went local - bc there's going to be things that scream "yes" or "no" w no real reason. I had wanted a 2003 Targa - but the P dealer here in STL told me I didn't want a high mileage 996 - now I hear only get one w 80k on the clock - I assume that tells you the IMS bearing won't go - but I can't follow that logic. Then I get to this forum (after mine broke down - different car) and I hear lots of folks saying don't buy a "garage queen" (And now I know why But I am very pleased w the car. I'm taking the dealership to court bc they lied to me - but I do love the car - I was certain I didn't want an "s" of any kind and turbo's are pricey - and I had a turbo catch on fire once. Make yourself a list and then try to hit s many of those items as you can. I know fold a fact that I paid too much for mine bc I went buy KBB.

 

So as far as keeping the revs up, why do you pick 3 grand? I have been a wrench wench for years and would never tell anyone to keep there car over a shift point. Meaning when you hear that it wants to shift, shift. I hear thing about that IMS failure - and with all the hypothosis around mine is just one more - that there is fine fine line between too much vibration and lugging - I will be doing the IMS mod at 80 k or sooner - I plan on using the Guardian and I'm a firm believer in excellent oil and changes so I am going to do the spin on filter mod so that all and just not some, of the oils gets filtered I will also do my changes at 3-5 which will be fine since I'll do them myself(I just had the rms, clutch kit and flywheel done, and when I asked abt the IMS my Porsche tech said he had never seen an IMSB failure and that if if that was true my double row 3.4 would be least likely to have it) So who knows.

 

machbx... did your ims on your car go out?