Looking at a 2001 996 C2

powell4665

Any thoughts on this model an year. It seems to be in great shape with a new clutch and ready to go. Does anybody know of any problems I should know about?

kyfdx

powell4665 said:

Any thoughts on this model an year. It seems to be in great shape with a new clutch and ready to go. Does anybody know of any problems I should know about?

I think the 996s had a lot of problems.

We'll see if we can flag down @Mr_Shiftright to come in here and give his expert opinion.

Mr_Shiftright

Oh yeah, you have to be very careful about the IMS (Intermediate Shaft Bearing), the air/oil separator, and engine rear main seal leaks. The separator and rear main seal can be inspected during a pre-purchase inspection but the IMS can hide itself and rear its ugly head at any time.

Some 996s have had the IMS bearing retrofitted and a plate affixed to the door opening. If "your" car doesn't have proof of this upgrade, your only recourse is to remove the oil filter and saw it in half. If you see very fine powdery metal debris, it is possible to change the oil every 3,000 and avoid catastrophe (or not). If you see larger bits of debris, then that engine is doomed already and there's nothing to be done for it.

Given that an engine rebuild on a 996 is $18,000, my advice would be to only buy one that has the IMS upgrade, with PROOF of it. I would hope that when putting in the new clutch, someone did this.

You also have the option of buying the car cheap (this is, by the way, why the 996 IS so cheap to buy), and retro-fitting the IMS bearing yourself, for about $4000. Cheap insurance if you ask me.

Short Answer? Be very VERY careful.