2002 Porsche 911 C2
 

Hi guys,
I am thinking about buying a US imported 2002 Porsche 911 C2 with 48,000 km. Anyone has any comment or opinion on the vehicle?

Also if I do decide to pick it up, any recommand shop to go to?

Thanks

If you're a 911 purist, you would know better than to get a watercooled P-car. :p

Jokes aside, get a proper PPI done especially because the mileage is so low. These cars were meant to be driven, not garaged. By 2002, Porsche would have already corrected the issues that plagued early Boxsters and 996s so the common problems would not have spilled over. That said, always always always do a PPI first and ensure there is a good, thick pile of receipts and maintenance history. If no history of maintenance records or receipts, run as far away as you possibly can. If you ever tried to sell your P-car to another buyer, you'll need a lot of good luck charms or hope you find a sucker.

Locally, Weissach is a good shop for servicing but I'm sure there are others out there.

Don't forget, Pelican Parts and Pelican Forums is your friend.

Take it easy now Mike. :p

If you're on the North Shore and do pick up the car, I recommend taking it to Scan Automotive and talk to James or Denver.

Scan Automotive is good too! :)

Edit: Check for any kind of damage/accidents. The 996 (like its older counterparts) are constructed of a unibody (sp) meaning there is no "frame." While it may look pretty, a bad accident can yield undesired concequences.

Or to Blitzkrieg autowerks and talk to Chyne or Bob.

look for a failed rear main seal. that's what everyone tells me. it's not cheap to do if it's leaking, so negotiate to get it fixed on the seller's dime or have the price discounted. if not... run away.

yep.

common problem for those cars are leaking real seals...

it'll be nice if the car also had service history with it too..

02' cars are better than the early 996 ones...

and trust me, get one with a leather interior pkg, as the basic one is very very plastic and gross..

Leaking rear main seal is what plagued the early watercooled Porsches (98-00/01.) By 2002, most of them were rectified by the factory but still insist on getting it checked out.

when i asked around i was told even the 2002-up models with the 3.6L engine still do leak, but not in the numbers the pre-2002 ones did...

don't forget the alcantara headliner... i know it's an expensive option but it's like a guilty sin to me :p

Lots of members have said it already, make sure you have all the history. Get it checked up.

and if anything be sure to bring it to a good shop and get it done the first time.
SCAN automotive is a great place.

These cars aren't as unreliable as people have claimed, I've had mine for a year and half and only had to do regular maintenance

good luck!


edit: btw try getting a 996 with the PSE (porsche sport exhaust) so you would save a bit from changing exhaust in the future because the PSE is one of the best sounding exhausts for the 996 ;)

never knew they had it on 996.. havent seen one in person with Sport exhaust yet..

sport exhaust on 997 is quite rare too.. and yes it is totally worth the money. car sounds so much meaner.. much meaner than the turbo'ed 911's.

u've seen mine, mine has the PSE :thumbsup:

Thanks for the reply, really appraciated!

It's actually my good friend's vehicle that he just simply doesn't drive it. he puts only 1000km in last 2 years, I am pretty sure his battery dies lol...

I believe he did the maintence from Weissach and CG Motorsport in Richmond. He only did 2 or 3 maintence since porsche requires services every 20k km?

There is no accident other than his porsche chest on the hood been stolen twice...

As far as option goes, it's pretty loaded other than navigation. Still need to check out more detail when he's available.

Again thanks for everyone's input!

when you buy it, first things first. change the damned battery. the oem ones arent good at being used during storage.. and theyre 400 bucks a pop.

if u do store it though, buy a battery kill switch.

kal// you have sport exhaust..? i never heard ur car actually so i have no idea. i only seen it. never heard it.

you'll hear it soon enough

post pictures when you get, and I believe there wasn't navi for the 02 - 03 996 because my 996 was a managers car from MCL so it was fully loaded with every option pretty much

Good thing the OP didn't ask if it has turbo or not.

I got another question...

Is it really bad to drive it in the winter? I plan to purchase another set of rims and put the winter tires on. It's going to be my DD for now. For sure I will not drive it in the snow, but how about cold weather?

I've had mid engine rear wheel drive vehicle before and I had no problem driving it in the winter time with four season tires. Just wondering that 911 will or will not do the job in the winter time.


Thanks

Is this even a serious question? These cars were designed to be driven for all climates. It's not like Germany is not some kind of tropical paradise where everyday is sunny with 32 degree drop top weather. Of course it will be fine in the winter. Just get a set of wheels with proper tires and away you go.

a nice set of winter tires and they'll be fine. assuming theyre regular carreras. michelin pilot alpins. cant go wrong with those.. costly though.

Thanks for the reply!! I knew it was pretty silly question. It's just so many people around saying that they are going to beat me up if they see me driving porsche in the winter time :p

I am guessing people are just stunned by the name of Porsche, well, including myself. I will give Scan Auto a call to book a PPI whenever I can confirm the deal. I am so excited, can't even sleep well, can't believe I am getting a prosche :D

There are several guys I know who drive their P-cars 365 days a year through pouring rain, snow and frozen roads. Your P-car should be no exception. :p

I used to drive my car all year round, till it became a garage queen lol

a set of all seasons wont do you good, so go for winter tires

note: if you plan to mod the car in anyway, stay away from H&R springs

i'm worried less about you being able to drive your porsche in the winter, but more about the other guy in a winter beater on bald all-seasons who doesn't give a crap crashing into your new ride :(