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RandallNeighbour · 11-11-2014, 06:42 AM

The nice thing about the 03's is that apart from the IMS issue, Porsche sorted out a lot of bad engineering and upgraded parts along the way from the first year model in 1997. So you've got that going for you. But they still used a lot of "high performance plastic parts" in the engine bay that do not stand up to the heat and age of a car you're looking at (accordion designed oil filler tube for example, which cracks over time and leaks oil onto your exhaust manifold.)

Stuff to check that may not be clear on my web page (can't remember now what's on it!):

Wheel Bearings and all suspension components: The 11 year old car you're looking at may have cracked bushings and worn bearings. These items wear out faster (prematurely if you ask my opinion) in 986s compared to any other car I've owned to date.

I would also pay to have a laser four wheel alignment done on the car before purchase. Shows all sorts of hidden damage if they can't bring it into range on all four corners. I sure wish I had done this on my purchase. If I had, I would have walked away.

11-11-2014, 06:42 AM	#3
RandallNeighbour Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 7,243	The nice thing about the 03's is that apart from the IMS issue, Porsche sorted out a lot of bad engineering and upgraded parts along the way from the first year model in 1997. So you've got that going for you. But they still used a lot of "high performance plastic parts" in the engine bay that do not stand up to the heat and age of a car you're looking at (accordion designed oil filler tube for example, which cracks over time and leaks oil onto your exhaust manifold.) Stuff to check that may not be clear on my web page (can't remember now what's on it!): Wheel Bearings and all suspension components: The 11 year old car you're looking at may have cracked bushings and worn bearings. These items wear out faster (prematurely if you ask my opinion) in 986s compared to any other car I've owned to date. I would also pay to have a laser four wheel alignment done on the car before purchase. Shows all sorts of hidden damage if they can't bring it into range on all four corners. I sure wish I had done this on my purchase. If I had, I would have walked away. Last edited by RandallNeighbour; 11-11-2014 at 06:50 AM.