Motor failure - how common REALLY?

[Lil bastard]

Motor failures in these cars happen... and at a higher rate than either of the other two cars you are considering - the S2K and the RX8.

Porsche has never released any data, but several ad hoc polls, on several forums, indicate it to be somewhere in the 15%-25% area (15 is probably too low and 25 probably too high). One service manager I met confirmed, that in his opinion, this is the correct range.

Earlier engines tend to fail for different reasons than newer models (RMS vs IMS). Stories about Sleeved engine failures in earlier cars persist but really have pretty much been weaned from the population of existing cars.

Cars over 25-30k mi. 'seem' more immune to the RMS issue than ones of lesser mileage, but that's no guarantee, there are documented failures at higher mileages as well, but fewer of them. IMS does not seem to be mileage dependent, the reported failures in these engines spans any range on the odo. The Tiptronic cars do tend to suffer less from RMS failures, probably because of having less direct contact with the crankshaft due to their torque converters, but still do not enjoy total immunity.

The 996s share the same fate with maybe a slightly higher incidence, albeit slightly, and I know that you were questioning these cars as well.

I'm not trying to dissuade you, just being realistic. If you can live with that 'Sword of Damocles' looming overhead, then the rest is a pretty great car.

It's easy to be swept up with the emotion of owning a Porsche and downplay the risks, but it's a disservice to you to put on the Happy Face mask and pretend that there's little or no risk.

I'd love to see you get the car, and even with a 25% failure rate, the odds are still in your favor. But, as a 'Family guy', you need to be informed.

All aside, EVERY used car is a crap shoot !! The best way of evening the odds is to be PATIENT - look at lots of cars, be OBJECTIVE - don't overlook minor faults because in the end, you'll pay for them, and be FLEXIBLE - don't zero-in on a specific model year or option package - get the best car you can find out there for the money you can spend, but always - STAY WITHIN YOUR BUDGET !!

In the end, you're not buying the car 'forever'. If you find one which turns out not to be the right one, sell it - even if that means repairing it 1st or taking a loss.

The one sure thing about used Porsches is that... there is NO sure thing !! Good Luck !!

[Adam]

Just to be clear, RMS leaks may be in the 25% failure range, but that is by no means an engine failure! It's a leaking seal! Engine failure that requires actual engine replacement is far far lower. Not trying to defend Porsche, but it seems like some consider an RMS leak to be a engine failure...that's completely wrong!

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by Adam

Just to be clear, RMS leaks may be in the 25% failure range, but that is by no means an engine failure! It's a leaking seal! Engine failure that requires actual engine replacement is far far lower. Not trying to defend Porsche, but it seems like some consider an RMS leak to be a engine failure...that's completely wrong!

True... but not in all cases. I have a friend who owns an '04S which had a catastrophic RMS failure @ 3k mi. and required an engine replacement, and it's not the only insyance like this. Though I agree these are much fewer.

[Brucelee]

Again, the problem is two fold:

1-No one really knows what the failure rates is. To me, anything above 10% is appalling.

2-The cost of replacement is the problem. Replacing a Chevy v8 or Miata motor is trival compared to the Boxster.

Richard Kwei is getting a complete used motor for his Miata for half the cost of fixing a RMS leak.

Together, this makes a warranty needed IMHO.

[LoveBunny]

Would it even be possible, if he can get a warranty on the car, to have one cover the five years of his loan? I don't think they'll usually go that far out on a used car.

When I was in college and had a 944 I basically set aside a certain amount each month to save for future repairs.

[Quickurt]

My personal opinion is to take your time and find a certified car from a dealer that you can afford, even if it means doing what I did; waiting until I could afford one new enough to have a meaningful warranty.
I'm a bit older than you, well, hell, I take that back, I'm a bit older than dirt
but you are buying a third car as a toy. As hard as it is, listen to someone who learned alot the hard way, don't rush into a possible disaster.
Gotta have that always, and I mean ALWAYS came back to bite me.