Porsche 996: 1 year ownership costs

[@peterzurek5192]

Great, honest video. Thanks! I just bought '06 997. I'm getting ready for expenses now lol

[@AZdroptop]

Thanks Peter...If your car is anything like mine you will definitely have those. :) I have another window regulator about to die and my turn signal module needs to be replaced. :) The joy of owning your dream car I guess. Enjoy your Car! They are so much fun to drive.

[@peem1244]

Hi Rick, really like your 996. An independent dealer did some research into the IMSB failure and the outcome indicated that almost all of the cars were 2nd or 3rd family cars and therefore not daily transport. They would be garaged and taken out for a spin at the weekend or every coupla weeks. So the idea is buy one, love it, and use it often. Happy 911-ing. Stay safe and keep up the good work.

[@AZdroptop]

Awesome thank you! That's what I have heard as well. It has been a lot of fun owning the car and is a joy to drive!.

[@kevingraham1566]

I'm considering selling my Solstice for a 996 Cabriolet - I find your videos extremely useful in deciding whether to go through with it (looking like a "yes!") and just what to expect. Great job!

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you very much Kevin and good luck finding a 996. They are a joy to drive.

[@cleanasdirt6832]

I’m on my third P car, and have never regretted the purchase. Maintenance is more but smiles per mile just can’t be beat. Just subscribed. 🇨🇦

[@AZdroptop]

Dwayne, thank you so much. I absolutely love my 911...never thought I would be able to now one and it is so great! Do you have one currently? Speaking of maintenance I need to do brakes very soon. :) Cheers!

[@cleanasdirt6832]

Rick Hutton I now have a 2015 Cayman S, almost 20,000 kms. It’s perfect for road trips for wifey and me with the extra storage. The Carrera 4 S I drove didn’t give me anymore smiles than this CS.

[@AZdroptop]

I love the look of the Cayman, beautiful car...I have not had the chance to drive one, but I hear they handle very well!

[@mikek1681]

Thanks Rick. You spent a lot on things that weren't broke, so viewers shouldn't assume this is what it costs to own one of these. The really essential stuff wasn't that bad. Also, you didn't mention whether you knew the history to know if the same items had been replaced before. But as a comparison, I have an '01 C4 that I bought new. In the 17 years I've had it, apart from scheduled maintenance, I've replaced the air/oil separator, the coolant overflow tank, an instrument lamp, had the cam covers resealed, and just replaced the water pump, at 54,000 miles. That's it. I haven't touched the IMSB. There's a belief that, if they're going to go, they go early. Yours was fine at 112K, as your earlier video showed. The engine is tight with no seepage or leaks. Original clutch, original brake pads all around. These are terrific cars, and great bargains right now. Like you, I love mine today as much as the day I bought it.

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Mike thank you for posting up your experience with your 996. Very cool. I agree, all in all it wasn't bad and worth it. :) Cheers Mike

[@kpwrz350]

Hi Rick. I enjoyed this video just a thorough breakdown of ownership costs. Actually, I found it quite easy to follow and was quite impressed with the level of detail and logic at which you've presented the information. I imagine you must use these skills in your line of employment, be it the FBI, CIA, DEA, CEO, CFO, or any other combination of letters one may think of! Well done Sir.

[@AZdroptop]

Kenrod hey brother, thank you my friend. You are too kind. I appreciate very much your comments and your continued support! The Porsche is a ton of fun and it is a real pleasure to have the ability to own it. No Federal job for me, just a Fire fighter paramedic here in Tucson. 😃. Thanks again and I hope the Crosstrek is treating you well!

[@PaulJarvis-pj]

We have a porsche (macan) and a subaru crosstrek 2018 on the way (they're very backordered here). my wife is a firefighter paramedic as well!

[@kpwrz350]

Paul, I can't say about the Porsche, but I think you'll really enjoy the Crosstrek as a daily driver. Good luck!

[@AZdroptop]

Paul, that's awesome. Where are you guys located? How is the Macan? The women who owned my 911 bought a Macan when she sold the car. :)

[@PaulJarvis-pj]

We're up in Canada on southern Vancouver Island. I absolutely LOVE the Macan-best vehicle I've ever owned, hands down. That said, I'm not taking the Porsche off-roading or customizing it in any way, hence the Subi CrossTrek on order. I want to do similar to you, with beefy tires/rims, then a lift-kit and some armour on the undercarriage. Where we live is more logging/dirt roads than paved roads, so with a bit of clearance, we can get much further into the woods.

[@lsdee.6758]

hey mate. thanks so much for the video, loved it. thinking of getting one *AS A FIRST CAR*! i’d have the money to, and it’s always been a dream to have a 911.

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. I still love driving it after over 3 years! Such a joy to drive. Best of luck on your search for one.

[@bigsmoke8208]

Im thinking of this as a first car as well. I was thinking about a c5 corvette or a 996. I really would prefer a 996 but I also feel like I need to slow down and not take a step too much. This is my first car in the first place.

[@meibing4912]

Every time I see these videos I am so happy I don't own an expensive car any more... (actually no car at all).

[@dono4598]

Hey Rick, Thanks fir the update, good info. About what you would expect for a car that may have had some neglect and normal wear and tear. I like to break things out by the mile so you are looking at about .07 per mile not including gas and previous brakes and tires and other possible maintenance that may or not have been done, i think your fine. It could have been a boat, been there done that. No more boat for me. I guess if you go into something like this you prepare yourself and kind of know what you are getting into and if you can do things yourself, albeit with out braking other things, its not bad. That registration thing is a little interesting, here in California our registration just went up, I just got my renewal for $338.00, up $53.00 from last year for my '14 RAM. Cant wait to see what my wife's '17 RX 350 will be. Anyway enjoy your 911and have a Great New Year.

[@AZdroptop]

Thanks Donnie, good to hear from you. Hope you and your family had a nice Christmas and a Happy New Year. All good here in Tucson. Cali does have some crazy taxes for sure. My Crosstrek's tags are close to 400 if I remember correctly so I was pleasantly surprised at how low the Porsche was. All aged based as it goes down the longer you own the car. I have heard that Gov. Brown wants to change you a tax per mile you drive? Wow. Take care brother.

[@willsheppard2454]

Hi Rick, I am seriously considering purchasing a 2003 911 Carerra 4 Cabriolet. It has approximately 68,000 miles and has had the clutch and IMS replaced. Is there any advice which you can share? Oh, I am shipping it across country and I've never seen or driven it in person. The current owner will be furnishing me with service records and receipts of the service. Thank you for your help and attention!

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Will, congratulations on your possible C4!! It sounds like you are going about purchasing your 911 similarly to how I bought mine. Actually purchased mine on eBay and then flew out to California to pick it up and drive it home. Thankfully it was as good as I had hoped and the seller and I are still friends and keep in touch. Buying anything used for me comes down to how I feel about the seller and can I trust them. There are so many shady people out there and I have heard some 996 horror stories over the years. Do you have a link to the car you are considering? I would just try to research the car as much as you can prior to going through with it, car fax, number of owners, proof of IMS bearing etc. I would also ask about the air oil separator, rear main seal and how old the water pump is. If at all possible I would try to have the owner take it to for a PPI at a good Porsche dealership or mechanic. It will cost you a couple hundred dollars, but should help to find any major problems. In many ways these cars are a bit of a risk, but if you can find a good one they are great fun to own and drive. My second bit of advice is to expect a decent amount of ongoing maintenance cost with the car just based on age. Over the almost 4 years I have had mine I have done 3 window regulators, an alternator, engine mounts, and the suspension components are next. Along with the IMS, AOS, RMS, clutch, brakes, tires etc. Oh, coils and plugs also. I still enjoy driving the car just like I did the first time I got behind the wheel so all of the fixes and costs involved have been worth it so far. Hopefully that helps somewhat. Keep me posted on how it turns out! Best of luck, Rick [e-mail]

[@willsheppard2454]

Thank you so much Rick for replying and your valuable input. If/when I make the purchase I will keep you updated. I appreciate your insights.

[@AZdroptop]

Sound good Will!

[@willsheppard2454]

I lost out on that one. The owner opted to sell it locally who didn't have as many requests. Thank God I listens and asked because it wouldn't have been a smart purchase otherwise. There may be another in my future one day. Thanks again.

[@AZdroptop]

Sorry to hear that Will, but you are right, there will be another one soon and it will work out!

[@thestifmyster1]

It sounds like the most costly expenses came from parts that could have been replaced before you bought the car. If I found a 911 that already had most of the expensive work done, I wouldn’t have to worry about higher costs of ownership. I’m a 24 y/o GS-9 looking for a 996 within the next year.

[@AZdroptop]

Very true at the time. I have done a lot of additional work to the car over the past couple of years. Most of it just because of age which will be a consideration on any 996 these days. Brakes, coil packs and plugs, suspension components etc. Not to mention window regulators, sensors and the like. The car is a joy to drive despite the maintenance costs so I hope you find a good one!!! Best of luck to you on your search.

[@freddyo2k10]

Thanks for the info Ricky👍!!

[@AZdroptop]

My pleasure Freddy!

[@acchaladka]

I didn’t follow the mileage number but looks like a dollar per mile. Would be really good to post cost per mile in the next update you do, and show cost per year trends. Thanks for an interesting video.

[@philipezra8671]

was this done with a main dealer? my 996 was cheaper to run than my audi a4 i found that you had to know the right place or person to deal with your car. when buying these older cars i think maybe its best to instanty send to get checked and spend a few grand on it i know the engines are a headache but what can you do for the love hahaha ?

[@AZdroptop]

Most of the work I have had done was at Mcilvain motors up in Phoenix. He is awesome. Agree on writing the check...it seems like something is always on the horizon to fix, replace or repair, but in the end it is worth it. Top down drive up the local mountain and the money doesn't matter. :) Thank you for watching.

[@tedarcher9120]

Remember to change the bushings. Improves handling a lot!

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Ted. I am hoping to start going through the suspension components here soon. Mostly to clear up a slight clunk/rattle I have over bumps at slow speed. It seems it is probably the control arms, but I'm still not 100% sure.

[@michaelh2198]

Rick Hutton just had my front cross arms done to eliminate the creaking noise (rubber bushing get dry). Definitely improved handling as well. Relatively inexpensive $600. Pretty easy job if you can. Maybe $300 for two cross arms.

[@soyabean911]

Hi good video. May I ask if you had a bore scope check when buying the car? What was your reason behind the low temp thermostat. Was it to reduce the chance of bore scoring in the future? Finally what was the condition of your removed IMS bearing?

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Sei, thank you for watching. I did not have a borescope done and actually I didn't even do a PPI. The car was in California about 12 hours away and logistically it didn't work out with the purchase timeframe. The car had 108K miles and basically 1 owner with a full service History so I went with my gut and bought it anyway. The seller was a great guy and we still email back in forth on a regular basis. When I had my IIMS bearing done Scott, the shop owner, a long time Porsche enthusiast, mechanic and driving instructor recommended it because of the Temps here in AZ so I went with it. I am not sure if it is to prevent bore scoring honestly, but to prevent the car from overheating especially on the track. My IMS bearing had oil in it, but did not show obvious signs of wear at least to the naked eye. Spun freely etc. At the end of this video here, You can see me open up my bearing and talk about it a little. Let me know if you have other questions, happy to help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHSUhH9sh5WYfJY

[@soyabean911]

@@AZdroptop thx for the detailed response. Completely understand, if I had a friend with a failed bearing I'd have it done immediately too. My 987 Boxster S has the same single row bearing and I'm waiting for a clutch replacement when I do it. Currently have a magnetic sump plug and change the oil annually rather than every 24 months. I have purchased a low temp thermostat and planning on installing it. From my research, highly regarded UK Porsche rebuild specialists Hartech have a great knowledgebase article on their website explaining their beliefs for the high bore score rates and they basically relate to a 50% reduced coolant flow to the cylinders due to a change in the head gasket design since the 3.6 & 3.8 911 engines (fixed since the gen 2 cars) and a running temp which is too near the engines limits. They recommend the lower temp thermostat also as a preventative measure. But it does appear to be a common failure on the engines at least in the UK. Bore score is not an issue on my 3.2 engine so I'll probably wait until I can get a gen 2 car or a gen 1 only if it has had a Hartech rebuild. Thx and enjoy your channel.

[@AZdroptop]

Thanks so much Sei. I think that is a good plan to wait until you do your clutch..how many miles do you have on your car? I will check out the article you mentioned are appreciate your sharing the info. Best of luck with your car! These Porsche's are amazing to drive. :)

[@soyabean911]

@@AZdroptop yes indeed they drive Super, personally I think the whole ownership experience is great fun. I have 69k on my car. Good luck with yours, I hope you keep on enjoying it ;)

[@AZdroptop]

Awesome. It is indeed. Great meeting you and best of luck to you as well.

[@ocvegasproperty]

Good video. Would be good if you started with how many miles are I. The car, purchase price and and key history on the car

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Jack...I get stuck sometimes trying to figure out how much info to put in successive videos forgetting viewers don’t always watch in sequence. Most of that info I have covered and apologize for leaving it out. So my car had 108,700 or so miles when I bought it and owned by an older woman who did almost all of her service at the dealer. Nver tracked or wrecked and extremely well maintained. I bought it from the second owner who had to sell shortly after buying it. I did the clutch, IMS, AOS, water pump a few months after buying it. So far it has been great. Here’s Jack and thank you again for the feedback.

[@ocvegasproperty]

Rick Hutton thanks for that. I just picked up a 99 with the hard top as well. 65k miles, plum / purple color. Loving it. Thanks again

[@AZdroptop]

Jack Kerouac Sounds very nice. Enjoy. They are fantastic cars

[@freddyo2k10]

Awesome video 🤘🤘 What stereo did did you install and where did you get it installed?? Was it done at best buy??

[@AZdroptop]

Hey Freddy, thank you very much. I had the stereo installed at The Specialists. It is a Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X701. Overall I am happy with it, Bluetooth works well and has 2 available connections, sounds good etc, but I don't love how you switch through different modes.No big deal, but wanted to mention it. It has Pandora, Iheart, Sirius/XM built in.

[@ryanmiddleton2431]

Thanks, great video! Really seriously considering a 996 at the minute, but the potential costs of ownership scare me! Your video was very informative, and the ‘must do’ costs don’t sound as bad as I first thought. Is it an annual service for a 996.2? I know the 997s are biannual. Thanks!

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Ryan, very glad to hear it was helpful. The 996 is adorable and I think you would be hard pressed to find a car this good under 20,000, but if you get a "bad" one, you can have a very large paper weight sitting in your garage. Like you have probably read on the forums find a car with a good service history and get a PPI if at all possible. I didn't get one myself because of logistics, but I was comforted by only 2 owners and the large amount of records that came with the car. I know it is contrary to most other used cars, but don't be afraid of a car with mileage on it. Supposedly cars that have been driven more regularly are less likely to have an IMS failure. It was the case with my car which had 108,700 miles when I bought it and when I had the IMS done, it was in great shape. If you get a car that still has the original IMS, RMS, AOS and water pump figure on having to replace them. If you go with a manual then you can do them all when you have the clutch done like I did. If I can help at all please let me know. Best of luck on your search and future purchase. I absolutely love the 911 and it is a joy to drive...but I have a lot more money to spend down the road. Cheers.

[@ryanmiddleton2431]

Rick Hutton cheers Rick, thanks for the great advice!

[@MikeSadlerAU]

AFAIK, 996.2's are 20,000 KM and annual, but every 2nd service is *just* minor... the same as the 944's and 928's were; it's amazing how much stress water cooling takes off an engine :-)

[@RealEstateChris56]

Hi Rick, great video; thanks for breaking it down. I'm in the market for a 2002-2004 996 C4 or 4S with under 60k miles and am curious where you found yours? I'm looking for a daily driver. I drive 120 miles M-Th in my 2007 Camry Hybrid and want to replace it with a much better performing, stylish and attractive car...thus, I've landed on the Porsche 911 since, from what I have heard, read and seen (here on youtube), can be a pretty reliable car, if treated well. My budget is about $20k. Thanks for your time!

[@AZdroptop]

Hi and thank you for watching and you comment. I spent a long time looking over Craigslist in states around AZ and on eBay. I ended up buying mine from an eBay listing. I was the highest bidder, but the auction didn't reach the reserve so we did a private sale. No doubt these 996's could be used as a daily driver, but will obviously be a bit more expensive than your Camery. When you find one just make sure it has a good maintenance history and it is worth paying for a PPI. Best of luck finding a car and please let me know if you have other questions. Cheers.

[@RealEstateChris56]

Thanks for the response Rick. I'm here in the Los Angeles area and have been looking nationwide on Cargurus and Ebay. I'll take a look at CL listings. Yeah, the Camry is good beater car and has served me well but since I average nearly 600 miles per week, I'm definitely ready for an upgrade and to have more fun at the wheel, even if it costs a bit more to own. Keep up the great videos!

[@AZdroptop]

Very nice. Best of luck finding the right car. There are a bunch of great 996's out there just be patient and you'll find the right one. Let me know what you find. Cheers

[@Richierich90000]

Great 'heads up' Video.. Cheers

[@AZdroptop]

Best of luck Richard. You will love the car.

[@powerboatguy2308]

What would be the maint. cost between an automatic and a manual? It seems the manual trans can be costly in this car, just curious.

[@sw-mg3xy]

I've had one for 2 years that had a 60K service right before i bought it plus new top hydraulics , alternator, front window regs - about 3600 in wrk - I've replaced a bad transmission mount - brake flush and full annual service about 900 - year 2 annual about 400 for the service - just replaced a rear window reg 275 - close to 67K on the clock IMS is on the list havent replaced it yet - Automatic has been good

[@AZdroptop]

To be honest I can't really speak to the cost of the Tiptronic, but I will give you some history on my car that might be helpful. I got a folder full of maintenance records with the car when I bought it and the only issues I found were a clutch replacement at 77K miles, A repaired 2nd gear Sycro at 101,000 miles and then I did a clutch with the IMS bearing at 111,000 miles. The clutch still had some life left in it per my mechanic. I can not remember the cost to remove and repair the trans but I am guessing in the $2,000 range and to do a clutch with out a flywheel is $700 or so if I remember correctly. The car now has 119,000 miles on it and the only real mechanical issue with the trans over the years was the bad 2 gear sycro so not too bad. I enjoy the manual because the car isn't my daily driver, but if I ever buy a newer 911 I will go with the PDK. Better performance and if you have to drive in traffic no worries. :) I'm getting lazy these days. Hope that helps.

[@powerboatguy2308]

@@AZdroptop Thanks, you seem to have a very reliable car. I had a Mercedes SL550, good car, other the suspension system that you can pour 1000s into, they over-engineered the car in my opinion.

[@AZdroptop]

So far so good. I have had to put in about $5,000 into it since purchase, but I knew going in that I would be doing the IMSB, clutch, AOS, water pump etc. There have been some small things as well to figure out, but it is a joy to drive and makes me smile every time I get behind the wheel. I suspect there will be more maintenance to come, but it has almost 120,000 miles on it now. I understand about the over engineering aspect and think it might be pretty common among German cars. Thanks again for watching.

[@unklecorky2181]

@@sw-mg3xy I'm looking at a Tiptronic 2002 911 being sold at a Porshe Dealer out of state for a little under 18k. 60K Miles just like yours. Reading this is reassuring. Was the hydraulics, alternator and front window regulator upfront work?

[@markg996]

Hi Rick. What IMS bearing did you use?

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Mark, I used the LN bearing. Cheers.

[@ThePolareyes53]

Who do you use for maintenance in Tucson?

[@AZdroptop]

Actually I drive up to Phoenix and use Mcilvain motors. Scott is the owner and is a really cool guy. Porsche driving instructor etc. And they have $100/hr labor rates which is hard to beat. He will also give you a ride to the airport if you are leaving your car or over to Mill ave. if they will only have it for a few hours. They did my IMS, water pump, clutch, etc along with other work over the past couple of years.

[@ronsanders7349]

hi please let me know when you address your front end noise.... my 2003 c4s at slow speed going into or out of drive way makkes front end noise.

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Ron, will do. When I had the car up on my friend's lift we couldn't find anything obvious, but I sure get a fairly consistent noise over certain bumps. I imagine I have some warn bushings causing the noise.

[@NZotyoka81]

Check the battery cover if you have a wierd noise from the front. If it’s broken or loosen can occur noises. Just a tip.....

[@NZotyoka81]

That’s far not too bad, i owned a jaguar s-type and i spent $10K onto the maintence gas, insurance blabla not included. Honestly i don’t understand the owner why he talking about the gas. In the US the gas prices are much lower than any other country. Plus when you drive a 911 who cares? I always put 93 ultra into my jag plus different kind of fuel treatments. I never gave a damn about the gas. That was the smallest cost. Why he not mention the shops how they ripping off the people just because you driving an import car. I think that’s worth a whole topic. Finding a good mechanic in the US is the real and biggest challenge. That is what makes difficult and painfull to owning these wonderful cars.

[@AZdroptop]

Hi and thank you for watching. I was just trying to be informative so if others were looking at a 996 they would have an idea of fuel economy and how it relates to over all costs. Many people buy the 996 because it is affordable, but there are a lot of extra costs involved so i wanted to lay it out to help potential buyers out. Cheers and thank you for watching.

[@hellaspower7546]

Fuel is so crazy cheap in the US I'm shocked.

[@AZdroptop]

Less taxes is the main reason I think.. Here in Tucson we have some of the lowest prices in the country as well...bing exchange station where the fuel comes in,

[@hellaspower7546]

@@AZdroptop Yeah I'm jealous ;) Taxes are crazy high in germany, I'm driving a Boxster S 987 and payed only for fuel 3332.21$ last year (10k miles)...

[@AZdroptop]

Wow! That is a good deal. Come to the states! :) Lot's of room to drive your awesome Boxster around.

[@jontiffinphoto]

J u s t found you, I sub’d and r a n g that bell! In the famous words of Beavis “fire fire!!”

[@AZdroptop]

LOL. Thank you Jon! Much appreciated. Beavis and Butthead do America was hilarious! :)

[@KrustyKlown]

A Porsche 911 isn't a transportation car ... it's a Hobby .. a completely different spending category, where the more one spends, the more happiness results.

[@AZdroptop]

Well said.

[@dandyPH]

nice....BUT ! all the things are not very improtant .... It is a matter of luck, not to have a *engine failure* by any case! this can be 10 - 20 K. !!! only that is really important to know.

[@AZdroptop]

Agreed. A failure would be rather expensive, that is why I did the IMS after all. At some point I will need to open up the engine, but for now I sleep well at night and love the car.

[@dandyPH]

cerntainly =) but, thats not the only reason for engine failure. I keep my IMS (cause the probability for that failure is under 5 %)...everything is dry so far... and pray :D good luck

[@AZdroptop]

Ha ha. Yes indeed. The praying option is a good one. :) Any weird noise and I get freaked out. LOL The joy of owning a 996.

[@dandyPH]

XD

[@mrpmj00]

I wouldn't trust an old car driving across 120 degrees desert for 400 miles and not get stranded.

[@AZdroptop]

She did great over 1,000 miles home and so far is still running strong.

[@martinduffy6422]

It's a dream owning a 911 but expense is just to high man just a huge fly in the cream cake urrrrrr

[@AZdroptop]

That is for sure. Most of what I have done so far was expected, but it is still a big chunk. I have brakes, rear tires and Suspension up next. :) Cheers.

[@kmartin971]

Find a 996 that has already had the IMS repaired

[@wnicolas1428]

So disappointing when people can even turn their own wrench

[@AZdroptop]

I work on stuff I am comfortable with and not stuff I'm not. Dropping the engine out of my car with out a lift and the correct tools is not something I would even consider.