HOW TO GET ONE IN YOUR GARAGE

An expert’s view MATT GOODA, MORTIMERS

“The 996 is the 911 to buy but do so now because prices are rising. I’m paying more for good ones than I was 12 months ago. It’s inevitable now that the earlier, air-cooled cars are out of reach. The 996 won’t always be as cheap as this. The exception is the Turbo, whose prices have been climbing steadily, although I reckon they’ve peaked. You’ll be lucky to find a 996 with a full main dealer service history but a mix of main dealers and specialists using the correct oils and filters is fine.”

Buyer beware… ENGINE

Listen for a rattle from cold, suggesting the IMS bearing is failing. An oil leak is another clue. Check whether it has been replaced, and if it hasn’t, consider a retrofit replacement when the clutch is changed. Cylinder heads and liners can crack and split on early 3.4s. Look for coolant in the oil and have the bores checked. An oil weep could be the rear main seal. Check the front-mounted radiator and air-con condensers for corrosion or damage. Inspect the coil pack insulation for cracks.

TRANSMISSION

Heavy pedal action indicates imminent clutch failure. On Tiptronic versions, check the coolant pipes for rust.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

Listen for creaking and rattling over speed bumps from the car’s four corners, suggesting control arms need replacing. Check workshop invoices for evidence of recent brake work and that parts used were OE. Uneven tyre wear may point to alignment issues.

BODY

With the exception of the door latches, any rust you see is probably related to an accident repair, so check panel gaps, too. Inspect the underside for signs of structural damage. Check the headlights for rust caused by condensation. Make sure the automatic boot spoiler rises and falls.

INTERIOR

Squeaks, rattles and worn and scuffed trim are to be expected. Check for warning lights and make sure the air-con system does its job.

Also worth knowing

A used 996 may be inexpensive but its repair bills certainly won’t be. It’s why having your proposed purchase inspected by an expert such as Porsche Inspections (porscheinspections.com) is a smart move. It’s not cheap, at £410, but could persuade the seller to throw that vital repair or service into the deal.

How much to spend £9000-£12,999

Mix of 3.4s and early 3.6s, most over 100k miles.

£13,000-£16,999

More of the same but tidier and with fewer miles.

£17,000-£20,999

More early 3.6s but in proper condition and some with new IMS bearings.

£21,000-£24,499

More proper 3.6s, sold by specialists and with around 70k miles.

£24,500-£28,999

Take your pick of late 996s with sub50k miles and in good condition, or the best earlier cars.

£29,000 AND ABOVE

Mainly Turbos up to £45,000.

One we found PORSCHE 911 3.6 CARRERA 4S COUPE AUTO, 2003/53REG, 113K MILES, £17,750

The version the experts would buy. It has 12 service stamps in the book. It has also had five owners but, on the plus side, that means five honeymoons during which it has been cherished rather than taken for granted…