This $12,000 Porsche 911 With 357,000 Miles Is Your Risky Buy of the Day

While the interior may lack sophistication and the headlights resemble those found on a Boxster, the 996 offers a lighter build and higher revving capabilities compared to its beloved predecessor, the 993—yet it comes at a significantly lower price point two decades later. How much lower, you ask? Consider this 2003 Porsche ‘996’ 911 coupe equipped with a six-speed manual listed on Facebook Marketplace for $12,000. This makes it potentially the most budget-friendly operational 911 in the nation and by far the most affordable manual coupe available. The caveat? It has accumulated miles comparable to a retired Crown Vic taxi—specifically, 357,591 miles. Is it worth the purchase? Let’s delve deeper.

This particular Porsche is situated in Redondo Beach, California, a upscale enclave southwest of LA, with the seller being a retailer that lacks detailed information on the car’s state. Nonetheless, the listing notes that the 911 is operational, possesses a clean title, and its air conditioning functions effectively. The listing also indicates that the “vehicle may exhibit smoking after a cold start at times,” and that “considering the mileage, a new engine might be necessary.” The car’s interior and exterior seem to be in decent condition, apart from hazy headlights and a slightly discolored front bumper compared to the rest of the body. Additionally, there’s a conspicuous worn patch in the driver’s footwell carpet, which aligns with the excessively high mileage.

In the absence of a physical inspection or a pre-purchase evaluation (which is strongly recommended for any used vehicle), we must draw upon my three years of ownership experience with affordable 996s for some meaningful insights.

Let’s tackle the smoking issue first. The most common cause of cold-start smoke in these cars is typically attributed to the air-oil separator, or AOS. As explained by 996 specialists LN Engineering, the AOS serves as an emissions control device that applies slight suction to the crankcase to capture any oil blow-by for recirculation through the engine. A malfunctioning AOS can lead to excessive suction, drawing surplus oil into the intake and producing smoke from the exhaust, especially during cold starts or high engine speeds. According to Pelican Parts, replacing the AOS entails around a three-hour job for a skilled DIYer with parts costing under $200. If outsourced to a professional, anticipate a cost range of $800-1000.

Given the considerable mileage, potential issues with valve guides and piston wear should not be dismissed. I would recommend inspecting compression figures and conducting a borescope examination on all cylinders, achievable by accessing the oil pan during a pre-purchase inspection. However, I am less pessimistic than the seller regarding the necessity of a new engine. These engines are resilient and can endure if properly maintained.

There is no mention of an intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing replacement for the 3.6-liter flat-six, though my concern is alleviated due to the high mileage already accumulated. With over 350,000 miles, it’s highly probable that the clutch has been swapped at least twice, and examining the IMS bearing for wear during a clutch replacement is standard practice. Failures are less frequent than perceived, primarily occurring in vehicles that sit idle and endure oil desiccation rather than those with regular oil circulation.

At such a high mileage, it’s mainly everything else that becomes uncertain. The transmission’s synchromesh may be completely worn out, necessitating a costly rebuild, especially if it has endured LA traffic. The suspension and interior also require thorough examination as the 996s had plastic switchgear that isn’t known for its durability.

I managed to acquire a 1999 911 for a similar price in early 2021. It came equipped with the essential maintenance items – a documented clutch replacement and IMS upgrade, along with a recently changed AOS. It also had new VarioCam pads and significantly lower mileage than this one. Since then, I’ve spent $3,000 on consumables and around $6,000 on upkeep and repairs to bring the car to a satisfactory condition.

To clarify, I’m delighted with my purchase, and for approximately $20,000 total cost, I wouldn’t prefer any other option. However, when this car was new, it cost around $120,000 in today’s money, and the prices of its parts will reflect that.

If you desire a pristine 996 without any qualms, you can find them at prices ranging between $25,000 and $30,000. Yet, if you reminisce about the times when a beat-up SC was priced at eight grand, and you are willing to take a chance on this high-mileage one, I won’t discourage you from pursuing your happiness. Just proceed with caution and awareness.