BRAKES, SUSPENSION AND EXHAUST

This incarnation of the 911 is much lighter on its stoppers than most sports cars of the same vintage, but as with all cars, the brakes need to be replaced every few years. Make a visual check of the discs for signs of rust and warping, and also see if the car shakes or pulls one way when braking — these are signs consumables will need to be replaced in the near future. If the pads and discs have been changed recently, ask to see receipts. The job should have been undertaken using quality parts.

Due to the hard driving Stef and Gareth subject their 996 to at weekends, they've decided to fit bigger brakes to the car for additional stopping power. This is a sensible move. Thankfully, a high number of high-performance discs, pads, hoses and caliper upgrades are available for the 996 from a variety of aftermarket manufacturers and retailers.

The 996's suspension was superb for its day and has proved to be very durable. The only problem you are likely to encounter is creaking or rattling from the front or rear corners, which is a sign the control arms/tuning forks are either worn or have been damaged. Replacing them is a simple and relatively inexpensive job, which will probably need to be done every three or four years. Parts are cheap and readily available.

Corrosion of the exhaust fasteners, bolts and nuts is a common problem which can lead to exhaust gas leakage. A visual check will identify the fault, but you may need access to a lift in order to get a proper view. There is no alternative to having the parts replaced.

Plenty of 996 owners choose to upgrade the factory-fitted exhaust with a sportier alternative promising additional noise. It’ll sound great on a one-off test drive, but you may not find increased volume quite as pleasing every day, especially if you're buying a Carrera 4S Cabriolet. As with any modification, you should ask for details of the parts fitted and check to make sure the work was carried out by a reputable specialist. ●