Before you Buy
While plenty ended up in the hands of owners who maintained them religiously, it’s worth bearing in mind that the earliest examples are now approaching 15 years old. That means age and mileage will have begun to take their toll, so this is no time for cutting corners. As our specialists make abundantly clear, condition and history are everything, and settling for a car that’s less than perfect is a financial risk that’s not worth taking, especially bearing in mind that thousands can be spent bringing what looks to be a good one up to the standard that Total 911 readers might expect.
With that advice ringing in our ears, let’s start with the exterior. Corrosion shouldn’t be an issue unless poorly repaired accident damage lurks in the car’s past, but don’t be surprised to discover that the front end has been repainted at some point; stone chips are a common problem and repairs are of no concern if done well. It’s worth a thorough check underneath, though, as rust could be affecting brake and suspension components, along with the casing of the tandem oil/brake pump, which costs more than £1,000 to replace. And, while we’re on the subject, you’ll certainly want to be sure that neither brakes nor suspension are showing signs of neglect or trackday abuse – a major overhaul of either system can be a wallet-wilting experience. Budget around £1,500 for a specialist to refresh the pads and discs all round, while a replacement PASM damper comes in at £430, so the potential for major expense is clear. Spending a couple of hundred pounds on an expert geometry check is money well spent, too.
Engine-wise, the twin-turbo flat six doesn’t pose any major threat to bank balance or sanity as long as it boasts an unimpeachable service history. Any hint of smoke should ring the loudest of alarm bells, and we’d certainly advise carrying out a bore-scope inspection and an over-rev check to put your mind at rest. Keep an eye on the cooling radiators and air-con condensers, though, as both are prone to corrosion. Tired synchromesh is the likeliest problem on hard-worked manual cars, and make sure that the clutch isn’t on the verge of replacement, as adding the cost of a new dual-mass flywheel will see the bill approach £3k.
The Tiptronic transmission is considered bulletproof unless abused, but ensure the steering wheel switches work as they should.
The four-wheel-drive system benefits from regular changes of differential oil to extend its life but should otherwise be trouble-free. Head inside and it’s mainly a case of checking that all the electrics work as they should, especially the PCM functions, and scrutinising the trim for wear. The rubber coating on switches can peel away, which looks unsightly, while any good trimmer can sort worn seat bolsters. Ultimately, the key to happy ownership is finding one that’s been cared for, but we certainly wouldn’t part with any money without the all-clear from a reputable specialist.