[Johannvb]

I have just ended the first year of 968 ownership and thought I should have a look at what I spent in maintenance over this year. I was totally shocked!!!

Let me start of by telling you that this car had a very thorough PPI with one of the top Porsche specialists here in the Netherlands. Other than new belts and a worn clutch the car got a clean bill of health. My car had 87000KM on the clock when I bought it, and it came with a full service history. I have driven 4000km over the last year. It is also important to note that prior to me buying it, it was not driven for 4 years because of a head gasket failure, and this was repaired just before I bought the car.

After adding up all the maintenance bills for the past year I ended up at 11000 Euro, and this includes me doing some of the work myself to save on labour!

Here's what I had to replace in the last year:
4 new tyres,
1 new water pump,
All new rollers,
New belts,
New thermostat,
New water reservoir (some oil ended up in there after the head gasket failure and it was impossible to see the fluid levels),
Valve cover gasket,
Oil pan gasket,
Dual Mass Flywheel,
Clutch,
Pressure Plate,
Clutch hoses,
New cam chains,
New cam chain pads,
New reference mark sensor,
New Castor blocks on the front A Arms,
New gearbox seal (Where the torque tube comes in)
2 new engine mounts
New indicator/wiper switch assembly,
Reconditioned starter motor
New Rotor plus Cap
New Spark Plugs
New Plug wires
New Fuel filter
New Oil Filter
New Clutch Fork Shaft + needle bearings
New Rear Main Seal
Full fluid flush (Brake, Clutch and Radiator)


And then the fun stuff:
K&N Filter,
RS Barn Stage 1 chip
Air box mod....but this was free [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]
Becker Indianapolis with Satnav

I really hope that this is the end of the big expenses, because my wife is starting to give me looks when a talk about the 968. I guess no matter how well you get a car checked out...there is always hidden issues that not even the experts can see during a PPI.

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[Anchorman]

I used to keep a running total of what I'd spent on my car - that also was in excellent condition, and completely checked out, when I purchased it. Once the total exceeded the purchase price, though, I stopped adding.

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[Mark]

Did not get a PPI on either of my cars, one has had very little spent in 40,000 miles the other has had a lot spent on it in 8000.

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[biotechee]

Got a PPI on my first 968 - coupe. Let's just say the place that did the PPI missed a thing or two - and I was less than intelligent when I bought the car. Spent a fair amount of money on the car to get it to run better.

No PPI on the 968 cab I have now. But, I was better educated on what to look for and what to avoid. Did spend a little bit on it for a couple of things, but most of what I spent was work to establish *my* baseline- fluid changes, checks, etc., and to add some goodies I wanted. There were one of two minor things- the notorious power steering leak- and a problem with one of the rear CV joints. There are also the obligatory leaks coming from the balance shaft seals as well. But they are nuisances if anything.

So far, couldn't be happier with the cab! Very glad I got it and very glad RS Barn is so close and so great!

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[Gotter]

<!--quoteo(post=76793:date=Aug 4 2009, 04:35 AM:name=Anchorman)-->QUOTE (Anchorman @ Aug 4 2009, 04:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I used to keep a running total of what I'd spent on my car - that also was in excellent condition, and completely checked out, when I purchased it. Once the total exceeded the purchase price, though, I stopped adding.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


x2! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]

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[Johannvb]

It's good to hear that I am not alone!

I also think the guy missed obvious stuff during the PPI. Things like the castor blocks should have been spotted along with the gushing oil leaks. I think my biggest mistake was not being present during the PPI.

I only picked up on the oil leaks when I pulled my car out of the garage for the first time [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif[/img] and the castor blocks were obvious to me when I had the car in the air to do the clutch.

I must admit I am a perfectionist when it comes to maintenance. I prefer to replace parts when in doubt and almost never go for reconditioned or used parts, but I still feel like I spent way too much money on this car over the past year. My 964 did not eat up even half of this amount in 2 years, but I think I am going to stop adding up the bills too and just enjoy my now nearly perfect car!

Now maybe I can now start saving for the RS Barn exhaust [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img]

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[rhudeboye]

<!--quoteo(post=76793:date=Aug 4 2009, 05:35 AM:name=Anchorman)-->QUOTE (Anchorman @ Aug 4 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I used to keep a running total of what I'd spent on my car - that also was in excellent condition, and completely checked out, when I purchased it. Once the total exceeded the purchase price, though, I stopped adding.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Note to self- Destroy all IMA and RSB records.

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[PorscheDude]

Never add them up!!!
That's about right for a 15 year old car with some mileage on it.

The list seems to be most of the common parts that need replacing.
It's only "cheap" if you DIY and do some real digging when looking for replacement parts.

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[94SilverCab]

A lot of these parts are 15 year parts, so you should be good for quite a while.

I should say, I notice no mention of brakes, fuel filter?

Jay

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[Ryan]

Just add up what car payments would be on a new car anywhere near as nice as the 968 is. You can't expect a car this old to be maintenance free, but once you replace the wear items, the car is a great DD.

That being said...I put next to nothing into my car for a few years. I just changed oil and put in gas. I then decided to make some repairs that I thought needed to be done at this age/mileage ever though the car was not broken. If you can do your own wrenching, prices are not bad, but labor at shops is terrible.

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[Darryl]

<!--quoteo(post=76806:date=Aug 4 2009, 10:40 AM:name=Ryan)-->QUOTE (Ryan @ Aug 4 2009, 10:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Just add up what car payments would be on a new car anywhere near as nice as the 968 is. You can't expect a car this old to be maintenance free, but once you replace the wear items, the car is a great DD.

That being said...I put next to nothing into my car for a few years. I just changed oil and put in gas. I then decided to make some repairs that I thought needed to be done at this age/mileage ever though the car was not broken. If you can do your own wrenching, prices are not bad, but labor at shops is terrible.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


Couldn't have said it better...after 4+ years of no major expenditures, I plan to do some much needed preventative maintenance during the upcoming winter months. And you're right about adding up costs vs. car payments...I still keep track of everything and save all the paperwork...it's still a "smile per dollar" investment.

- Darryl

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[968Syncro]

<!--quoteo(post=76798:date=Aug 4 2009, 05:45 AM:name=Johannvb)-->QUOTE (Johannvb @ Aug 4 2009, 05:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->My 964 did not eat up even half of this amount in 2 years<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Johann,

I drove a 911SC for 11 years. Without question that was the lowest cost car I've ever had when I divide the (purchase price + maintenance - sale value) over all those years (took it to 295,000 miles). It is a very simple design / car, no coolant system for example, simple electronics, well sorted and proven architecture.

But I still wouldn't trade my 968 for one. I still think the 968 is a $50,000 car if well maintained like yours, since that is what we would have to spend to get the same quality / performance in a more current or more recent car. Congratulation on making a great decision to keep yours in excellent condition.

Roland

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[flash]

don't feel bad - i now have over $10k in unsuccessful attempts to resolve the gearbox rattle alone - i know somebody else who has over $9k in attempts to seal up leaks (he still has one left)

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[Johannvb]

<!--quoteo(post=76804:date=Aug 4 2009, 04:21 PM:name=94SilverCab)-->QUOTE (94SilverCab @ Aug 4 2009, 04:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I should say, I notice no mention of brakes, fuel filter?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Jay, I had a major service done on it just after I bought it. So all filters, fluids, plugs etc are new. Brakes are OK, but I do have a slight warp on the front passenger disk. Not enough to replace it yet, but when my maintenance fund is a bit stronger I will fit new disk and pads all round.

Flash, I hope to never get to your level of spending [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

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[Johannvb]

<!--quoteo(post=76810:date=Aug 4 2009, 05:57 PM:name=968Syncro)-->QUOTE (968Syncro @ Aug 4 2009, 05:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I still think the 968 is a $50,000 car if well maintained like yours, since that is what we would have to spend to get the same quality / performance in a more current or more recent car. Congratulation on making a great decision to keep yours in excellent condition.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I can't argue with that! I actually test drove a Cayman S while my car was being worked on. I was quite upset because of yet another expensive job that needed doing and I couldn't do it in my garage. You really need a lift to drop the tranny [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif[/img]

Anyway, while I loved the Cayman S, especially the new Porsche smell, I can honestly say it is not worth the additional €70 000 on top of the trade in value of my 968.

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[Scott Collins]

Johann,

That list is impressive! Knock on vinyl, but you basically have a new car under that curvaceous body!

It always kills me when I see all these repairs done just before a sale. Like redoing your kitchen then selling the place next week. What's the point? (These folks never get to enjoy the new granite counters and french door fridge with cold water, icemaker, and lcd tv. It's a cryin' shame..)

I love a car in tip-top shape. It feels great to turn that key and know that my 18 yr old Porsche runs better than my 8 year old Avalon. Now that you have done all of this, have all of the fun the 968 was born to provide!! Go celebrate with some nice curvy on-ramps!

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[PorscheDude]

Well said, Scott !!

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[Johannvb]

[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] I'm with you Scott. I have cut my "Losses" before and regretted it later. I pretty much regret selling every Porsche I have owned, but especially my 944 Turbo S and Carrera 3.0. So I'm not about to make that mistake again. My 968 will not be sold, not for a long time coming.

Thanks for all the encouragement guys!

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[The_Oz]

<!--quoteo(post=76791:date=Aug 4 2009, 12:58 AM:name=Johannvb)-->QUOTE (Johannvb @ Aug 4 2009, 12:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I have driven 4000km over the last year.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


I did more than that in the last 2 months [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif[/img]

11K in one year is a lot - but don't forget this is not "usual maintenance" [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img]

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[xrad]

consider all this money spent because others did not do appropriate upkeep. They should be thanking all of you.

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