7:04 am, October 21, 2011
OVERALL this 911 is a good ‘un – nothing more serious than cosmetic problems really, a good find.
Those were the words of Porsche GB mechanic Darren Pannell who today gave our 911 for 2011 motor the once over.
Prior to some tweakage, Porsche wanted to subject our car to one of its 111-point checks to see exactly what needed doing.
You probably know by now, we managed to trade up to this R-reg Carerra 2 Manual 996 model from nothing over 15-months and 13 car trades – all in aid of charity BEN.
Now, to release the cash for BEN, we want to get the 911 into the best possible shape prior to sale. This 111-point check was the start of that.
The thorough once over costs £216 and is available on any Porsche of any age. It’s perfect for those who are looking at a private car to buy and want to get it looked over before hand.
Taking two hours, engineers produce a report which highlights any problem areas which can then be used to purchase a warranty (£1,079 per year) to put their minds at ease.
So to R97 RRK. Bought from a dealer in Birmingham the car has been reasonably well looked after and what became clear as Pannell got to work was that it was generally pretty good.
Ok, so there were a few issues. Firstly the oil level was low – he topped that up quickly with some Mobil 1 (which they have on tap). The brake fluid was also a little old and needed changing. One for the to do list.
OIL LEAK
He noted the windscreen was scratched, that the battery was 75 amp instead of 80 and that there was a non-standard Bluetooth handsfree kit fitted. I said it was thorough…
The Goodyear tyres are not N-rated (something to do with Porsche’s preferred tyres) and the horn works, but isn’t two tone. The shame…
The biggest problem was spotted when the car went up on the ramps. A peek under the engine revealed a small oil leak which looks like it’s coming from a breather pipe. Pannell says replacing this should solve it.
He also spotted the reversing lights don’t work which could be why the reversing sensors aren’t playing ball too. Pannell – who usually services Carerra GTs – said a new switch should fix it.
Other points of note were purely cosmetic. A bit of loose trim here, a missing cigar lighter there. He found the pads were new all round, the discs hardly worn and the tyres almost new.
After a test drive he added: ‘It’s in very good condition for the age and mileage. It’s stood the test of time well. It doesn’t creak where others can do and the interior is in pretty good nick.
‘There is a slight knocking from the front which I think is a joint on the suspension. We can investigate that when you’re back. Overall I think you’ve done well – maybe you should give up the day job and buy cars!’
No chance. It’s been hard enough getting to this stage… Porsche GB said they’ll now take a look at the report and see what they can do to help us get it into the best possible condition for sale.
We’ve got our fingers crossed they’ll do their bit for BEN and stump up for a minor service and rectify those small things. That should be enough to help us get the most for it and help us finally hand over a fat cheque to charity.
