So, you’re thinking of buying a Porsche but you are concerned about big repair and maintenance bills? Well, there’s no need to worry with this 2001 996. Not only is it the classic shape, but it has had a significant amount of money spent on it to ensure that it is a Porsche to be relied upon. 

We are not just talking about the best in servicing, we are talking about a full engine rebuild (by Hartech of Bolton, renowned as one of the best), a gearbox rebuild, brakes, wheels, interior trim, you name it, this car has had it and sometimes not because it was needed but just because it’d be better done properly. 

The warm contrasting colour of the interior is a welcome change to the more usual red or black and has worn extremely well. The seats are still supportive and bear very few signs of the 134,000 miles that the car has covered because they have had some restorative work by Leathercare. 

The dash is clean and free from any apparent sun damage and all the instruments appear to work as they should. As a result, the interior is near new in appearance and function.

The paintwork has not had any major work done since new, except for the front bumper which has been resprayed to eliminate stone chips. The gloss of the paint is still good and bears only a minimum amount of parking marks. 

The car sits on a set of original factory wheels which have been powder coated this year. However, a spare set of alternative Porsche wheels are available but could benefit from a refurb. 

This Porsche has undergone a lot of mechanical work over the last 7 years. Most of which was preventative rather than essential. The Gearbox was taken out for a rebuild and was becoming noisy. On inspection signs of engine wear and tear became apparent and a decision was made to do a full engine rebuild at a total cost of £21,000.

The engine fires up immediately and settles into a steady and even tickover. A little blip of the throttle and that distinctive Porsche rasp barks out of the custom stainless exhaust. 

There has been remedial work to the brakes, steering and air-con along the way. This no-expense-spared attitude has resulted in a car that has had every important aspect renewed, restored or at least reviewed which can only build confidence that this is a car to trust mechanically. Any vehicle that can boast a budget of nearly £34,000 above the original purchase price has to be a sound investment.

The 911 is an icon and a very desirable car to own. To many, the concerns of servicing costs and the expense of parts can be off-putting, but here’s a car that should belay those fears because of the phenomenal amount of work done to the crucial areas. 

Given the extensive work and servicing this Porsche has received, the new owner shall inherit an extremely sound investment indeed. Inside and out this 996 is a great buy with a renovated interior, great paintwork and rebuilt power plant and gearbox. 

The next keeper even has a choice of wheels to put on. It’s going to be a hard task to find one with this kind of history, so don’t let this opportunity slip by.