Rear Main Seals (RMS) on Porsches, and human beings
If anyone knows anything about the 996 and Boxster, they will always be concerned about the dreaded oil leaks around the bell housing (the other item is Nikasil bore liners leading to total engine failure, usually in cars at 25-30,000 miles (allegedly, in case Porsche are reading)).
We make a point of checking the RMS area but seals can expire at any time and without warning. However, independent specialists can repair the RMS for 6 hours labour (manual, 14 hours Tiptronic) at around £50 an hour, and that parts kits cost £50. Main Porsche centres charge £890 plus vat. Go independent and save over 50%. In our view its pointless to pay Porsche Centres to do this as it will not affect your warranty ( it should be repaired under warranty anyway) nor a FPSH (Full Porsche Service History). If you wish to keep the stamps in your book, which many people do until the car is about 6 years old, get an OPCs to do your service, but a FPSH is unaffected by who does running repairs like this. This includes brakes too.
We report on what we see on the inspection, and advise on whether an urgent repair is required, or regular checking is sufficient. And it helps us if you can reiterate to the vendor to bring his paperwork and keys with him - we can only report on these if we see them !
Also bear in mind, that in cars of 2, 3 or more years old, there will be a chip here or there, a scuff, but we are dealing here with second hand cars which will always bear testimony to their being not new. In the classics trade its called ‘patina’, in the used trade its called ‘wear’. Be realistic about what you expect and you won’t be disappointed.
So: RMS - if its only a weep or slight leak, perhaps best to keep an eye on it rather than run out and fix it as soon as there’s any misting of oil