Avon

RHD - but was sold by from a dealer in California and USA country code on the sticker (C02)? Edit: Ah the windscreen VIN does not match the one in the sticker in the book...

I went with RSS mounts to replace the worn out originals in the 996.1 and initially felt there was too much NVH but either they have loosened a bit or I got used to it. Doing it over again I'd just get new originals and replace once they get floppy / droop.

Having used them in the past (caveat: non-Porsche) and not skimped on cheapies (all >$200) I wouldn't bother. They blow off when windy, can buff the paint where they rub against tight corners, are a pain to put on and off. Also the waterproof ones tend to get moisture condensing in between the cover and the paint which can affect the paint, and the breathable ones eventually lose their waterproofing and become sodden. Unless you're mainly after sun protection and can live with a very lightweight one that lets water through but also dries out quickly I haven't found them worth it.

Child seat anchor points are the only thing the authorities can get excited about - but if car is already registered should be all ok from a compliance perspective. If you're asking about general vehicle condition - depends a lot on the exact model as they all can have their potential problem areas. For example 996 (+997?) have exhaust manifold bolts instead of studs and these will have rusted back to semi-circular nubs by now and usually require drilling out - a major job. These models also have a spot behind the plastic rear wheel arch cover that traps dirt and moisture and over ~15 yrs will rust if not cleaned out.

If you use an import agent, they can 'help' with these sort of calculations. They understand the system very well and their knowledge can make a large difference to how much you end up paying. I used https://www.personalimport.com.au/ and for the ~$400 fee I saved much, much more than that and took away all the worry about getting it wrong (and it can go very wrong if you don't do the import process correctly)

Have been running PS4's for 6000kms including a couple of track days and I'd say they'll go to 20000km. Can be difficult getting correct sizes. I'm running 275/35x18's which is the largest you can get for that tyre I believe. Bridgestone S-02 are another good option, liked them a lot.

Yes being an 'early' 996.1 it should have the dual row IMSB (found in 1998, 1999 models and some of 2000 apparently) which are generally considered to be less failure-prone compared with the later single row versions. Agree with the somewhere in the low-mid twenties estimates above.

Depends .. a few things to consider. Highway or city kms? Compression test? Oil analysis? (Nulon do one for $39). Do any engine rattles / clatter fade within ~ 30seconds from cold start as the lifters and cam chain tensioners fill up? Mines closing in on 200,000 km (194,500ish) and recent oil analysis showed no wear issues (early 1999 model) This is an entertaining read about a high-miler 996, but to be fair the owner has a business maintaining old F1 cars. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=47&t=1601182

The CTEK's are indeed the go. Traditional chargers dry out the battery and kill it but the CTEKs don't have the same effect apparently. I have a MXS-7 and its probably overkill (running a ~700amp battery in 996) but all battery issues cease to exist. Keep it plugged in and has some sort of ongoing conditioning cycle to keep battery in optimal condition. I believe that the Porsche labelled trickle chargers are rebadged CTEK's if thats an endorsement.

No experience with them but it sound like an Evoque might be a contender? There is a 2L turbo petrol option.

I have some I'd swap for ambers...

Drain it out. Especially as its still summer. I've never seen 5w-30 recommended by...anyone - especially in Australia. Maybe ok in Sweden. Jump on the Shell / Castrol / Mobil etc oil selectors for Australia on their websites and they will all recommend something with a minimum of 40 on the end. I've run Mobil 1 0w-40, Shell Helix Ultra 5w-40 and currently Mobil 1 5w-50 and cannot detect any difference between them.

Is this a DIY or a take-it-to-a-garage job? What do they recommend? I'd just do one side - if its not broke, don't break it! From memory the replacement in the 3.6 engine is relatively simple (compared with the 3.4 where the cam cover has to come off) so may not be much efficiency gain in doing them together,

As above - had same experience with Pzeros (admittedly they were 7 or 8 years old) changed to PS4's which transformed the ride, noise and general trustworthiness in all conditions. Non-N rated though I think you have to go PS2's for that - also apparently a great option

964's....I thought the 1989's were C4 and the C2 didnt arrive until 1990. Or is that an oversimplification