The 968's body is fully galvanised and the bumpers at both ends are made from impact-absorbing plastic. As a result, any damage or rust is going to be the result of a collision. Damage to the door mirrors is more likely to be from stone chips, and make sure the electric adjustment works on all the non-Club Sport models.
Pop-up headlights are another of the 968's distinctive features. The lights are powered to go up but drop down under gravity, so any car with the lights stuck in the raised position probably has a seized and rusty mechanism. Lubrication will cure most cars with this, but rebuilding the mechanism is fiddly due to restricted access.
Staying at the front of the car for a moment, make sure the bonnet's hydraulic struts hold it open. With the bonnet up, look at the front chassis rails for any kinks or creases that point to badly repaired accident damage. There should be not rust under the bonnet, but look and feel along the bulkhead as water drain holes can become blocked with leaves and gunge.
The rubber seal that runs along the top edge of the plastic sill cover shrinks with age, but is easy and cheap to replace. This can cause the cover to become loose and you'll soon notice it by the rattle it makes. Electric central locking door locks can drain the battery in three days, so best to keep the car connected to a battery conditioner if it's being left for longer periods.
Rust in the rear arches is not unknown, especially in cars that have been left standing for extended periods and open to the elements. While it's not cheap to sort the arches and have them sprayed, the increased values of the 968 now make this work worth carrying out.
The last points to check are the sunroof if fitted and the large glass tailgate. Any damage to the glass hatch will cost of a fortune to replace with a new screen, so check it thoroughly.
Any damp inside the boot or a whiff of exhaust fumes in the cabin on the test drive point to worn tailgate seals or catches that have been properly aligned. Also, leave the hatch open to check its hydraulic struts keep it up.
As for the sunroof, it can leak and let water into the cabin. The panel is made from plastic to save weight but this also means it can distort and stop it sealing effectively. Make sure the electric mechanism to raise and lower the panel works smoothly and quickly, and look for the original storage bag for when it's lifted out.
The Cabrio's hood can look scruffy if not kept clean and will show marks from where it's been folded. Reproofing helps preserve the hood and stops leaks. A new hood can be bought in mohair for £430, but fitting will add another £600 to that bill.
PHer's view:
"Given its now a 20-year-old car, a thorough inspection is essential, ideally on a ramp to check the underside for corrosion."
Mat Finch
