964's are great cars and my cab was my daily driver for 18 years. As for which is better? I would say test drive both and let your heart decide

 

The only 996 I would choose over a 964 is the GT3... A turbo would make a great DD for the money but other than that it's 964 >996 for me.

 

be sure to check out Frank's video

 

All things being equal......I would drive both and then decide. The seal repair on the 996 is a 40K maintenance item, not a permanent fix. If long term valuation is part of the equation I would recommend a 964.

 

964! I've never owned something more thrilling and worth the money. You definitely won't regret it... but you won't regret it with either.

 

Daily driver buy something MUCH newer unless you are a mechanic

 

I hated the 996 cars... hated the interiors, the build quality, the engine... everything about it said cheap!... Only exceptions are the 996 TTurbos and the GT3s... So unless you are getting a 996TT, I would say forget about the 996... either save up and go for a '09 997 or a 993 or a 964...

 

My n of 1 study: Our family Mercedes has broken down twice, ECU and ignition key. My parents 5 year old BMW failed with some key/brain issue, had to be recovered. My friend's 3 year old Golf 120pd stranded him with failed injectors (everything shuts down) THREE times before he finally traded it.
My 964 has never stranded me in 10 years and 60k miles, including all seasons, long drives around Europe and track use. Yes it has coughed and needed work or warning lights dealt with, but at least she kept going when I needed her.

 

I have not owned a 996 but I am concerned about the Ims failures. The value of 996 has yet to hit bottom. The 964 at one time was considered the bastard years of Porsche. Well so was the 911S. I have owned both and loved them. I can tell you the parts on a 964 are very expensive. I would ask you to consider purchasing a nice G50 carrera from 1987-89. I understand the 964 is more of a modern car but the parts and maintenance bills will be almost half at times. I am not trying to start a flame here guys. I have owned a 964 and loved it. My mechanic friend (master mechanic 33 years plus) will not work on any of the new Porsche's. You can guess why. (1999- and UP)

Also, why did you skip the 993 model? I would assume a price point. After 100k miles the price point for a 993 is considerably lower. The only problem, you can expect high repair bills. I can't imagine what a 996 will be but the car has to be harder to work on when comparing it to a 993. Time is MONEY!

Just my 2 cents, never owned a 996, but i do really like the C4S models. Black on black is very NICE!

Its highly possible the 964 known problems has been resolved by now. As long as the mechanic who did the rebuild was competent on Porsches.

The 993 and 996 are more likely to need a lot of repairs. Since there is no need for valves to be timed. The customer stop going in for maintenance on their cars. You can imagine. The 964 is more than likely has been well cared for when compared to the later years. This is what my mechanic friend has seen for the last couple of years. He only works on Porsche cars.

If you can't steer to the earlier models, i would choose a 964. Before you make your final decision. Do a price search on basic repair replacement parts. Do the math, you will see the earlier car is better on the wallet.

Yeah, i know. I own a 928S4. Its parts are like GOLD. My mechanic friend told be to stay away from these cars. I did not listen to him. LOL

 

I was in the same boat last month. Took a look at a nice 996 and a few 964's. Went with the 964 and have been driving around with the dumb smile all over my face ever since.

Well, not anymore as it's in storage. :/

 

The 996 is the first throw away Porsche IMO. The complexity of it makes it very expensive to repair when the major items fail. That, and the fact too many were made, is the reason they can be bought (over here in the U.K) for as little as £8000........Coupled with the terrible interior quality makes a car that will not stand the test of time (unless cherished from new).......In my opinion.

 

Well ya, duh, that is a whole nother animal.

 

Thanks ALL for your comments. I agree that the 964 seems a more purist version of the 911. The 996, if well cared for including the preventative IMS / RMS upgrades is a more comfortable car for DD. I believe I will look for the best version of each and simply go with my gut.
Bob

 

"Daily driver buy something MUCH newer unless you are a mechanic "

Ive had many daily drivers newer more than 15 years old in the past 3 years and im not a mechanic. Ive been able to keep my car on the road without huge expense and few incidents. (many thanks to rennlist for a lot of easy fixes) I dont think scare mongering people away from 964's is valid - more appropriate would be the advice in how to make sure u get a good one and not a potential basket case.

 

What a load of misinformation here.

996s are much easier to DIY compared to earlier cars. The amount of room to work in the 996 engine bay is a luxury. Dropping an engine and oil changes are so much easier. Have you ever wondered why an oil change is cheaper in a 996 compared to a 993?

Whichever model you decide to buy, buy the previous owner and not the car. Each model generation have their strengths and shortcomings. Learn about them and budget properly.