RajDatta

360 Modena or F430.

JDS968

The Ferrari 430 is supposed to be so much faster than the 360, but I could never chose a 430 over the 360 because they ruined the styling! I've always believed that they got the look "just right" with the 360, and when the car got "too old" and it was time to update the mechanicals, the designers were told that the car had to look "new", so they changed details and lines just to make it "not the same", but they ruined it in the process.

Damian in NJ

After driving a friend's 360 was the only time I've ever wanted to kick my 968.

User 41221

After doing the Porsche Driving Experience at Barber Motorsport Park in Leeds, Al, I applaud your choice. My only suggestion is that you get it with the PDK transmission, as its nothing short of incredible.

Styling-wise, just like most of y'all, its not quite my cup of tea either, but if you drive one, you will have a way different understanding of what that car really represents. If you haven't driven one, don't bad mouth it as you have no idea how stupid you will sound to those of us who have (I am talking really driving one, not taking a tepid test drive on the streets near the dealership).

Would I replace my 968 with one? Not sure, as I really enjoyed the Boxster Spyder a LOT. If money were no object, the 904, the Carrera GT and the 918 are all contenders for me.

Todd951968

I'm too afraid of the reliability issues with the newer Porsches, except the turbos. But, I'd consider a 996 Turbo as a replacement for its GT1 derived engine. Or, more likely, a clean 928 GT or GTS. I use the 968 for touring with the wife so either of those cars would do the trick equally well or better.

Jacks911

"I'm too afraid of the reliability issues with the newer Porsches, except the turbos. But, I'd consider a 996 Turbo as a replacement for its GT1 derived engine"

So Todd - have you heard of the Sudden loss of Coolant crashes - Exclusive to the "GT1 Derived Engine"??? No warning Coolant dumps on rear tires - total loss of control - car spins and you soil the seats.

Now it is true that IF you do not hit anything - and if you turn the engine off before it overheats - you can just have the fittings repaired (Aluminum welding verses Glued) and you are back in Business. But my point is there are no perfect Exotic Sport machines that do not have a percentage of failures.
Your 968 (and Mine) has its issues, but they did not make 90,000 of them so we just hear about a few pinion bearings - assuming your monitor your timing belt...

JDS968

You know you can preemptively weld up the coolant pipes rather than waiting for them to pop, don't you? If I bought one of those cars, I'd do that before even driving it.

FRporscheman

Yeah me too. But if the RMS is leaking I'd just let it leak. Drip pan and lots of spare oil, much easier than redoing the RMS 4 times.

I've been learning more about 996s and I really think I want one.

Jacks911

And - You can preemptively install LN Engineering's Ceramic IMS Bearing and the latest series RMS in any early 996 and enjoy this "911" with no more worry that any older Porsche. Modern high performance in the 996 and amazing value for your dollars is available in today's market . You have So Many choices - have fun - not worries.

PorscheG96

And this is the key - the 996 provides unparalleled value at current prices so I can understand why Arash wants one. Now I want one! But I wouldn't replace a 968 with 996, I'd get one to complement the 968 because 968 is a great weekend road car, 996 would be a great daily driver and track car! Wrecked the 996?? No problem! There are 100k more to choose from!

Todd951968

Yes, I agree. I'd probably do this preventative work (now that I know) if I got the 996Turbo. It seems rather minor compared to a major rebuild to fortify the base 996 engine.

I've heard that even the solutions for the 997/996/986 engines don't always work so I guess I am just not comfortable with those cars. The percieved risk is too high for me, no matter how great the cars are otherwise.

I know every car has its weak points, some more than others. But, I think Porsche really screwed up on the design of the newed engines, which really hurt their image. Market values have reflected this in the new cars but somehow I feel like I'd be accepting less than the traditional Porsche standard of excellence if I bought into most of the newer ones. Hopefully, they will either solve the problems completely or develop new engines without issues and then get back on track.

Todd951968

Do you know what an independent shop would charge for doing that kind of work? It would interesting to know.

Related to your coolant leak post, I had a friend spin at Nelsons Ledges last year due to a coolant leak in his 951. No warning. Luckily he was not out in public and simply spun off without hitting another car or causing an accident. Scary stuff if that's happening to unweary 996 Turbo owners.

JDS968

Are you saying a 968 doesn't make a great daily driver and track car??

Jacks911

Todd,
I think you are really being suckered in to believing there is a high % chance the a 996/986/997 is going to blow up. the only high % is the number of folks on these web boards who talk about this. Do the math - how many 99x Porsche's are out there and how many folks are active on this board? The 996 won an award in Germany as the most reliable auto based on troubles reported to the TUV. Now that is Excellence! I do not think this Board changes Porsche Excellence - but it does effect peoples perception. I remember the same dire predictions about 964's. We got a fix and Porsche replace motors, and I think they are great cars. As for your question on cost of preventive repairs... I am will to guess the IMS and RMS will cost the same as re-welding all the hose fitting in a GT1 motor. Parts = $900 plus 5 hours @ $140 = $1600 plus Tax & Donuts. Fix the 996 at the same time you replace the clutch and the combined cost estimates I have seen are in the $2 - $3000 range, as you save $ only dropping the Tranny once...

As you might guess I am a fan of both the 968 and the 996 - the 968 Cab for summer fun & the 996 C4 for autocross and every day weather... and they are both daily drivers as well. They are so different yet so Porsche!

FRporscheman

I think what he's saying is that it's more OK to subject a 996 to the abuse of daily driving and/or track use than a 968.

My brother found a 996 today for $12,500.