Arnuld

1. Value-

This has to come first. If anyone can come up with a better sports car for the money speak now or forever hold your peace. Seriously- a modern, well maintained Porsche 911 from the upper teens to the low twenties? This is a used Toyota Camry price point for a car that had a sticker price from the 60s to the low 100s new. And at the time of it's release was the darling of the automotive world. People have lost their minds.

2. Aesthetics-

I know most Porsche purists hate the lines of the 996. People call it ugly. They hate the headlights. Blah, Blah, Blah. I think part of the reason this has happened is that you don't see too many 996s on the road anymore. People are mainly commenting on photos. When I decided to buy one and finally saw one in person for the first time in years I was shocked at how good it looked. This car looks so much better in person than in photos. It has all of the classic 911 lines with some modern touches. It's truly a beautiful car.

3. Interior-

Again most purists hate the interior of the 996. They say it looks cheap and plastic. And I admit Porsche did skimp somewhat on some of the materials. But the seats have fantastic leather quality. Again it has that old school Porsche feel with some modern touches. If you look at the interior of a 993 the 996 just looks like a logical progression. It's pretty spartan and basic just like every other 911 that came before it. Frankly I would rather have a car with a super basic interior than one with a goofy outdated navigation system.

4. Driving Dynamics- These cars are just straight up fantastic to drive. The handling, the clutch and shifter, the acceleration are all top notch. No one should talk **** about a 996 if they haven't driven one.

5. Air Conditioning- I live in Texas and I was not about to buy a Porsche with subpar AC. (see all Porsches prior to the 996) The 996 blows very cold and consistent AC.

6. Size-

Every time I see a 991 in person I think it's a Panamera. Porsches are supposed to be small and when you see a 996 in person they still have that elfin characteristic of previous Porsche generations.

7. Reliability-

IMS and RMS issues have given the 996 a bad rap in recent years. But the reality is that if these cars are well maintained they are extremely reliable.

8. Modifications-

This is not really my cup of tea but the 996 definitely has the ability to be modified in a lot of cool ways.

9. A wide variety of choices-

Because Porsche made so many 996s there are a wide variety of them available in different styles and colors. Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa, Cabrio, Turbo....ect.....You can find a well maintained example of your choice if you are willing to be patient and do your homework.

10. It's a 911-

People say it's not a real 911. It's an ugly 911. It's not air cooled. Take one for a test drive. The 996 is as 911 as it gets.

TonyTwoBags

Strong first post for de Ahhnuld

couldn't agree more, enjoy! I sure as hell enjoy mine

Slopeslider

Spot on Arnuld!

Arnuld

Thanks TonyTwoBags. As they say over at Petrolicious if you are going to drive-drive tastefully. And it doesn't get more tasteful than Stuttgart's finest

YT1

Great list.

Volkert

Let's add a few more, here is mine:

Reason #12: Design: the more I drive the car, the more I appreciate the design effort that went into this car, thoroughly supported by 30+ years of experience of building and refining the ultimate sportscar. This is THE designer car, even though some compromises had to be made due to financial constraints. Afterwards marketing took over IMHO. I love my early Mk.1 Carrera!

Device2

Here! Here! I second that..
Well said Arnuld and to include to the repertoire of items, the fun factor, the ease of some DIY fixes and mechanical items. Bravo good key points why we owners love the darn thing and in closing yes, at the end of the day it is a 911! (microphone drop)

Audidude

Nailed it.

I'd add that if you are seeking a raw connected driving experience in a responsive chassis and drivetrain couple with the delicious instant response of a normally aspirated engine AND a true sports car, the 996 in whatever form you choose will satisfy your desires. Not as raw as the air-cooled experience of course, but a great compromise between that and a more comfortable modern experience without unacceptable dilution.

The new cars, being so refined and heavy are more GTs than sports cars. Brilliant GTs, but GTs none-the-less.

GH996

Great post and dead on.

Oregoncoaststi

As others have said, great post, i did a lot of research before buying my 03 C4S . 6 months into my ownership and i love driving this car !!

996AE

The most beautiful headlights ever made for the 911 series has to make the top ten list

Kalashnikov

LOL.

3- huge LOL.

5- Massive LOL.

7- Insane LOL.

Ahnuld, posts like this only reinforce the 996 stigma. People with money, don't try to convince others that they have a lot of money. Same goes for cars. Cars that are spectacular, don't need to brag about how good they are.

996 was a good car for its time period. It was competitive and today has a great value due to 3-5-7 points (or LOL points) on your list.

Good effort though.

Audidude

From a certain perspective you are right, but your criticism isn't fully justified because the 996 has received a massive, largely undeserved, rap from Porsche traditionalists, whose intolerance of change is legendary, and the motoring press along with social media.

A summary as good as this from the OP is a useful balance.

The market is waking at long last to the true value of these cars.

NYoutftr

Wow, that is harsh!
Can't understand the comment about people with money being injected into a post about someone who is expressing his appreciation for a particular model car.
This fella is happy with his car, no one needs to rain on his day.
IMO

996AE

Poor 996 owners.

Sad really.

Good news is I now a guy that can help you replace all the parts that havent failed yet but are near failing.