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I was in the market for a 911, and was prepared to spend 40K to get something that I would really like. Over the next few weeks, I spent many sleepless nights reading different articles online and watching YouTube videos. Some folks said "Don't get a manual, get a PDK, it's an amazing transmission". So like a good Boy Scout, I went and test drove a PDK and to be honest it felt just like any other automatic car to me. Not sure what the big fuss there is all about. I quickly scratched that off my list. Others said "make sure you get a car 2006 or higher, the ones before that are terrible". So I test drove a manual 2007 and loved it. This could be the one I thought. Then one night I came across a 996 review by Doug DeMuro and he gave it some pretty high praise. Hey, if Doug says it's a great car then the least I can do is test drive one. I have nothing to loose except a few minutes of my time.
Then I saw an ad for a 2001, 6 -Speed Carrera 4 with 'Supple Leather" and 40K miles on the clock. It was at a used car dealer about 20 minutes from my house, so my wife and I hopped into her Subaru CrossTrek (great SUV) and took a short ride there, and the moment I saw it, I knew it was a very strong contender. The Lapis-Blue paint was outstanding. My wife also said "I like this more than the 2007 one". Now I was confused. Could I possibly like a 2001 996 over a 2007 997?? Isn't that sacrilegious? So he gives me the key, and we both sit down. Immediately we noticed that we found this one to be much more comfortable overall than the 2007 model. In addition, it seemed more down to earth and was thankfully devoid of the "modern" technology that Porsche stuffs into all of its cars today. I took it for a good test drive and to my surprise, I liked it more than the 2007. It was very fun to drive and had the right balance of the 'old world' and the 'new world'...just enough technology to keep me happy but not so much to drive me nuts.
I paid 20K and couldn't be happier. Doug was right after all, this is a great 911.
Yep, they are definetly great cars. They bring so much joy in the form of modern comforts and rawness of driving pleasure. Every person that drives one is always suprised especially if they are good examples.
Congrats, michaelo! What a beautiful example. I appreciate you sharing your experience and unbiased point of view. I'm convinced that the biggest detractors for this car have never driven it. One of my good friends was a "never 996-er." When I told him I wanted one he tried so hard to convince me it was 997 or bust. Oh, boy, you should have heard him rip on these cars. "WORST INTERIOR OF ANY CAR, EVER!" "NOT A REAL 911!" Then I bought one... then he drove mine... guess what?
Yep, he has one.
Enjoy it in good health, 10's of 1,000's of miles of smiles
Probably one of the most under-rated performance cars. Styling is beautifully balanced, thanks to Pinky Lai's skill, and classic 911, with a much cleaner and sleeker look than the bulkier and fussier later offerings. The handling is sublime and performance more than adequate unless your one of those boring bar-room braggers spouting 0-60 times.
It's the last of the analogue drives, as the OP said, a perfect blend of old and new Porsche.
Last edited by Audidude; 04-22-2018 at 08:02 PM.
Reason: Words missing, spelling
If it weren’t for the age and sometimes problematic nature of older cars, not to mention safety, I would only buy older cars. They are usually more engaging to drive, smaller, lighter, cheaper, simpler, and have stopped depreciating.
I have owned mine a little over a year and couldn't be happier with it. There are some bugs to be worked out, such as door microswitches, stereo speakers, etc, in my 20 year old example, but I enjoy tinkering. It is a very analog ride, which makes it special.
I started out with a Boxster, and was immediately taken away by how connected, mechanical, everything felt. When you put it in gear, and you lift the clutch, it just feels so connected with the road. I knew I was smitten after that. With the 911 now, I am in love. Anyone who complains are people who have never driven one. I get a ton of smiles per miles. Everywhere I go, I see vettes, but around here, I hardly see 911 or even Boxsters. I like having a unique car. I still like my BMW friends, but I now have a iconic car that lots of people dream about when they were growing up. My kids love it. My teenage daughter is 'blah' at everything, but anywhere we are going, 911... my 2 yr old son, every morning I come up, ask him which car to take, he gets mad if i dont take the 'pursh". I am having a blast, and living in my dream right now.
Congrats! I’ve got a ‘99 C4 with lots more miles than yours and I’ve done a whole lot of work to it, but I can honestly say I know exactly how you feel! They are great cars... the full/supple leather interior makes a big difference in the feel of the interior. Good catch on the lapis blue - not an over used color (mine’s ocean blue metallic) and the sport classic wheels are awesome! What’s not to love?
04-22-2018 | 03:24 AM
Just bought a 996 - What a Fabulous car!
