First Porsche advice
#16
Pro
1. Be very careful to distinguish facts vs. opinions. (Too often "facts" written on the forum are just hearsay).
2. Read as many published articles as possible here: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-articles.html
2. Read as many published articles as possible here: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-articles.html
#17
They all have a high possibility, even of the probability is low. By that kind of logic, people would be wise to avoid all 996 and 997 before the 997.2, because there is a known risk (“possibility”). Doesn’t make sense to me, but that may just be me. Leaves more 2000’s for the rest of us, I guess.
#18
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
1. Be very careful to distinguish facts vs. opinions. (Too often "facts" written on the forum are just hearsay).
2. Read as many published articles as possible here: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-articles.html
2. Read as many published articles as possible here: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-articles.html
#20
Instructor
My 2002 cab was perfectly maintained from new. However, at 72K miles a tensioner failed and the engine grenaded.
Since it is cheaper to just buy another 996 than to buy and install a rebuilt engine, I sold it as a roller for $5K.
My advice: replace the tensioners immediately.
Personally, I'd only buy a 996 that has the following:
* 6 speed manual
* Cabriolet
* 2 wheel drive
I don't think you can beat these cars for sheer fun factor. Somewhere down the road I'll be getting another, but it will be a 997 that doesn't have the inherent engine design issues.
Bill
Since it is cheaper to just buy another 996 than to buy and install a rebuilt engine, I sold it as a roller for $5K.
My advice: replace the tensioners immediately.
Personally, I'd only buy a 996 that has the following:
* 6 speed manual
* Cabriolet
* 2 wheel drive
I don't think you can beat these cars for sheer fun factor. Somewhere down the road I'll be getting another, but it will be a 997 that doesn't have the inherent engine design issues.
Bill
#21
I rolled the dice on my 2000 since the build date is 7/99. Haven't had it on a lift yet to look at the IMS flange, but I think I have a very good chance it has a double row bearing. At any event, with 120K on the clock I fully expect some sort of mechanical issue with the motor to creep up at some point. When that happens, it will come out of the car and go through a bulletproofing (IMS solution, RMS, AOS, timing chain guides and tensioners).
#22
Just a car guy
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: South Lyon, Michigan, Ewe Ess Eh
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@Scott at Team Harco, you need to update your signature.
There's no mention of your 996.
There's no mention of your 996.
There is also no mention of three Audis and a bunch of other junk we own....
#23
Advanced
Thread Starter
wow, thanks guys for all comments! I didn't expect so much feedback. Keep it coming!
I'd get you some more info to clarify my needs:
I currently own a 96' bmw m3, full cage etc, tryin to sell it. I was only doing Time Trials in it and I have a trailer to take it to the track.
I decided thats too much hassle and I need a fun car to drive TO the track and ON the track, and sometimes drive it around for some errands.
I've seen some videos and I'm prone to RWD, of course manual. Please do not offer me a miata) Firstly, I'm pretty tall and don't fit in it, I know they're good at the track. Secondly, I just don't like them) Thirdly, like I said, I had already dedicated car for the track and mazda is no fun to drive around the city))) that's why I'm looking 2 in 1. Also, I do have second car as a daily driver, so no problem if Porsche is in the shop.
Thanks again, and keep the comments coming)
I'd get you some more info to clarify my needs:
I currently own a 96' bmw m3, full cage etc, tryin to sell it. I was only doing Time Trials in it and I have a trailer to take it to the track.
I decided thats too much hassle and I need a fun car to drive TO the track and ON the track, and sometimes drive it around for some errands.
I've seen some videos and I'm prone to RWD, of course manual. Please do not offer me a miata) Firstly, I'm pretty tall and don't fit in it, I know they're good at the track. Secondly, I just don't like them) Thirdly, like I said, I had already dedicated car for the track and mazda is no fun to drive around the city))) that's why I'm looking 2 in 1. Also, I do have second car as a daily driver, so no problem if Porsche is in the shop.
Thanks again, and keep the comments coming)
#24
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I came from the BMW world too.
I had a 2009 BMW 135i with a N54 that put out 500 rwhp that was my daily driver.
It was fun in a straight line, but not the best track cars.
My 996 is slower than my BMW in a straight line, but is SO much more fun.
I enjoyed the 996 so much that after I realized I hadn't driven the BMW in two months I decided to sell it and throw the money into the 996.
(Suspension and track preps)
I had a 2009 BMW 135i with a N54 that put out 500 rwhp that was my daily driver.
It was fun in a straight line, but not the best track cars.
My 996 is slower than my BMW in a straight line, but is SO much more fun.
I enjoyed the 996 so much that after I realized I hadn't driven the BMW in two months I decided to sell it and throw the money into the 996.
(Suspension and track preps)
#25
^^^^^^^^^^^
I had a cobb tuned e90 335i N54 w/ FBO Stage 1+. That thing was a boosted rocket ship and handled incredible after I swapped out the M suspension. Had a 996 C4S at the same time and ended up selling the C4S because it wasn't nearly as capable.
That said my current 996 AE is way more of a special "experience" to drive even though it has way less HP.
I had a cobb tuned e90 335i N54 w/ FBO Stage 1+. That thing was a boosted rocket ship and handled incredible after I swapped out the M suspension. Had a 996 C4S at the same time and ended up selling the C4S because it wasn't nearly as capable.
That said my current 996 AE is way more of a special "experience" to drive even though it has way less HP.
#26
Instructor
I had one of my litronic ballasts go out and it was like $30 to replace
I highly recommend black full leather, makes the car feel really high end and after 20 years it still smells new.
#27
Rennlist Member
Do not get a manual, When the pinion gears go bad it will not be easy or cheap to fix or replace.
Do not get the all wheel drive as it has a front differential and when it needs to be fix or repaired it won't be easy or cheap.
Do not get a year with the single row IMS bearing
Do not get Litronic headlights, when they fail it will be expensive to fix
Do not get headlight washers
Do not get all leather interior - unless it is perfect
and finally...take an NA lightweight Miata to the track, not a 996 Porsche.
Flame on.
Do not get the all wheel drive as it has a front differential and when it needs to be fix or repaired it won't be easy or cheap.
Do not get a year with the single row IMS bearing
Do not get Litronic headlights, when they fail it will be expensive to fix
Do not get headlight washers
Do not get all leather interior - unless it is perfect
and finally...take an NA lightweight Miata to the track, not a 996 Porsche.
Flame on.
#28
Rennlist Member
#29
Rennlist Member
Hi,
I plan to purchase a 996 for around $15-20k. Never had a Porsche before and I have lots of questions. Will really appreciate if someone would go over in details.
I want to use it as a fun car, take it to the track a few times a year.
- would you recommend 3.2L (1999-2001) or 3.6L (2002+)?
- how expensive is maintenance, what should I expect?
- are the engines still reliable after 100K+ miles or better to look with less miles?
Thanks!
I plan to purchase a 996 for around $15-20k. Never had a Porsche before and I have lots of questions. Will really appreciate if someone would go over in details.
I want to use it as a fun car, take it to the track a few times a year.
- would you recommend 3.2L (1999-2001) or 3.6L (2002+)?
- how expensive is maintenance, what should I expect?
- are the engines still reliable after 100K+ miles or better to look with less miles?
Thanks!