911Syncro

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

e90steve

I love all 996's so not picking on 0/01's. But personally if I'm "risking" the possibility of potentially having what's universally considered the weakest of the bearings (Some 00, All 01-05), then I at least want the added benefit of having the larger engine is all I'm saying. The 99 on the other hand is a known variable and somewhat different of a 996 being the first model year. It has some additional charm to it that is being recognized by pubs and experts out there.

TexSquirrel

I've found that many "published" articles about the 996, even positive ones, often are not always accurate.

Nifty911

Simple answer from someone who has had three.

Find the nicest one you can afford and have a pre-purchase inspection done, then decide from there.

6L6

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

MattBurns

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).

Scott at Team Harco

Good point - leaves my previous comment ungrounded.

There is also no mention of three Audis and a bunch of other junk we own....

Mib44

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)

TexSquirrel

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)

e90steve

^^^^^^^^^^^
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.

bull3t

I couldn't imagine driving an automatic 996. I'd rather own a corolla.
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.

bpoteat

I've disagreed with parts of suggestions in a post before but I don't think I've ever seen a post that I 100% disagree with on every single point.

Woodman71

I owned a stick Corolla and a Tip 996 at the same time, and drove the Corolla 5 times more.

I kid, I kid. But I tend to agree with you.

Mike Murphy

Noz1974

Don't get manual??