MexicoBlueTurboS

Read this thread. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...own-motor.html

What a community! In the truest and purest sense. I almost have the feeling that if something bad had happened there would be a successful GOFUNDME for Bill.

Last but not least, I think the smart money is on 996s. I remember touring the Porsche factory in 2000 and being floored by these cars. As we all know there are a couple of issues but way within being handled easily.

I started out 2 years ago wanting a 60s or 70s long nose like I had in the early 90s only to find they were out of my reach financially. I then looked at a 996 cab that was in my range but the fact that the seller didn't have the title gave me enough time to become scared of the IMS issue. My budget doubled (but income stayed the same) and I started looking at 997.1s - well you know. From my view they were scarier than 996s (bore scoring, d-chunk and the split case IMS) so 997.2s and the wife is really starting to gripe. I ended up buying a 997.2 that was so nice (it was over my head) I didn't drive it or park it or take out in the sun or rain or anything.

Many times (especially as I became more educated on 911s) I began to see that 996s were smart money and they fit that sweet spot where you could enjoy them in many ways garage queens can not be enjoyed.

And that's part of the fun of owning these cars, taking care of them, knowing them intimately as the community just documented and confirmed in Bill's thread.

This community is solid assurance for anyone considering or already has a 996.

Splitting Atoms

When I read the title to the thread, I assumed I was about to read about a painful experience where you bought a 996 and it turned into a financial disaster!

808Bill

I too was expecting a disaster, glad it's not!
x2 on this fantastic community, warts and all!

Jrboulder

They really are a bargain. The most suprising thing I've found in my 3 months of ownership is just how straightforward they are to work on. Way easier than aircooled or 944s.

jllphan

I totally agree. I paid $22k for a car that was $90k new. In the 1.5yr I’ve owned it, I’ve put $10k into wear items and have another $5k to go at which point I’ll have a 911 in premo condition for far less than half the original msrp. If the motor goes and I put another $15k into it I’ll still only be at roughly half the price of what it was when new. And sure for $50k I could have more car, but I’ll have spent that money over the course of several years, not all up front just to purchase.

So yeah, these cars are a tremendous value, even with the 29 modes of failure. I’m pretty sure I’ve already broken even depending on how one values smiles per mile.

AnthonyGS

One thing I’ve learned is there are cars you love to drive and cars you do not. If you’re mortal and have a budget paying too much for something that isn’t perfect is painful. Buying something that costs less and overdelivers always feels great.

dak911

Having owned a LOT of 911's, including a 997 Cab...I think that the 996 (with an "updated") IMS is the best buy for the money...

MattBurns

I bought this car to have a convertible that anybody in the family could drive and enjoy. What I have is a car that is so fun to drive I can't wait to get into it top up or down, and I don't want to share.

motoo344

I've owned a lot of cars over the years and even though I've only owned my 996 for 4 months it really does feel like a bargain sports car. It feels raw, the steering isn't all electronic and the car is not bloated with form over function stuff. Sure it has some issues but so do a lot of sports cars. It also more of a DIY car than a lot of other cars in the same category.

Argon_

What's your take on the 996 vs 997 driving experience? IMS excluded.