BruceP

... and has a comparable service history.

Barn996

Did you drive both cars? How did you think they compared to each other, both being 911S, and did you 'feel' a difference? Either Porsche sounds good.

redridge

depends on the year.... I wouldnt get an 05 997, would prefer the 04 c4s over the base 997.

Chads996

As the rule for Porsches usually goes, buy the latest edition you can afford. The 911 has always been an evolutionary car. Advances have been made each year it is released.

C.

gota911

What Chad said, plus the following....

2004 (either C2 or C4S) has 320 HP, while the 997 "S" has 355 HP, plus PASM suspension.

Geeforce

Bringing this post back up as i continue to research the 996 as a potential next car purchase. Obviously, any car would receive a PPI before I consider purchasing but I would like to have a little more info on the engine troubles, (RMS, IMS and cylinder liners) before spending the cash on the PPI.
I read that those engine issues can be remedied by installing corrected versions of the seals and bearings so should I be looking for a 996 who has had these fixes performed? I mean, other than looking for leaks and listening for noises, how would these issues pop up in a PPI on something like a 2002-2004 996 with 60-80K miles? These issues are the only thing that is holding me back on this generation 911.
Thanks

ATL Fahrer

I suggest that you do a search on the issues for which you have interest. There are many posts on the forum which should provide the information you are looking for. Also, you can look for posts from Jake Raby. He's one of the resident experts.

Here are some of the most recent posts on the IMS

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...eat-story.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...s-bearing.html

and lots more.

Good topic on a DIY changeout:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...t-bearing.html

Bottom line is, there are plenty of stories out there, some good, some not so good. If you like the car, it passes the PPI and is within your price range, don't let the engine "challenges" keep you from buying it. From what I have been able to gather, almost all P-cars have had their issues. Get the one that is right for you and drive it!

relinuca

Chad,

As a former two-time 993 owner and current 996 owner, I admit to having my "sensitivities" about the oft maligned 996s. Congrats to you on the 996 Buyer's Guide...very well done.

FYI-my 1999 cab has the Supple Leather-F/R seats, plus leather covered dash, etc., and I agree with your sentiments in re. desirability. Nonetheless, as you emphasize, documented maintenance is THE most important issue when surveying these wonderful cars.

Tarek307

Great Thread!

fpb111

needs to be pinned

white99c2

This thread is excellent.

relinuca

Starting in 2002, the 996 cabrios have a glass rear window, a nice improvement over the plastic ones, which have a tendency to separate from the top seal over time, especially in the upper corners.

relinuca

fayraree

agreed...appreciate the answers on my earlier n00b question from 2009, lol.

I'm back in another M3 but now I want to make the jump to a 997.2 C2/4S Cab, and I'll be patiently waiting for one to fall into my price range with the new 991 coming out.

/threadjack

Torontoworker

There were actually 14 996's built as 1997 models with VIN's to reflect that build date (V code) and these were shipped to Brazil.

8296 C2's were built by the factory in 1998 along with 952 cabs.

The only 1998 models anyone has heard of imported by PCNA were Cabriolets. There are no records of C2's imported as year code 'W' for our market in 1998. Mexico had a few 1998 C2's and Cabs imported so some of these may have found their way north after a few years as well as I'm sure a number of ROW units have found their way over here in the years after introduction. 1998 USA VIN's begin as #650061 Engine codes also have the 'W' year code unless they have been replaced in the years since importation.

Hurdigurdiman

Chad tell me something. I maintain my own car. I keep all reciepts of simple things bought that I use on the car during my ownership. ie, brake pads and fluids, oils, coolants, air and oil filters, plugs etc.. You state that you would walk, if there was no maintenance records. Could my reciepts be classed as 'records' if ever I sold the car. I mean the car is now in better condition than it was when I bought it. In other words, would a PPI together with self maintained records of reciepts for items used on the vehicle be as valuable as a PPI with Porsche or Indy records. Would you class my reciepts as a plus factor when you are buying a used car. Is DIY a plus or a negataive to consider when you are searching for a used car. (Not that I will be selling mine for at least another two years.)Thanks.