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Old 01-11-2009, 12:52 PM
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robo356
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Default 996 bad rap

With the recent changes in the market, I've become interested in the 996. Why do they seem to have become the latest "red headed step child" of the Porsche lineage? (other than the headlights and change to water cooled)
Old 01-11-2009, 12:57 PM
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Wellardmac
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You might want to do a search, then re-phrase your question.

By asking that question you has in effect done the equivalent of walking into a stranger's house and crapping on his coffee table. Don't be surprised if you get some curt answers.

Just my $0.02
Old 01-11-2009, 01:16 PM
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rudy1024
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Originally Posted by Wellardmac
You might want to do a search, then re-phrase your question.

By asking that question you has in effect done the equivalent of walking into a stranger's house and crapping on his coffee table. Don't be surprised if you get some curt answers.

Just my $0.02
+1. I thought that to be an odd question... considered drawing my sword, but skipped it instead... then I couldn't let it go...

I suspect you would get a better response on any one of the other 10 sub-forums here. I would say that most everyone in this forum has 996s for one or several reasons - else they would have bought that something else and would be on one of those other sub-forums...

I'll leave it at that...

Rudy
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Old 01-11-2009, 01:16 PM
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ivangene
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Originally Posted by Wellardmac
You might want to do a search, then re-phrase your question.

By asking that question you has in effect done the equivalent of walking into a stranger's house and crapping on his coffee table. Don't be surprised if you get some curt answers.

Just my $0.02
+1
Old 01-11-2009, 01:25 PM
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Marc Gelefsky
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Yeah, they suck, don't even THINK of buying one!

Seriously, do some research and take advantage of what may be one of the best sports cars for the money you will ever find.
Old 01-11-2009, 01:28 PM
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ejdoherty911
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I don't know why the 996 is a red-headed step child. However, today, the 996 is the best dollar for dollar sports car in the United States. Name a sports car for the same money with a better combination of HP, track performance, looks, history, and curb appeal.

Bottom line, if you have $25K, you can get a $70K msrp vehicle with less than 50,000 miles. EndOfStory.
Old 01-11-2009, 01:28 PM
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robo356
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Addict,

I certainly meant no insult. I am looking to learn about the 996. Over the years I have hung around the various boards to learn about the many different Porsches. It appears that the 996 has received a "bad rap", and I'm trying to understand why this particular Porsche has been so maligned. I am trying to separate fact from fiction. I did not intend to offended anyone on this board.
Old 01-11-2009, 01:34 PM
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Wellardmac
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Originally Posted by robo356
Addict,

I certainly meant no insult. I am looking to learn about the 996. Over the years I have hung around the various boards to learn about the many different Porsches. It appears that the 996 has received a "bad rap", and I'm trying to understand why this particular Porsche has been so maligned. I am trying to separate fact from fiction. I did not intend to offended anyone on this board.

Understood, that's why I figured you might want to do some research first, then come back with specific questions. This place has the richest experience base you will find for our cars - if you're able to ask the right questions, then you will learn so much.


The 996 is a great car, what's why we all have them. Will you find people that complain about them and malign them? Sure, but that can happen with any car.

Overall they are incredible machines that are reliable and give outstanding performance. Right now they are also incredible value for money - you cannot get more bang for your buck.

You will read stories about the problems, but bear in mind that this is not the case with the vast majority of the 996s that were made.

Also, bear in mind that you're buying an $80K sports car. Things can and will go wrong and you should be financially capable of dealing with those issues that come up, otherwise you can get into an expensive world of hurt really quickly.
Old 01-11-2009, 01:36 PM
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go to amazon.com and buy this book. All your questions (and then some) will be answered.
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Old 01-11-2009, 01:56 PM
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russo
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Although I own a 2007S Conv, I would never give up my 2002 996 C4 conv. Some 997 owners state the the 997 is far superior in every aspect; I however, disagree. In fact, I am already shopping for some rims and a tubi exhaust for my 996. I don't pay any attention to what the detractors have to say, I still enjoy the vehicle and share equal time between the two.
Old 01-11-2009, 01:59 PM
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Phil G.
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Originally Posted by Wellardmac
Understood, that's why I figured you might want to do some research first, then come back with specific questions. This place has the richest experience base you will find for our cars - if you're able to ask the right questions, then you will learn so much.


The 996 is a great car, what's why we all have them. Will you find people that complain about them and malign them? Sure, but that can happen with any car.

Overall they are incredible machines that are reliable and give outstanding performance. Right now they are also incredible value for money - you cannot get more bang for your buck.

You will read stories about the problems, but bear in mind that this is not the case with the vast majority of the 996s that were made.

Also, bear in mind that you're buying an $80K sports car. Things can and will go wrong and you should be financially capable of dealing with those issues that come up, otherwise you can get into an expensive world of hurt really quickly.

Wayne is exactly right. The issue right now is that the global economy sucks, not these cars!!! That's why they can be bought at bargain prices. t's truly a buyer's market. Even used 997's are relatively inexpensive to buy.
Old 01-11-2009, 02:10 PM
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The 964 and 993 guys say the 996 isn't a "real" Porsche because it is water cooled. Many don't like the fried egg headlights. There is an issue with RMS (rear main seal) leaking. Not a big deal because 99% of them that do leak actually weep and some guys wait until they need a new clutch and then replace the seal. IMS shaft issues do occur on a small percentage of cars.

The guys that were able to afford to do so, moved on to the 997 which had a lot of upgrades/improvements so their assessment was that the 996 paled in comparison. The RMS issue was minimized on the 997 but not eliminated.

BTW, those same early 997 guys are now feeling the "sting" of the face lift 997 (a.k.a. 997.2) which gained 30 hp, has more torque, received DFI, has PDK available, and also received an improved suspension. All those improvements for approximately the same price, maybe +$2,500. The 997 face lift is a more dramatic change from the original 997 than the 996 face lift was to the early 996 cars.

Now you are caught up. Go find the newest 996 you can afford, buy it and drive it like you stole it!
Old 01-11-2009, 02:20 PM
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Russo great comment ! Robo go to Smith Volvo by you they have great prices. 996 is the deal of deals currently
Old 01-11-2009, 02:24 PM
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dertub
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I have one with 45k miles and bought it new. I love it except for: 2nd engine as of 11k miles due to broken intermediate shaft which Porsche replaced for "free" and ignition switch which goes bad and your headlights, wipers, fan, radio, etc. do not work. The first engine also had bad RMS. If this were a Chevy, it would be called a lemon. Don't get me wrong, I love my 996 GT3 and 997 GT3 RS also, but drive them sparingly. My daily '02 has been a challenge, but it is fun. I will buy another one when I need to do so.
Old 01-11-2009, 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by dertub
I have one with 45k miles and bought it new. I love it except for: 2nd engine as of 11k miles due to broken intermediate shaft which Porsche replaced for "free" and ignition switch which goes bad and your headlights, wipers, fan, radio, etc. do not work. The first engine also had bad RMS. If this were a Chevy, it would be called a lemon. Don't get me wrong, I love my 996 GT3 and 997 GT3 RS also, but drive them sparingly. My daily '02 has been a challenge, but it is fun. I will buy another one when I need to do so.
Dertub, I'm glad to see you back here on the 996 Forum!


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