soverystout

First, i think consumer reports has sizeable flaws and the information provided merely provides a framework for making an informed decision.

With that said, in their review of used 996s, they rate the 1999 model year car with either half red (very good) or full red (better) circles. The only category that was average (empty circle) was engine major (no doubt caused by reported failures of the sleeves,IMS,and RMS).

Do most 99 owners (now that the cars are 10 years old) agree with CR's findings?

chsu74

It depends which half you fall under as an owner.

pszikla

Wholeheartedly yes, very few problems. (yes i did have the rms and ims seals changed once but not a drop since and the rest of the car has been very reliable.

Robin 993DX

Yes, 92k miles on my 99 C4. No drama, great beater car.

sjfehr

Their reviews may be good for high-production-rate cars, but as it relies on consumer feedback, it tends to be all over the place for cars produced in smaller numbers like Porsches, as 1 or 2 reports can skew an entire category. It's rather telling when you can track a particular component that didn't change between model years that goes AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME COMPLETECRAP AWESOME.

I let my subscription expire, but as of last year, they didn't even have reviews for 98 or 00 because they didn't have enough people reporting. In short, I wouldn't rely on the CR reliability history charge at all.

Marlon

dang - I was getting pumped up about my 99'

Ahmet

Actually the early 996 has been rated very high in reliability by many organizations. Only when you look at non scientific data (more specifically message boards) does the car look unreliable. Mine's been one of the most reliable cars I've owned as well.

Barn996

I've owned MY99 for almost 3 years(Sept), purchased with 35k miles, now have 47k. I've done 3-4 oil/filter changes, bought 2 new rear tires, replaced a driver's side wheel bearing,new brake pads front and rear, and knock on wood ...no major issues other than basic maintainance. I haven't modded much, but did change out the stock suspension for a M030, and dumped the 4 spoke wheel for a 3 spoke. I enjoy my Porsche and have only regretted not driving it more than I do. I'd agree to date with their findings.

tooloud10

Other than requiring a new engine, my '99 C4 has been 100% reliable.

Marlon

Regarding the M030 mod - are you tracking the car to warrant the change or just wanted firmer ride??? Was the 3-spoke a plug&play?

mar

Tbred911

yup +1

keep it well oiled and if you track it change the oil every 3-4 events...

mooty

i usually do better just buying things blindly than reading consumer reports.

nick49

I've had a '99 Boxster for 7 years and a '99 Carrera for 6. I do my own oil changes and minor service work. Neither car has had a RMS problem. My Carrera did develop a cracked sleeve in '06 and Porsche goodwilled a replacement motor. Other than that no issues and neither has been in the shop. The wife's '06 Lexus 400h has actually been less reliable overall and wife doesn't mind as she gets treated like royality at the Lexus dealership, with their free upscale dessert, fruit and coffee bar. They always do free stuff for her too like clean and treat her leather seats, shampoo the front carpets, add stuff to her navigation and onboard computer.

So, I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to buy another '99. In fact a '99 Coupe would be my choice as the basis for a DE or race car.

Barn996

Haven't tracked my car, but find the improvement very satisfactory. A better ride overall, without the 'buckboard' feel of a much stiffer setup. The 3 spoke was plug and play after finding out I needed an extra part/adapter to make it work.

LJpete

3 spoke is an easy swap. I did it last year. If you get your hands on a 3 spoke wheel and the airbag, let me know, I can help you install it as I'm more or less local to you.