Mark Brook

Hi guy's,

I'm seriously considering joining the 996 fold after 8 years in a 964. Has anyone on here made the change that could offer me some insight? Reliability in the 964 has never been great, although I have worked through the long list of faults as and when they arose - it's been very time consuming and financially draining! Plus my wife hates it, says it's like taking off in a 1970's Boeing!!!!

So come on, give me the low down.........

Cheers,

Mark 964 '90 C2

RallyJon

Well, going from a 993 to a 996 was similar. A 996 is a normal car that looks like a Porsche. Easy maintenance, modern systems, etc. It's like owning a Honda.

I put $000s a year into maintaining the 993, but the 996 has been very cheap to run (IMS don't fail me now!)

And in terms of comfort and noise isolation, your wife will love it.

Barn996

Hi Mark. Many Porsche owners will tell you to stick with an air cooled Porsche for reasons of purity and design, the driving 'feel' that is missing in the water pumpers. I disagree, having owned a '68 912, and a wonderful '79 SC, and now in my 5th year of a '99 996.I don't want to go backwards, I like the updated interior, the much improved AC and heating, the acceleration and handling...everything is an improvement to me with the newer Porsches. Like all 911s, we have our share of issues, but all worth the ownership experience in my opinion. Several on this forum have owned both, an one person (Ed) has switched from a 996 to a 964 and loves the change. GL with your search.

chsu74

Mark,

Welcome! 996s are more reliable because it is a newer vehicle. However, it is not without its design flaws. The big problems are the IMS (Intermediate Shaft), leaky RMS and sometimes cracked heads. Those issues can be addressed cheaply. IMS and RMS can be addressed with a clutch replacement. Cracked heads costs about 1500 pounds to fix.

I would avoid '98s due to porous blocks but that can be addressed with new sleeves. MKII ('02 to '05) is better than MK1s ('98 to '01s). Buy the newest you can afford with maintenance records.

Many of those issues are being talked about in the top 15 threads right now.

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...r-or-junk.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...es-for-9k.html

theporscheguy

Get a 996TT and avoid the IMS & RMS issues

chsu74

Mark has the option of buying a MK1 GT3. Get that instead. Only 1800 produced worldwide...

Marc Gelefsky

Yummy!

Mark Brook

I guess the value of the GT3 will hold up better than C2/4 or Turbo, although depreciation is low on my list of concerns after pleasure of ownership, enjoyment from the driving seat, lack of bits breaking constantly etc.

My driving is purely for enjoyment not commuting, so country lane blasts and a few track days per year maximum.

As a side issue, whats the best 996 GT3..... Mk1 or 2?

ivangene

Oddly my wife likes the 86' 911 better than the 996 - I guess we are a tad odd.

996 is a wonderful car and for those out to get the "full Porsche experience" a "must own" at least once in my book. Jon comapres it to a Honda and I disagree.... more like a Toyota

all kidding aside, they are smooth, quiet, refined and if your wife doesnt enjoy the 964 I am guessing it would be right up her alley. As for you, I think you will find maintenance to be less taxing and fewer issues than the 964 but with a couple black clouds that you end up living with or taking opreventative measure to try and avoid. All is all I would rate them very high and contrary to others I still prefer the MKI with throttle by cable (aka 99')

If I was looking for one i would take my time and find one with a replaced motor, the resale is not much better but you might avoid one of the early blocks that have been hit and miss on fatal issues

Best of luck !

Mark Brook

The Honda/Toyota thing is a little offputting, although I do see where you're coming form!

This is one that I like the sound of, especially the lsd, and sport suspension........even though the engine hasn't been replaced.


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/2?logcode=p

bkjwhipple

^ that is a nice car.

ivangene

I think the Honda/Toyota comments can be seen as a plus when it comes to daily driving and trouble free miles.

It is pretty easy to remove some of the feeling of being in a Toyota by changing suspension, exhaust and getting a bigger right shoe - there aint no (stock) H/T cars going to be hanging with you. Plus the brakes are awesome!

Mark Brook

Looks like I can sell my 964 for over £15k and pick up a nice(ish) early 996 for £11k leaving £4k for mods!!!!!! Here we go, the slippery slope................

chsu74

Improvements were made to MKII GT3s over the MKI. Better aero downforce at higher speeds. If I was buying and just blasting it around the country side, MKI GT3 would get my vote.

I have a copy of GT Porsche that compares all the generations, up to 997s, somewhere at home. Give me your email and I will scan and send it to you.

Mark Brook

Chao,

Sent you a pm