Why would I buy a 996 model? Opinions wanted!
11-11-2012, 11:51 PM
#1
Track Day
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Why would I buy a 996 model? Opinions wanted!
Hello from a new guy!
I've been lurking around for a while, searching for info specific to the 911, getting a feel for the forum and trying to learn as much as I can before asking obvious newbie questions.
Currently, I'm looking at two 996 variants and plan on driving them as soon as I get a chance. One is a 2001 with 35,000 miles and the other is a 2004 with 55,000 miles. And both cars look fantastic from the photos online. The prices are nice, too, with both cars starting at $31k hard earned American fun bucks.
It seems there's a part of the Porsche community that dislikes the 996. Why is that? Is it a truly a bad version of the 911? Are Porsche enthusiasts curmudgeons pining for the air-cooled days? Is it something else?
A 996 could be my first Porsche and I'd love to get some insight about the car from people who know. All opinions are welcome. Fire away!
I've been lurking around for a while, searching for info specific to the 911, getting a feel for the forum and trying to learn as much as I can before asking obvious newbie questions.
Currently, I'm looking at two 996 variants and plan on driving them as soon as I get a chance. One is a 2001 with 35,000 miles and the other is a 2004 with 55,000 miles. And both cars look fantastic from the photos online. The prices are nice, too, with both cars starting at $31k hard earned American fun bucks.
It seems there's a part of the Porsche community that dislikes the 996. Why is that? Is it a truly a bad version of the 911? Are Porsche enthusiasts curmudgeons pining for the air-cooled days? Is it something else?
A 996 could be my first Porsche and I'd love to get some insight about the car from people who know. All opinions are welcome. Fire away!
11-12-2012, 12:27 AM
#2
No, it is not. IMHO, Porsche improved on the 993 when it came out with the 996
YES, some are (see above answer to your 1st question)
11-12-2012, 12:30 AM
#3
Rennlist Member
All water cooled Porsche 911s are poor imitations of the REAL THING, a 356, or if you are a little younger, a short wheel base 911 or a bit younger yet long wheel base long hood 911s or ...etc.
For the money the 996 is a tremendous value. Smooth running, comfortable GT cars that handle incredibly well and can be used as everyday drivers and/or track weapons. They are in many cases easier to work on then their air-cooled ancestors.
The 996 has potential problem areas, as have all 911 since 1964.
The M type engines (it seems earlier ones mostly) are prone to Rear Main Shaft Seal (RMS) leaks. The newest replacement seals seem to have solved those problems for most cars.
They also have a poorly designed Intermediate Shaft Bearing (IMS or IMSB) that can cause severe engine damage if they fail. (Similar to the air-cooled engines pre 1984 oil fed chain tensioners). There are more robust bearings from the aftermarket that can be installed to address that problem.
That said I would go for the 2004. It has the 3.6 engine, improved vario-cam Plus system and a glove box! Plus they have a couple more years of development.
For the money the 996 is a tremendous value. Smooth running, comfortable GT cars that handle incredibly well and can be used as everyday drivers and/or track weapons. They are in many cases easier to work on then their air-cooled ancestors.
The 996 has potential problem areas, as have all 911 since 1964.
The M type engines (it seems earlier ones mostly) are prone to Rear Main Shaft Seal (RMS) leaks. The newest replacement seals seem to have solved those problems for most cars.
They also have a poorly designed Intermediate Shaft Bearing (IMS or IMSB) that can cause severe engine damage if they fail. (Similar to the air-cooled engines pre 1984 oil fed chain tensioners). There are more robust bearings from the aftermarket that can be installed to address that problem.
That said I would go for the 2004. It has the 3.6 engine, improved vario-cam Plus system and a glove box! Plus they have a couple more years of development.
Last edited by fpb111; 11-12-2012 at 12:34 AM. Reason: phat phingers
11-12-2012, 12:42 AM
#5
I bought my 996 because it was the bargain that it still it. 3 years later, I still love it. Not had any problem with it. Drove 1800 miles in 3 days from texas to florida, not a problem. Did a couple of track days, not a drop of oil required to top off. The car is always a blast to drive each time...
BARGAIN !
some say the 993 are more fun, but go try one, I think they just feel old unless you find a pristine one, which will cost you $50-60k ! I drove one it was a blast but at that price, no way. The 996 is just as much fun and much better daily driver.
996 is a bargain, enjoy the saving thanks to all bad rap on the internet. If you are still scared, buy an extended warranty with all that money you saved from buying a 993 !
BARGAIN !
some say the 993 are more fun, but go try one, I think they just feel old unless you find a pristine one, which will cost you $50-60k ! I drove one it was a blast but at that price, no way. The 996 is just as much fun and much better daily driver.
996 is a bargain, enjoy the saving thanks to all bad rap on the internet. If you are still scared, buy an extended warranty with all that money you saved from buying a 993 !
11-12-2012, 01:02 AM
#6
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11-12-2012, 01:07 AM
#7
the 04 also gets my vote (for the 3.6, glove box and a few other upgrades introduced in 02)
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11-12-2012, 01:16 AM
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11-12-2012, 11:33 AM
#11
Track Day
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For your viewing pleasure, here's the 2004 model: http://www.mercedesoflittleton.com/u...8c8a31b3ad.htm
The paint color looks fantastic in person. I looked over the car and found only 1 tiny little ding on the lip of the passenger side rear fender. Only someone as OCD as me would notice it.
And...here's a link to the 2001 model: http://www.porscheofcoloradosprings....93bfc88ce8.htm
Haven't seen it in person yet but I may take some time this week to give it a look.
The paint color looks fantastic in person. I looked over the car and found only 1 tiny little ding on the lip of the passenger side rear fender. Only someone as OCD as me would notice it.
And...here's a link to the 2001 model: http://www.porscheofcoloradosprings....93bfc88ce8.htm
Haven't seen it in person yet but I may take some time this week to give it a look.
11-12-2012, 12:11 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
I also encourage you to go with an '02-'04. These are MkII's with some good improvements. The HP didn't increase significantly for years and the IMS bearing is easy to replace. Excellent value for the money.
11-12-2012, 12:15 PM
#15
Rocky Mountain High
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From the Supplement to Excellence, Porsche Buyer's Guide 2012:
After 25 years of updated models, the new 996 was the first all-new 911 since 1964. And what a new 911 is was: larger yet lighter than its predecessor, the 996 was also more powerful, more refined, more aerodynamic, and easier to drive than the 993. As usual, old-school Porsche purists found things to grumble about - most often the introduction of water cooling for the flat-six engine - but the 996's driving experience won over the majority of enthusiasts.
The 996 remains a very rewarding car to drive, and they can be purchased for less than $20,000. Depreciation, a weak economy, numerous cars for sale at any given time, and reliability concerns have taken a serious toll on values. These concerns about reliability are valid, but aren't the whole story. The possibility of expensive repairs is present in any used 911, and for us the potential risk is outweighed by the pleasure and practicality the 996 offers.
After 25 years of updated models, the new 996 was the first all-new 911 since 1964. And what a new 911 is was: larger yet lighter than its predecessor, the 996 was also more powerful, more refined, more aerodynamic, and easier to drive than the 993. As usual, old-school Porsche purists found things to grumble about - most often the introduction of water cooling for the flat-six engine - but the 996's driving experience won over the majority of enthusiasts.
The 996 remains a very rewarding car to drive, and they can be purchased for less than $20,000. Depreciation, a weak economy, numerous cars for sale at any given time, and reliability concerns have taken a serious toll on values. These concerns about reliability are valid, but aren't the whole story. The possibility of expensive repairs is present in any used 911, and for us the potential risk is outweighed by the pleasure and practicality the 996 offers.