Imo000

Now you guys know how the 928 crows used to feel for decades. The car that is superrior in every way to the old 911, and was built to replace it, was not wellcomed by the old fashionned fans and eventually it caused it's demise. Don't sweat it, those that really know cars, don't think like the "typical" 911 owner.

Barn996

The 996 was a huge departure from earlier 911s. It's the first water cooled 911, it was exactly the same as the Boxster from the doors forward, it was produced in much higher numbers than any previous 911, it was an all new design, and it helped save Porsche's *** from certain demise as did the Boxster. The snobs who bash it won't tell you that it is lighter, faster and handles better than the 993. The internet has cursed it for it's engine, but honestly, not every 3.4 or 3.6 engine has failed due to IMSB. The 996 is a bargain and for me has been totally reliable and exciting to drive.

porrsha

+996

chsu74

All true and it also has cup holders. Mods complete after one upgrades suspension, install short shift and a muffler hack.

Best value for the money right now.

jumper5836

I'll add to that.

996 =

991 =

frisbee91

The headlight thing has always baffled me. I guess it was a "same as the Boxster" thing, but this just does not make sense.

NOT Cool Headlights:



Cool Headlights:

Quadcammer

the completely different engine might have something to do with it.

better interior how? certainly not materials or assembly quality. design is subjective.

you seem like the type of guy who cares what chicks think about your 911

Quadcammer

trying pretty hard to convince yourself huh

ivangene

the Porsche rep was at a meeting I attended recently - his comments were that Porsche is developing the Cayman as the sports car and the 991 (911) will be the grand touring car

so that ends the 911's life as a sports car - any minute your cars will double in value

even if they are ugly

(kidding!)
but as stated above, the reasons are clear - so, big deal,...you got a $100k car for $25k as a result of it

SMILE and drive the wheels off it

MarkM

People don't like change and I think this is a new generation phenomenon. Look at these other Porsche problem cars:

'65 – It’s not a 356! The handling is horrible. Porsche added sway bars and increased displacement and the line ended up in 73 with a classic car

'74 – 'Mid-year' 2.7 engine was a POS for the street, many issues with the al/mag parts, overheating/lots of oil leaks. Engine improvements lead to the classic SCs and Carreras, but the the chassis design was the same for 16 years

'90 – ‘Head gasket’ issues, lead to oil leaks and a lot of warranty work. Fixed by 92

'99 – WTF it’s water cooled? IMS will affect every car! The Sky is falling!

Over time people forget these issues and move on. It's funny because I have owned a Mid-year, a 90, and now a 99. I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment. Even after owning these cars, I still love the marque and don't talk down about these models.

zirrah

For me, being a lifelong Porsche fan, the departure from round headlights was huge. I could never learn to accept that change. Beyond that, I was ok with the car. All that I've driven (C2S and TT) were great cars and a blast to drive. But for me, I prefer 911's with round head lights.

jumper5836

The 996 has modern headlights. Every other Porsche model has went modern. I have no idea why they went back to 60's era head lights. It will be the one design flaw that holds the new 911's from ever really becoming modern like other car manufactures are doing.

rpm's S2

I disagree with the very premise of the question.

First, I have never had any sense from a fellow Porsche owner that the 996 is somehow any less of a 911 than any other. And who doesn't lust after the classic beauty of the original cars? That doesn't make us think a more modern car is less attractive.

As for the casual observer, the non-Porsche owner; all anybody sees is my beautiful red Porsche, they don't know one from the other. Many probably wonder how I could afford such an expensive sports car.

ivangene

the 997.2 headlights are a hit for me - those cars have it all

looks, power, comfort, control

since I cant afford one....i'm going to keep my old 3.2 which has something the new cars will never have - a funny smell

ivangene

easy there buddy - that's not even a propper RED - I mean it's like, well...not red