mrp5150

First off, this is not a troll post at all. I'm asking this as a serious question. I've been looking into 911's recently and I personally love the 996. I definitely want to buy one in the next few months, but I really don't understand why they seemed to get bashed so much? I honestly think they look better than a brand new 911. Considering you can get one now for under 20 grand, I think that's a pretty tough deal to beat.

911 Crazy

IMS bearing + fried egg headlights. But they are the best deal on the road if you can find one with a replacement engine or IMS retrofit. Will pick up a 996 GT3 sometime later this year. GL

KrazyK

Because its so low to the ground?

Steve's MLC

I'm a newbie, but from I've seen, 911 enthusiasts have a serious case of "good ole days syndrome". If it's not like the good ole days, then it's bad. The 996 not only has a different body style and the dreaded non-rounded headlights (which I personally love), it was the first 911 to divert from the beloved air cooled engines. Water cooled = bad! Change = bad!

Viper6

You stole my wise crack... i'm never logging off this forum ever again

nick49

I had my '99 996 for 7 years and my 996 Turbo for nearly 2. I've never had so many positive responses on any car I've ever owned over the last 40 years or so and I've owned a lot of Vettes, Jags, MGs, BMWs real Minis, '70s and '80s Porsches and lots of British sports cars.

I generally don't hang with other Porsche people though except my friends that work for the dealer. Maybe that's the difference.

ballzout

I guess you need to hang out with more chicks, they don't know the difference, it's ALL 911 to them !
I own a 996 C2 and a 996 Cup and love them both, BUT you gotta admit there is nothing sexier than a 2007 GT3 RS ! Sorry.

KrazyK

I couldnt resist.

996 =

991 =

fanny bay r1

I don't agree with this comment you don't need to find one with IMS done or a replacement engine. Get one with reasonably low milage in pristine shape and just get the IMS bearing done - or not - it's no big deal!!

Guys who overlook the 996 (especially the turbo) are missing by far the best deal in the Porsche world - hands down -- not even close!!

roadsession

If you've ever attended a PCA track event, you'll see 99% of the cars are Porsche and none of the other owners look down on any of the models. Anyway why do you give a crap what other people think of your purchase?

KrazyK

The 2004 GT3, also still a 996, is considered by some as one of the best Porsches built. I would love to have one. I doubt anyone that knows cars would "look down" on this one.

targa996

It was the first water cooled 911 ... so the air cooled "purists" looked down on it for that reason ...but as all the owners here know ..

1. It drives/rides better than the air cooled models, has better interior, modern safety systems (e.g. PSM)

2. OK - it does't sound the same as an air cooled - but with PSE exhaust or similar mod - it can still sound very nice

3. The water cooling is generally reliable - maybe you need to do water pump around 60Km - major reliability issue can be IMS - but this is on a small percentage of total cars (especially the very early models) - good news this is upgradeable when you do clutch for small extra cost

4. Compared to a $90K plus new 911 - you can get 90% of the performance for $20-$30K or so ....

5. DIY maintenance is possible / easy on much of the car and while not as reliable as a Honda - it beats a lot of Audi/BMW models for day to day maintenance headaches ...

6. Most chicks cannot tell the difference between a new 911 and a 10 year old one ...

white out

This.

In reality, the reasons:
front clip of a boxster
first watercooled 911
pile of crap engine (non-turbo)
quality issues
interior that isn't exactly good (it is better than a C5)

kromdom

News to me or maybe I chose to NOT pay attention to what other people say. There will always be haters for any ANY car/model out there.

carcster88

True
But well worth the money they are selling for and most people do not notice the difference. They body style is still classic and people will still talk to you more about it than any other car on the road worth 18 grand. Most will even think if taken care of....it is a 90K newer Porsche.