1999 Advantages
04-16-2013, 09:59 PM
#16
Instructor
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It was from all the reading on Rennlist that I specifically wanted a 1999. I looked at it this way, it definitely seemed to have some favorable advantages as discussed above plus the lower price entry point (at least by a few K). Slightly less electronics is always a plus in my book. Mine has the full supple leather interior so I don't share any of the interior complaints as indicated here.
Really, in the end, find as well kept car that you can find and you will probably be OK, 1999 or otherwise. Every high-end Euro car that I'm aware of is pretty much a crap shoot anyway!!
Really, in the end, find as well kept car that you can find and you will probably be OK, 1999 or otherwise. Every high-end Euro car that I'm aware of is pretty much a crap shoot anyway!!
04-16-2013, 10:21 PM
#17
Nordschleife Master
ALL of these are excellent reasons to look at the '99. I particularly what to point out that is is in fact lighter than the 993's before it, and the 996's after it. If you pick up a copy of 911 World they list all of the main specs for each year in each issue. You have to go way back to find a lighter 911, and unlikely to find a newer street 911 that is lighter.
Also, I personally went back to a '99 after owning my first '99 new, then a new '01, then a new '03. The '99 C2 has a cable from your gas pedal to the throttle body. YOU decide how much gas the engine gets, not some computer deciding how much it will let you have. My two later cars sucked at the track with PSM because the car would refuse to go if it thought I was giving it too much gas for its programming. I thought I was driving at the edge and the car was saving me, but Hurley Haywood (who was riding along at the time) told me to turn it off. HUGE improvement. Faster times, smoother faster exits from turns.
Just saying.
Also, I personally went back to a '99 after owning my first '99 new, then a new '01, then a new '03. The '99 C2 has a cable from your gas pedal to the throttle body. YOU decide how much gas the engine gets, not some computer deciding how much it will let you have. My two later cars sucked at the track with PSM because the car would refuse to go if it thought I was giving it too much gas for its programming. I thought I was driving at the edge and the car was saving me, but Hurley Haywood (who was riding along at the time) told me to turn it off. HUGE improvement. Faster times, smoother faster exits from turns.
Just saying.
Each year I look at my '99 and ask if it's time to trade and each year I come to the conclusion that there's no compelling reason to do so - all these years and it still looks awesome (mine has the full aerokit) and drives like a bat out of hell. You can't find better value.
04-17-2013, 12:26 AM
#18
Drifting
I owned a late '99 C2 for 7 years. Still have a '99 Boxster. Great years, I'd buy another.
lighter chassis
3.4 motor, more responsive, quick reving
direct mechanical cable throttle, far superior in feel to electric
LS diff available, active brake diff
original 996 headlights, best looking
lighter chassis
3.4 motor, more responsive, quick reving
direct mechanical cable throttle, far superior in feel to electric
LS diff available, active brake diff
original 996 headlights, best looking
04-17-2013, 03:28 PM
#20
Rocky Mountain High
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
04-17-2013, 03:52 PM
#21
Instructor
Sorry, but as a 99' 996 owner the 02+ C4S is the best looking of them all. I would never own a yellow car, but in yellow they are incredible to look at.
Too bad we all have to share the M96!
Too bad we all have to share the M96!
04-17-2013, 05:42 PM
#22
Nordschleife Master
The C4S is a great looking car, but it's hard to beat these curves.
Last edited by Wellardmac; 01-04-2015 at 04:49 PM.
04-17-2013, 06:12 PM
#23
Rocky Mountain High
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
It's all good...
05-12-2013, 08:58 PM
#24
Drifting
My 1999 was delivered to the first owner in June 1998..it's a 15 year old car now ! To be honest, I was not nearly as educated as I am now when I picked mine up over a year ago. I was aware of the IMS and the dual row bearing, and the budget pushed me towards the value in the 99. Although mine has a rebuilt engine (indicated by the "AT" in the serial number). I don't know when or why it was replaced or if it was IMS related.
These were key advantages. The cable actuated frunk release came as a pleasant surprise one morning.
These were key advantages. The cable actuated frunk release came as a pleasant surprise one morning.
05-12-2013, 10:45 PM
#25
Three Wheelin'
My 2000 is almost identical to Thundertub's 99. Except his is red, a 99, Row suspension, factory aero, full leather, etc. I have ridden in his car on the track (he's my instructor) and I can tell you, I have been begging him to sell it to me. I love my 2000 but a 99 aero is a wonderfully set up car for the street or DE right out of the box.
05-13-2013, 12:33 AM
#26
Instructor
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Glad this thread has resurrected as I've now been the proud owner of my '99 for two weeks now and honestly I couldn't be happier. The comments here made up my mind that the '99 was indeed a car with benefits over the later models (and naturally fitted into my price range) so when I had the chance to buy one I spotted at a dealer here in LA whilst driving past, I jumped at it. The options include Metallic black, full leather, supple leather, LSD, 3 spoke wheel, Traction control, Xenon lights and cupholders (both added in 04) and 67k miles. The car had been pampered and 15k or so miles ago had a clutch with RMS. I'm over the moon! Cable actuated trunk, dual row bearing and cable throttle are reasons enough to look at the '99's. Also mine's a late 99, so it had factory updates (was that in Feb 99?) that should negate worries of porous blocks etc you hear of. No debris in oil, no shiny oil in either the engine or diff so a better guarantee you can't really hope for in a 14 year old car. If anyone's reading this wondering if they should look at '99's then my advice after a long time reading these forums and others would be an unequivocal yes! The driving experience of these cars surely must be described in detail in other threads but they really are awe-inspiring. Many thanks all.
Last edited by lordsinclair; 11-11-2013 at 06:46 PM.
