air993

After years with my 993 I am thinking of trading to a 996. Anything I need to look for? I am looking for white on black or silver on black, full leather, and 6 speed. I'm open to most exterior colors except black. I like other peoples black cars, just not mine. I have read about the IMS upgrades and will do that if the car does not have already. I prefer the 99-01 cars but open to other years. Looking for advice and any leads available on for sale cars. I don't want to start a this versus that thread. I want a more simple car to live with, and look forward to your replies.
Lucas

Marvinta

Skip 996 and look for a 997.

Woodman71

Here's a great resource for all the stuff you want to know.

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ssues-etc.html

TheMystro

Do it. Long time air cooled 911 owner finally went to a super low mileage concourse C4S. It's everything your car has but in a modern package with more performance and usable comfort. The DNA is not lost on the water cooled cars, just modernized. Do the IMS solution when it's time and forget about the IMS. It's just another wear item. Buy the cleanest low mileage car you can afford and enjoy. Get a "full leather interior" because they are significantly higher quality. Try to find a PCA owner car that has been properly taken care of.

Wickedgood911

When selecting a 997, consider a 2009-2012 997.2, engine was changed and ended any lingering IMS demons.

Woodman71

Or he could take the proceeds from the 993 and buy two very well sorted 996's.

Slakker

The '99 is like an air cooled but with more power. What's your usage? DD, AutoX, track?

Not sure why some people would recommend you go straight to a 997. The newer they get the more they do for you. And you don't sound like somebody that appreciates comfort more than character.

TheMystro

Maybe, if the op has a very low mileage 993 c4s and goes after 2 high mileage base 996.1's. It would be close.

johnireland

Forget the 997.1 (unless you like the looks) and stay with the 996. The 997.1 isn't out of the IMS woods and it is heavier and the interior is tacky compared to the more classic analog look of the 996.

Its all about your budget. When it comes to the IMS replacement, it is as much about who does it as it is about doing it at all. Early 99-2000 models have the smaller duel row bearing which has a lower failure rate...then there is the middle generation from 02 to 04 that has the second generation and is the source of most failures (still a small number over all)...then the 05 to 08 997.1 which after mid to late 05 have the third generation which is about as failure free as the early ones.

For a road car the 996 is great...light, agile, and it has a spare tire so you won't be stuck waiting for the flat bed and playing with a can of sealant. None of the 997s have spares so it is risk management time.

997.2s are not trouble free but I have been told by a well known shop that if you go that way, stay with the 09 and avoid the later ones.

If you are going to be spending 997.2 money...or even 997.1 money...look at a 996 tt...a great engine without the IMS issue, tons of fun/power...etc, etc. However if you are working on a tighter budget then the first two years of 996s offer one of the best bangs for the buck on the planet. You won't be sorry. My own choice is the RWD rather than AWD (turbos are AWD...an exception), coupe over Cab...and I'm an having a very nice time with tiptronic. I might go back to a manual but I have no real complaints...you can even heal and toe a tip and blip the throttle on downshift. Honest.

Woodman71

Are you kidding? Even if only got 40k for it he could buy two good 996s. Likely he'll get closer to 60k if it's in good shape.

tomc_mets

I'm a big fan of 997s (I own one), but the prices on 996 generation 911s are hard to ignore, if you can budget dough to either proactively replace the well-known mechanical worries or to keep in reserve for a possible failure...T

air993

I drive the 993 to and from work a few days a week and on the weekends. I'm a pool builder here in Baton Rouge and my daily is a Duramax 2500. The 996 would (hopefully) be something that has a little less maintenance required than my 993. It seems lately the car is needing A LOT of new parts and I worry about taking quick weekend trips in it and getting stuck. I love my 993, but the air conditioner is not necessarily up to speed in the Baton Rouge summer heat. Also, I feel like the time to sell is now while air cooled prices are strong. I could sell the 993 and get a car that is easier to live with and get a little money back. I feel like the 996 is a smaller more simple car than the 997.

Gonzo911

996 interior better than 997=Wrong

Certain year 996's are more immune to IMS Failure=Wrong

Late model 997.2 engines are trouble=Wrong

Coupe over Cab=Mostly Wrong

997 has no spare tire=Right!

Tiptronic is nice= Definitely Wrong

I give your review a D-

Triple Black

A white 996 is quite rare but silver was a very popular colour so you should have no trouble finding one out there. Very early 996's had a dual row IMSB, which is much more reliable than the small diameter single row (about mid-2000 to 2005). Mid-2005 saw the switch to a larger diameter single row, which was again much more reliable.

Love my '04 996 and I'm sure you'll come to love your 996 too. It's an awesome sports car for a very reasonable price right now. Good luck with your search!

agent325

What's you budget? I would recommend at C4s, you get standard full leather, turbo brakes/suspension, and a very attractive body.

I agree, if you want to cash out, sell your 993. The market has topped.