From the Jan 9, 2006 edition of Autoweek, page 11: "Our favorite long-term test car, the Basalt Black Porsche 911 that arrived in May, screamed through the second quarter with little drama.
Here's the bad news: The clutch petal squeaks intermittently, and the fan switch shows sign of wear. That's it. We have no other problems to report. The carrera spent zero days out of service, a pleasant surprise. We will have the clutch petal addressed when we visit the dealer for the first scheduled service, at 20,000-miles.
Indeed, there is very little not to like about this car. We're done regretting not adding a navigation system when we ordered the car. Almost. Some of us are under the evidently mistaken impression that if an automaker puts a "nav" button on the dash it should be connected to something.
Whatever. Besides the flawless reliability, there is a whole lot to love. The seating position is wonderful, and the seats comforable and supportive. Steering feel and feedback are superb, the flat six's sounds are beyond compare. There is an inherent rawness to this car that is rare in this world, and we love it.
As one staffer puts it,"I can almost see why some people get an attitude about Porsche drivers and owners - the car does give you the feeling that it is superior to anything on the road - and backs it up."
Amen.
Our 911 remains the purist driving experience in our long term fleet. It is also an expensive one. With premium gas nearing $3 a gallon, we spent $997 (how appropriate) to cover 6100 miles. But it was worth it. The 997 is a hoot to drive and is proving a preposterously good, reliable car. Yes, it is slightly hard core, but that's good news for those who felt the 996 had lost its soul."

Jack

 

Thanks for posting.
That's pretty good durability considering that the good boys & girls at Autoweek must drive that car like a cop inspired byr the flashing "fresh donuts" sign at Krispy Kreme every time they get behind the wheel.

 

I really hate when people talk ****..The 996 had lost its soul...*****

 

Lets face it the 996 was a departure from a lot of what the 911 was about and now with the 997 they are back on track .

 

Love that 997 cant wait for the turbo!!!!

Jack drive your 997 so I can see it more often in the parking lot!!!

tom

 

Could you elaborate? Personally I believe that the 996 is an outstanding sports car, but I'm willing to listen to other views.

 

i think all this talk about a car with soul is usually BS too. but having owned a 2003 996 X51, 2004 GT3 and now a 2006 997S. i must say the 997 series is much more connected to me mentally than the other cars. the 996 was a bit hollow and more of a shiny tool ,the 997 seems to have more emotion. almost aston martin or slightly ( slightly) ferrari like. sorry to disappoint. spend some time with a 997S and you will see. borrow mine anytime if you like

 

Didn't post to diss the 996. Heck I loved my 02 C2. But got to love it when they describe our car as a hoot to drive, preposterously reliable, and slightly hard core.
Jack

 

NOBLEGT3 - I'd LOVE to borrow your car sometime. How do I get to "Jackass Central" from here?

 

long process of training to get here!! or from NC its a 2 hour plane ride. let me know!!

 

NYC???

 

nope.......the kinder gentler wimpier whinier canadian version to the north