I always mistake the 996 for a Boxster, that's reason enough to not own one.

Then spend your money on keeping it reliable would be my advice. Have fun whatever you do.

I just got a 997 from 2005 in New York for $35k with 43k miles on it. For that price, you know I was looking at 996's, but the 997, which is a better car, and much better looking both in and out, has now started to sell for less than $40k, so it is worth looking into. My car was cheaper because it is an '05 which is the first half-year they were selling it.

A couple of other points that came up in this thread. Do not get a Boxster or Cayman -- you will always feel like you compromised if you are a 911 guy like me. Better to get the best 911 you can afford -- it will always be "more car" than the two seaters.

Also, regarding the IMS bearing issue -- I researched the hell out of it and the two best links are here:

IMS Porsche Settlement Information Center

and

Great Thread To Ascertain the REAL Risk If Your Car Is in the Class of Cars With the IMS Problem

Thanks for the links, happy to say the VIN in the wife's new 997 does not fall in the range of vehicles affected.

Cheers Al

Just bought a 996tt


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386637030.jpg

I have owned air cooled 911's since 1971. Right now I have a 1980 SC and a '99 996. Both are great cars. Period.

This spring I will probably sell one of them for more garage space, but I honestly don't know which will be offered first.

I never owned 996. I kind of like the non traditional headlights. I dont like interior at all. I test drove a 2003 996 targa and 2004 996 twin turbo. 996tt engine is very reliable no IMS issues. 997 first generation 2005-2008 cars have couple of potential issues. IMS bearing failiure and even worse Cylinder Bore scoring. If I could afford it I would get a 2009 Carrera S with PDK tranny. Interior is much nicer and 380HP are nice also.

Nice cars!!

Simply not true.

I feel like there is no bad Porsche out there. I personally have a spot in my heart for all of them. I currently own a 987.1 cs, 996 c2, 951, and a 912. My 996 has 178k with its third motor but, I don't expect the motors to last forever in these cars. Race inspired to me means engine rebuilds just come with territory. The 996 does feel underpowered for what it's supposed to be but, I love how it responds in winding street driving. I would agree with some others on the 996tt is an amazing machine if you're after some serious power potential and being being reliable in doing so. I always buy my cars with work needed to them so I can design it how I feel fit and end up spending the same as a well sorted stock car.

Try this from Rennlist, pretty good overview.

The Ultimate Preowned 996 Buying guide. - Rennlist Discussion Forums'

Whoa....I thought you sold your 930. SmileWavy

Its true. I sold the 930 :(. It left for California the morning after this picture.

Two completely different driving experiences. The 930 was a raw, fire breathing, ear splitting piece of masculine automotive art. The 996tt ... scary fast without spilling my latte.

Just bought an '03 996 this week.

Interesting read and thanks for the input here, exactly what I was hoping to read when I posted the original thread.

I realize there are lots of concerns and well documented cases of engine failures and IMS issues, and naturally curious how common they really are.

Seems all cars have some inherent malady, some are more serious than others (3.6 valve guide issues, SC/Carrera head studs, etc.). I suppose it depends on personal experience where you stand on these topics.

That said, I'm still intrigued by the 996 of late given it's low value and impressive performance. Certainly some shortcomings on the styling front, but a compelling value.

Love my 50K mile 99. Fast, dependable, affordable and very, very easy to live with as a daily.



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I bought a '99 996 in Feb '04 and an '87 Carrera in December of that same year.
The cars couldn't be more different, yet you can tell they share the same DNA.

I'm often asked, which do you like better? Impossible to answer. I love them both for different reasons.

I completely upgraded the suspension on the '87. The engine is untouched. It runs like a top (130k miles), handles extremely well and is bank-vault solid.

The '99 has had its suspension upgraded with coilovers and f/r sways. I went whole hog on the engine a year or so ago and had Jake Raby build me a stage II 3.6 which dynoed at 306hp at the wheels. I love the car. It is analog, light, responsive and quite the hooligan. 996s are great cars, especially once you engineer out the flaws.

I autocross both cars on street tires and have a blast doing it.