Nader said it best "Unsafe at any speed"
 

I've owned my 02 996 for just over a year. It seemed to handle fine. No crazy oversteer and no surprises. However I have had much trouble with the rear be very unstable. I cannot remember when it started but I did jack it up by the oil pan for its oil change and did notice oil leaking from the back of the car. Checked underneath and all was tight and clean. I have now discovered the motor mounts are oil filled.

The car is evil when turning into a corner (not that there are many near Ocala, FL) but even on/off ramps are unnerving. The point in quickly then starts to oscillate as if I had two low tires and a ton of cargo hanging off the end of the car. It will,even do it on exit.

The best way to,describe it would be as if you are holding a bar bell with 50lbs on each end and once it starts it take a good long while to,settle up but still feels unstable in the rear. Could I have damaged the rear mounts and the engine is acting like a pendulum because that what it feels like. I have also had it to the shop looking for worn parts that keeps the rear in place and it all checked out fine.

Does it sound like I screwed up with jacking the car up incorrectly and the motor in adding to the problem and which mounts do you recommend. I'm not concerned about quiet or a harsh ride just want to have confidence when going on spirited drive.

Really could use some first hand experiences. I'd like to fix it right the first time.

Thanks in advance, tom

The rear engine mounts are done if the fluid is gone, not hard to replace and there are several options available with regard to replacing them, form stock to semi-solid to solid, even a Company that rebuilds them. I recommend you do a google search, there is a lot of info online.

No 996 drives like that. You need to get your car to a Porsche specialist shop or dealer before it kills you, or you kill it.

+1

At low speed (driveways, left/right turns off a stop light/sign) my 996 turns like a scalpel!
Unnerving as it was when I first got the car after about 15 minutes I got used to it.
At medium to medium high speed she carves corners and hit what ever apex I can find in the road.
At anything approaching a higher rate of speed she starts to rotate into the turns... that scares me since I don't know how to drive it like that... YET!

So moral of the story... go to a good P-car shop... have them check out your car... rear and front end... fix what needs to be fixed and go and enjoy her!

I don't know but I have heard that participating in a Porsche club sponsored "DE" is a good way to become familiar with the handling characteristics of these cars. Of course, only if car is checked out and repaired as/if necessary. They do handle differently than anything I have ever driven!

My first DE class is this month on the 19 for the above stated reason!