Yes, '02 or better if you can afford it, but there are plenty of '99-'01 996's out there with
NO history of issues at all - like mine, for example. It's a 2000 996 that had 39,000 miles when I bought it a little over two years ago. I am the second owner of that car. The first owner had no issues with it and kept it well serviced. He sold it after six years of ownership in order to buy a new 997 - a normal progression for most people with the means to buy a new Porsche.
Since I bought it, I've used it as my daily driver and have put another 36,000+ miles on it, for a total of 75,500 miles so far. It had an alternator problem early on and that's it. Additionally, it's seen at least six track days at Willow Springs raceway and has never shown the slightest problem while there (other than needing a third central radiator like the GT3 has on the hottest 100+ degree days).
The car is as tight today as it was the day I bought it.
What I am trying to illustrate is that there
are older 996's out there that are spot-on reliable. If you scan through the Rennlist 996 forum, you'll find plenty of happy '99-'01 owners.
Best of luck in whichever path you choose. Like I said, great cars both.
