[jwetering]

Umm...that's a weird couple of choices. The first 993 and the last 996. How did you come to that conclusion?

2004 is the last year of the 996. Don't pay a premium because all of the MkII 996 (2002 - 2004) are virtually identical. I've had two MkII and I have really liked them both...still have the second one.

The engine in all all of the Boxters, 996 and 997 built between 1998 and 2008 were known as the M96. This was Porsches first water cooled flat six and the first with a "internal dry sump" design.

In case you haven't heard, a *lot* of M96 motors have failed, for various reasons, but mostly because of a part called the intermediate shaft bearing. The early 3.4 litre MkI cars (1999 - 2001) and the Boxsters bore the brunt, but the later, so called MkII cars (2002 - 2004) were not immune.

As stated earlier, the MkI 997 (2005-2008) cars shared the M96 motor, so if after doing your research you are too afraid to buy a M96 (your loss by the way) then you will either have to pony up the big bucks for a 997.2 (2009-current), or go old school aircooled with the 993 (1995 through 1998).

Regarding the 2004 model...Some minor changes were made to the engine in the later years, notably the IMS bearing was upgraded. My understanding; the good news is that the upgraded bearing is a real improvement, but the root issue remained (it's a sealed bearing). The bad news is that it can not be swapped out with the "real" upgrade which is the LN Engineering IMS bearing (an open bearing with ceramic balls).

If none of this makes sense, then do your research by googling LN Engineering M96 IMS bearing upgrade, or flat six innovations (they are partners in this endeavour).

In my opinion, the IMS is pretty much the only *real* mechanical issue with the 996 Porsches, and even then there is debate whether the issue is significant or not. Dynamically the cars are gems, especially with some simple suspension modifications. They really are better machines than the old air cooled cars, but the engines let them down a bit, and of course the Porsche purists (I used to be one) can't stand them because they are very different than any 911 built in the past.

As far as the 993 goes. Great cars, but they are expensive to buy and maintain, and the newest one is 12 years old. You will either pay up front for a cherry car, or you will pay to bring an average car up to snuff. On balance, the 993 will require more maintenance.

My choice was to buy a nice 2002 model 996. My latest one had a new factory motor installed before I bought it. My first one belongs to a club member who is enjoying the hell out of it and has installed the LNE bearing for peace of mind. So far my costs of ownership have been very low and the car has been great to drive both every day and at the track/autocross.