Originally Posted by AB911
I have been a 911 fan forever. It's the only car that I would drive any generation of it and feel good and love it. I first decided to purchase a 911SC mainly because I like aircooled cars more, especially that vintage look, and also because they are not too expensive yet. However, I changed my mind and decided to look at another inexpensive 911 which looks a little bit more modern and rides more comfortably. I am not looking at this as an investment, I just want to own a 911 once in my life but if the car appreciates then better, even slightly. I am not going to take the car to track. I just want to be able to daily the car or maybe drive it at least 3 days a week. If I daily it, it's gonna be 30 miles a day.
This is a list of things I would want to know and decide if the 996 is the right choice for me or I should forget about 996 and having a 911 at all.
-My budget is more around the non turbo 996, that way I won't spend a lot of money and feel guilty haha. But I have heard that Turbo doesn't have the IMS/RMS bearing issue and has more potential to appreciate in value. Do you even recoomend getting a regular 996?
Absolutely!! I have driven a 2000 996 for ten years straight as a daily driver and love it. I've put 150,000 of the now 184,000 miles it has on it.
-If I do PPI, will the inspector be able to tell if the IMS/RMS bearings have been changed to a ceramic one? What is the cost to take the car to a shop and have them change the bearings?
I don't think so. Cost is usually associated with a clutch replacement, so I'm guessing maybe $2,000 to $3,000 total, max.
-If the bearings are replaced, is the 996 considered a reliable 911? What major issues have you had with this car?
Yes. It's a very reliable car, overall. I've replaced the Air/Oil Separator (AOS) myself (involved job). The water pump impeller wore out (easy DIY replacement job). I've replaced the brake rotors, brake pads, engine mounts, spark plugs and spark plug tubes, serpentine belt, air filter, etc. All easy DIY jobs. My second gear synchro is shot. Pretty common issue after 100,000 miles, it seems. One of these days I'll rebuild or replace the transmission. The other synchros for the rest of the gears are perfect.
-Would you recommend daily driving the 996? about 30 miles a day!
Yes. I have for ten years. Still do, even though I also now own a 2009 997.2 C4S.
-What Annual cost in repair/maintenance does this car have? I won't Mod the car, so please dont include the mods you have done.
Very little. Occasional oil changes, brake pad replacement, etc. Very inexpensive car to own, truth be told.
-I am not rich at all but I believe I can afford a 996. I mean, the regular 996 is cheaper than a fully loaded nissan altima or similar but still I feel kind of guilty for thinking of buying and owning a 911. Sometimes I just tell myself I will just stay happy with diecast models but nahhh I gotta own one. How is the cost of ownership? Will this car make a hole in my pocket if I own it for 4-5 years?
See my above statement. These cars are very DIY friendly. Easy to work on. The cars are reliable even with a TON of mileage. Many of these 996's have gone 250,000 miles or more with very few issues.
-Is the 996 relatively cheaper to repair and maintain compared to other 911s?
I'd say about the same. I have a 1984 911 Carrera, a 2009 C4s, a 2007 Cayman, and the 2000 996. All seem to cost about the same to maintain, overall.
-Is it easy to work on this car or everytime I gotta take it to a shop?
Easy to maintain by yourself, for the most part. It's not too computerized compared to the later 997's and 991's.
-If I end up buying one, What mileage should I look for and what year model should I look for to have the least amount of problems? I'd highly appreciate your input. I really want to know If I should own a 911 or not.
As much as I love my 2000 996, the standard advice is to buy the newest one you can afford. With that said, I'd say if you can spring for a 2004 996.2, go for it. However, the flip side is that my 2000 996 is still a heck of a great car, and is definitely cheaper to buy than a later 996.2.
Yes, you should own one. They are amazing daily drivers and you will really never tire of getting in your car every day and driving it, no matter how mundane the drive. Porsche builds great cars.
Thanks.
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