Modern cars are much more solid state than cars before. Cars, in general last far longer than they did 10 or 15 years ago. Tolerances are better, materials are better, and the understanding of interactions between materials are better. Not to mention the improvement in the ability to diagnose things electrically.

For the past few weeks, I've been voraciously researching early 996's for a probable purchase. I've seen virtually no complaints about the electricals. They certainly have their own set of gremlins, but electrical is not one.

Given a choice, I'd MUCH rather have an early 911 than a later model one. Simple, easy-to-understand mechanical controls and systems are 100000000000000000x more reliable and trustworthy than cryptic electronic black boxes programmed by the lowest bidder and then outsourced to some Asian sweatshop.

Plastic and microchips have no place in "real" cars far as I'm concerned - but that said, the 996 is a fine toy.

What I've heard about the 996 is few Porsche dealers take them in on trade. I don't know if that's true, but this statement has come from at least two well-known Porsche repair shops with whom I've spoken.

I don't know, though: look at the '74-'77. Everyone has and continues to rebuke that model, but they're some of the best values in the 911 stable. Same with the 964. I'm sure the 996 can have some reliability issues only because it's much more car than previous models. At any rate, I look at electronics, as ancillary stuff. Yes, it'd be good if the windows roll down, but precious few others bother me if they aren't working for a spell.

As long as the engine and drivetrain electronics work, I'm fine at least until the rainy season begins in December.