996 issues?

[brawlins]

This is a double post. (I also posted this on the main 911 forum.) I am hoping to get input from multiple sources:

Guys -
My 82SC has been a weekend car.
I'm looking for a daily driver car in a lot of stop-and-go traffic. (My drive is up to one hour each way.) A stickshift is out - tried that before - no fun in stop and go traffic for that length of time.

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1999 911/996 with Tiptronic and I am very tempted. Am I nuts? Any problems with '99 models? And if I decide to get the '99 my decision will be whether or not to keep the SC or trade it in on the 996.

I don't want to use the SC as a daily driver, since it's a 5-speed.

Any advice? Is the '99 model okay?

- Bill

[keithlambert7]

I bought a '99 996 Cab with a hardtop about 8 months ago, and positively love the car. I also have an '89 3.2 Coupe, and a '64 356C Coupe both of which I had before getting the '99.

DON'T trade the 911 in, keep it if you can. Both cars are great for different reasons. I find the 996 to be a fantastic driver, both reliable, and fun. The price is very tempting now, and they make great weekend trail blasers. Get it, you'll love it! The performance/power/torque is intoxicating.

Keith - Waterford, Va

[waybrig]

Just be aware that the early 996's had Rear Main Seal problems which resulted in a lot of replaced engines by Porsche. This is ok if the car is under warranty, but rather scary if not. As with any Porsche, do your research before jumping in.