1999 911 carerra/ 1994 968 cab.

Tom Hunt · 11-10-2012, 10:32 AM

Going to be looking at a 1999 Carerra soon. Are there any watch-outs for this particular vehicle. Manual tranny, coupe. 35000 miles. I have heard the 1999 thru about 2003 or 04 have some serious engine beariing flaws. It seems that these years are being sold fairly cheap. There is quite a bit of discussion about this condition on a few sites. It the problem has been corrected, doe it come back eventually. Anyone have personal experience (good or bad) worth sharing. This car was listed for sale for about $24000.

On another note, I found a 968 for around $14000. 5 sp. convertible. 65000 miles. I really liked the looks of this car, but it had quite a few cosmetic dings. What are some of the attributes and negatives about this model? Not sure what it would take to paint and remove scratches. I'm kind of leaning towards this car simply because I always liked the stlying of the 944's and 928. This car seems to have a little influence of both those. Also, there were fairly low numbers imported. Any insight on these two models would be greatly appreciated. Both vehicles are at dealers, so the price shown above isn't firm. Thanks for taking the time, Tom

johnvan8 · 11-10-2012, 04:33 PM

I think 24k is too high for a 99 996, even with 35k mi. FWIW, I've read that low mileage early 996 are the most susceptible to IMS bearing failure. I bought a 2001 last year with 26k mi for 24k and immediately had the LN Engineering IMS retrofit done (about a $3k job). A lot of car for the money, I've seen 99s with 70-90k for 15k. If PPI checks out on those and you do the IMS retrofit, you can end up with a really nice car for 18k. They are the least popular 911 right now but I enjoyed mine a great deal so YMMV.
John

hkspwrsche · 11-12-2012, 09:40 AM

The 968 should show a recent timing belt and water pump. Otherwise that's a fine vehicle and would be my preference over the 99 911.

dporsche74 · 11-12-2012, 09:59 AM

after driving a 996 for a few years as a everyday driver.
I really fell in love with these cars. .
very realible and VERY easy to fix things. i.e brake.. suspension tune up etc..
parts are pretty cheap too .
A+ for the 996 water pumpers.

biosurfer1 · 11-12-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Hunt

Also, there were fairly low numbers imported.

Actually the production numbers for the 968 were EXTREMELY low, even for Porsche. You're talking about less than 5000 (~12000 overall) were imported into the US. People talk about the 914 having low production numbers and there were more than 112,000 of those!

I think the 996's are great value IF you get one that doesn't have an IMS problem. I like johnvan8's suggestions of getting a nice one and having LN's fix added.

that being said, I'm looking for a 968 right now

Cannonball996 · 11-12-2012, 02:55 PM

I use to have a 99 996 as a daily driver, reliable, and a very good performance. I have also had a couple 968s. performance wise, its no contest, 996. the only thing the 968 really has going for it, is that it is different, and some people just really want one. I have seen quite a few 996s in the $15k price range, even if you had to spend a few grand on preventative maintenance (IMS bearing), you are still getting a lot of car for the money.