Thinking about a 996

[ChemMan]

I am looking at a 1999 996. It would replace my 1986 Carrera. Any input on this model would be appreciated. I love the 3.2 carrera because it is so in touch with the road, if you know what I mean. I really wanted a 930, but with the 996 having rear seat belt that would accomadate the child seats for my two boys. I know that the carrera can have seats fitted as well, but I cannot bring myself to cut into the interior like that.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks Everyone

[450knotOffice]

I have both, a 996 and a 3.2 Carrera. Great cars.

I'd say that if you are replacing the 3.2, you need to find a 996 with factory sport suspension, as opposed to the factory standard suspension. The sport suspension is called the M30 option and it is much more suited to what you are used to with the 3.2. The standard suspension is a little too soft in my opinion. Better yet, if you can find one with ROW M30 installed, that would be even better. Quite a few owners have installed the ROW M30 kit and it's better still than the US M30 version, in that it sits a little lower. By the way, if the car you want doesn't have , you can simply buy the M30 kit (used would be cheaper obviously) and install it yourself (or have it installed).

With that said, if you are really looking for the super racy, super low, super adjustable and super stiff 996, find one with the Bilstein PSS9 or PSS10 coilover kit installed.

Does the '99 you are looking at have the full-leather option? These interiors are MUCH nicer than the plain plastic versions. I have a picture of my 2000 with a full leather interior. Well worth it, in my opinion, since you're going to be surrounded by it all the time when you are driving it.




Make sure that the engine is bone dry everywhere - no signs of leakage anywhere. Find out if the water coolant tank has been replaced with the newer version (it should have been, and it'll be a nice clear white color). There was a problem with the older ones. Check the service history on it, if possible.

Drive it. Drive it fairly hard, I mean. Run through the the first three gears to red line with your foot on the floor, if possible. It should have plenty of torque and a noticeable surge at about 4200 RPM as the Variocam kicks in.

Anyway, I could go on and on, but I'd say if you like it, as always have a PPI done by a good shop that knows 996's inside and out. And good luck. 996's are a steal right now.

[ChemMan]

Thanks for the reply. The car I am looking at has the row M30 suspension. Not sure about the leather. I will check. As will I check on the other things you mentioned. I will I could have both the 996 and 3.2, but I cannot pull it of.

Thanks again

[racer]

Originally Posted by Michael Pillay

I am looking at a 1999 996. It would replace my 1986 Carrera. Any input on this model would be appreciated. I love the 3.2 carrera because it is so in touch with the road, if you know what I mean. I really wanted a 930, but with the 996 having rear seat belt that would accomadate the child seats for my two boys. I know that the carrera can have seats fitted as well, but I cannot bring myself to cut into the interior like that.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks Everyone

I bolded the most important part. A 996 won't feel the same. Drive some 996's. They are great cars and the power is seductive.. but they give up the feel of the earlier cars.

I don't know many folks who have kicked themselves for selling a 996. PLENTY of folks kick themselves for selling an aircooled 911 though. Something to consider.

The plus side to the early car is you can treat ONE boy to a ride in the front seat (in a car seat or not) since it has no airbags .. which you won't be doing with the 996.

Also, if you plan on keeping the 3.2 "forever" do with it as you please. Heck, remove the original components and source replacements to "hack up" (I assume you are talking about interior trim bits?)


As for the '99s yes, they are cheap.. but motor failures are not uncommon, as are RMS issues and niggling electrical issues (like the ignition). If you can afford an '02 or newer you might enjoy greater reliability.

[450knotOffice]

Yes, '02 or better if you can afford it, but there are plenty of '99-'01 996's out there with NO history of issues at all - like mine, for example. It's a 2000 996 that had 39,000 miles when I bought it a little over two years ago. I am the second owner of that car. The first owner had no issues with it and kept it well serviced. He sold it after six years of ownership in order to buy a new 997 - a normal progression for most people with the means to buy a new Porsche.

Since I bought it, I've used it as my daily driver and have put another 36,000+ miles on it, for a total of 75,500 miles so far. It had an alternator problem early on and that's it. Additionally, it's seen at least six track days at Willow Springs raceway and has never shown the slightest problem while there (other than needing a third central radiator like the GT3 has on the hottest 100+ degree days).

The car is as tight today as it was the day I bought it.

What I am trying to illustrate is that there are older 996's out there that are spot-on reliable. If you scan through the Rennlist 996 forum, you'll find plenty of happy '99-'01 owners.

Best of luck in whichever path you choose. Like I said, great cars both.