Looking into buying an early 996

[krookideyez]

Getting right to it, I kind of smoothly slipped the "I wish the day would come when I own a 911" phrase to my wife, and she reluctantly agreed that whatever will make me stop talking about getting a 911 will make her happy.

Looks like the only real 911 I could possibly afford is an early 996 (1999-2001) because I really don't like the front facia of the later 996's.

So my question is this: I've never heard good things about 996's, especially from 911 junkies, in your opinion(s), what are the tradeoffs, things to look out for, and problems with the early 996's?

Any input is much appreciated, because if it turns out this isn't the best route, I will probably go for a Honda S2000 instead.

Thanks!

An S2000 over a 911. What did your wife smack you in the head with a frying pan. Why not just get a mazda miata and call it a day. There is no better joy than being behind the wheel of a 911. The only potential issue that i have heard of is the IMS but if its not that big a deal and if you are really concerned, you can get the retrofit and never worry about it but seriously, you are comparing an S2000 to a 911.

[krookideyez]

Don't get your panties in a wad there chief, I didn't compare the S2000 to a 911. I simply said if the 996 isn't the best route, then I will go for an S2000 instead. It's basically the next best thing that I would like to drive.

The real concern for me is reliability and ultimately, affordability.

So I guess the real question is this, are the early 996's any less of a 911 than most other versions (ie. build quality, ride quality, reliability, etc.)?

[racer]

A watercooled 911 is VERY different from an aircooled 911, in just about everyway possible.

If you've never experienced an aircooler, thats fine. In many ways (effective HVAC, Powersteering) a 996 will be like a nicely upgraded 944. Modern, comfortable and way faster though

As mentioned, IMS is a big issue. Other issues of early motors were "d chunking" of cylinders, Coolant tank failures, ignition switches too. No "worse" than what a typical 944 owner would be used to.

Some also say that buying a "low miles" example will be more troublesome. Something about when the cars are used everyday, they seem to have lower rates of failure. Internet conjecture to be sure, but I think an item used everyday would have fewer issues than one used 1-4 times/month for instance.

Most "early" cars have already failed by this time. That said, should you need a replacement 3.4, I am told they are getting a bit more expensive. I'd figure maybe $4-8K used, installed up to maybe $15K for a new one. Hmm.. another similarity to a 944.. sometimes replacing a broken component is equal to the value of the actual car. D'oh!

Go for it!

[Rrrockhound]

I'm curious why you think the only "real" 911 is a 996. No big deal, it's just the opposite of what most people think.

Anyway, I'd definitely go for a later ('02 or later) 996. You may not prefer the look, but the improvements are significant: bigger motor, more power, broader torque curve, improved exhaust, a glovebox, cup holders, better-quality interior, more advanced Variocam, less aerodynamic lift, stiffer body, lighter wheels...

[krookideyez]

I said it's the only real 911 I can afford. Other 911's in good condition are too expensive.

Good advice on the improvements.

[sparky rowan]

Good luck on your future purchase of a 911, and if you make sure and get a good PPI, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the performance of the early model 996s. I have a 2000 996 C4 and I look forward to jumping into it and just driving.

I've driven the S2000 and it is very light and very fast, but lacks that power feeling that you get when you drive any 911.

[krookideyez]

Thanks Sparky.

That's the thing, I love both cars, but you said it, there's nothing like a 911.

Would you recommend getting a PPI from the dealer?

Even the low end torque of my 944 was a great change from the rest of the cars I've owned. I would love a classic 911 or an SC, 964 or a 993, but the right cars are hard to find for the right price.

[sparky rowan]

Originally Posted by krookideyez

Thanks Sparky.

That's the thing, I love both cars, but you said it, there's nothing like a 911.

Would you recommend getting a PPI from the dealer?

Even the low end torque of my 944 was a great change from the rest of the cars I've owned. I would love a classic 911 or an SC, 964 or a 993, but the right cars are hard to find for the right price.

Check with other 996 owners in your area and I am sure that they can point you in the right direction for a good PPI. The PPI runs about $200, but well worth it. Good luck and post some pictures

[BYprodriver]

I for 1 agree with your logic as I drove many 996's & Boxsters & rented a Honda 2000S before purchasing the best of both worlds a 2000 Boxster S which is my daily driver. I also thought of the Honda as being the "sensible safer" choice but as many owners discover it is not a good daily driver since it requires nonstop shifting & zero storage space. I consider the Boxster S to be funner to drive & your money goes much further over the 996 route although the 996 is the sweet spot of 911 priceing vs features.

[dennish]

Great AC in 996. Poor AC in 993. Also, IMS early failure detection devise coming out next month from Flat6 Innovations. I predict this device to help in resale value of 996 in the future. But who knows.

[racer]

To the OP, what is your "price point" and how will you use the car? (DD? Weekend car etc).

[krookideyez]

Thanks for the info guys!

Racer, my price point, has to be under $20k for sure and it would mostly be used as a weekend driver and the additional week night joy rides.

[sparky rowan]

Originally Posted by krookideyez

Thanks for the info guys!

Racer, my price point, has to be under $20k for sure and it would mostly be used as a weekend driver and the additional week night joy rides.

Hi Jeff, I just bought my 996 a couple of months ago, after shopping for about 6 or 7 months. I had several PPIs which I feel I benefited from. I was in the process of getting the money together for a 2000 C4 up in the Seattle area when I found this C4 just around the corner from my office for $15K. There are many nice cars in your price range and don't be afraid to ask for advice here at RL

[racer]

$20K will find a well sorted 911SC, 3.2 Carrera and maybe even a 964 as well as some 996's.

Your best tools are time, patience, willingness to learn, take LOTS of test drives to get a baseline of what feels "good" vs not good etc. Spring/summer brings out lots of sellers.. Fall/Winter bring out motivated sellers.

[drmatera]

Find yourself a clean 996 with engine trouble, then call renegade hybrids for their new LS3 engine swap kit. Then you will have a very fast great handling 996

[Rapewta]

$20K should be plenty for a nice early 996.
I would get a 1 or 2 owner car with a good history of maintenance.
I used Carfax in finding mine. It doesn't provide everything you might want to know about the car but it is informative. I took a chance with no PPI. I got
lucky I guess. A PPI is the logical thing to do.

[dryslick13]

Just bought an 01 C2 Cab. Love it so far. Have had a Boxster and 944. The 996 is a really comfortable car on long drives. Has great performance (can pass anytime/anywhere). Is a very refined car. Lots of creature comforts in a very sporty package. There are a lot of suspension upgrades available and the car is actually pretty easy to work on overall. Test drive one and you'll probably love it. A lot of bang for the buck. Just find a good car with service history and you should be pretty safe.

[BrianW1962]

I purchased a 1999 996 the past week. In excellent 2 owner condition for under $17k. I am basically a Corvette nut and have an '03 Z06 and a '66 coupe but have always wanted to own a Porsche. The Porsche is a blast to drive! Like you, I cannot afford a 2012 model and had to resort to something in my price range. I read likes/dislikes about the model and took all into consideration but in the end I did what I wanted to do which was to purchase.

[johnsjmc]

I bought a 1999 996 last year for $20K . It was loaded and had about 50000 mi. I sold it several months later and bought a 993 with about 100000 on it for less. I like the 993 better .It feels older but better put together. The 996 and Boxster IMS issue was unknown to me when I bought the 996. You should investigate IMS failure before jumping in. Also consider the 996 is still depreciating while the 993 and 964 are probably slowly rising.