From a prospective owner

[kalasend]

Hello,

Recently I have been seriously looking into getting a used 996. So I had a talk with a co-worker who is the owner of a very clean 993.

Of course I did expect him to throw a lot of the air-cool-supremism at me. But he also pointed out two other things which I was caught surprised to hear

First, he said that the 993 is a lot more reliable having the last (thus the most mature) air-cooled engine. And that the 996 suffers a lot of leaking, unless I am buying a Turbo or 997.

Second, he put on his accountant hat and claim that the 993, will hold value a lot better than a 996 due to it's being last of its breed and rarity.

I do agree on his second point because having been a window shopper for used 911's for a few short years I came to notice that the 993 almost never dropped in price(if not even rising) while the 996, especially the earlier years 99-03, has seen prices down.

The valuation is really a second consideration to me. But the mechanical issues (leaking and other reliability) are more worrying for me.

I would appreciate if someone can point me in the right direction to read more into maintenance issues with the 996.

Thanks a lot
Ben

[JFP in PA]

Do a search; "the information you seek is is out there..........."

[KNS]

Much to be learned from a search, try: "996 reliability".

Also, Check out a website called Flat 6 Innovations. Most 996s have proved to be very reliable but there have been a few that have needed an engine replacement which can come close to the value of the car. You're sort of screwed at that point and have to make up your mind as to what you're going to do with the car...

I'm considering one and will do the recommended fixes to improve its long term reliability.

[racer]

#1, yes. In fact, 996 Turbo adn GT3 motors have a 964/993 engine block. 996 also had to be built to a price. Porsche couldn't afford to build them like they used to. M96 based motor is known for some "teething" issues.

#2, yes. Value in both "last of the aircooled" and also due to smaller production run among other things.

#3, what the 993 owner overlooked is that the 996 has superior performance

[bell]

A well sorted 996 is kinda hard to compete with.......without something newer or turbo.....
They don't have the ”soul” like a pre-90 911, but the modern amenities really makes it superior imo......I work on lots of them, and am an air cooled guy at heart if that says anything....

[tomk]

i owned a 1983 sc for 12 yrs and it was a very happy relationship, i own a boxster now and it along with the 996 have the IMS issue, if you factor in the price to replace this bearing into the price you will have a very happy ownership experience as long as you are not trying to make an investment out of it and just want to have fun. i did mine myself and it cost me around $400 in parts including the puller and engine lock tools. i suspect if you paid someone it would be 1500 or more. good luck

[Rapewta]

A water cooled 996 for 20K with maybe 50K miles from a one owner...
The best 911 for the money. I did it. I drive the car every day, all year long and
it is a wonderful car. No tracking. Poser with 295's rear and 225's front.
I can't break it. Two years, 15,000 miles, two oil changes. 5% of 996's had the bearing problem. Great thrill of a car. Don't believe the hype.
Maybe my 996 will explode tomorrow. I don't care.
Nice car and the A/C works great (water cooled) in my neck of the woods.

[Litesonic]

bought mine with 60K (2004) this year.

As mentioned before, too much sitting is not good for any car. I think these especially need regular exercise.

happy hunting!

[DaveBerry]

I bought my 2000 996 with 20,000 miles on her. Just replaced the IMS with LN engineering retrofit bearing, new RMS and new clutch. Like new and lovin' it as a daily driver.