Hi all, I'm finally going to upgrade from my "college" car and I've been considering a 996 Carrera 4S. What's really drawing me to them is the fact that they're all-wheel drive and I want to be able to use the car pretty much year round, even in our lovely Iowa winters. I'm a mechanic for a European independent shop, so I would be doing all the maintence and such myself. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone on here that owns or previously owned one would be able to give me a little feedback on ownership. I would really prefer to get a 997, but it's not financially doable at this time Thank you in advance !!
I had one. Great daily driver and the best snow car that I've ever had. You shouldn't have the IMS issues the regular 996 has and if it's well maintained, it should be pretty trouble free. Good luck.
not true...the C4/C4S models had the same M96 motor as the C2 996. only the GT3/Gt2/turbo models had the metzger engine. I'd recommend only buying a car that has the IMS/RMS work done. otherwise a 996 is a performance bargain and a great all weather, year round, daily driver.
Chas, thanks for the correction. I stand corrected on that and yes, buy one with the IMS bearing already done.
The "Mezger" engine in the 996/997 GTx models, IIRC, uses the cylinder block, valve gear and heads from the M96, with the crankcase from the GT1 engine.
If the IMS bearing hasn't been done, just plan on installing an updated one yourself. I think the one from LN Engineering runs about $900 including the tools. Scott
Budget $5K for the IMS, RMS, AOS and water pump. Knock it all out at the same time (if they haven't already been done) and you should be ready to go! Shop around and you can save yourself some $$ Great car and great value.
I have driven several 993's and 964's. The fact that I do a lot of driving (15,000-20,000 per year) I just feel like the 996 is going to be far better suited. I am looking for a 6-speed car only, I am not settling for an automatic and I personally like the feeling of the clutch better. It feels lighter than the 993's and is definitely lighter than the 964's. Don't get me wrong, I am not a fan of the 996's look, but I much prefer the way it drives. I am making sure that the IMS bearing issue and water pump are taken care of pre-sale. I've done a Porsche water pump before. It's not so bad when you're getting paid to do it, but I would prefer not to have to do it on my personal time for a few years !
not true, the Metzger is it's own design with a different designation (M64). I don't think there's a single interchangeable part between a Metzger and an M96.
correct. there is a reason 996s and some of the early 997 are so cheap..... get one that has had the upgrade or buy one without with a lotto ticket.
