Thoughts on 996 Porsche

imo, the 996 was a major inflection point in the 911 saga. The first water cooled 911, the first let's-flood-the-market 911, the first let's-not-ever-fix-this-RMS-problem 911, the first let's-appeal-to-the-masses 911, etc.

You'll be much happier with a 993 -- it's the last 911 worth keeping.

 

i like the 2000 996's, I think they are some of the best looking 911 porsches. Mine you, I wasnt around for earlier generations of the 911. Its a great looking car, no matter what color you have it in.

 

Your friend got a nice deal. I had a 2000 C2 cab and a 2001 tt, I had more fun in the C2, not a fan of awd cars. If you planning to drive it alot the 996 is in my opinion more comfortable than the 993. If it were a weekend driver I'd take the 993. I had no problems with either 996 I owned.

 

The 996 is light years ahead of the 993, technology wise. It is a superior car, RMS issues (one name for several root causes) notwithstanding. It is an intermittent problem showing up in some cars, and not at all in others. Porsche has generally been exceptional in addressing it, sometimes even out of warranty.

With all that being said, it is a little too slab-sided (in 2wd form) for me and seems kind of bland. But I agree the 2wd driving dynamic is much more fun than the awd.

If you want the nostalgia or the sound/feel of an air-cooled car, get one. Otherwise, as you noticed, the 996 is a great car.

 

Ken- buy an 89 Turbo with a 5 speed. Don't look back. (I prefer the 993 to the 996 even though the 996 is technically a more advanced car. My GT2 was insane, but lacked the character of the earlier cars.). I also like the early 911s, but they are getting pricey.

 

IMO, the 996 is a generation to skip, although it is an awesome car. The 993 is a much more "raw" driving experience. It begs to be on the track, and feels more at home than the newer models.
I had a '97 911, which i chose to get instead of the 993, figuring that since it's newer, it will be faster, handle better, and overall be more high-tech. While it was those things, it always left something to be desired, and i wasn't comfortable tossing it around the road course.
Ended up selling that car, and picking up a '95 911 Coupe. I happily made some money back, and acquired a car which truly embodies everything great in a driving experience. Not as much electronic BS in the way, and the air-cooled motor retains the spirit of what Porsches used to be. The 997 however, demands serious consideration!

 

Okay, I GOTTA ask...the 997 is a tweaked up 996 with wider hips, round head lights and maybe a louder exhaust, right? How does this suddenly cure ALL the driving detachment you say was present in the 996? I haven't driven a 997, but nothing I have read leads me to believe it was a return to the days of yore, other than cosmetically.

Is it a rawer driving experience than its predecessor?

 

A number of people I know I have sold or traded 996's to get into 993's. The 997 looks to have restored some of drama of the design, but once again it really looks like an Infiniti inside. I recently sold a 993 to a guy in LA who put his 05 Carrera S up for sale because he missed his 993 that had been stolen and never really warmed up to his 997.

The other sweet spot is '87-'89, after they improved the gearbox, although horsepower for those (except the turbo) is in 308 territory - formerly thrilling, now adequate for cruising only.

993TT is probably the ultimate 911. They're getting expensive, though.

 

I have had most 911's including a 996 c2 cab and 996 tt. I currently have a 993TT. The 996's seem kind of cheap on the inside depending on how much leather you buy but I think they are great cars. I had zero problems and they were quick and I think handled better on the track than the 993. The radios were pretty good and the AC was first class. It's going to be blasphemy to say but I don't think the straight 997 is much quicker or drives much better. That said, the one I chose to keep is a 993tt. Even though the AC sucks, it's quicker than the 996tt I had and it just feels like a Pcar should to me. Daily driver I'd do a 996. Fun factor, a '97 993 would be my vote.

 

As a owner of a 993tt nothing would tear my hand from the wheel !!

With that said I think the water coolers that don't have the issues or have been sorted out represent a good buy from MY 2000 on. If you want refined and a smoothing riding car and don't care about how much they are going to depreciate than go for it. The best of that w/c breed is the GT3 IMO but its not as practical for most people.

If you can pop for the extra $ for a 96-97 air cooler w/reasonable mileage, as long as its well kepted and miles are not racked up you could very well sell it and not see much depreciation at all. Interesting things going on with those cars.

 

For the same money as a 993tt you can get a Ruf rct evo, based on the 964 you get the classic 911 shape with all the c4 mod cons and an aero advantage over the wide body cars, I use mine everyday (even though I own a Ferrari specialists) I can got to the supermarket and still outdrag my testarossa with a weeks groceries in the front!!!

 

I've found the 996 to be a great car, got it new and haven't had any problems with it. This was my first p-car so i can't relate with the air v. water cooled cars. I plan on keeping it for a while so the depreciation, though in the back of my head, isn't too big of an issue
Its a pretty much go anywhere do anything car, you can take it to the store or a dinner without much concern.


Maintenance free, problem free, if you can find a nice one i'd say go for it!