Prices seem really low. I know they are a bit unloved compared to the 993 and the 997.
Prices seem really low. I know they are a bit unloved compared to the 993 and the 997.
The 996 cars are terrific values and the driving experience of a 997 is to me exactly the same as a 997 for a fraction of the cost. Get over the boxster style hood and embrace the criving dynamics of the cars. It is probably a good idea to keep away from 1999 models and look for rear main seal leaks on all years. Porsche replaced engines under warranty when the seals leaked and I have not heard of any car with a replacement engine ever leaking again. If you want to know if the seal has been replaced, Get the VIN of a car you are looking at and have a local dealer run it and check if the engine has been replaced. Other than that, the 996 models are terrific sports cars and were pretty upmarket for Porsche at the time especially the interiors. Nice leather seats and dash and door panels and it even has a alcantara headliner. They make good daily drivers that are very fast and also efficient. The 2wd version is cheaper to run that the awd version.
The 996s is never far from my mind.
I like the 999 better. Oh wait we are talking about smashed VW Beetles. 
Blast you thread-jackers . . . 
I'd love a 993 (1993 in yellow).
In all seriousness, everything I have read about them is "they are fast but my old 911 is more fun." So take that for what you will.
AndreGT6 wrote: I'd love a 993 (1993 in yellow).
I'll take one in blueish-grey. Sans whale-tale.
I would want a "real" 911... read 70s 2.2 to a 2.7
I would be happy to own a 996. Not the "ideal" 911, but I imagine I'd love it nonetheless.
mad_machine wrote: I would want a "real" 911... read 70s 2.2 to a 2.7
Choose your 2.7 carefully...
The 996's I've had the chance to driver in anger have been a ball. I would absolutely buy one if I had a hook-up for helping maintain it - Porsche labor prices are silly high.
I'd rock one, but i'd rather a 964 or 993.
The key question is how do you buy one. With the potential of high dollar engine failure, isn't it like gamble?
They are priced under $20K CS, but seems like you need a spare more modern engine waiting in the garage?
964 goodness
mrhappy wrote: 964 goodness
993 Goodness
Very nice indeed. Hard to not be tempted.
20K for a 996 sounds nice too.
So yes, we have talked 996's but they are too expensive for the average person. Especially since you can get 20 miata's for the price of one.
I looked at them last fall but most were miley compared to the SC's, Carrera's and 964's that I found and the cost of maintenance of the hi-mile cars was high even considering Porsches. I could not find any 993's anyplace and when I couldnt get comfortable with the cars that I found, I got more interested in the Elise and eventually pulled the trigger. No regrets to date except my wife keeps reminding me that I initially was going to buy the Pcar.
Oddly enough, I was having day-dreams this morning about getting a 996 as a daily driver in a few years after my house is paid for and some renovations are done. In other words, when it's time to buy a proper mid-life crisis car. Was dreaming of a roof rack for my bikes... a set of r-comps for auto-x - alos on the rack... snow tires for the winter... (I have a long commute and a lot of time to think about such things).
Fastmiata - for my next car (there's always a next car, right?) I'm trying to decide between a 996 and Elise. What's the Lotus like to live with every day?
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