The 996 the new 914, Interesting Article. Never thought I'd see the day Options

[Unobtanium-inc]

I’ll go on record as one that likes the 996.2 cars...wish I could afford a GT3 and have been daydreaming of a 996.2 turbo as a family GT car (I just can’t justify spending money with other projects in the works)

Now the GT3 is a different beast, a friend brought his new to him GT3 by the shop last week, I've never gone faster in a car than I did that day, it was terrifying.

[horizontally-opposed]

I’ll go on record as one that likes the 996.2 cars...wish I could afford a GT3 and have been daydreaming of a 996.2 turbo as a family GT car (I just can’t justify spending money with other projects in the works)

While the 996.2 C2 doesn't do much for me, the C4S and Turbo are wonderful cars, and need very little to be dialed in (center console delete via Carnewal.com, and maybe PSS9 or PSS10). Even the stock wheels are great.

And then, of course, there's the 996.2 GT3, which I preferred in period to the 997 GT3s with the exception of the 4.0...high praise for a "mere" 996. What's wild is a nice 914-6 is now worth considerably more than a nice 996 GT3...and as much as I like 914s, this question would be a no-brainer for me.

BUT, a 996 C4S for a third the money is awfully attractive. Yes, IMS/RMS/etc, but I took a chance on a 1999 986 2.5 at 60,000 miles, and my brother has that car today, now with 220,000 miles on the original engine and it pulls like a champ. The 996.2 C4S (and 996.1 C2 coupe) are so good I might take that bet again…

[EdwardBlume]

Sorry, but the 996 3.6 C4 was / is a very nice car. I drove a convertible version. Heavy, but did 80% of everything well.

[Racer]

Collectible does not mean valuable. I can collect used tape dispensers.. but that doesn't mean that they are valuable.

The 996 is a fantastic "car" when you look beyond some mechanical maladies. I liken it more to the 74-77 midyear cars that suffered similar malignment due to impact bumpers, softer ride, less hp, more weight and eventually Thermal reactor issues with the mag cases.

It does seem that the current 996 depreciation curve is at its bottom. They are now almost 20 years old.. so the 14 year olds of 1999 can now buy their "dream" Porsche. Much like I did 20 years ago when I bought a then 20 year old 911SC.. its self just an old under powered sports car.

The cycles continue.. nostalgia is strong when it comes to cars that we dream about. It also seems no one knows what to do with their money, so they put it in old cars.

[JOEPROPER]

I have an '02 C4S and I love it. I don't see what there is not to like about it. Comparatively inexpensive, good power, handles terrific and looks great. Everyone should have one!

[DRPHIL914]

ive been looking for a while, just did a new search in our area 200 mile radius and there are 20 under $20k , most are cabriolets, most have the hard top with it, cheapest was $13,500 and has the IMS done, was a '99, another with only 50k miles for $15,000 very clean very nice full records from Porsche on all the maintenance records, its a2002 . These can be had for less than a 944 . If I didn't have a Boxster right now I would grab one of these in a second. Personally as searched the one that stood out was a "Targa" with that big sliding sun roof, very low miles full history etc super clean, under $17k and it has the Aero kit factory option and LSD transmission option. Keep looking there are so many of these out there but its not an unknown anymore and they have hit the bottom of their price curve, I don't think you will se them hit $10k unless they are junk or mechanical failures.

But then again, my '97 boxster I am driving right now I bought 2 years ago for under $8k, knowing I would have to do a clutch even though it only had 38k miles on it, and knew I would probably due the IMS while in there which we did, and I now have 48k miles on it , not sure why I would get rid of it I've got all brand new clutch rms and IMS(LN dual row hybrid ceramic bearing with full 100kwaranty), but I would probably consider it for that '02 C4 Targa.

good luck on the purchase and keep us posted!

[914_teener]

Not in the market any more Phil.

Bought a 987. Glad to hear your 986 is still together as many are.

I too was spooked about the 986 and 996 engines so I stayed away. What struck me while looking was the value. While mine still has an IMS, its a M97.21. Did a PPI on the rest and all checked out. A clutch is in my future though. Given the choice for the same money....I.d go mid engine of course.

What was intetesting was how much the 996 was going for. For me, I just couldn.t get behind the looks. I suppose just like the 914 back in the day to some. Just a matter of taste.

[horizontally-opposed]

Sorry, but the 996 3.6 C4 was / is a very nice car. I drove a convertible version. Heavy, but did 80% of everything well.

More recently, I drove a C4S Cab with Tiptronic on a track. Thought I was gonna hate it, but it reminded me of everything I like about all 996s. The driving position, the super honest conventional suspension, great brakes, good power, good sounds, etc.

All of the 996s drive (really) well. I spent hundreds and in many cases thousands of miles in every variant. The only one I'd stay away from is the Targa (I did the Targa Newfoundland in one, and the weight up top with the narrow body is very noticeable...and I hear those tops are a dealership tech's nightmare, which means they are worse for owners). The top four 996s that shined brightest for me were: 996 GT3 (prefer it to all GT3s save the 997 4.0 and *maybe* the current 991.2 6MT), 996 Turbo (faaaaaaast, even today, but complicated and likes its drink), C4S (what a lovely car), and 996.1 C2 (light, right, fantastic if you press on)—and not necessarily in that order save the GT3, which was on top by a country mile.

[DRPHIL914]

Not in the market any more Phil.

Bought a 987. Glad to hear your 986 is still together as many are.

I too was spooked about the 986 and 996 engines so I stayed away. What struck me while looking was the value. While mine still has an IMS, its a M97.21. Did a PPI on the rest and all checked out. A clutch is in my future though. Given the choice for the same money....I.d go mid engine of course.

What was intetesting was how much the 996 was going for. For me, I just couldn.t get behind the looks. I suppose just like the 914 back in the day to some. Just a matter of taste.

well I can certainly understand that, I am sure the 987 will not disappoint you! if its a 09 or later Cayman then no worries right? but seems the have very few failures even in the first couple year cars, either way it will be great. My first boxster was a 2002 S with the 3.2, and guy that has it now is #3 owner, and its over 130kmiles original clutch and IMS with no issues, just drive them regularly I think they do better. My IMS was a dual row original ( on thecurrent car the '97) and yet when we went to do the RMS and clutch found the bearing had lost seal and would have failed evey though it only had 40k miles!!!! so I dodged a bullet- post some pics of the 987!

[IronHillRestorations]

Jack Baruth is a pompous attention whore who'll do whatever it takes to get clicks to R&T. He loves to bash the 914, which only solidifies his pinky raising poser status. Real Porsche enthusiast see the merits as well as shortcomings of all the different models of the marque.

The premise of his article, sans insults, does bear limited merit however. He's late to the party though as far as appreciating values though, as our beloved mid-engine wonders have out paced front powered water pumpers for some time now.

The only dings I ever had on the '99 and later cars is the homogenized front clip from model to model, and the IMS issues. The IMS though, as others have stated, is a small fraction unless it's your car which at that point is 100%

[jmitro]

so much hate for the 996 in here...."no soul"...."underwhelming"... "disposable"

the 996 guys on rennlist would seriously disagree with you. I had two 996.1 cars and loved them. i'd love an air cooled 911 but they are overvalued at the present time IMHO. A 996, 997, 986 or 987 are great value in a real sportscar IMHO

I think it's true the bread and butter 996s won't appreciate in value that much; at least not for many many years

[billh1963]

so much hate for the 996 in here...."no soul"...."underwhelming"... "disposable"

the 996 guys on rennlist would seriously disagree with you. I had two 996.1 cars and loved them. i'd love an air cooled 911 but they are overvalued at the present time IMHO. A 996, 997, 986 or 987 are great value in a real sportscar IMHO

I think it's true the bread and butter 996s won't appreciate in value that much; at least not for many many years

I agree with everything you say. As an owner of multiples of each, I think each model has their strengths and weaknesses. If you have never driven a 996, you should drive one before you knock it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

[914_teener]

I have two in the stall now.

I quess I.m not a part of the Pinky Poser Crowd.

Totally okay with that.

[horizontally-opposed]

I have two in the stall now.

I quess I.m not a part of the Pinky Poser Crowd.

Totally okay with that.

^ Nice garage! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[SKL1]

Maybe the average 996 isn't the greatest, but I wish I had my 2004 GT3 back. Fantastic analog race-car for the street. Can't remember exactly why I sold it, but it went to the then president of the PCA who tracked it for many years...


For the $$, you can get a pretty damned nice C4S, etc and that is a great car. As far as WC'ed 911's go, still think the 997.2 is the best 911 though.

[Jett]

I bought a 2001 996 Turbo last year from a friend and it quickly became my daily driver. If you have a 996 turbo make sure the water pipes are pinned... sometimes the press fitting fails (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif).

The car has 123K miles on it and our goal is to reach 250K (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Racer]

I bought a 2001 996 Turbo last year from a friend and it quickly became my daily driver. If you have a 996 turbo make sure the water pipes are pinned... sometimes the press fitting fails (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif).

The car has 123K miles on it and our goal is to reach 250K (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Only reach 250K? how about this old one!

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/bu...00-miles-on-it/

[914_teener]

I bought a 2001 996 Turbo last year from a friend and it quickly became my daily driver. If you have a 996 turbo make sure the water pipes are pinned... sometimes the press fitting fails (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif).

The car has 123K miles on it and our goal is to reach 250K (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Only reach 250K? how about this old one!

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/bu...00-miles-on-it/

Begs the question:

Did he add the IMS kit or not.

[JmuRiz]

Not an issue on the Turbo or GT3 engines (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Mueller]

Having putting many miles on Sandys 996 twin turbo I can say the car is a blast to drive and comfy, in fact the car could be considered a smaller more powerful version of my wifes '07 CLS 550 Mercedes. It feels like it would be related.

Can the pinning of the water pipes be done at home or is that a shop only thing?