Looking at 996 Ownership - Opinion sought

[WOKA]

First time poster on these forums and a short time, yet avid lurker..

Looking at entering into Porsche ownership after a life time love affair with car..  Have always wanted one, and have now decided - why the hell not.

Looking through the forums and learning heaps - great site that you have here, a really good vibe and lots of great information..  So lets get to the crux of the matter..

The budget is 996 territory - I don't think that I'll get more bang for my c50k buck..?  The questions is, and I know its divisive and based on opinion - but should I get as I read here 'a Plain Jane 996' or a 996 4S..? Would I be better off getting a .1 or a .2..?  IMS issues aside - will cross that bridge when I get to it etc - whats the best model for me.?

I know what I don't want, and that's a cabriolet.  I'm really certain that I want a manual, and here's the kicker - I haven't ever driven one.  But I know whole heartedly, that I'm going to get one.!

There are few good looking cars on the interwebs, but I just need some guidance and persuasion as to which car to get into..

 

Looking forward to your informative replies.!

Thanks, 

 

Dylan from Brisbane.

[turboT]

$50k....

Getting tough to get manuals for that price. Car of choice for me for a 996 would be the C4S, but you might be up near $80k now unfortunately. Saw a super charged one for $65k the other day, but was a tip.

Others will know far more about IMS

[TrevMcRev]

Excluding cabs & tips knocks all the lower cost 996's out of they way.  You'll need 50-60k to get a good 996.2, less for a series 1, which are still great cars and good value, but many are just getting higher milage with a few more years under their belt.

Shoot for a series 2 manual coupe Carrera 2, you might get a good car for that money, but may need a little more $.

A 4S would be nice, but I wouldn't sacrifice condition and quality to go buy at the cheap end of that model.

At least these cars are not selling over the phone within 5 mins of listing, so get a Pre Purchase Inspection done by a Porsche specialist prior to completing a sale.

You want to know if you need to budget for any imminent expenses if spending near the top of your budget.

Feel free to link up any cars your considering in this thread for feedback!

Ps There is a forum member selling one here for bang on $50k.  Series 1 but low klms.

 

[t888]

The general rule in buying a Porsche is to get it reviewed by experts before buying, and keep some money aside for expenses. It's called a pre-purchase inspection and most porsche dealerships will do it, as well as Porsche specialists like autohaus hamilton in sydney and weltmeister in melbourne. Others can help about where to go in Brisbane. Factor their findings into your negotations with the seller, and run screaming from anything with serious issues like engine problems or rust issues.   

The C4S has a wider body and some parts from the turbo. = better looks + handling.  The C4S is over-engineered for the amount of power it puts out. To my eye it looks the best. But for me two wheel drive is more fun. 

2002+ brought about a few changes including engine upgrade to 3.6 L  from 3.4 L, improved chassis ( i believe the 2002+ c2 uses the c4 chassis), and some cosmetic changes.

Throughout the entire life of the 996, engine and other components were updated yearly.The IMS bearing is an example of a component that went through a lot of revisions. Internet speculation puts the incidence rate at somewhere between 1% and 10%. Porsche's own documentation stated something like 1% for most revisions, up to 8% for certain revisions of the bearing. The speculation is not helped by the fact that we don't know porsche's actual numbers, and that some of the people hyping the scenario happen to be selling 'solutions' to it. We also don't know how the failure rate has changed over time (aka engineering 101, bathtub curve..)    That said for around $2-3k you can fit an IMS bearing that is unlikely to fail. This is not the only way an engine can fail and it';s not the only component that ever needs maintenance. 

By modern transmission standards the 996 tiptronic is very dated. Shifts are slow, clunky, and there is a loss of power compared to the manual transmission. That said they're certainly usable day to day.

Our market puts a premium on Australian-delivered cars. 

The other option is to look at a 987 boxster or cayman for that price range. Even though they are the 911's baby brother (or sister?) they are real drivers cars and being newer (generation after 986/996) might be a safer buy for the risk averse. 

 

 

 

 

[Mike737]

Great advice from Trev and t888.

Honestly I wouldn't discount an auto if your looking at a daily, particularly if you're frequently stuck in traffic.

Series 2 is a rarer car by about 30,000k less being manufactured from memory. Wouldn't discount a series one, particularly if money is on the tighter side and you want to make a few modifications to the car. 20hp difference between the 3.4l and 3.6l engine doesn't make that much difference when you've got 300hp anyway. Supposedly the gear boxes were changed for both auto and manual, but I've never looked into it. Glove box is missing in a series one and instrument cluster is slightly different.

On the outside the headlights are the giveaway. There's aftermarket kits for series one to change them from clear and yellow to just clear or you can go a cover and hide half the lights to change them into the traditional oval. Depending on your preferences.

4S as Trev said is outside of your price range, but a 4 is in and would be a good option in the wet particularly if you like acceleration off the line. 4's also are more likely to come with PSM. People who drive a 4 say there's no big difference between a 4 and a 2 in handling unless you're in the wet.

[Rob]

Better get onto this fast, then...

 

[Mike D'Silva]

Manual Cayman S.

50-60K. lowish mileage.

and a much more modern interior... I'm in Brisbane too. Hit me up for a chat and I'll talk you into something.

[IXELEVEN]

I'd go with this one:

http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=SSE-AD-3597925&Cr=13

Lower than average KM's and everything is done, ready to go.

 

 

 

[ANF]

Better get onto this fast, then...

 

I'd go with this one:

http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=SSE-AD-3597925&Cr=13

Lower than average KM's and everything is done, ready to go.

I don't think you could go wrong with either of these. Great value for what they are!

[WOKA]

 

 

All valid comments - thanks..  Regarding the budget, it is negotiable and there is extra contingency for items outside of the deal.  

We talk about 'purists cars' and whilst I can appreciate that some are pro aircooled being more of a purist car, can we consider that rear wheel drive (water cooled) may be more of a purists car to that of AWD.  Or has technology taken away a lot of that feel..  Whats the train of thought regarding that..?  

Last week I was all geared up thinking that a 996 .2 4S is the way - though budget constraints might put that out of reach as mentioned above - and now I'm thinking more RWD manual.. That car above for 50k with low KM's looks a peach..  As does the other one linked that's had the work done to it (but lets not talk about the interior colour)..  I much prefer the look of the second generation, but the two above represent great value.  When buying my first Porsche, is there much room for compromise..!?

Now I know of a car here in Brisbane with good history, 996 .2 S4 <100k with good history - silver on black.  When questioned, the answer was 'yes it's for sale, and it will have a 5 at the front of the asking price'..  I'm not sure if its an manual or a tip, but from above this seems to represent good value..  The elephant in the room being which end of the '5 scale' is he at..!

And then someone throws in the Cayman spanner..!  Two seats just won't quite cut it.  I realised this when purchasing my current driver and comparing it against a Boxster.

I reckon its time to hit up old mate regarding his 4S and see where he is, and then take a RWD out for pilot. 

And..  why are the cars in QLD seemingly more expensive that the cars in Victoria..?

Lastly - I apologise if I've included / screwed up quotes, this forum software is way different to what I'm used to.

 

Lets keep the discussion rolling.!

 

 

[Rod C]

Hi Woka,

Have followed the 996 market for the last 2 1/2 years and yes a manual 4s is the ducks nuts but have watched the prices go north to a point where you are entering 997 teritory.The gen 2 manual coupe is the next quickest mover but seem to be about 10 k difference in price compared to a tiptronic.I always say one day you may want to sell your car and as you know alot of people have plenty to say good and bad about the 996 so buy the best example you can afford and try to have as much as you can in your favour for resale and most of all enjoy what is regarded as the best bang for your buck porsche one can buy.

Ps Original  I always like original unmolested cars.

[Jim45]

Hi from a fellow searcher....

This dropped into my inbox today: http://tinyurl.com/z5gw7w7

Looks well optioned - X51 Powerkit / Sports Suspension / 18" GT3 wheels / Sports Exhaust / IMS Update (LN Engineering) / Clutch / Air oil separator / Rego until 2016.

You'd think its an import with the X51 update but it has a C23 Option code.....

I'm struggling to see whats wrong with it.....Just not the colour I'm after....

Good luck.

Jim.

[WOKA]

Hi from a fellow searcher....

This dropped into my inbox today: http://tinyurl.com/z5gw7w7

Looks well optioned - X51 Powerkit / Sports Suspension / 18" GT3 wheels / Sports Exhaust / IMS Update (LN Engineering) / Clutch / Air oil separator / Rego until 2016.

You'd think its an import with the X51 update but it has a C23 Option code.....

I'm struggling to see whats wrong with it.....Just not the colour I'm after....

Good luck.

Jim.

That's looking pretty nice - and its local.

Best go find out what the X51 update is all about and get my head around the options codes.!

 

Cheers..

[Jim45]

That's looking pretty nice - and its local.

Best go find out what the X51 update is all about and get my head around the options codes.!

 

Cheers..

Was reading about X-51 kit today - http://tinyurl.com/hnj62oq

Option Decoders (I'm sure there are more but these 2 appear to cover everything I've looked for)

C23 is AU delivered - http://www.kindel.com/porsche/options/options.asp

https://www.stuttcars.com/technical/option-codes/996/

I'm obsessed!

Jim.

[Carrera28]

Around 250kw in power (versus 221 stock), the following parts in the engine were replaced, exchanged or modified:

- new intake manifold with modified cross-section (material: sand cast aluminum );
- new intake pipe supports adapted to the form of the intake manifold;
- new exhaust manifolds with larger cross-section and optimized flow behavior;
- new cylinder heads with optimized, CNC-milled inlet ducts;
- new camshafts with larger valve stroke on the inlet side and modified inlet and outlet timing;
- inlet valve springs adapted to the enlarged valve stroke;
- modified partition box in the oil pan;
- modified maps for the DME control module.

The following steps werealso taken on the vehicle:
- new underside panel in the transmission area;
- additional radiator in connection with modified front spoiler, except on the 911 Carrera 4S (996).

The higher-performance engine was also available as an option when ordering a new vehicles - 911 Carrera / 911 Carrera 4 /911 Carrera 4S /911 Targa - under Exclusive Option X51.

Edited 4February, 2016 by Carrera28

[Rod C]

You need to buy a copy of The Essential Buyers Guide 911 996  published by Veloce its a great resource.

Also The Ultimate Owners Guide Porsche 996 by Richard Hamilton.

[Carrera28]

Adrian Streather's book "Porsche 996 The Essential Companion" is the best book but it is very expensive.

Otherwise, I have both of the books recommended by Rod C and wholeheartedly agree with his recommendations.

[TrevMcRev]

All valid comments - thanks..  Regarding the budget, it is negotiable and there is extra contingency for items outside of the deal.  

We talk about 'purists cars' and whilst I can appreciate that some are pro aircooled being more of a purist car, can we consider that rear wheel drive (water cooled) may be more of a purists car to that of AWD.  Or has technology taken away a lot of that feel..  Whats the train of thought regarding that..?  

Now I know of a car here in Brisbane with good history, 996 .2 S4 <100k with good history - silver on black.  When questioned, the answer was 'yes it's for sale, and it will have a 5 at the front of the asking price'..  I'm not sure if its an manual or a tip, but from above this seems to represent good value..  The elephant in the room being which end of the '5 scale' is he at..!

And then someone throws in the Cayman spanner..!  Two seats just won't quite cut it.  I realised this when purchasing my current driver and comparing it against a Boxster.

I reckon its time to hit up old mate regarding his 4S and see where he is, and then take a RWD out for pilot. 

 

If you can, go drive both a C4S and a C2.  You'll soon know what "feels" right for you.

For me, I only wanted a C2 for rear drive and to not compromise the steering feel Porsche is famous for.  That said I did not even drive a C4S.  After having a few Suby and Mitsi AWD road and rally cars I knew while it suited them perfect it was not the quality I wanted in a 911, even though the C4S look horn!

I'm sure Porsche engineers did a great job of AWD, but I don't believe it could drive the front wheels without being a different dynamic.   

*Disclaimer: Scrap all of the above if adding twin turbos.  Then I don't give a shize about the steering feel!  Boost overcomes plenty!

[WOKA]

You need to buy a copy of The Essential Buyers Guide 911 996  published by Veloce its a great resource.

Also The Ultimate Owners Guide Porsche 996 by Richard Hamilton.

Ordered.  

 

Thanks.! 

[espskk]

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/keswick/cars-vans-utes/2001-porsche-911-996-carrera-4/1102956641

It does say negotiable!!

[sandy468]

That's looking pretty nice - and its local.

Best go find out what the X51 update is all about and get my head around the options codes.!

 

Cheers..

If you like silver and can put up with fried eggs, that would be the one to by with those options....looks a good one....

[P-Kay]

A glove box is overrated and as far as I am concerned, the X51 is the holy grail when it comes to 996 options!

[TrevMcRev]

C4S Just listed at $59,990.  Not so keen on the wheels...

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-3833507?WT.seg_4

 

[sandy468]

Commodore wheels ruins it, easy fix though!

[ANF]

If I was looking for a 996 (I'd love to but my budget and heart says 928) I would seriously consider a tip, one close to you too http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Porsche-911-Carrera-2000/SSE-AD-3648515/?Cr=6