![]() 09/04/2013 at 16:22 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
The 996 is the Porsche that I am planning on purchasing in about 2-3 years. They are currently the most affordable. I feel that they are under-appreciated being the first watercooled and the headlights that people despise.
Here is a Japanese Tuner that makes them look amazing with bumpers and a duckbill. I have a feeling this would be the next trend after RWB.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 16:24 |
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I've seen 996's go for less than 993's. Personally I'd have a 993 or 964 over the 996. I just can't get over those goofy headlights.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 16:25 |
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Hey, I'm planning to get a 996 as well! But I'm looking at 02+ because the headlights are just a bit better looking to me.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 16:27 |
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I'm going 997 in 2-3 years.
If I were to go 996 it would only be a Turbo.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 16:33 |
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I kind of like the headlights. Fuck me right?
![]() 09/04/2013 at 16:45 |
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I think they are fine looking.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:04 |
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I don't have a problem with the lights, just that with the base nose, it looks just like the Boxster.
My friend's dad has a '99 cab that he bought new. Super low miles (maybe 30K). Been having trouble selling it for $22K. Deals are to be had!
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:12 |
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I think with this kit it looks 10 times better. If I bought a 996 it would need the stock turbo bumpers at least.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:14 |
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A 996 would obviously be less than a 993 or a 964 they are both Air-cooled. Air-Cooled Porsches just go up in value and a bit more lately since the anniversary.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:16 |
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I even picked up a set of Turbo Twist II wheels for $400 once. I thought I was going to fit them to my old 944, but didn't do the proper research into offsets, so I had to turn around and sell them.
I think you can make a base 996 look pretty bad-ass for not too much money.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:32 |
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I would also but this kit only works on the early model. I'm honestly contemplating either an E46 M3 or a 996 to replace my 540i M-tech.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:36 |
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Those are the two cars I'm comparing as well.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:37 |
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I think so too. I almost bought one when I thought about selling my 540i but we have an 18 month old so I cant give up the sedan yet.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:50 |
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I work for BMW so the M3 is an easier choice. The 911 to me looks better even if the M3 could be faster.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:53 |
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That's what the wife's car is for.
Besides, kids are the only ones who can fit in the back seat of a 911. So really, now's the perfect time to buy one!
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:56 |
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this is true, I just bought her an E46 touring. Waiting on the paper and thats about it haha
![]() 09/04/2013 at 18:59 |
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Hey, same here. 2003. Downsized from a 2011 XC90.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 19:02 |
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Low miles aren't necessarily a good thing for a Porsche. I bet that '99 cab will need new engine seals.
![]() 09/04/2013 at 20:04 |
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Yea, I had an E36 M3 so naturally I must own an E46 at some point. But still, I think the 911 with that rear mounted flat-six is going to win out.
![]() 09/05/2013 at 01:21 |
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That's a misconception. They actually leak less than the older air-cooled motors (credit decades of advancing gasket materials). The one exception is the rear main seal in early models. But by now, they have either all been replaced or have lasted 13 years in which case what's the problem?
The intermediate shaft bearing... no defense. But a fix is available (LN Engineering) and I doubt it affects as many cars as the internet makes it seem like.
![]() 09/05/2013 at 01:26 |
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if you have the cash, respect to you. the 996 is a great car - a bit more of a tourer than the preceding 911s, but still a great car. for the money, it's tough to beat... corvettes, I suppose, if that's your thing. but would I trade my 996 for a 997 in similar shape? absolutely. the tough choice would be between a 996tt and a base model 997...
![]() 09/05/2013 at 01:31 |
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great cars. if you're patient, the 986 boxster s is probably the best value for a porsche. but the 996 is a better all-around vehicle, and you have more options - hard top/cabriolet, rwd/awd, naturally aspirated/twin turbo, etc.
![]() 09/05/2013 at 01:49 |
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I just fell for the 997 when I first saw it. Then I drove one. And the interior is such a huge step. I just love everything about the car. It's worth saving for.
I'm aiming for a C4S or T4S, but really I'll get whatever is in good shape and well maintained in my price range.
![]() 09/05/2013 at 01:51 |
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Oh, I don't have first hand experience, just stuff I gleaned off of my Audi indy specialist who also works on a lot of Porsches. He had all sorts of stories of ignorant owners. He said seals were a problem on the 996 but less so on the 997.
Of course either way I wouldn't buy a used Porsche without complete maintenance records.
![]() 09/05/2013 at 02:17 |
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I've never been an interior guy. One of the team leads at my work is, and he passed up good deals on BMWs because he refused to have a black interior. Personally, other than the feel of the shifter, and to a lesser extent, the aesthetics of the gauges, I don't care. when I'm driving, I'm not looking at the door panels.
that said, there were pretty significant changes between the "kit car looking" 993 and earlier interiors, "stylish for the time but dated" 996 interiors, and the 997/991 interiors. none of them are bad enough for me turn a car down, though, but the pre-997s certainly age the vehicle a bit.
regarding the car you buy, I know it's hard, but be patient. inquire on all ads that look interesting. the ad on my 996 lokoed like a borderline fraud ad, but it turned out to be an old man that had never used craigslist before. no matter what, make sure to get a pre-purchase inspection done from a reputable shop.
![]() 09/05/2013 at 02:22 |
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unless you can turn a wrench, have access to special tools, and have knowledge on working on exotics/can look at a vaguely worded "how to" on the internet and not break anything, complete maintenance records are vital. modern porsches aren't that unreliable (certainly better than the timeframe appropriate, lower production Mercedes, BMW, AUDI, and Viper engine/chassis), but damn - parts are really spendy. and again, you'll need more than a $99 tool set to work on the cars. but yeah, you're better off spending your time and money finding a cherry car than trying to turn a non-cherry car into one, as it's more fun to be driving than wrenching.
![]() 09/05/2013 at 02:29 |
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Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. :)
![]() 09/05/2013 at 02:33 |
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I've worked on cars before, and I'm mechanically inclined. But my living situation right now is not conducive to working on cars apart from basic maintenance. Hopefully in a few years it will be. But yeah, I'd rather pay for a good car up front and enjoy it.