Tell Me About the Porsche 996

"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu) 10/04/2017 at 11:28 • Filed to: Porsche 996

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I want one because it’s the “worst” 911. I found !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and I wish I had better reason to check it out. Tell me, Oppo, about all the pros and cons of these machines...

S65 > way2blu does a rev update 10/04/2017 at 11:38

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I know they have issues with IMS bearings , but I don’t think the Turbo and GT3 versions have those, but I’m not too sure.

Party-vi > way2blu does a rev update 10/04/2017 at 11:41

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Poo interiors from what I’ve read. Also if you haven’t heard about IMS failures boy do I have news for you...

HPoz - I like Honda Fits and I cannot lie > way2blu does a rev update 10/04/2017 at 11:43

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Apart from the IMS problems, they’re great cars, and because they’re less desirable you can get one for not a whole lot of money

CaptDale - is secretly British > way2blu does a rev update 10/04/2017 at 12:11

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It is my favorite new 911. yes the interior is a bit dated, but so is the C6 Corvette.

Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief > way2blu does a rev update 10/04/2017 at 12:14

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IMS, rear main seal, and air/oil separator are all problem points. The IMS repair can still have the fucker fail as happened to me.

They’re also not very fast. They handle great but 300 HP isn’t going to scare your passengers. The interior is uninspired and the rear seats are a cruel joke.

It looks fantastic. Get some muffler bypass pipes and you’ll lose 50 lbs and the noise will make it seem a lot faster. The brakes bring you to a stop in a hurry. You will need to learn to drive it properly as well. If you find yourself going into a turn with too much speed you better learn to not lift off all the way because you’ll understeer right off the other side of the road. However if you live with the motto “when I’m doubt, throttle out” you’ll find it’ll take turns you never thought possible with zero drama.

It also gets good gas mileage, is cheap to insure, and has tow points front and rear. The rear one is hidden behind the license plate.

Oh and it’s got a great gearbox as well. The active spoiler does a nice job of reducing lift as well. You can’t see it but you know you’re looking cool af when you hit 85 on the on ramp and the tail stands up like it’s reporting for duty.

Buy an M3.

SantaRita > Party-vi 10/04/2017 at 12:15

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on the upside, that’s the whole list excluding the omlette eyes. An ugly ass steering wheel and that major-minor IMS thing is at least preventatively fixable unless you have a 06-08 car.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > way2blu does a rev update 10/04/2017 at 12:19

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I think the IMS problem is really overblown. Last I looked, it was a $1500 repair at an Indy. Factor this into the purchase price and you should be fine. I personally do like the way they look (inside or out). The turbo body kit (bumpers?) really help with that though. They are always on my radar for a “cheap” fun car.

Elumerere > way2blu does a rev update 10/04/2017 at 12:21

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Well, after 18 months of ownership, here’s my advice:

- It’s a fantastic car for the money. Be prepared to spend quite a bit more on maintenance (unless you’re a decent DIY guy with a well stocked garage) than your usual car. It’s just what ownership of a Porsche costs ya. The 996 is fairly simple to wrench on yourself (I cannot do this, due to no garage in our apt building). The support of online communities and DIY videos is endless.

- Join Rennlist. The 996 forum is great, but don’t let all the negative posts freak you out. It is a reliable car, it never left me stranded (well, once, due to me hitting an enbankment splitting a coolant hose, but that was owner error). I bought it, had it quickly checked over by an experienced tech, then drove immediately 7000 miles across country, avoiding major highways. It saw dirt roads, snow, hail storm (somehow the body was unmolested after), desert heat, etc. Drove like a charm, always started up. And it’s surprisingly roomy, for a road trip for two.

- Get the full leather interior. It’s a simple, cleanly designed interior with no distractions. Also, get one in a different color than grey. I’ve got boxster red, it’s gorgeous even after 19 years.

- As for the IMSB: the early models - MY 99 (ideally manufactured in 98) have a dual row bearing that’s not affected by the dreaded failure. Most owners changed it out anyways, but if you find one with the original, go for it. It’ll give peace of mind.

- The 99 models also have cable throttle, and some come with a proper LSD (code 220/222/224 on the sticker in the frunk), which is a great option to have. The throttle control is amazing, I barely use my breaks in regular traffic.

- If you get a later year, make sure the IMSB has been changed by a good shop. Get receipts. Ideally get full paper trail since ownership, but it’s not a must-have.

- Get an indy with proven track record (rennlist is your friend) to do a PPI. It’s money well spent, even if you go through two or three cars before finding yours.

That’s all off the top of my head. It’s a fantastic car, very reliable, but can be costly if things need work. Keep a few thousand dollars for unexpected maintenance handy. But, the smile each time you drive it is bonkers.

Elumerere > Elumerere 10/04/2017 at 12:25

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Oh, and the hate for the headlights is forum only. Nobody ever said anything, either out on the road or at PCA meetings. People love the car. Not that I care too much about that anyways.

WiscoProud > way2blu does a rev update 10/04/2017 at 12:31

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I prefer the 996.2 (2002+) which got a bigger engine and a better interior, but overall I like them. That one has pretty high miles and I would go ahead and assume you will need to replace the IMS, which will probably be $1-2k depending on what you do. The nice thing about these is they’re old enough that pretty much any issue you have has already been figured out. I would spring for an inspection though. It may cost $14k, but its maintenance is still full-blown Porsche.