Will it baby? - Porsche 996 edition

"WiscoProud" (wiscoproud)
04/13/2016 at 13:50 • Filed to: None

So I’m bored at work waiting for client data, and am occupying myself by looking at used Porsches. While I would love an air-cooled 964 or 993, there is little chance of that happening anytime soon. However, 996s are in my price range for a non-DD vehicles. Lo and behold I find this:

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Honestly, I think the wheels and color look great. I’ve never really been a fan of the turbo wheels that so many of these have. Anyways, two items come up. One, I’m 6'5" and two, I have a toddler.

For the height, it appears that the consensus is mixed on whether I would fit comfortably in the vehicle (I know I just need to try, but hear me out). However, there are some ready options to fit taller people in, including the GT3 console delete (non-nav only), steering wheel extensions (steering wheel hits some people’s legs), and lowering brackets. Sounds like a non-issue frankly.

The tougher issue is my pride and joy, my kid. I would like to be able to pick up and drop off my daughter with it. If I can’t carry her, I will have very few opportunities to drive it. Once she’s two in a couple of months she can be in a front facing seat, which will make things a lot easier. I’ve also read that Britax made a cars eat specifically for 911s, and that numerous ones will fit.

What do you guys think? I’ve loved 911s since I was a teen and am now in a place where I could afford a used one. I’m well aware of the IMS issue and its fixes as well. I’ve also considered Boxsters, but I prefer coupes and the 911 appears to be easier to work on.

Ps. Look at the sales figures for these: 964 - 62k, 993 - 68k, 996 - 175k. How are these so common, yet so expensive? The C5 corvette sold 248k during the same period as the 996 (40% more) and all but the nicest models can be found for under $20k or so.

DISCUSSION (30)

The Dummy Gummy > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 13:59

How is the crash test rating? Doesn’t seem like something I’d feel safe taking my child in. If you can find the Britax car seat maybe, but if you can’t safely secure the car seat. I would never gamble that.

Just thinking about this scenario makes my back hurt, more power to you.

Alfalfa > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:00

We’re dodging the real question at hand here: what the hell is up with their photo backdrop? Is this supposed to be budoir photos of a car or something?

KatzManDu > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:07

911s come at a premium.

I believe they can fit in car seats in the back, but you have to get the right Porsche version so you can fill all four seats.

Also, IMS bearings.

ZoopZoopLoops > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:13

Do you fear any of the other modes of failure, less prominent than the IMS, but still somewhat common? Oil coolant intermix from cracked heads? Ovaling cylinders?

If it’s your second car and you pick a good one, you likely won’t see these issues. The one you linked with that mileage is probably great. I’m just curious if you’ve thought about it since it seems you’ve done your research.

crowmolly > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:15

When your kid is in a booster seat, maybe. In a regular car seat I think it would be a PITA real fast.

philipilihp > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:19

I can honestly say you’d be okay at 6'5" in the 996. I have a friend who is about that tall and he fits pretty well in his 996 C4S. Also, i’ve ridden in the “back seat,” which was uncomfortable, but totes doable in short doses. I’d say if you can afford it, get it, and have your little girl grow into it! Plus, 911-specific car seat, seems like a no-brainer!

I popped my 911 cherry in that 996 yesterday and now I’m unfortunately stuck looking at them on ebay now as well... Good luck to you!

WiscoProud > philipilihp
04/13/2016 at 14:29

Thanks! I think i'll be fine, but its reassuring that there are options to fix it if I don't. Growing up my dad always talked about the fast cars he wanted to buy but never could for one reason or another. I don't want to talk about it, I want to pull the trigger. Life's too short to drive boring vehicles.

philipilihp > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:35

Dude i couldn’t agree with you more. My wife seems to be on board too, but first she wants a bigger house. Ugh. But if a bigger house also gets me a porsche eventually, why not!

Übel > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:35

Unless you have a very long torso you should fit fine. I’m 6'5" and I fit in my father’s 996 Cabriolet with plenty of room. The rear seats won’t hold an adult with someone of our height in the front seat, but I don’t think you should have trouble fitting a child seat back there.

WiscoProud > The Dummy Gummy
04/13/2016 at 14:35

Apparently they are not tested like normal vehicles, but anecdotally they are considered to be very safe, partially due to the focus on racing. That is an open question though.

WiscoProud > KatzManDu
04/13/2016 at 14:36

I’ve read several how-tos on the repair. I actually think I could probably do it myself, with only a few extra tools.

WiscoProud > Alfalfa
04/13/2016 at 14:37

Yeah, I got nothing on that one. That seems to be getting more and more common with dealers.

KatzManDu > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:37

Yeah, I’ve investigated it, just wanted to make sure that possibility was on your radar and you weren’t surprised in six months!

WiscoProud > ZoopZoopLoops
04/13/2016 at 14:40

IMS is the only one I’m really worried about. The other items don’t seem nearly as prominent. It should be noted that even with the IMS issue, the 996s are considered pretty reliable. I am actually looking for cars with either higher mileage, rebuilt engines, or a listing that specifically mentions the IMS bearing.

It would be my second car as well, so its not like I would be stranded.

WiscoProud > philipilihp
04/13/2016 at 14:42

That’s exactly where we are too. We're looking for a bigger house too, ideally one with three garage spaces, but if push comes to shove, I'll leave the cruiser outside. Thankfully, my father-in-law had numerous toys, including his pilots license when my wife was growing up, so she's open to the idea as well.

WiscoProud > Übel
04/13/2016 at 14:43

Thanks for the info. I'm optimistic it won't be a problem.

WiscoProud > KatzManDu
04/13/2016 at 14:44

Absolutely. I should be thankful for it honestly. Its a reason why these are even affordable.

AM3R shamefully returns > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:48

Have you thought about an E46 M3? They can be had for similar prices and the backseat is a little bigger, it's tight in the back of a 996 but definitely manageable.

shop-teacher > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 14:59

You should be fine with a forward facing car seat, provided nobody is going to be sitting in the front seat. I’d bring the seat and test it to be sure though.

I actually live pretty close to this place, if you’d like to to swing by and take a look at it in person, I’d be happy to.

Big Bubba Ray > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 15:00

Don’t waste your time looking for a Boxster, you won’t fit. I detailed one a few weeks ago and dear god it was uncomfortable and I’m only 6 foot 2.

WiscoProud > AM3R shamefully returns
04/13/2016 at 15:05

Absolutely. I'm a sucker for M-cars, specifically the individual throttle bodies. Love them.

WiscoProud > shop-teacher
04/13/2016 at 15:07

Thanks for the offer. Sadly, I need to buy a new house before I can pull the trigger on a fun car. Hopefully we can buy soon, so maybe later this yeyear.

WiscoProud > Big Bubba Ray
04/13/2016 at 15:07

Thanks for the heads up. I've heard the console delete helps, but that can only do so much.

Big Bubba Ray > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 15:11

The one I detailed was a Boxster S. Really spartan dash/interior. I had the seat all the way back, wheel all the way up and still my knees hit the bottom of the wheel every time I went to change gears.

It was an insanely fun car though. If I did fit in one, it’d be fun to pick one up in a few years but nope! haha

WiscoProud > Big Bubba Ray
04/13/2016 at 15:20

Yeah, the prices for even the Boxster S’s aren’t bad. I particularly think they look great with the roadster head pods behind the seats. Your comment about the wheel hitting your legs seems to be a common complaint. I guess the console delete lets you spread your legs a bit more, and they make a spacer for the steering wheel that give another inch or so. Minor, but apparently it makes a difference.

shop-teacher > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 15:28

Gotcha.

The Dummy Gummy > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 15:58

That’s a good point too. I just get so worried with little cars and big trucks on the freeway, but you may not travel on highways.

Best of luck!

philipilihp > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 16:31

Sounds like a good situation then. A supportive spouse is important. Let’s hope we both find what we are looking for in terms of 996s!

WiscoProud > philipilihp
04/13/2016 at 17:00

Thanks! Good luck

Elumerere > WiscoProud
04/13/2016 at 17:28

I’m 6'3 and fit very comfortably in a 996. Got the wife convinced that it will eventually baby and now we’re on the hunt.

As to your question about price comparison to Corvette: it might have to do with build quality. About 70% of all Porsches ever built are still on the road (or in driving condition at least, stowed away in a climate controlled garage). Meaning, these things last forever, if taken care of.