996 advice

DivineE · May 5, 2011

Service costs should be very comparible. I have a turbo but that is more complex than an N/A car to do most jobs on (4wd/more tightly packed engine bay). Service costs and intervals on that were about the same as my 944 turbo. Did the major belt service (48k miles) including all fluids (incl brake and clutch), all filters and 6 coil packs (as preventative maintenance) and it was still only around Â£1500. Not bad when it only needs oil services for the next 24k miles. Which should equate to approx Â£300 from OPC once per year.

lewig · May 5, 2011

Hi peeps,

My second post (got my boxster up for sale in my first). I am considering a 996 looked at a few from a carrera 4 cab to a few carrera 4s seem to be a few 02/03 knocking a bout at reasonable price.

What are they like in terms of every day driving? it would be my daily driver?

How much difference would the running/repair costs be compared to a Boxster?

Anything to look out for or consider when looking at them?

I know the guys who run Pro-Porsche in Brighouse who have given me some good advice so far just thought id get some more advice while my boxster is up for sale.

cheers

Richard_Hamilton · May 5, 2011

Lewis!! As Ben says, the running costs will be very similar to the Boxster. As a daily drive, IMO they are slightly more practical that the Boxster, with more room in the cabin and rear seats. Handling is a bit different, but nothing you don't get used to. Take a look at our buyer's checklist here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=269468

lewig · May 5, 2011

cheers fellas, Really like the sound of the 4s! these ok too as daily drivers? I think 996 is the way to go though. I will check the buyers guide to thanks for this. Good to know there isn't much difference though. I can't wait just need to find a suitable buyer for my boxster as i have just had messers so far. Cheers!

Richard_Hamilton · May 5, 2011

C4S has pretty much the same running gear as the Turbo (suspension, brakes, etc), with the same engine as the rest of the 3.6 Carrera range. A lot of people think it is the best looking 996. Bear in mind it has the M030 Sport suspension package as standard, and brakes are a little pricier to replace. Other than that, it's just as good a daily as the rest. Good luck with the sale.

lewig · May 6, 2011

Hopefully have a couple of people viewing the Boxster this weekend so hopefully the 996 shopping can start

Still unsure whether to look at a c4 cab or a c4s not sure if I'd miss the softop option on sunny days. Although I love the look of the coupe especially the c4s I have been looking at a few this week on the net there seem to be a few c4s with the turbo side scoops fitted too are these cut into and fitted to the existing side panels? What are you views on this? There is also that say full turbo look not sure on the difference think the have just put the vents in and removed the c4s panel on the rear. Cheers

chriscoates81 · May 7, 2011

ORIGINAL: lewig Hopefully have a couple of people viewing the Boxster this weekend so hopefully the 996 shopping can start Still unsure whether to look at a c4 cab or a c4s not sure if I'd miss the softop option on sunny days. Although I love the look of the coupe especially the c4s I have been looking at a few this week on the net there seem to be a few c4s with the turbo side scoops fitted too are these cut into and fitted to the existing side panels? What are you views on this? There is also that say full turbo look not sure on the difference think the have just put the vents in and removed the c4s panel on the rear. Cheers

You could split the difference and get a targa then you get the best of both worlds. Im not sure if the targa come in 4 wheel drive or not im sure richard will know tho[

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Magic919 · May 7, 2011

ORIGINAL: Richard Hamilton C4S has pretty much the same running gear as the Turbo (suspension, brakes, etc), with the same engine as the rest of the 3.6 Carrera range. A lot of people think it is the best looking 996. Bear in mind it has the M030 Sport suspension package as standard, and brakes are a little pricier to replace.

If the C4s does indeed have the M030 suspension, then it doesn't feel like it. There's a marked difference when I change cars in terms of compliance, noise and body roll. I'd be surprised if it has the same suspension as my 40 year car.

RichardR · May 7, 2011

Hi I have a c4s , low fuel warning light and guage are still indicating low fuel ,eventhough refuelled.Is there a remedy to resolve this. Thanks.

DivineE · May 7, 2011

The sensor can only measure down to half a tank, the rest is calculated from the cars mpg sensor. Therefore if you only put Â£20 in for example it may not reach the sensor so it doesn't know you've added fuel. Add another Â£20 and tou should see it.[

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Ant Blain · May 7, 2011

ORIGINAL: lewig Hi peeps, My second post (got my boxster up for sale in my first). I am considering a 996 looked at a few from a carrera 4 cab to a few carrera 4s seem to be a few 02/03 knocking a bout at reasonable price. What are they like in terms of every day driving? it would be my daily driver?

I run my 996 as a daily driver (approx 12-15k a year). It'll do 30+ mpg on a steady run, high 20s on my daily commute (20ish miles each way, motorway and fast A-roads), it seems as happy in 25+ oC summer temperatures as it does in -15oC over the last winter (I used it every day, even in the snow), the rear seats make it practical for dumping things when you can't be bothered using the boot, I've done several weeks / weekends away in it (with the missus and all associated clobber), no problems. I would actually say these cars relish being used more often, and run better because of it - mine seems to be running better now (52k miles) than when I got it at the start of 2010 (on 36k miles).

ORIGINAL: lewig How much difference would the running/repair costs be compared to a Boxster?

To give you an idea; my service last year (minor) was Â£300ish (essentially just an oil and filter change and some checks), this year was Â£1600 (major 48k, but included new coil packs, replacement RMS, and two rear tyres at Â£270ish each). Other than that the only cost has been a new battery last year (Â£170 from Porsche). I'm assuming those costs are comparable to a Boxster, probably a touch more?

chriscoates81 · May 7, 2011

ORIGINAL: DivineE The sensor can only measure down to half a tank, the rest is calculated from the cars mpg sensor. Therefore if you only put Â£20 in for example it may not reach the sensor so it doesn't know you've added fuel. Add another Â£20 and tou should see it.[]

At todays prices if its really low i dont think 40 will even hit halfway, as to service costs my major cost Â£500 however it should of been Â£280 but i had the a/c belt replaced (i think thats what its called) and my front disks where on the wrong side so they swapped them both over. Whats the going rate for a major on a boxster?

Richard_Hamilton · May 7, 2011

ORIGINAL: Magic919 If the C4s does indeed have the M030 suspension, then it doesn't feel like it. There's a marked difference when I change cars in terms of compliance, noise and body roll. I'd be surprised if it has the same suspension as my 40 year car.

Standard C4S was M030 (-10mm), and X74 (-30mm) was optional.

Magic919 · May 7, 2011

ORIGINAL: Richard Hamilton

ORIGINAL: Magic919 If the C4s does indeed have the M030 suspension, then it doesn't feel like it. There's a marked difference when I change cars in terms of compliance, noise and body roll. I'd be surprised if it has the same suspension as my 40 year car.

Click to expand...

Standard C4S was M030 (-10mm), and X74 (-30mm) was optional.

It's not listed in the build spec of the car when I run the VIN, I've just checked it.

Richard_Hamilton · May 7, 2011

Does it show M029? ie standard. Edit: This is from the 2004 996 Brochure:

Magic919 · May 7, 2011

There is I029 for standard chassis rather than M029.

Richard_Hamilton · May 7, 2011

I wonder why they designated it 029 when it is a 10mm lower sports suspension? Odd. So I guess I was wrong to refer to it as M030, but M030 certainly wasn't an option on the C4S.

Magic919 · May 7, 2011

I can only really comment from experience of the cars and the Turbos I've driven and the C4S feel alike. My M030 kitted car feels completely different. I'd say it feels like stiffer ARBs as well as firmer springs and the 4S and Turbos seem to lack those. Long sweepers show almost a wallowy effect without the M030. But the other cars feel more refined for general stuff.

Richard_Hamilton · May 7, 2011

My C2 had M030, and in terms of stiffness felt similar to the Turbo, but as you say felt completely different on the road. I put it down to the weight of the 4WD system, and the driven front wheels. Perhaps it is a compromise suspension which is 10mm lower, and although 'sports', not quite as 'sports' as M030 Sports Suspension.