996 Build quality

[Guest]

Every time I read my copy of 911 & Porsche world, I invariably come across some reference to 'poor build quality' of the 996.

This is beginning to irritate me as it never goes onto say exactly what it is that is actually 'built poorly.'

I've had my latest 996 for nearly 3 years now; nothing's dropped off, the doors are still attached and all the other components appear intact and firmly affixed to their intended locations.

So what exactly are they going on about please?

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

It has always annoyed me too - even the the early 996's were put together well. I think it's just that people have miconceptions that because the doors don't shut with a highly metallic "clunk" (a la 993) then the car wasn't put together properly. That's the example they all tend to use. Nothing has dropped off my 1998 car either, and everything works as it was intended. It seems that because Porsche went all "modern" and started fixing things on with plastic clips instead of self-tapping screws, some think that the build quality went down. Load of nonsense if you ask me.

 

[Guest]

Strange, when I tried out a 993 I was surprised by what a metallic clang the door made - like a biscuit tin. The 996 made a nice satisfying thud. Not the only reason I chose a 996! but it helped...

 

[Rotorhead]

After a succession of 911s, I ordered a 996 at launch and I was immediately impressed with the quality. Furthermore, this has steadily improved and my subsequent 'facelift' 3.6 feels even better in all areas.

In fact, I put my name down for a 997, specifically requesting an '06 model year car (to give them a year to iron out any teething problems) and I'm now getting cold feet.

Whilst the 997 is undoubtedly a terrific evolution, I'm entirely satisfied with my 996 and can't justify the £25,000 + cost to change.

 

[mikfinch]

Maybe they should try owning a current model Merc E Class to know what poor build quality is like

 

[blueSL]

The only thing I can point to is the quality of the paint which seems to be rather less resistant to stone chipping than it used to be. Otherwise it's fine. I don't actually think the new interior in the 997 is anything to write home about and I'm happy with mine, fit for purpose. By comparison, the (red) interior of my SL55 seems contrived and fussy. But you're correct, the 911 is built in a way to make it cheaper. An entry level 997 is rather less in real terms now than a 964 Carrera 2 was in 1989.

 

[beershark]

I have a 96,000 98R 996 Tiptronic - its had a rear diff rebuild last year (slight noise coming from it when I bought it from Autobahn and we agreed on a deal to rebuild it but I was being slightly fussy as I bought it from a dealer) and apparently the gearbox was rebuild a couple of years ago.

The car looks first class inside and out with only minor signs of wear on the leather - far superior than most other marques with nearly 100,000 of undoubtedly hard miles!

 

[philippe]

I tend to agree, even though i have experinced, a few little rattles over more bumpy back roads, but i am very fussy, and generaly i think they are great cars. I also notice with these types of reports it is often written by people who do not own one, and may own an old timmer and have the view that they don't make them like they use to. I would worry if it was reported by a longer term own (owners) i recently bought the new 911 magazine and read a report on the early cars and there was nothing bad said. Nice to hear. (by the way the 911 nothing else matters mag, worth picking up a copy)


Phil

 

[Peter_Bull]

I agree with all that's been said.
My 2000 996 feels really well put together and even my wife says it feels really taught and excellent to drive. I did seriously consider a 993 S but they just felt so old and outdated, and let's face it - the 993's bodyshell was built around 1960's technology. Hardly inspiring 40 years on. No doubt it will become a classic and thankfully Porsche cars cater for most tastes. We both thought it was time to move on and not let nostalga rule our decision.
The 996 is more than a fine car, its truly excellent, with high sales and many thousands of satisfied customers worldwide to prove it. Porsche have always made great cars, and the 996 is just the evolution of the 911 theme that has progressed to its modern evolution. The 997 takes up the reins of what the 996 started.
As they say in 356 circles - Keep The Faith is all that matters, no matter what Porsche you own.

 

[Michael Downing]

ORIGINAL: oliver
Whilst the 997 is undoubtedly a terrific evolution, I'm entirely satisfied with my 996 and can't justify the £25,000 + cost to change.

Spot on. The OPC that let me out for a long test drive in a 997 made one crucial mistake - they let me go home in my 996!

 

[Andrew Killington]

I agree; since the 997 came out the motoring press (including specialist Porsche mags) seem to have relegated the 996 to an also-ran; very much the poorer sibling compared to the "classic 993 and the much improved 997" - depreciation on especially pre facelift cars seems to be bearing this perception out.
It feels that the 996 is getting a rough deal[]
Andrew

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: mdowning

ORIGINAL: oliver
Whilst the 997 is undoubtedly a terrific evolution, I'm entirely satisfied with my 996 and can't justify the £25,000 + cost to change.

Spot on. The OPC that let me out for a long test drive in a 997 made one crucial mistake - they let me go home in my 996!

Spot on as well, my sentiments entirely. Had a good look round a 997 out of curiosity but went away feeling disenchanted. The bonnet is aluminium I think and from the underside it looks like it's been pressed out of recycled Iron Bru tins. So much for the claimed superior build quality.

The interior does have the appearance of being more robust but I think it's too cluttered with switches etc which spoils the overall appeal. Did notice that the doors seem to close easier and with a more solid feel though.

As for the pricing structure, when I eventually managed to get the car configurator working (albeit only partially!), I was angered to see matallic paint as an option.
Pay c£58k for a car and have to pay another 700 odd quid to have it in arctic silver? []
... and another 200 quid or so for a rear wiper[>:] Come on.

By the time I'd finished, the total price (with sunroof and crested seats as the only options) came close to a base 996C4S and I know which one I'd choose.

I'm, keeping my 996 - and the shirt on my back!

 

[philippe]

If you check out the 997 forum then the odd rattle i get in my 996 on bumpy back roads seams to be nothing to even worry about, and as you guys say for the extra cost to up-grade then i don't think it is worth, not for me.

Phil

 

[Guest]

I loved my 996, it was the best. The 997 is better some some ways though, but by god did it rattle. All fixed now though, so even more pleased[]

 

[milleman]

I tended to agree with the "poor quality issue" on the 996, when I bought mine last september in had an incredibly annoying rattle from behind the glovebox. Finally found it on friday-the tracker had been cable tied to the beam behind the nearside air bag!. So this was not a Porsche problem but the clown that fitted the tracker, apart from that I think the qualitys pretty good.

 

[McGirl]

I am delighted to read the positive members/owners comments regarding a superb and successful 911 such as the 996, I am on my 3rd model 996 and worry sometimes at the bad forum press on RMS and rare engine failure, much better to read the good points!
The volume of 996 is immense and I firmly believe is a success story in it's own right and now in it's 9th year of production is still going strong, the TurboS cab is a dream car indeed.
Happy 996ering

Johnny McGirl
996 RS

 

[Guest]

When the Jag XK first came out years ago, I read a test report in one of the motoring magazines. One thing in particular that sticks in my mind is the journalist had problems closing the boot, and when he slammed it a bit harder, indentations matching his fingertips were left in the lid!

How's that for build quality then?[]

 

[Michael Downing]

ORIGINAL: concept
indentations matching his fingertips were left in the lid!

I'm sure I recall something along those lines from The Incredibles ....

 

[mwadams]

Having owned 2 996's albeit early models, I can see why the "poor build quality" does come up.

I have to say that both the 964 and 993's I owned did feel more solid and robust, perhaps it just perception that comes across in the "poor build quality"

Would agree about the paintwork as blueSL comments.

I almost went back to a 993 as this model had been my most enjoyable, but times move on and I think the 996 will eventually be more respected if thats the right word.

My current early 98 model has no rattles, just a little wind noise from the passenger which PCT still can't sort out !!!!![]

Mark

 

[38F3E1]

ORIGINAL: mwadams
... just a little wind noise from the passenger ...

Have you tried a cork []