Love for the 996

[Zeusy]

O.k.

The Porsche 996.

You either want to own one or you don't - its that simple.

If you want to own one then you are indeed a very lucky boy (or girl) as there are many to chose from so go out and get one.[]

If you do want to own one then be prepared to put up with its short comings and to spend some money on it if it needs fixing.

If you don't want to spend any money on it when it needs attention push it into a (dry) corner somewhere and leave it there until you do.

When it is running well take it out and drive it as much as you can - take it on long trips the longer the better and don't be concerned about racking up the miles - it will cover plenty.

Don't worry about getting it dirty - muck will wash off.

Keep it use it and enjoy it for a very long time.

If you want to make a financial investment at any point speak to an advisor.

When you get old and have surrendered your driving licence think back and recall how much fun you had with your 996 and smile.

Remember to leave it in your will to someone who will appreciate it.

Die happy.

Best regards to all 996 fans everywhere.

Zeusy.

 

[ajb986]

Previously owned 2000 986 Boxster and then a 2009 997 PDK. Now looking to get back into Porsche ownership after a 3 year sabbatical. The Boxster was my first Porsche and it was great fun. I liked the 997 but it was too good, too new, too perfect... but I just didn't love it. Avoiding every loose stone, supermarket trolley, narrow parking spaces and then washing and polishing after every run just became a burden of ownership. Looked great in the garage though! So, now my thoughts are turning to a 996 - something sensibly priced, that I can enjoy and without worry of the aforementioned day-to-day obstacles. Naturally it will be babied but not to the extent of obsession, nor out of fear of significant monetary devaluation. There appears to be plenty out there to choose from and I'll pitch myself in the sub £15k bracket. I actually like the early headlights (the ones with the 'egg yolk') so a 1998/99 model and I do have a preference for an automatic. My question is - is it correct that this model year had the dual row IMS bearing fitted and therefore less likely to be affected by failure? I am aware that failures of this nature have been blown out of proportion but for some peace of mind I felt it would be beneficial to get feedback from those who know best.

 

[36270k]

3 weeks ago I replaced the Boxster 986 S with a 1998 996 3.4 manual cab
Have done a couple of hundred miles and love the car.
The previous owner had replaced the IMS bearing about 6 months ago at 116000 miles, the old bearing was in the box of bits that came with the car. The old bearing rotated quietly with no slack and looked fine.

 

[ajb986]

3 weeks ago I replaced the Boxster 986 S with a 1998 996 3.4 manual cab
Have done a couple of hundred miles and love the car.
The previous owner had replaced the IMS bearing about 6 months ago at 116000 miles, the old bearing was in the box of bits that came with the car. The old bearing rotated quietly with no slack and looked fine.


That's good to hear, thanks.

 

[philippe]

Really great post and agree with you all. I have had mine for now 15 years this November. I was after a 993 which was the same money at the time. I looked at a couple of 993c2 but they were not he condition i was looking for. i then was going to look at a 993C4s but it was in the dark brown colour that put me off. You could say what a mistake but I have loved owning my 996 gen 1. I also went through the same disappointment when I read all the reports on engine failure, I had put the deposit down on my car and then discovered all the posts on negative comments on these cars, so made the build up of the collection of the car not exciting. I had waited years for that day after being driven around in my father SC, and loving the brand from then on. Now I ignore all these negative posts, after all the 996 were part of what saved Porsche how bad can they be?

I had a guy visit my office to do an inspection on our forklift truck for the insurance company, he came into my office and noticed a Porsche poster on my wall. He then said Porsche 911 man are we? I answered yes 100% then he said you will get over it. My next comment was have you ever owned one? His answer was no. I then responded by saying, then that is why you have just made such a stupid comment as its always the people that have never had one that say such stupid things.

I also went to an event in East London OPC Magnus Walker was the guest, you may know who he is? A big Porsche collector of air cooled cars, not your typical Porsche guy. When doing the book signing i met him and he asked me what do you drive? Sadly i felt my answer would be not so well received, however he said that's cool i am looking for a good one for my dailiy driver they are great cars, i said yes not everyone thinks that? he then said i bet everyone in this room would agree, all Porsche are great cars.

Anyway my rant over as well.

Cheers Phil

 

[RockyStocky]

Well said!

 

[Storminnorm]

Had a Boxster for a while but just bought my first 911, a 2002 996 Cab and it's great to read such an encouraging thread as this.

Nice one !

 

[pse_SC]

... all Porsche are great cars

Here, here.
I don’t have a 996 but they are fantastic like all Porsche!

This thread is currently one of the most positive subjects on the Club forum - long may it continue [8D]

 

[andywill]

You’ve been in mine Paul[].
If anyone wants more proof watch the following.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6jCiB9dt0A
Enjoy

 

[pse_SC]

You’ve been in mine Paul[]

Yes, Andy and it felt very similar in lots of ways (as a passenger) to my 993.
Sometime I’ll take you for a proper drive in the 993 to give you a comparison too [][8D]

 

[Dombo63]

I have had my 996 cab now for three years and it still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I think much of the negativity was exacerbated by when the car was launched, coinciding with the internet and use of forums. Suddenly anybody who had an opinion or a problem could hose it worldwide in a matter of moments. Problems became wider known and repeated to the point where it seemed every 996 either had an exploding IMS or was about to.
Every model had its issues, and Porsche Club of America once did an article on previous models' common faults and how they compared with the IMS. Adjusted for inflation most were more expensive faults to fix and about as rare as the IMS. But at the time, late 80s, early 90s, if your air-cooled 911 blew a gasket or had some other major issue it was a matter between you, your garage and maybe a couple of mates. With the arrival of the internet you could post your tale of woe on as many forums as you liked.

Interestingly though, the motoring press loved the 996 - theres a scratchy youtube video of Tiff Needell enthusiastically reviewing one of the early examples and ending up thoroughly impressed.

All told they are great cars, and i love mine.

 

[corneg1]

I call it "grin factor". Some cars give this and some don't. My first Porsche was a Cayman S and this made me grin every time I went in the garage and especially when I fired her up. I went from that to a brand new BMW M140 - and the grin was gone. I upgraded the exhaust and still no grin - smiles, but no GRIN. So after some careful investigations, I purchased a 996 C4 cab. And the grin was back.

Love the car - and all the challenges of owning an older car - but most of all, I love the "grin factor".[]

 

[C2]

Similar experience but it was going from a 997s to a 996 c4 cab. Previously owned a 1998 C2 manual and held on to that for 3 years, she wasn't perfect mechanically or bodywork wise but I also had that smile factor. I then made the mistake of selling her and purchasing the 997s and yes it was a better built car but did not give me the satisfaction that the 996 gave me. After a year the 997 was gone and the 996 is back, again the car has many issues but that comes with the territory but most of all the smile factor is back.