2003 911 Model year, any issues?

[raloise]

This may be a dumb question, but I have noticed that the 2003 911 Carerra(s) are somewhat more reasonably priced than what I would consider for the years before and after, based on mileage, etc. Is there something about this year that I should know, or have I just seen a number of 2003 good prices?

[rsfeller]

It's only a dumb question for us here on the 986 board! We got Boxster on the brain for the most part!

[Izzy]

The 996 is the right board for the 911. I love my 2003, it has been a great car. Had a 1999, was also great, but hte 2003 just feels better, as it has a bit more power and different headlights.

[rcg412]

The 996 is the right board for the 911. I love my 2003, it has been a great car. Had a 1999, was also great, but hte 2003 just feels better, as it has a bit more power and different headlights.

Went from an 01 to 03. 03 Is great, 01 was great too. Main differences i have noticed isthe 03 is MUCH tighter and a lot more low-end grunt. There is very little difference between 03 and 04... slight tweaks (i believe) from 02 to 03.

[RF5BPilot]

I have had an '03 for over a year now. Have not experienced any problems. Have searched the threads on different boards during the last year and have never found any mention of specific problems for the '03 996. In general, they seem to have fewer problems than many of the earlier years. I like its engine, seating and handling better than my previous '96 993. It would be nice if 996's kept their value as well as the 993's. In conversations with other Porsche owners, not many seem to have been aware of the Mk II update in '02. An '03 in good condition seems like a good choice. (Being unbiased....)

[jsoto]

I have a 03 and no complaints from me. My only problem was a bad amp that was replaced under warranty. I just hope the prices don't drop too much.

I would buy it again.

[rpf996]

I have a 2002 c2, which is rated a 320HP. For some reason, the 2003 is rated at 315HP, with the same 3.6 motor. Could this be the reason?

[CoreyNJ]

I have a 2002 c2, which is rated a 320HP. For some reason, the 2003 is rated at 315HP, with the same 3.6 motor. Could this be the reason?

Nope no difference, just marketing materials changed. The 02 and 03 motors are identical.

The reason 03's are going down is many have just left warranty...

[DCP]

This may be a dumb question, but I have noticed that the 2003 911 Carerra(s) are somewhat more reasonably priced than what I would consider for the years before and after, based on mileage, etc. Is there something about this year that I should know, or have I just seen a number of 2003 good prices?

It's the MOST audio system . . .

THat is a joke. 2003 was the first year for the fiber optic audio system which does make replacing the sound system more expensive.

I am not aware of any special issues with 03's. I have owned one for two years. I have had some minor problems plus the famous RMS leak. If you are shopping, try to find one where the RMS was replaced with one with a 997 part number. That is the most recent version, and apparently the only one which consistently works.