Some personal comments for 996 model to share.

[eso1968]

Although I have seen quite a lot of bad comments on the Porsche 996 series 1 cars with the 3.4L engine (only after I bought mine 2 years ago), yet I have something good about this car which I would like to share.

First came out in 1998, the 996 with 3.4L water cool engine has been a car that I have enjoy for the past 2 years. Even I have spent bucks and months at the beginning fixing all these oil leaks, worn suspension bushing issues. As a Porsche, some said because it is not air-cool, it cannot be judged as a real Porsche, at certain stage I do agree but in practical term, I really think the answer is "NO". The water cool engine to start off with allows the engine to produce more power (300HP) with smaller capacity than the previous air-cool models such as 930, 964 & 993 and is quite enough for normal driving with fun. Besides, very important that it also allows the air-conditioning system to have great improvement especially during summer when it gets up to 35 deg C here.

Before I purchased my 996, I was actually hunting for either a 964 or a 993, however as they have been classified as collectables these days, the price tag to own one has been rather unacceptable, specially as a 1st Porsche to me. Then after searching for ½ year, I found out one of my close friends actually has a 996 C2 for sale, I called my mechanic and discussed about parts price / normal fixing cost, etc. After proofing no previous accident record shown, I have decided to go ahead with this purchase.

One major issue that attracts me about this car was the amount of money spent recently by previous owner on this car. If he was not buying a VW Golf R, I guess he would have kept the car for a while after spending these much. 1st, the car came with a set of rare Sport Seats which feels better than the normal Carrera seats. It has a set of overcoil KW suspensions (3 months old). It has a Gremballa steering wheel plus nice looking yellow tone gauge dials. It has a factory fitted GT3 body kit (without the rear spoiler installed but available as spares) and a set of nice 3pcs 19in alloy wheels. Also a set of nice sound and free flow exhaust system which bring back a bit of the Porsche engine sound.

During the 1st 3 months after purchase, the car has spent 99.9999% its time in my mechanic workshop replacing gaskets, oil seals, etc. As well replacing new brake rotors and pads, my mechanic also decided to put a set of bigger size Cayenne front rotors to the car using original 4-pots calipers (originally was going to fit a 6-pot but failed as only later model 996 can do this job). Besides, all underbody bushings were replaced at the same time.

At this stage, I know most people would say this car do not worth putting too much money on but as my 1st Porsche and like all other cars I have owned before, I always keep my cars as good as they can. Money cannot be counted here for all car lovers, I guess.

Generally, I think a 996 is a good 1st Porsche for people like me. It provides certain level of comfort when driving in the city while give me enough pleasure when you drive fast on highways. It's a Porsche that do not cost a lot of money to buy and to run and maintain. It's a car that you can pass the key to your wife without worrying whether she can handle or not. Regarding the major RMS leaks issue, as long as the seal has been looking after well and prevent oil leaks, it is not a major problem at all. Regarding the cylinder cracking issue, according to most forums, it only happens to very small amount of 996. So why these should stop you from buying one as said in one of the Total 911 magazine story about buying 996. I have owned the car for almost 2 years; the car is a 2nd car which I use mainly on the days that I really feel like driving. My last service was 8 months ago and has only covered approx. 4000km but I do check oil level very regularly and so far no oil seems to be dropping from the engine at all. For a Porsche that cost 4-5 times as much as I paid for when new, I really think it is really worth buying.

Edited October 12, 2011 by eso1968

[roadsession]

Thanks - what a great post - and sums it up very nicely.

I agree with your points.

my 996 is a daily driver. I can tell you that some days when I've had a REALLY tough day at the office, I get in my car, turn the key, and that special feeling only a Porsche can give sets in.

My drive home erases all my stress.

Edited September 7, 2011 by roadsession

[eso1968]

Thanks - what a great post - and sums it up very nicely.

I agree with your points.

my 996 is a daily driver. I can tell you that some days when I've had a REALLY tough day at the office, I get in my car, turn the key, and that special feeling only a Porsche can give sets in.

My drive home erases all my stress.

I totally agree with you about the enjoyment after having a tough day and be able to sit in a Porsche, turn on the ignition and feel the acceleration. It's a car that you can forget everything from work and get concentrate on.

Edited September 8, 2011 by eso1968

[phillipj]

Excellent post.. It's so nice to hear someone singing the praises of these cars instead of harping on the IMS, RMS ect.. I had a 99 996 and I absolutely loved that car. I would still have it if I hadn't crashed and destroyed it. :censored:

It was incredibly trouble free and a joy to drive..

Looks like you have a very nice specimen there. Love the wheels and the yellow calipers and the color!

I agree with the others... When I get in my car after work it always brings a smile to my face.:clapping:

Enjoy!

Edited September 8, 2011 by phillipj

[Rapewta]

I have no complaints.

[ldrhoades]

I have a 2000 C2 6-speed that has been converted to exclusively track use. Running 12-15 weekends for the last 2.5 years with zero mechanical problems. The 3.4 doesn't leak a drop of oil and doesn't use any either. After putting the car on a serious diet (down to slightly less than 2900 lbs), it's even fast! I think the cars are a tremendous value (if well bought). Enjoy!

[phillipj]

Great post.. Would love to see pictures...

[logray]

Thanks for sharing. And just curious did you have the engine removed for major work or was it just to replace some seals/etc.

For example replacing the RMS seal can be done without removing the engine.

[eso1968]

My mechanic friend who did the work for my engine said it was easier for him to remove the engine for better inspection on what needed to be done.

At the end only the RMS, oil catch tank, some piping work plus gaskets / seals that were needed. To me, the joy of 996 apart from driving it with a smiling face, it has been the process of fixing it bits by bits, etc. Anyway, I really hope owners here with 996 C2 / C4 models can share some of their good experiences here.

Thx

Edited September 17, 2011 by eso1968