996 prices bottomed out??

I sold my 84 Carrera last September, and have been looking for something to replace it. There are a few very affordable 996 cars for sale locally, and I have been thinking that making the jump into something more modern and comfortable might be a nice change. The prices I am seeing range from $15,000-18,000. That seems like a lot of car for the price. Do you guys think the prices have bottomed out, or will they continue to suffer and depreciate? I rarely keep cars more than a year or two, so I am wondering if this will be a loss, a break even, or a win depending on pricing. I have a hard time imagining that they will continue to dip in price. Your thoughts?? This car is a manual trans, 93,000 miles, and listed at $16,900. Might go look at it tonight.

I believe the "values" have bottomed out, yet prices will vary based on the condition of the individual car. For instance if the car has been maintained to Porsche specs: Oil change every 15,000 miles or annually with Mobil 1 0-40 is not nearly as good as every 5,000 miles with a better 5-40 oil. I'm guessing the sub $20K 996's you see are 1999 cars which tend to have the most problems. There is a good chance buying a $18K 996 will be more expensive car to own for 2 yrs than a 996 bought for $22K. There is also a good chance once you own a 996 you will keep it until you are unable to physically get in & out of it under your own power. Read all you can on this & other forums & don't be penny wise & pound foolish about obtaining this dream machine!

I drove a flawless, well optioned, low mileage 2001 996 in the fall that a neighbour was looking at getting into for $22k. It's an awful lot of car for the money. I can't see how they can get much cheaper than they currently are, but they do kind of remind me of the 2.7 litre impact bumper 911s. People will always prefer either a 993 or a 997, so many buyers will pass by a good 996 and their prices will languish. Still, they can't get cheaper than $15k for a decent example, can they?

On the other hand Look what is paid for A 996 with low miles and good history , throw in sought After rare color and you have A $ 35,000 car

The dealer where the car is located tells me that the clutch was replaced. That would have been the time to correct the IMS issue right? What do I need to look at as far as maintenance documents to assure that was done. Can I use it as a bargaining chip if they didn't do anything about it?

man, I kinda want one of these now.

I want a Grand Am Koni Challenge GS car. Drove one last year on track. GT3+ performance for half the price. A few have changed hands in the last year for $40k or less. Where is mine? As for the original question, I think they are at or really close to the bottom and will sit there for the next 5-10 years. Over the next few years price will be 100% contingent on mileage, condition and care with a $10-15k range from the average drivers to the nice drivers. As Bruce Anderson used to say, exceptional and beyond excellent cars will be way more.

Don't forget, if the 996 prices drop to the $10-15K range, first gen Boxsters will have to price around $4K lower, as they too suffer from the same IMS, RMS problems as their big brother. 2001 996 Cab. 15K miles --- LN engineering bearing upgrade and RMS seal replaced proactively at 12K. (single row bearing looked perfect when removed). Also replaced clutch while in the neighborhood.

A friend just bought a clean, straight, unmolested, one-owner, well maintained 996 for $10K in LA. Score! A lot of car for $10K.

Hi, I'm the friend that Cajundaddy mentioned. I had a 1999 Boxster BSX for three years. Recently totaled while parked in front of my house. Details and damage pic's here: Ahhh! My car was hit bad today! - 986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster Owners and Others So, I went out and bought a 1999 996 for $10K. Yes, $10K! Car is in very good condition with 110,000 miles. Manual 6-spd. Savannah beige full leather interior. Factory Sport Design 3-pc BBS wheels. PPI done at EF1 Motorsports in Long Beach. Engine runs strong and compression tested high and even across all cyls. New clutch at 90k. Water pump, AOS, brake pads/rotors all new within the past year. Needed new coil packs, spark plugs, and a few other minor items. I did the coil packs and plugs myself over the weekend and the car passed smog today (dang, the rear-most plugs are a biatch to get to!). Plan to use the wrecked Boxster to build another Box chassis into a Spec race car. To say the least, I am happy as a clam!

Great score at $10K!

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Thirty five thousand is nuts for any (regular) 996.

I didn't say regular Start putting prices on exceptional, low mileage cars

There is a silver car with red interior posted locally for $19,900. 54,000 miles, and looks like it is in good shape. I am contacting the owner, and hoping to use the fact that there hasn't been clutch or IMS service done to my advantage. I really like the high-contrast interior exterior colors...but I think he is too high on the price. I was going to start at about $16,000 and see what room he has to negotiate.

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Sorry to hear about your Boxster What a car for $10K. Taking it to the track in the meantime?

Where are you guys mainly looking for these "cheaper" 996s? Are these deals by word of mouth? I see some but alot of them are Autos. I have been looking around Pelican, Renn list, autotrader, and local craigslist.

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The 996 will be for the street and I'm having Eric and HRG build a Spec Boxster out of the totaled silver car and a donor Boxster with a blown engine. Should be back at the track in June.

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I found my car on Craigslist and I found another similarly priced car at a local used car dealer. They are out there, you just have to look closely.

It seems like there are several deals on the West coast which doesnt help me much by the time I fly out and drive back. If I find a deal like "thstone"'s Ill gladly hop on a plane. I know something will pop up eventually.

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Here is a $10K-$11K car when all is said and done. Cash in hand and no hassle to the seller helps get a low price deal done. 1999 Porsche 911 / 996 C2 Coupe - White with Black/Tan interior, completely stock, runs great, sunroof, great a/c, Tinted. manual 6-speed, 145k miles, engine was replaced 2 years ago with same 3.4 liter motor that only has 70k miles. Clean California title. 18" Wheels with Tires in good Condition. Must sell $13,900, priced for quick sale, make a reasonable offer. 1999 Porsche 911 996 Coupe

^ I saw that one. I thought long and hard but that interior is a bit much for me. I know I know beggers cant be choosers. If it wasnt for the tan interior I would be picking up the phone. How hard/costly would it be to source a used black interior and install it?

how come the seats are not tan ?

Sweet deal I Like the color matched blue window tint did you do that and if so whos sells that color tint

It's brutal out there! I had my 2002 C4S (78k with a 38k motor) for sale for 3 months. I couldn't get $27500 for it. The car is immaculate. Full records. Etc... I've decided to keep it. It's far too nice a car to sell for any less.

I believe KNS is referring to regular 996's vs 996tt's, GT2's etc. I agree however that "regular" 996's are out there for a least what appears to be some great low prices. The more sophisticated these cars can get the higher the cost to maintain them and some have major medical bills right around the next corner. Rarity, price and condition, condition, condition... Worth every thousand!

I hoping to pick one up this fall or next spring . I have a few to many irons in the fire at the moment. I susspect by fall of 2013 we will see a few more in that 10-12k range but I think the prices will go back up in spring to 15-18K . I have been watching the market pretty close. I plan on buying one for daily driving and just use my truck in the winter so milage is not real important to me. I do think though I will do the LN updates just to be safe.

I have been looking for 996, coupe, 6 spd. , have had no luck !! I get the feeling prices are going up? I hope I am wrong. MOST dealers have no maint records , which makes it even more difficult to buy. I prefer to buy from private sources.

According to the Autotrader's on line trade price calculation tool, They're offering $1K more now than 3 months ago on my 2003. Is this an indication that values are going up? kinda looks like that

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My thought is that this is seasonal. Prices on sports cars always pick up a bit in late spring and into summer. But the trend is definitely down. More and more very nice 996's are listing for well under $20K. Its still a buyers market.

I will just keep on looking ..... not much down here in Fl.

Just passing it on since I'm not currently in a position to chase it: 911 Carrera 4 Dark blue - needs motor

Cars with no motor ? Cars with 100k + miles ? Cars with lots of bolt on Mods. ? Yes Virginia prices are bottoming out ( on these cars) On the other hand , low miles Garage kept and a touch of Jake cars are going up. Do your home work, and you will see ounce the ims is no longer a issue, these cars are far better on every detail Than the 993's

Do your home work, and you will see ounce the ims is no longer a issue, these cars are far better on every detail Than the 993's[/QUOTE] Having owned both a 993 and a 996 I don,t feel like this at all

I'll be dead and feeding the worms the day that 996s are worth more than 993s. And even comparing the build quality is a joke. The 996 is the most poorly done interior ever on the 911 line. It is no better them an Acura or Nissan in its fit and material quality.

imho, the 3.4 cars are the modern midyears! Biggest issue is that i believe new "crate" motors are no longer cheap.. somewhere in the $15-20K range.. and if internet hype can be believed, everyone will need one at somepoint. So.. $15K car and save another $15K for when the motor needs replacement. In the time between purchase and failure though, they are amazing cars!

Everything I read on all of the 3 major boards say the early '99's that were manufactured in 1998 are the best of the best. Better build quality and by far the least problematic of all 996's. buy the earliest '99 you can find.

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Never cared about driving, much less owning a Porsche due to the VW like interiors until 2000 when I 1st drove a 996. Love at 1st sight & it continues today, I don't care for any of the 997-on changes

Well it looks like I have found my baby . PPI was positive. Its in Va. 2001 C 4 w/Aero Kit, car cover , bra, Nav etc, and some spares. less than 25k on new engine ('06). Shall be returning with the wife via the Blue Ridge Pkwy, on 7/18. Will take lots of pics. Have done the Pkwy (NC) few years ago in my old 84 Carrera. Wish me luck.

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that was a joke, right? recent prices would indicate a 993 is twice the car a 996 is (and, it is)....

I have to chime in on this post. I have been looking off and on for a 993 cabs and now I see prices for the 993 around $34k+ some decent low mile examples...I was doing a search tonight and ran across a 2001 Cab with 78k miles for $24k? I was like WTF? It has the Tech package and BBS look rims, which makes it appealing to me. While yes the interior might not be the best design, I would say its equal with the 993 interior for the price. Anyways for $24k? I feel this car is a lot car for the money compared to the 993 prices, yes the 993 is the last of the air cooled cars, but the 996 is a different model. The only thing that puts me off is if anything needs repairs on the 996 you are going to pay for it and also the bearing issues has been me put off. But since I am looking to get into another 911, the 996 seems like such a bargain compared to buying a 993.

My friend just bought this 2000 996 C2 with 62K miles. Car is in perfect shape and PPI was perfect. I drove it and it was very nice. Blue book is around $24K. Seller had the car at a local car lot on consignment for $26K - no sale after 60 days. Then he listed the car on AutoTrader for $22.8K. Actual selling price: $18K. Its a buyers market, hardly anyone is paying blue book or the asking price unless it is priced to sell.

I purchased a 993 recently, it is a joy to drive. It's more expensive to maintain than the older models and probably the 996 as well but the driving experience is wonderful and it's still air-cooled. The one thing that bothers me is the rising values of the air-cooled cars, that raises the potential for theft. Perhaps I overthink it but because of the low values and, dare I say, undesirability of the 996, the chance of you coming out to find your car gone is much less with the 996. Just a little bit less stress. I would actually love to find a ratty looking 996 and leave it unwashed and looking like hell.

It was Jaguar w/e at Little Zwitzerland

2001 w/Aero Kit C4

I am looking for a 2002-2004 cab but for some reason the coupes are growing on me...that being said if I were to get a coupe Id put a TACO wing on my 2002-2004 model. I like that wing a lot vs the areo kit for the 2002-2004 models

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Don't overlook a nice coupe. Sometimes nice to be able to push a button and close the sunroof in 5 seconds when the weather or temperature changes and the top down motoring experience is getting a bit uncomfortable.

Hmmmm 996 vs 993 debate.... 996 is lighter, more power, faster 993 is last of its breed, very appealing to the eye 996 could maybe someday crap an IMS bearing (despite what you read on internet) 993 will have, or has had, SAI issues 996 is a "better" car, but price/value comes down to what people are willing to pay. Lots of purist want a 993, that keeps the value high. Porsche produced a lot of 996 cars and that makes the supply pretty good. Couple that with the internet fear mongering and prices come down.... Have owned 20 plus porsches of every variety over the years. Love my aircooled cars, but also really like my 99 996 Racecar..... They are all good, and all have some issues. Some aircooled purists still think the car should be aircooled. Maybe, but then Porsche would be out business as most of those folks only can afford a used Porsche and are not part of the brand's target marget for new vehicle production..... Go drive a base 996, 996 GT3, base 997, 997 GT3 (RS) and tell me it is not a great car.... I am yet to hear a water cooled hater tell me exactly what Porsche should have done instead of create the latest generation of cars (and remain in business).

That 2001 with aero kit is absolutely sparkingly gorgeous! Enjoy!

Thank you Larry !! Enjoying I am !!

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Really? I'm looking at an '06 cab w/ 58K miles. $35K is too much? I haven't found any yet that are cheaper.

Okay, so I was confused. I thought 996 was up to 2004, with 2005 and newer being 997. But if I'm reading things correctly, 2006 is a 997? 996 year range: 1999-2004 997 year range: 2005-2012 Sorry if my post just above this one threw you for a loop. So, my question probably no longer applies. At least not to this thread. However, I'm still interested if this seems like a good deal, for an average '06 cab. Doesn't appear to have many options. The listing only says 6-speed, heated seats, stability/traction control. Possibly nav from the pictures I've seen. Appears to be a button marked "map" to the right of the screen. Also, has an icon of a shock next to the spoiler button. Not sure what that is yet, still looking through the 996/997 threads to learn more about this car. I've been a Boxster owner for the past two years, so the 911 is pretty new to me.

First post. Great site. I'm oggling a 2001 996 at a well-known dealer in central IL. But it's $33k (33k miles, too). I was going to jump on it but it looks like it's maybe 5k overpriced? This will be my first Porsche (after deciding at age 10 or so that I WOULD own one someday) so I'm really skittish. Great info here and love the discussions! Thanks for any input. TC

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FYI: Both the 996 and the 997 were sold in 2005.

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Ah, didn't know that as well. Thanks. I was able to get the dealer down to $34K for that '06 cab w/ Nav & PASM. But as I was working out the final numbers with the dealer, over email, someone walked into the dealer and bought the car. Sucks trying to buy a car over the internet...

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Way overpriced. There's almost no reason why a first gen 996 should be more than $30k. You'll find a ton of similar cars for less money with a quick online search.

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I would never, EVER, pay more than $18k for a 996 (3.6 or 3.4). It is the redheaded stepchild of 911's and will continue to crater in value. It was built as an incubator for the Boxster (which is evident), with abysmal exterior and interior design. I won't tell you what I got my 2003 996 for at auction (with a questionable motor), but it was less than 1/5 of what you are considering paying. Had the motor rebuilt to racing specs for $6k. It is the new ideal base for a race car, similar to what the middies were about 10 years ago. You can buy a very, very nice 997 with under 50k miles for $33k.

Wrong quote grabbed up above ^^^^, was meant for the 996 listed at $33k

Thanks, Mehoff and puppy! I went to Craigslist and ebay and have seen the light. Thanks! TC

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That might be a bit much. $18k is about where a good solid no stories car starts. I'm not sure about the rest of your comments, you are aware that the Boxster came first, right? I've owned four of them and find them to be a better car than any of their predecessors.

I'm finding decent coupes in the low $20's WITH the MBS having been done. I just let a nice one in FL slip away... But, another one will be by in 15 min. TC

My feeling is that the 996 (excluding turbo and GT models here) is going the way the 928 did in terms of price. A lot of car for the money if you can maintain it yourself. But they are not loved by many and supply is high. Someone in this thread said that if a 996 can be had for around $10K then the 986 Boxster should be around $4K. I think we will get there. My feeling is that the 986 is going the way the 944 went in terms of pricing. I have in our local market seen quite a few 986s with asking prices from $6K to $8K, some of which had less than 60K miles. Many were clean. A 1998 90K miles blue 986 lasted over 3 months at $7K. It likely sold for $5K. Honestly, in think in 10 years you can buy a running/driving but rough 996 for $5K and a 986 Boxster for $2-3K. Now with yet another new generation of cars (991 and 981) having come to market, the early water boxers will continue to decline in value. In the future I think the 996TT and GT3s have the potential to appreciate, but I don't see that for a long time for a base 996/986. Maybe in 30 years from now if you have a super low mileage survivor. Both the 986 and 996 are great cars in their own, but supply and demand dictates prices. Prices will continue to fall, but value is probably as good as it gets now.

I think the 996's are going to go up in the next few years , since the previous 911's have rocketed in price , there will be more demand for the less expensive 911, which is the 996. my .02 cents.

Minimum value for a modern Porsche (watercooled) is determined by the sum of it's parts. As the supply of replacement engines dwindles away, (996 & 986 are past the 7 year requirement for Porsche to provide parts) cost of engines increases.

I'm looking again. This time at a 1999 with 120,000 miles priced at $16000. I don't know where people are seeing these cars at $7000-9000, so if you find another for sale ad like that send it my way haha. Ill keep you guys posted on the car I'm checking out.

I drove that car. Real clean. Made an offer of $14000. We will see what happens...

Cars with 100,000 miles plus ?? What do 996 coupes in perfect cond ,with 6spd and less than 30,000 Miles go for ?

In Utah, the market seems high. 996 with 75,000 miles roughly $18,000, and anything below that or listed by a dealer is closer to $20,000. The seller won't go lower than $15,000. Said anything less than that and they will just trade it in. Not sure what I am going to do just yet. I like the car, but I want to buy smart so I am not immediately underwater. *Update - I settled at $15,000 with the seller. After a review of completed listings on eBay, and doing a nationwide search for 1999-2000 Porsche 911s I just can't find anything cheaper. It confirms to me that I would be able to sell the car for close to what I am paying within the next year. I have a tendency not to keep cars for a very long time, so I want to make sure that I will be able to get roughly out of it what I am putting in... Any advice in the next 24 hours would be great, as I pick the car up tomorrow evening.

Sounds like a good deal to me, I'd love to see what you ended up with.

I brought the car home last night. I took it on a 300 mile trip today to Idaho and back. It drove great, and I really enjoyed how modern it is compared to my 84 911. I will be needing tires soon, and I want to find some oem wheels before buying new tires. At any rate, I am happy with it. I will post better pictures later. The rain was just letting up so I snapped a couple.

Good reading. I sold my 87 911 Turbo a few years ago and in itching to get back in a Porsche. No more hot rods. Just a nice stock car this time. See any early 996's ads in the SE, send it my way. Thanks.

Looks nice and it sounds like you bought it reasonably. Now get those bumperettes painted body color! As far as 996 bottoming out. The increased prices on older models combined with the higher new MSRP of the 991 will probably keep prices from going down that much in the next couple years. That said, they haven't bottomed out. There is no way they can be bottomed out. Supply of modern Pcars is high. The 997 is still depreciating and it is better than the 996 in pretty much every way.

Congrats on the purchase. If you get rid of the orange headlights it is a huge improvement, used sets of non-HID clear headlights pop up used and reasonably priced fairly often. New smoked side markers can be had from our host for not much money. Enjoy!

I must be majorly in the minority because I like the orange out front and on the side markers. The car is what it is...a 14 year old vehicle. I like the quirky bright orange, haha. I put a set of Blizzak snow tires on it, and have been looking forward to cold weather driving.

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More power to you, and kudos for driving it in the snow. People that store their cars for the winter are missing out, the 911 is great in the snow.

I loved my 84 911 in the snow. That car was driven every day. It was one of the most reliable vehicles I owned. I am looking forward to getting a similar picture with the 996 in the next few weeks. If the snow every decides to start falling in Utah...

there was a seal grey 2003 c4s selling for 36k in our area about 3 months ago. 55k miles. was in very good shape, a few dings a scrapes was all. i passed on it. maybe that was high, but i'm sure it would have gone down to 30-ish, which for a 10 y.o c4s with good history sounds reasonable.

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You are so right. It is great in the snow. LOL

I just got my Vredenstein Wintrac Extremes mounted today. Bring on the winter!

Winter is here. The Blizzak tires drove great!

Wow, these are cheap cars. $16k for 55k miles $19k for 78k miles Are all 996's priced in this range? Or are these example super cheap, even for 996 standards? What is the cost of fixing the IMS/RMS problem? $16k for 55k miles Cars for Sale: 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera in Chandler, AZ 85225: Coupe Details - 363177599 - AutoTrader.com $19k for 78k miles Cars for Sale: 2000 Porsche 911 Carrera in New York, NY 10038: Coupe Details - 361570732 - AutoTrader.com

How much more would a C4 bring , comparing with a C2?

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Best deal in the Porsche world today are the 996's. $3500 fixes the IMS/RMS issue as well as gets you a new clutch and oiler. These are 'while you're in there fixes'.

I'll argue the best deals are 986's -- You can find an S for 1/2 - 2/3's the price of the 996. Mike

Hey folks, Long time lurker here. Originally a BMW and Alfa Romeo nut turned Porsche owner. I was looking for an air cooled 911 for years and after some debate, I finally bought myself an 04 996 with 53,000km / 33,000 miles for what I would consider a relatively good price. IMS bearing, RMS and all the "while you're in there" goodies replaced by the previous owner 1 year ago!

I have a 1970 911 and just bought a 2002 C4S in Canada with 50,000Km, so 25,000 miles. I absolutely love this car. I love the '70, but it's raw and loud, worth a mint, so fun for Sundays but not as a daily driver. On the other hand, the 996 has all wheel drive, a quiet and comfy interior, stunning looks, an absolute great car to drive, suspension is balanced, the motor has lots of low end torque and is polite and mild mannered until you open it up and then it screams like a banshee. It's just a matter of time until people figure this out, got mine before they were all gone, just like with the 1970T.

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That just makes me sick. What a score. Nice find...

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5k for even a rough running 996 is a stretch, man. Maybe at a dealer only auction where no one wants to bid on it because it has no history, and needs some work, but overall, it's doubtful. It's still a 911, no matter how you slice and dice it. There's always an exception to that rule where some guy supposedly picked up a one owner garage find that looked brand new and ran like new for a song, but it's the exception, not the rule. I'm not sure we can accurately predict outside of today's prices, where these cars will go in value. We can't use the, "Well I bought my 911S in 199x for 5K", because one- there is inflation, and two - it's very difficult to predict what material assets will become prized, and what material assets will get kicked to the curb. For some reason, the general population seems to think that inflation doesn't apply to cars. As for valuation of the 996, it's just too early to tell... And for those who can accurately predict that, please let me know what stocks the rest of us should be investing in today, looking forward five years... LOL! Seven years ago, people were getting into bidding wars over real estate, then a couple of years later, folks were walking away from those once-appreciating assets.. Pretty sure people didn't see that coming. Heard tons of people saying that they would never buy a house again, and now, some of those same folks getting back into bidding wars on houses in some areas. Houses... cars... whatever... it's supply and demand, and values of material assets are abstract, and can change without warning. While the prices remain deflated, that's good for those who are buying, but don't use that as a gauge to determine the car's value more than two years out. In general, who would've thought that an early 70's Porsche 911 with lime green paint would be worth so much? Or how about Pasha interior? These cars are just made so well that there arent enough of them ending up as parts cars. That's still good for those who are buying now. Would you be able to guess what a company's stock is going to be valued at in five years, based on today's valuation? “Be Fearful When Others Are Greedy and Greedy When Others Are Fearful” -- Warren Buffet

I realize that I started this thread with the question everyone wants an answer to, which is 'What will my car be worth tomorrow??' After owning my car 5 months and putting about 8,000 miles on it, I can honestly say I am not concerned about it's future value anymore. I paid what I think is a fair price for a comfortable performance car that I can use as a daily. I intend to use this car well. Run it hard, maintain it, use it everyday. If I lose a few thousand dollars in value over the next couple of years, then so be it. I am already at a disadvantage because I have a "high mileage" car with 128,000 and some paint issues on the bumper. I decided to stop worrying about it. It is a car. It is a utilitarian object designed to get me from point A to B, and the only difference is that it does it fast, fun, and sometimes a little bit sideways. Enjoy the ride. I for one am going to stop concerning myself with the resale of this car, because it is just too damn fun to think about not owning it. By the way, thank you all for your replies to the original post!

Good attitude Scott! Buying a car as an investment means you can never drive it - to me that's missing the point. Much like the analogy of marrying a supermodel but never having sex because you're saving her for the next guy. I don't see much sense in that either. As to the $5k 996 - no way in hell. Go look at $5k cars and get back to me. Even a mint 944 brings more than that. I think the Boxster is about bottomed out at $8k, and I suspect that the 996 will hang out in the $15k ballpark. Crappy cars and projects will of course be less, but I think there will always be a strong market for affordable and well kept Porsches. Take care of the few major issues and they are fantastic cars.

Just to follow up on my post above: It's been 2 weeks since I purchased my 996 and I have been daily driving the car along while running errands with it (i.e. going to work, picking up groceries, evening classes, band practice etc.) - Absolutely love it and no regrets. I can't imagine doing any of this in an air cooled 911. Doable but perhaps not desirable. The 996 has all the modern comfort amenities that I'd hate to give up, given that it's a daily. Props to the folks who daily drive their air cooled prized variants!

I don't have a proper thread for my car, so I am dropping a quick update here. I finally got to wrench on my car! This weekend, I noticed a very bad bearing grinding noise that I recognized from previous ownership of VR6 Volkswagen's as the tell tale sign of a failing water pump. Sure enough, on Monday morning after a short drive to the coffee shop I got home and noticed a drip coming from the water pump. Time to take out the tools!! I nearly completed the dis-assembly when I noticed another drip coming from the passenger motor mount area. Apparently when I jacked slightly on the motor to relieve pressure from the exhaust bracket (as per the DIY instructions on youtube ), to give room for pump removal, I stressed the 128,000 mile motor mount and relieved it of its hydraulic fluid. I noticed vibration coming from the mounts anyway, so this was just a nail in the coffin to replace the mounts. I was able to source a water pump locally, but I am awaiting new oem motor mounts from pelican along with air and cabin filters. I figure I will do a small amount of cleaning up in the engine bay (leaves and other collected grime from daily driving) while I await the arrival of the mounts. The sun went down, so I don't have any pictures of crawling around removing bolts. The pump isn't a difficult job, but some of the bolts are tedious to get to. And of course, I now know that you run the risk of blowing out a motor mount if you jack on the engine, lol. But maybe that was just user error or old mounts. The water pump replacement should be complete tonight. I will update with progress and how the new mounts feel. I am pretty excited about it honestly. The offending drip... Beginning of the removal. Short video of what a failed water pump pulley looks like. There should be zero play, and it sounds like a grinding skateboard bearing instead of a smooth silent freely spinning bearing. https://flic.kr/p/mrj7kK

For future reference, you should never jack on the motor for exactly that reason. Use one of the four jack points or a solid suspension mount point. At 128k your motor mounts were shot anyway, replacing mine with OEM at 97k was a pleasant improvement in cornering stability and reduced vibration. Don't forget to bleed your cooling system!

As Matt knows, I am a huge proponent of the 996! I've had my Guards Red 2000 996 since mid 2006, when it had 37k miles on it. It's been my Daily Driver ever since, and now has about 158k miles. It's endured about 1/2 dozen full on track days at Willow Springs raceway, where coolant temps have hit 250 (!), the brakes have caught fire (!) (Streets of Willow for that one), and the brake pedal has damn near gone to the floor (same day), but through it all, it has soldiered on, with nothing more than normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear being one new clutch, LN Engineering IMS bearing, and RMS at 110k miles, new AOS replaced by yours truly at around the same mileage (total PITA job, but well worth it), new water pump, again replaced by me, new engine mounts (same exact situation you had, but I replaced with OEM Turbo mounts), a new alternator (well, rebuilt anyway), the biggie - my transmission bearings wore out and wailed like it had straight cut gears for a year before I broke down and had my Porsche mechanic buddy pull it and rebuild it as a side job on his spare time. It's had one new set of brake disks, the usual array of pads, belts, fluids, etc., and is still on its original alignment (and drives hands off straight as an arrow). At this point, I have to admit that the suspension is well past its due date, so it needs to be refreshed, but the car still handles better than most any other car out there - even WITH worn out suspension. The car never smokes and still seems to have all of its 300 HP. Some kid in a Subie jumped me as I was hopping onto a long radius, positive camber sweeper onto a freeway a year ago, and was surprised when (gasp) I pulled away from him to (please don't crucify me, I had a lapse in judgement I usually never succumb too) over 125 before I realized ****! What the fu.. am I doing?! It was still pulling like a freight train at that speed and his lights were just fading away in my mirror. I coasted down to about 75 and the guy coasted up alongside me, and we just gave each other that look that said "what were we doing? We just got away with something." I think he gained some respect for the ole Porsche 996 that night. I was proud but ashamed at the same time (It was fun though... ) My interior is black full leather and actually looks pretty darn good, and has worn BEAUTIFULLY, with no real damage to the driver's side leather seat (amazingly after all these years and miles). The interior is basically squeak free and the AC, heat, interior lighting all work as new. These are such awesome cars. I plan to daily drive mine for at least another two years before I consider maybe a 997 Turbo as my next Porsche driver.

Sorry, forgot the required picture. I took this only about two months ago, so this is the shape this car is in now, as old as it is and with essentially all of the miles it has now.

After owning my C4S for 1 month, I can't understand why people are so down on the 996.v Plan on driving mine for a long time. They are faster than a 993 of the same model, absolutely a dream to drive day in and day out, and the build quality is excellent. I completely disagree that these models will become like the 928. What determines the value is obviously supply and demand. Consider the production numbers 1970 - 14,381 models 1973 - 15,438 models 1989 - 16,488 models 1993 - 7,265 models 2001 - 27,275 models 2002 - 33,013 models 2006 - 36,506 models 2007 - 38,922 models You can see why the 993 carries such a premium, because so few were made. Ironic because the reason so few were made was because at the time, there was not very strong demand. The 993, while Iconic to classic Porsche lovers, they didn't have the performance when compared to the competition at the time. The 996 way outperforms a 993 of same model. Very popular car, as indicated by production figures. The 996 production numbers were twice those of any previous 911's ever made. So, the value of the 996 is depreciated because of the relatively high production numbers. But these are way more modern and drivable cars, so they will develop a following of their own. A lof car for the money, and I for one am glad that the values are so that I can afford to own one. That's always what made the 911's such a great car for enthusiasts.

Longnose, That is the type of objectivity that has no place on an enthusiast forum. You should arrive at your conclusions based on what the group on the forum thinks. Now, sell that POS 996 and step in line!

Found a 2001 with 38k for 23999 in atlanta. If i wasnt right in the middle of buying a house i would buy it. I will be buying one in the next 4-5 months!

I finished up the water pump, motor mount, and air filter installation this weekend. I was really excited to have the pump work and have no leaks. I don't look forward to that job again, but I am glad I wrenched on the car myself. Looking forward to piling on the miles!

I'm not even considering the 993 and the 996 in the same class. One is an old collectible, the other is a driver. The 997 is fair game however. My good buddy has a 997S and I've had a good chance to compare my 996 to that machine. Mine has a few mods, so maybe it's not the fairest comparison, but honestly my 996 doesn't lag in any way performance-wise. The 996 feels more raw and visceral as well. I'm in the camp that feels that the 996 is the last of the pure and simple Porsches. I heard somewhere that the 996 has a couple of computers but that the 997 has a whole bunch. Not that there's anything wrong with computers but... Aesthetically - I am absolutely convinced that the 996 - when set up right - is a more interesting car to look at. Mine is anyway. The 997 is prettier to be sure - but the 996 has more character. Lower, sleeker, more streamlined. Take that whatever way you want. Mechanically - all I can say is that the 996 has been one of the easiest cars to maintain that I've ever owned. It's been pretty reliable as well. All in all a great car. As far as prices goes - I think I will be a pretty damned old man when 996 prices start edging up in any serious way. The mid-year 911s are only just now turning around, and they're not really valuable yet. I paid $26.5K USD back in 2009. It was an unmolested 2002 model with 70K miles which had a new engine installed at 40K miles. It has about 130K miles on it now and is running better than ever.

That is a pretty car jwetering. To me your analysis is right on as well. The 996 is still visceral, but more refined than previous cars, but it isn't a complete appliance vehicle either. A nice middle ground or driving experience and creature comforts. I love the ride height you are at. It makes me want to save for coilovers, but more than likely I will do the M030 suspension just as an affordable refresh. I also like the wheel color. I have been toying with ideas for what color to paint my oem twist wheels...might have to spray them dark gun metal and see how I like it.

I got the OEM Twist wheels refinished, and the summer tires installed. I went with something different...I had the sandblaster clean the wheels off, and once I saw that they were in near perfect condition, I had the raw aluminum powder coated with a matte clear. The wheels sort of change color depending on the light. I probably wouldn't do it this way again, but it will work for this season's summer driving.

Hi guys, first posting on the 996 forum, I have a 964 which I am selling and am looking for something more modern. I am going to have a look at a 996 C2 with a blown engine quite soon, there are a number of rebuild specialists here in the UK who do some wonderful things. The question is what price should a car with a blown engine be here in the UK? Running cars are going for £8000-11000 ($12.5-17.5k) with 70-110k mileages. Engine rebuilds with improvements can be expensive but I was also wondering if a 996 turbo engine case could be used as the base for a new engine given it overlaps somewhat with the GT3? Galen

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A 3.4 996 with a non-rebuildable motor (which most are when they blow) is worth next to nothing. A rebuilt 3.4 will cost you about $12-14k and they are $15k cars in good driver condition. 3.6's are worth about 50% more. If you want to use a Metzer core (turbo and GT3) you'll need to change to a G50 tranny, which collectively will cost you way, way more than the car will ever be worth.

There's no T in Mezger.

Thanks Mehof, I figured the car might be worth very little, the engine rebuilds are indeed quite expensive. I will do some research into the G50 gearbox (must check if the 993 6 speed fits). From the research I have done a C4 is a better base as the Mezger engine and box are different dimensions to the 3.4.

Galen, Only real lemons are for sale at around £8-9k in the UK. Anything half decent is £11k+ The prohibitive cost of repairing one of these engines means that it'll cost about as much to rebuild the engine as a decent car would cost. Second hand engines go for about £5-6k so that means the car would need to be about £2k to make it worthwhile...