Is there a difference between 1998 and 2001 911 (996)

Hi, im still trawling to buy a 911, I have two in mind a 1998 911 996 cabrio with 58k on the clock and a 2001 991 996 cabrio with 121k on the clock, both fpsh, just wondered if there was any upgrades on the 2001 model over the 1998 model ? OH decisions decisions..still fumbling over tiptronic or manual, swaying slightly towards manual..

upgrades The early 996 1998 was de bugged of some minor design issues so the exhaust some body fittings etc are different the cars are basically the same... Mileage on 98 car sounds too good to be true? Service history? Also 98 car will probably need unless already done: Plugs Exhaust Discs Front Struts Roll bar bushes Drop links check the exhaust header bolts for corrosion thats not to say the 2001 doesnt need these but a few less winters should make the newer car better unless owned or driven by a jockey!.. I take it you know what to look for? as you could easily buy a pup! making the asking price seem like the depost! :sad: Get the car looked over or test drive it to your local porsche centre... If your not handy my little list above is a good £4k of the asking price... or out of your pocket :bye:

Re: upgrades thanks for the reply, I have no idea what to look for ! knocks, bangs, squeeks ? Ill check discs, exhaust, serivce history etc, do they require belts, or and cambelt changing ? thanks again.. the 1998 convertible does have full service history as does the 2001 model..

Hi Moss Some simple but very expensive things need to be checked in adittion to above. Rear main oil seal- Get underneath and have a proper look, otherwise drips of oil on the floor. Clutch - check for smooth, not lumpy gearchanges. If clutch has been done then the RMS will have been and vica verca Mayonaisse in header tank and faulty header tank- Also very common as is corroded brake discs. Above aLater cars are better inside, the dash on later car will be of a better quality, quite noiticably different. Rear plastic screen is a big issue on a cab. The plastic is rubbish and you can see sod all through it. IMHO beg steal borrow and go for a facelift 3.6 , theres very very good reason they are more expensive! Glass rear screen should be a big consideration. Above all a long long long test drive, you can tell a dog by the drive-A good one is easy to tell, as is a poor one! DRIVE A FEW BEFORE YOU BUY!!!!

Very early 996 may not have been equiped with airbags in the doors. This doesn't seem to have been a technical issue, just Porsche GB signing off trim levels, which they then modified within the model year for market competitive reasons. Externally there's the move from true "fried egg" lights, to "yolkless" ones - the external amber for indicator and corner infil was dropped for clear/smoked effect. Along with rear lamps losing amber strip to smoked. Mechanically/specification wise the following altered between 1998 and 2001 run out (of 996.1 3.4 varient): 1998 Oil pan revised 1999 Illuminated vanity mirror upgraded (lit?) Clutch pedal assembly revised (snap-ring) New bearing housing and piston cooling jets installed into crankcase. (engine Nos. >11005 non-eGas/>05167 eGas) 2000 New DME (engine management ECU) upgraded to 7.2.2 eGas (electronic throttle) rolled out to all Carrera (C2+C4) ABS upgraded to ver5.7 when spec'd with PSM or TC. 2001 PCM1 (8 bit) Sat Nav optional Lumbar support memory removed from memory seats Intermediate drive design changed from chain to belt driven, intermediate shaft, bearings, IMS etc Auto dipping inside and outside mirrors for all Carrera models. Luggage compartment liner changed to thicker carpet. The IMS revisions may be the most significant (longevity wise). Initial batches of 3.4 engine MAY have casting issues. This is possibly a rumour as this problem affected the Boxster (same engine line) which preceded the 996 by almost one year and should have been corrected in time for 996. Porsche have not officially stated issues with either.

Re: upgrades Another 4K off, it's already 40K less than the original price, that's what buying a second hand car is all about!

The only advice I would give - by on condition not age or mileage and most importantly PPI by a respected Indy or expert before you buy.