996 - Buying Advice

In the market for a 996 or 997, but have some questions. Found a 2002 4S, just shy of 70k miles. Unfortunately it is an Automatic. Is the Automatic a slow dog and should be avoided, get a manual instead? Car is silver with black interior and looks super clean, but still needs the IMS Bearing addressed, seller will let it go for 28.5K. Thoughts, Advice? Many thanks in advance, much appreciated.

The automatic transmissions are the same as the automatic 5-speeds found on Mercedes vehicles produced between 1995-2005. If you�ve ever driven one of those, you�ll have an idea of how the transmission behaves. I think they�re not bad.. they�re actually quite robust if you remember to service it every now and then. I think a big factor is how you plan to drive the car, and what you expect from your ownership experience. Are you looking for a high-speed cruiser? The automatic is perfect for that. But if you�re looking for a canyon carver - trying to chase driving nirvana - it may be better to look for a manual. The automatic will shift quite slowly compared to a PDK or a ZF in modern BMWs. It�s important to look at the car as a whole to see whether it�s working in harmony. Those Mercedes cars paired well with the �slow-shifting� automatics because their suspension was quite soft and floaty. The faster-shifting ZFs and PDKs work well with the taut, sporty suspension of modern BMWs and Porsches. I�ve never driven an AWD 996 before, but I assume that the AWD system may incur some mechanical drag and be less nimble than the RWD version. If that�s the case, then I think the automatic may be a fantastic choice, because all the pieces of the car are working harmoniously at a less frantic pace.

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Thanks very much, this is the car: https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing I want to use the car for both, cruising and Canyon Carver (not chasing driving nirvana)

And if you�re asking about transmissions, it may seem like you don�t care whether it�s a manual or not. There�s definitely a group of car fanatics (myself included) who only seek out manual transmissions, but you may be more relaxed about this feature.

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Honestly, I as well prefer a manual transmission but I am having a hard time finding a clean looking 996 or 997 with a manual. I do not like the standard version and at least would like an “S”

If that�s the case, I wouldn�t settle for an automatic. It�s probably best to be patient some more until the right one comes along.

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well said, thank you!

Found two clean 996 4S in manual on BringaTrailer, but they�re not silver. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...a-4s-coupe-30/ https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...a-4s-coupe-28/ I�m not sure if you have an aversion to purchasing (bidding) online.

I am very glad I didn't buy my buddy's C4S tip, and ended with a manual. I know it would have been a compromise i could have lived with, yes, but ultimately I'm happiest not settling for less. It's the car I've been dreaming since I was a kid after all. BTW I also have a dodge magnum rt from 2004, so I'm theory the gear boxes are the same as the tip. Not bad, but not a pdk by far, just a slush box at the end of the day.

I have owned both if you go with a tip realize it pulls away from a full stop in 2nd. gear which is kinda sluggish. You can manually downshift it to 1st. before pulling away, especially check that steering wheel shift buttons work. I love my standard gearbox 996s but the few times I got stuck in bumper to bumper traffic I had nothing but praise for the tiptronic gods 😀. Rich My past tiptronic 1999 Ocean Jade Metallic car. Rich

Best thing you can do is take your time and drive as many variants as you can to see what you like. Remember this, after you purchase it, you will undoubtedly start spending money on it for refresh items and upgrades. Just happens. So make sure you get the one you want. The 996 in any variant is a great car. Comes down to your personal preferences.

When I picked mine up, I was specifically looking for a manual for that total driving experience. My personal selection criteria that was non-negotiable were: 1. Coupe 2. Manual 3. Interior color and condition 4. Mechanical condition 5. Vehicle maintenance history (including IMS) If you really want a manual, keep looking. One will pop up.

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Very pretty car!

Don't get sucked into a 996 with a low price because you will live to regret it. Get yourself a CarFax or get your hands on all the service records. Based on my limited analysis of the 996 market over the last 5 years, these cars are the least likely to be properly cared for than any other 911 generation. So many of them have had 4 or more previous owners which isn't a horrible thing for a 356 but it's a bad sign for a 20-year-old Porsche. I've seen 996's that are looking for the 10th owner. That's a car that no one ever loved or cared for.

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Well, I disagree. Got both a 2001, 6 speed and a 2002 tip. Both under 40k miles. Not sure which tip you're talking about. The <2001 996.1 have the ZF automatic. The >2002 996.2 and up have the Mercedes automatic. My 2002 tip shifts great. maybe not lightning speed like pdk, but fast. No way i'd call it slow., the tip is fantastic to drive. What it might give up at launch, it makes up for as you get going because downshifting an up-shifting is so fast and effortless. My tip seems to be quicker all around than my 6 speed, even 0-60. The 6 speed on the <2001 are not as beefy as the later 2002> 6 speeds. And Many speed shifted 6 speeds develop a 'notchy 2nd gear making quick shifting 1-2 not so great. In my anecdotal experience, if done correctly, 1-2nd on the tip is not much different at all compared to any of the 6 speed 996 I've owned/driven. Maybe even faster than a 6 speed. Only drove the 1 Porsche/Mercedes tip I now own to compare. So unless mine is a fluke, no the tip doesn't shift slow, if done correctly. And no, not comparing a no clutch rpm matching gear bang in the 6 speed. Just a normal quick shift with full clutch work. The Porsche Mercedes tip tranny is different than the run of the mill Mercedes tranny used in many other make cars. Porsche tip tranny shifts much quicker and more solid of a shift than a Mercedes with more or less the same base tranny.... So, while shifting a sports car is nice, in city driving it can get to be a pain. Imo don't discount a tip like many do here. They work very well in the city and in canyons, and are hardy robust trannies with reports they seem to last a long time if treated right.. jmo

See if you can TURO one or test one from a fellow car club member. This is a very subjective thing but, echoing the comments above, you may discover that the shifter feel of the 996 is not as good as a Mustang of similar vintage.... if you can test both a auto and manual 996, you should be able to make a good decision for your usage.

The Tiptronic is nothing like the modern PDK transmissions, so it will feel slower. If your preference is a manual, keep looking. There are a lot of 996s and 997s sold. Take your time and the right car will come along. Just remember not to blow your whole wad of cash on any car, These cars are as old as 25 years and even the best maintained break. When they do it can be very, very expensive, which will ruin the whole experience.

I love my TIP (2000 C2 with 57K miles). They are not as sought after as a manual but I was 70 years old when I bought it and I play tennis 6 times a week so the knees and hips aren't looking for more exercise. So I was looking for a TIP and found a great one. I don't track mine or have canyon roads to drive so it's perfect. In manual mode they will never drive like a 6 speed manual but are still a blast and very responsive. Also - TIPs just don't see the redline RPMs often so I maintain that they are less prone to scoring and IMSB issues. Test drive both and make a selection. Good luck.

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I don't have anything against tips, they're a great option for a lot of people. But saying that they affect bore scoring or IMSB issues is just wrong. They might prevent over-revs, but that's it.

I daily drove my 2004 C4S manual coupe for 20 years and last year also picked up a 2001 C2 Tip cab for weekend fun. They are completely different cars! Besides manual vs tip difference, the 3.6 engine feels like it has a different character than the 3.4, and they certainly sound different. I would characterize the cab tip as �more civilized.� It definitely responds when driven in anger, but I am �more chill� when driving it vs when I�m driving the C4S, in which my wife says I�m way more aggressive. (Perhaps because it�s like a second skin after driving it every day for so long?) The cab also has only 20k miles vs the C4S with 110k miles, perhaps helping it feel slightly tighter and more precise. (I guess that and being rear wheel drive�) There is nothing like the wind in your hair in the cab carving down highway 1 and at the same time there�s nothing as exhilarating as throwing the C4S around in the rain with total confidence. Bottom line is that you absolutely have to drive a car and �feel it� vs just looking at specs and data. Both auto and manual can be awesome. Plus, this is not a forever decision. The cars are not decreasing (much) in value anymore, so if you don�t like it in a year or two, sell it and get another! You�ll be even more informed what you like and don�t like. If you�re ever in the SF Bay Area, drop me a line and you can try them both out.

Whether you get an auto or a manual, both cars will easily be more than you will ever need. You will run out of driving skills long before you run out of car.

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Thanks very much, much appreciated.

I believe the 996/997 are the sweet spot in terms of value for a Porsche.......the internet gives the buyer every advantage......I shop in a 500 mile radius from my home for a cash no trade out the door price.....there are a half dozen search engines that will scour the market for what you want.....in my case that was a rear wheel drive coupe with a manual and the right color (if you don't like the color you will not like the car)...... I considered low milage....few owners....clean/clear title ......service records.....it took a month or so, but I got the car I wanted......just personal preference but I did not consider an automatic in my search criteria.......Very pleased with the car.....I did get a Car Fax.....prepurchase inspection(PPI) and I did buy a two-year warranty just in case......happy hunting!!!

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Thanks very much. Exactly what you listed is what I am in the process of doing. Patience until the right car comes along.

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Shopping is half the fun.....I do not normally buy a warranty but an engine or a transmission is very expensive to replace or repair in a Porsche and you can buy a limited warranty for only those items for a couple years....I assumed that if I made a mistake it would show up in a couple years....I paid about 50k out the door including all the taxes, permits and fees for a 2006 997.... it is just a joy to drive.....there really is no substitute......I have been driving Porsche coupes since the 356 of the mid 60's and made the mistake of selling my 993.......I got priced out of that market so the 997 was the best affordable value for me... this car will go to my heirs.....I have learned my lesson....NEVER sell a Porsche !!!

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Just so you know, the 996 4S is definitely less sporty (heavier, slower and worse handling) than the normal 996 Carrera. This doesn't apply to the 996 Turbo S. Just something to keep in mind.

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Thank you.

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Enough owners of the four wheel drive 996/997 are converting to two wheel drive that there are kits for doing just that..... 996 & 997 Rear Wheel Drive Conversion – Reid Performance

I have a manual but then I only drive my 996 on the weekends. If you are looking to make it a daily driver, you may want to consider an Automatic. My experience with all wheel drive is that it tends to need more gas at least that was my experience with my Mercedes. But if you plan to go to the mountains, 4-wheel would be the way to go. The one you are looking at is a beauty. I would definitely pull the trigger on that one as there are not so many clean, well maintained versions out there. But if you take your time, the right one will come around!

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Thank you, as well all other members for your input. After researching this a bit more and talking to some colleagues that have Porsche experience, I have decided to shop for a 997 Carrera "S", NOT "4S", either with a manual Gearbox or PDK. It will not be a daily driver, but if for sure will not become a garage queen either. I have been told that the rear wheel drive seems to be a bit more fun to drive, and as I already own a Mercedes ML 4Matic, I do not need the "4S"

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I think you will be very happy with your choice. Happy hunting!

Any advice for someone thinking of going from a 2018 M2, to either a 996.2 C4S, or 997.1 S... having experience with both, I'm expecting routine yearly maintenance costs to be more, but I'm concerned that 10- 20 years later my memory of these cars may be skewed. Looking for a fun car to drive mostly when its sunny and nice, but I don't want to treat it like a garage queen. I want to drive it, and enjoy the sounds and the feels of a classic 911. Anything to look for specifically when looking for a solid reliable example? Leaning towards a 996.2 at the moment.

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Imagine trying to pass a kidney stone the size of a grapefruit.

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I�ve read this sentiment a lot here on Rennlist and want to toss into the ring that I still really like my C4S. I have only tracked it once(*) and otherwise use it for ordinary road fun. It is also beautiful to admire. We also have a 996.1 C2 and enjoy it too. Perhaps I am not as much �at the limit� as others here who are more hard core and performance focused. (*) amazing experience and immediately made me want to change tires and upgrade suspension. Someday!

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I don�t remember my 04 C4S cab being painful to drive???

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My poor attempt at comical irony. These cars are a blast to drive but can turn into money pits if you don't do your homework when searching for the right one.