Hate to be a pain..so the 1999 996's usually have problems?..>

i am confused..i know a first year run of a car is problematic usually...so can you guys be more clear as to the problems of a 1999 911 C2..maybe a should just get a 2000 996 and reduce my chances..?? a good idea? is this why you see so many 1999 911 C2 with such low miles?? thx and sorry to be a pain..i am a newbie..

i think you find most recent make porsches will have low miles. most people dont drop 80 to 100k on a car to throw 60k miles on it in 2 years (like i just did to my audi a4) thats not to say there are not high mileage cars out there. there has been nothing major documented, to my knowledge that would make any 99 undesirable, as long as the TSBs were done. most of these cars should have some kind of warranty left. if you do buy a 99, i would steer toward one of thoughs. if not, spend the several grand you save over buying a 2000 to get a extended warranty Art -- soon to have 99 c2 cab tip

You are not being a pain by asking questions....folks here can help guide you the 1999 996 was sold from the spring of 1998 to Aug. 1999 changes were made during the production run.... thus the advice to buy a car that has meaningful factory warranty left or that is Pre-Owned Certified by a Porsche dealer look for a car and not a deal...lot of cars coming off lease and auction cars are all around....I'd stay away from these as Art said the '00 and'01 models are not that much more these days Remember you are buying a high performance car, PPIs,warranty, service and ownership history are important....there is NOTHING cheap on repairs to a Porsche Good Luck

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR NOW!!! [quote]Originally posted by Berkley: <strong>You are not being a pain by asking questions....folks here can help guide you the 1999 996 was sold from the spring of 1998 to Aug. 1999 changes were made during the production run.... thus the advice to buy a car that has meaningful factory warranty left or that is Pre-Owned Certified by a Porsche dealer look for a car and not a deal...lot of cars coming off lease and auction cars are all around....I'd stay away from these as Art said the '00 and'01 models are not that much more these days Remember you are buying a high performance car, PPIs,warranty, service and ownership history are important....there is NOTHING cheap on repairs to a Porsche Good Luck</strong><hr></blockquote>

I also think the run of 99 996's began earlier in 98 than normal so the total production run was probably higher. And it been 3 years so people who have leased them are probably turning them in etc.etc. thus increasing supply at a time when demand is low.... The point that the 00's and 01's aren't that much more expensive might be an alternative. Good luck, and don't forget pics when you get one!

Hi guys: I'm sorry but what is TSB? I'm also in the same situation. Thinking about trading my M5 in for a used 911 and I'm just doing my research. Thanks

Technical Service Bulletin,i.e. a recall of sorts, but there were more frequent problems than just those.... Loren if you are out there, can you help with the seal issues, casting issues and engine failures etc.?

Swing, There were a few problems on the early build MY99 cars that even the later 99 builds did not have. 1. Cracking coolant tanks (although I've heard of a couple on MY 02s that have had this also). 2. Center console glove box hinge breaking. 3. Rear Main Oil Seal leaking (Porsche is now on version 3 of this seal and continues to be a problem on engines). Porsche in some cases has replaced the whole engine under warrranty. 4. Clutch pedal squeaks. 5. Radio buttons peeling. (I got a new radio) These were all problems some cars had and some did not. MY 99 also had a 4 year warranty so depending on when the car was made it might still be under warranty. i.e. My 99 coupe was built in June 1999 and my warranty does not expire until June 2003. I don't believe any 99 built car is any worse than any any other model year (IMHO). It all comes down to whether or not these fixes were made. I think my 99 is as reliable (or maybe more so) than any current built car.

Your not a pain-that's what the forum is for. My MY99 C2 has had alot of problems. All 5 listed by Loren(some more than once)as well as a transmission failure. All replaced under warranty. I have also purchased an extended warranty that I know my dealer will accept without any hassles. Although my car is my daily driver, I only have 16k miles. BTW don't think the 99's are the only ones with problems either-just check the forum, you'll see.

Thanks guys: Loren: the '99 911 I'm looking at now is similar to ur setup. Artic Silver/Boxster Red..the only thing is that it has a tip (I'm gonna use it as my daily driver in the traffic). The only drawback is the car has the ugly amber lights (I assume that it must be one of the earlier builds?)

I've got an early production '99 cab, use it as an everyday driver, and always have. It has about 41K miles, and has been quite reliable. I did have the glove box hinge replaced (no big deal, done under warranty), and an issue with the cooling system, also covered by warranty. I also went through a clutch, which I attribute to the fact that both my son and I both track AND autocross the car. Overall, it's been a blast, and I highly recommend it! P.S. The "ugly" orange side marker lights are only ugly on certain colors. On my car, which is yellow, they look great, and I would consider the clear ones to be grossly ugly. On the other hand, you are looking at a silver car, and I agree that on that color orange would be gross. So just use a little common sense and good taste, and you'll be fine. (Don't go by what others tell you is 'cool'.)

Swing, Most likely it is an earlier build. You can check the actual build date on the drivers door sticker. The amber headlights are an easy upgrade if you want Litronics (Xeon) or the standard headlights are occasionally on eBay (but you will likely have to bid against Boxster owners as they want em too). If it has the rear amber lights (instead of clear) there are at least a couple of sources for those (including board sponsor <a href="http://www.carnewal.com" target="_blank">Carnewal</a>. Here is a link to photos of my car (since it sounds like a match): <a href="http://web.dsldesigns.com/~ljcook/996/996.html" target="_blank">Loren's MY 99 Coupe</a>

Carlos: thanks for the comments. I'm about 90% sold on the car I'm looking @ other than the fact that it is an early production and the amber lights and the price.. Do you guys think this is a fair asking price? '99 C2 Coupe, 21,311k miles Tiptronic. Aerokit, Sports Classic Rims, CD Changer, Special Boxster Red interior. Supple leather in the front and rear. Metal door sill model insignia. Aluminum instrument dials. Original sticker was $86,466. The dealer is asking $55,800 Loren: the car I'm looking @ is the same as yours except its Tiptronic ...very very nice car..do you only have 7k miles on it?

You can take off all of the amber lenses for about $1200 using brand new factory parts, don't let this sway you. Add only about another $500 for Litronic if you can do the work yourself.

Swing, I think the price is pretty close. Maybe $48-52k depending on wear and tear on the seats and rock chips etc. on the paint, condition of tires. Most of my pics are from 2000. The car has just under 14k now.

swing price is too high! my local dealer in maryland had a 99 tip with 12k mi but few options that failed to sell this spring after languishing on the lot for 6 mos with an asking price of $50k! finally was sent off to be auctioned. i would offer $49k now but never pay more than $51k. also ask to speak to the former owner, get service record and have car inspected by a good independant porsche mechanic recommended by your local porsche club. caveat emptor!

Hey Nick: Thanks for the tip. I actually found the front xenons and the clear tail-lights for $1550 total from suncoast porsche..I think that might be the lowest price on the net. Hmmm..I do think the price is abit too high. I will try to negotiate with them. BTW, what do you guys think abt the '99 996 with 22k miles , aerokit (Tip) versus a new M3 (w/SMG) in terms of driving dynamics, handling etc. Would I be giving up alot if I choose the Tip or should I get the M3? Thanks,

[quote]Originally posted by Swing: <strong>Hey Nick: Thanks for the tip. I actually found the front xenons and the clear tail-lights for $1550 total from suncoast porsche..I think that might be the lowest price on the net. </strong><hr></blockquote> I have ordered several items from Suncoast, they are great to do business with and their prices are always right. Do not be scared off by any 99 model. To date... I have the earliest build 996 that I have come across (2/98 build 4/98 sold). The only TSB's that have needed attention have been the airbag lights, clutch squeek, and some sunroof/dash rattles. These were all fixed by the PO's dealership in the early days of the cars life. My car is still running the original main seal (no oil leaks) and original coolant tank (even after a few track days). I think these issues have as much to do with what day of the week the car and engine was built (Monday morn or Fri afternoon) as has to do with the model year. It is just a fact that some cars have more problems than others. However, I did purchase an extended warranty just before the factory one expired. Considering the cost of labor it seemed like a good idea at the time.

The car I'm looking @ is a July '98 build..unfortunately, it has run out of warranty so if I do get that car, I'll need to buy an extended warranty. Guys: help me out here. My heart calls me to get the 911 buy my brain (logical side) asks me to get the M3 cuz of the space etc...what would you guys recommend?

Swing, The 996 C2 has a terrific compromise of motor and mass, which is why I bonded with it. It seems that once cars go materially above, say, 3000 pounds the sensations change quite a bit in terms of tossability, usually the substitute is brute force. Nothing wrong with that, just different, I have certainly enjoyed both kinds of cars. The M3 is a fine car, especially at the price, and it has not yet been re-styled by the Subaru guy who is doing the new 5, 6 and 7. I would not say it is all that much more practical than a 996, though. I transport a baby, golf clubs, large luggage, and all kinds of Home Depot materials in mine pretty regularly. The trick is to recline the passenger seat and move it forward, rather than tilt it forward. I just wish Ruf or somebody would make a turbo seat motor... As to the amber lights, I meant Phil at Suncoast. He is terrific, we have been speaking almost every week for months trying to get a part delivered from Porsche. Always check Carnewal too, I just this week did a deal with Gert and I am frankly flabbergasted with his capabilities and service. I think 1stsourcewarranty (?) might have the best deals on cars already out of factory warranty, I need to do something myself.

Nick: Do you think I will be giving up alot in terms of Porsche experiences by choosing the Tiptronic? One of the reason why I'm trading my M5 is to get into a auto / semi-manual(SMG) car. I'm just afraid to be the *laughing stock* of car enthusiasts. What r your thoughts on it? Thanks

[quote]Originally posted by Swing: <strong>Nick: Do you think I will be giving up alot in terms of Porsche experiences by choosing the Tiptronic? One of the reason why I'm trading my M5 is to get into a auto / semi-manual(SMG) car. I'm just afraid to be the *laughing stock* of car enthusiasts. What r your thoughts on it? Thanks</strong><hr></blockquote> don't worry about what OTHER drivers think, do whats right for you. i'm buyin a tip because my wife dont drive stick, and if she cant drive it, it aint comin in my house, especially for a $55+ car. people might scoff that I dont have a "real" porsche, but as a former 928 owner, my skin has already grown pretty tough to that. Art

I agree with Art 100% (excepting that we got the Beetle Turbo with an automatic instead of the 911). This is YOUR CAR, and especially taking into account the cost make yourself happy. Plenty of Porsches, Turbos included, have Tiptronic transmissions. You will notice the car that interests you is not unduly discounted because of this. My only experience actually driving a Tip is my mother's Audi S6 Avant--helluva sleeper--and it certainly functions well in that application. Personally, I have found SMG-type gearboxes fairly annoying so far, although we're not talking tons of miles in them.

Thanks guys for your comments. You guys are right. I shuold choose what my heart calls for me and not take into account what other ppl. think After looking over the places, it seems that the '99 silver one is still the best one for me. ALthough I was reading the classified sections today, some dealers were giving out 10k off MSRP for '03 cabs and 10k off for TT and 8k off for '02 C2....hmm...those sound very tempting so I will also consider the new cars tho I still like one with aerokit alot better. Once again, thanks for the comments. I trult appreciate it

Yes, Porsche clearly seems to have "stuffed" the dealer channel, there are even X51 cars in stock. Aerokits are essentially free on used ones, something to take into account. Anyway, best of luck, all the cars you are looking at are a ball to drive. Coming off such a long economic boom we are in something of an automotive Golden Age just now of interesting niche cars and a horsepower race to boot. Good time to be looking.

Great article and posts, I am facing the same dilema with a 99 v. a 00 or so. What is the deal with the yellow for the headlights again? I thought that if they didn't have the headlights then it was the litronic aka xenons and if yellow then it's just hallogen? Is that right or is there another reason? I would really rather have the litronics and the clear if I can find the correct combo, but it's good to know that you can change them out front and back for 1500 OUCH!

Not quite right. The factory changed the front and rear lenses to clear in 2000, the fronts are usually halogen. All of the Litronic headlamps do have clear turn signal lenses, though. Upgrading to clear lenses and Litronic both is around $1500 for the parts, but the wiring harness must also be changed to the appropriate one for the Litronic upgrade--a good bit of work that is not necessary for a halogen upgrade, which is cheaper at more like $1100-1200. You can save about $400 on eBay for halogen. The Litronic lights in upgrade form do not communicate with the computer, and are neither "Bi-Xenon" nor self-leveling. Not a huge negative, but worth taking into account.

So it seems that for this reason that it is a better idea to go for a 2k than a 99 eh? Especially since even if I get the litronic, and the front is clear, the rear will still be amber? This is really great to know, as it has been plaguing me ever since I have been looking thanks!

hello, dont waste your hard earned money. the 99, 2000 2001 2002 and 2003 have bad engines. look some other place or lease a brand new one with a full warranty. if you need more info write back because i am a victim of porsche greed. read my message board its all true

[quote]Originally posted by tbr623: <strong>Your not a pain-that's what the forum is for. My MY99 C2 has had alot of problems. All 5 listed by Loren(some more than once)as well as a transmission failure. All replaced under warranty. I have also purchased an extended warranty that I know my dealer will accept without any hassles. Although my car is my daily driver, I only have 16k miles. BTW don't think the 99's are the only ones with problems either-just check the forum, you'll see.</strong><hr></blockquote> hi, i have a messsage board about how bad porsche 996 engines. you should read some of the die hards who will say anything to hold up mother porsche. they had to replace my engine in a c4 cab tip with only 14,000 miles. did you know that if you have a new engine replaced by porsche that if you have only one month left on your 4 year warranty then you only get a one month warranty on a brand new engine. now if you buy the same engine over the counter you get a two year warranty. porsche is a huge joke...........good luck with another 996 lemon

"Knock wood" but my "99 C4" is simply trouble free...NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER" My Warrenty is coming up in February though. Any advice on what i should have looked at specifically before that time arrives? C4

As far as extended warrenties are concerned, make sure you buy it before you existing warrentee expires! You get a MUCH better deal that way, and longer coverage options as well. Just FYI! JT

I had a 99 996C2 which I bought new. I put on 50,000km in two and a half years, never driving in winter. I tracked it regularly. I had the rear main seal replaced at 1000km and the seatbelt/airbag sensor replaced at 5000km. I never had any other problems. I only ever had to put 2 litres of oil in in between changes which I had done every 10,000km....thats 2 litres in 50,000km. The dealer treated me extremely well every time I went in. All warranty work was done without question. They offered me Boxster as courtesy car or paid for a cab home usually as I have a couple of other cars and don't need a courtesy car. I traded it on an 02 C4S which I picked up on JUly 25th. I have 13,000km on it including a couple of road trips and a track day. Regarding the smoke on firing up after a track session, make sure the oil is showing half (max)on the dip stick before track day and let it idle for about 3 minutes after a session.

I'm in a market for a use 996 you guys saying get 2000 up if I was to buy a use one. Or for around the price get the new E46 M3. Which would you pick.

I have a 99 C2 that i purchased new as well. I have had the rear main seal replaced, squeaky clutch and collant reservoir, as well as the seat belt sensor. The dealer looked after everything. Theres nothing wron with the car. My dealer is a Porsche only dealer - they know how to treat people right. For those who have purchased their vehicles from mega Dealers,

I had a MY99 996. I had a lot of problems -- the squeaks never went away. I would stay away from that model year for the 996. My MY02 996TT seems to be much better.

Wow,,,,Just purchased my first Porsche after much thought. Here in the UK, all good cars are expensive a 1999 C4 Cab will set you back approx 80,000 - 90,000 depending on mileage and dealer. So the decision was made after much thought, I collected the car only 2 weeks ago with just 6,000 miles on the clock and I am very happy, I paid attention to the oil seal issue, when it was professionally checked over(independently). Since joining this discussion group, which has been really helpful. However, I see the a few small problems emerging on the group - making sure the tire pressure is correct all the time,this seems common. I also know of owners who have had rear blow outs at speed, the centre storage box hinge on mine would seem a little poor for just 6,000 miles. Regarding the comment about the build date on the door, mine states e13*98/14*0031 whichs sounds like a 98 build - time will tell !!!!