35 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
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YOUR RESEARCH996 bad rap
Reported or suspected cause
minimized
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No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Read evidence and context
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Reported cause
The RMS issue was minimized on the 997 but not eliminated.
Leading evidence: 'minimized' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'minimized' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Repair costs' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I love it except for: 2nd engine as of 11k miles due to broken intermediate shaft which Porsche replaced for "free" and ignition switch which goes bad and your headlights, wipers, fan, radio, etc.
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Even used 997's are relatively inexpensive to buy.
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Suggestion
At that time time prices for 996 S's were over my budget after adding expected repair costs.
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Suggestion
From what I've read often times IF the RMS leaks, it may be a case where one simply "puts a piece of newspaper under the car when parked" and deal with it when time to replace the clutch.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I love it except for: 2nd engine as of 11k miles due to broken intermediate shaft which Porsche replaced for "free" and ignition switch which goes bad and your headlights, wipers, fan, radio, etc.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
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Suggestion
From what I've read often times IF the RMS leaks, it may be a case where one simply "puts a piece of newspaper under the car when parked" and deal with it when time to replace the clutch.
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Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261027T005001Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
With the recent changes in the market, I've become interested in the 996. Why do they seem to have become the latest "red headed step child" of the Porsche lineage? (other than the headlights and change to water cooled)
You might want to do a search, then re-phrase your question.
By asking that question you has in effect done the equivalent of walking into a stranger's house and crapping on his coffee table. Don't be surprised if you get some curt answers.
Just my $0.02
+1. I thought that to be an odd question... considered drawing my sword, but skipped it instead... then I couldn't let it go...
I suspect you would get a better response on any one of the other 10 sub-forums here. I would say that most everyone in this forum has 996s for one or several reasons - else they would have bought that something else and would be on one of those other sub-forums...
I'll leave it at that...
Rudy
---------------------------
'01 Arctic Silver/Black C2 Cabriolet
'03 Silver F-150 Supercrew
Yeah, they suck, don't even THINK of buying one!
Seriously, do some research and take advantage of what may be one of the best sports cars for the money you will ever find.
I don't know why the 996 is a red-headed step child. However, today, the 996 is the best dollar for dollar sports car in the United States. Name a sports car for the same money with a better combination of HP, track performance, looks, history, and curb appeal.
Bottom line, if you have $25K, you can get a $70K msrp vehicle with less than 50,000 miles. EndOfStory.
Addict,
I certainly meant no insult. I am looking to learn about the 996. Over the years I have hung around the various boards to learn about the many different Porsches. It appears that the 996 has received a "bad rap", and I'm trying to understand why this particular Porsche has been so maligned. I am trying to separate fact from fiction. I did not intend to offended anyone on this board.
Understood, that's why I figured you might want to do some research first, then come back with specific questions. This place has the richest experience base you will find for our cars - if you're able to ask the right questions, then you will learn so much.
The 996 is a great car, what's why we all have them. Will you find people that complain about them and malign them? Sure, but that can happen with any car.
Overall they are incredible machines that are reliable and give outstanding performance. Right now they are also incredible value for money - you cannot get more bang for your buck.
You will read stories about the problems, but bear in mind that this is not the case with the vast majority of the 996s that were made.
Also, bear in mind that you're buying an $80K sports car. Things can and will go wrong and you should be financially capable of dealing with those issues that come up, otherwise you can get into an expensive world of hurt really quickly.
Although I own a 2007S Conv, I would never give up my 2002 996 C4 conv. Some 997 owners state the the 997 is far superior in every aspect; I however, disagree. In fact, I am already shopping for some rims and a tubi exhaust for my 996. I don't pay any attention to what the detractors have to say, I still enjoy the vehicle and share equal time between the two.
Wayne is exactly right. The issue right now is that the global economy sucks, not these cars!!! That's why they can be bought at bargain prices. t's truly a buyer's market. Even used 997's are relatively inexpensive to buy.
The 964 and 993 guys say the 996 isn't a "real" Porsche because it is water cooled. Many don't like the fried egg headlights. There is an issue with RMS (rear main seal) leaking. Not a big deal because 99% of them that do leak actually weep and some guys wait until they need a new clutch and then replace the seal. IMS shaft issues do occur on a small percentage of cars.
The guys that were able to afford to do so, moved on to the 997 which had a lot of upgrades/improvements so their assessment was that the 996 paled in comparison. The RMS issue was minimized on the 997 but not eliminated.
BTW, those same early 997 guys are now feeling the "sting" of the face lift 997 (a.k.a. 997.2) which gained 30 hp, has more torque, received DFI, has PDK available, and also received an improved suspension. All those improvements for approximately the same price, maybe +$2,500. The 997 face lift is a more dramatic change from the original 997 than the 996 face lift was to the early 996 cars.
Now you are caught up. Go find the newest 996 you can afford, buy it and drive it like you stole it!
I have one with 45k miles and bought it new. I love it except for: 2nd engine as of 11k miles due to broken intermediate shaft which Porsche replaced for "free" and ignition switch which goes bad and your headlights, wipers, fan, radio, etc. do not work. The first engine also had bad RMS. If this were a Chevy, it would be called a lemon. Don't get me wrong, I love my 996 GT3 and 997 GT3 RS also, but drive them sparingly. My daily '02 has been a challenge, but it is fun. I will buy another one when I need to do so.
There's a 64k mile 2003 c4s at my local benz dealer for $36k asking! I would have been all over that instead of my cayman last summer. At that time time prices for 996 S's were over my budget after adding expected repair costs.
I don't really care what other Porsche model owners think about my car. I sure as hell didn't buy it to impress them or anyone else. I know my car is a 911 and it drives like one, meaning it screams like hell when I push it hard and is a flat out blast.
It's now an easy car to buy, but it isn't necessarily going to be inexpensive to own. If you are worried about what others think go spend more for a 993 or 997.
Haha - well put.
I'm just going to be echoing others here. A large part of it is going to be the economy. Very few people who haven't owned a Porsche before are going to pick up a $30k used car in an economic crisis.
The Essential 996 book that was posted here is a great read. I flip through mine on a regular basis. If that book would have been out when I was shopping for mine it would have taken a lot less convincing for me to pull the trigger.
I'm not going to get in the whole 964/993/996/997 debate because frankly I could care less. People are going to like the cars they like, and I won't be able to convince a die hard 993 enthusiast that his car isn't as good, nor will he be able to convince me that mine isn't a 'real' Porsche. The 996 is a great car for a great price right now. It's still got all the styling of a 911 (headlights aside
), it has creature comforts that its predecessors didn't have, it's an easy DD, and hell - you can buy one for less than a new Accord right now.
It is rather ridicules of some, I am sure they are a minority, to think that the 996 is not a real Porsche. I guess all those wins that the 996 GT3 achieved is not even a factor.
HOLD ON! AM I DRIVING A FAKE PORSCHE???? DAMN WHO WANTS TO BUY THAT BIG PIECE OF FAKE PORSCHE CRAP??? ANYBOY???? FOR CHEAP??? NO????
Well than I will enjoy it till I die............++++++++ since I have a tip, I can drive it even with one arm, dementia, alzheimers and just 1/2 of 1 kidney.
Buy one, and you'll never regret it. If you enter into your purchase with the understanding that you're going to need to do your homework on the actual car, and the model, you'll be very impressed. Let us know when you take the leap.
Bob
I'm new to the prospective 996 Porsche scene and and have done a ton of reading on this forum. Tons of awesome info - thanks! I have a better understanding / comfort level with the RMS potential issue. From what I've read often times IF the RMS leaks, it may be a case where one simply "puts a piece of newspaper under the car when parked" and deal with it when time to replace the clutch. Now I know it's all a matter of perspective and the 996 parts are more expensive than say a Honda Civic, but really how much more expensive is the car to maintain than any other? Is it simply that various parts such as brake pads, rotors and other parts cost more? From what I understand this car is actually quite reliable. So what makes this much more expensive? Maybe it's not?
(I should preface that by saing I do basic work on cars myself such as brakes, oil changes, and such.)
Oh, and thanks for the Essential 996 book recommendation. While a bit pricy, sounds like it'll save me money in the long run and be well worth the cost.
Dave Gran
You hit the nail on the head with the perspective statement. Repair and maintenance is generally more expensive than a Honda. However, when comparing to exotic sports cars such as Ferraris, if you go and read threads on Ferrarichat, they complain about how their cars are more expensive to maintain than Porsches. It is all frame of reference. Decently expensive running costs for a car, very cheap running costs for an exotic sports car.
Also, if you shop for deals and are willing to DIY most stuff, you can keeps costs low. I bought oil on sale and ordered my oil filters in bulk so my last oil change cost me $45, which is a smidge less than the $300 some dealers charge. Likewise, my ignition switch went out this summer and cause ac and other things to freak out like a previous poster said. Instead of taking it to the dealer and being bent over again, I found that the ignition switch is the same as a VW part that can be had for $20 and did it myself in a few hours. Time and patience is all it takes.
Dave, This book rocks. Its is a combined historical review of the 996, a buying guide, technical data write up, and a DIY book, and more, all in one place.
IMO, the 996 was a dramatic change inside and out from the 993. I'm guessing purists consider the aircooled engine as part of Porsche heritage. The styling was a very dramatic change... the 997 has gone back to rounder headlights and a horizontal dashboard.
All the BMW "purists" had the sky-is-falling syndrome w/ Bangle designs, but you know what? BMW sells more cars the following years over the previous years. The BS talks, but the sales numbers really do the talking.
If you're ok w/ the styling and engine, then these cars are a bargain. Except if the engine decides to kick the bucket.
///Michael
996 SUCKS! DON'T BUY ONE!
Instead go out and get a new 998 when it comes out. Drive it for 6 months and take the $20k depreciation hit, then trade it in on a BMW! Better yet, get a Ferrari 360 Modena, they're a steal right now!
Or not...
Go to a dealer and drive some cars, buy the one that you fall in love with and can afford. Personally I like the 996 better than the 997. If I could get PDK in my 996 it would be even better.
