2002 Carrera Cab (6-Speed) - Checking In, 2-years along

My father passed a few years ago and my mother handed this car to me. He was sick for a long time, and only put about 8,500 miles on this beautiful car (Arctic Silver (with factory side skirts), Black Top, Black Interior, Arctic Silver center console, Factory aluminum shifter/e-brake lever). I have put another 7,000 miles on in the last two years after a fairly significant refreshing that I did when I took control of this car (lots of filters, rubber and fluids). The car had 17" wheels with run flat tires for the first few years I had her, and I felt that it was not a great handling car. I recently fixed that completely by refitting the original 18" Sport Classic II's and adding some new Bridgestone Potenza S-04 rubber. Now, I can say that this is undoubtedly one of the best handling cars I have ever owned, and puts my E46 M3 to shame. Yes, I am a car guy, and my recent cars include a BMW Z3 2.5i Dinan signature car, '01 Mazda MX-5 Sport, C55 AMG, C5 Z06 Commemorative Ed., 986 Boxter S 50 Years of the 550 Spyder ed., and a '95 NSX-T with the NSX-R Showa shocks/springs that I had imported form Japan. I have had some minor issues. Recently my convertible top mechanism took a crap on itself. I'm sure that will cost a small fortune to fix, but as I live in Houston and hate putting the top down on these highways or in this heat (used to live in South Florida by the ocean where top-down was an everyday joy!), this is not really that big of an issue. Top closed, good to go. The ignition switch mechanism failed, as is not that uncommon. I had that replaced. The window regulators ended up with less tension than is necessary to lower them prior to closing the door. I had the driver's side regulator replaced about 6 months ago and make my passengers push their window down about a 1/2" before they close the door - I usually drive the car alone anyway. The car actually had a 50K mile service in about 2007 as a preventative service. I use Sports Car Repair (off Chimney Rock and 59) to do my work because they have always done a good job and are reasonably priced. This is a damn precise car, and though I'm sure mine is worth a bit more than average due to the low milage, I don't think I'd sell it for anything at this point. I've taken her on a couple of good road trips. My kids can sit in their seats in the back. I removed the seat leathers and have one booster and one child safety seat for my 3 & 7 year old on the odd occasion that I drive them around without my wife and her freakishly amazing XLE Limited Sienna Yep, I bought a mini-van. I have a seriously love affair with this car now; so much that I have decided to use it as my DD. The M3 is for sale so that my wife can finally have the Mustang she's always wanted. Sure, she'd take an '05 V6 because she just wants the style, but I figure she's got to at least have a 5.0 because what is a Mustang without a V8? (amiright?) Sorry to ramble; I haven't posted much to car forums in several years, but I think that this 996 is HEAVILY underrated. The incremental changes in the base Carrera have been rather minor over the last 12 years from an ultimate performance perspective, and I think 996 owners are a very lucky bunch. I have driven MANY 911's, including the '90 Carrera 2 that was my Dad's 1st, and this is among the best of them. I take care of the car the way that I would take care of any car. I don't drop the clutch and launch, I keep the revs low until the oil temp is up, and I drive the car regularly to make sure I don't get "old fluids" related issues. That, and of course I do regular (or slightly obsessive) maintenance. When I do oil changes, we'll always be checking for any sign of bearing issues, but that's as far as I'm going until I need a new clutch - at which point I'll drop in an LN bearing. By the way, the transmissions on these cars are great - true rifle bolt precision - love it. At the age of this car, I'll consider making a transition to another suspension setup, but there's no reason to upgrade the brakes on this - I'm not and I won't be running slicks, and the stock brakes are nice. I'll drop in some SS lines, a more track oriented set of pads and some Motul 600 fluid as is my standard practice. I may consider rotors with aluminum hats just for a little unsprung weight savings, but that'd be for another time. So, after going through several cars, my decision is set - I'll not be selling my 911 for anything other than another 911. (Yes, my family had a few exotics, but you don't keep exotics and NOT have a 911 around) I may even get a little stupid and just add a 964 for nostalgic reasons. My Dad's was kind of special as it was an ex ZZ-top car with an some individualized factory options (seal grey metallic exterior with an almost white grey leather interior). Well - hell of a post - but since my wife and coworkers don't understand me at all...

Yep - nice story ...

996 is a great car above all other things. I had mine for over a year now, and I have driven it everywhere in the great state of Arizona. 110 degree heat, rain, snow, high elevation, road debris...996 takes it like a regular car. The adaptability and usability of the 911 were my main reasons for buying it over the corvette, Maserati, and Ferrari models. When I first got the 996, I thought of moving to the Murcielago or Gallardo next, now it is unlikely to happen. 911 can be used every day and in all conditions, and when you need to unwind it is happy to oblige with awesome performance. I do believe that most of the recreational 911 owners are really missing out on not driving the 911 all the time. Based on my experience, Porsche built it to be driven.

slashmatt, Nice posting...rennlist is all about passion for Porsches...you fit in just fine. Be sure to join your local PCA club. There you'll find many others who are not understood by their spouses and co-workers. ha. relinuca

+1 Great story! I plan to keep mine a very long time and am still amazed every time I get behind the wheel (after a year and 1/2 and 11,000 miles) with how it handles/responds. One big thing I also love about my 996 is the fact that with a limited mechanical background and a few metric tools I am a DIY home mechanic. These cares are relatively easy to work on (thanks to the members of this forum and some good youtube vids!). I find I really enjoy maintaining it - something I've never done before.

Sounds like you're doing all the right things with the car. I think your father would be proud. Re: the cab top, you might want to make it a "research" project for a couple years, incrementally, when you have spare time. Mine was delivered DOA in '99, so the dealer had to fix it. I've since fixed it a couple times, but it's been a few years, so I forget the details. I need to fix it again, which I'll start in a couple months. If I'm successful, I'll try to remember you.

Welcome slashmatt, good background of your Porsche and how you acquired it. Sounds like you have driven lots of others sports cars as well and still 'feel' the Porsche is something special. Nice to know of your fathers legacy attached to your Porsche. Most of us on Rennlist feel the same way about our water pumpers. Pics would be nice so we can see your ride.

Terrific post Slashmatt. Welcome to the community. You are in the right place.

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^^^ This. Took mine on a 30 mile drive to pick up a new battery from a friend for my wife's SUV. Plugged the destination into the GPS and chose "avoid highways." Hit Costco on the way back to load up for a BBQ today. 78 mile round trip, no crazy speeds but some nice roads and a nice soundtrack with the top down. At 22mpg it was cheaper than taking the SUV and a lot more fun

Nice posting. I have done 26000 trouble free spirited miles in mine in just over 3 years. You might want to look into checking out that top yourself. There are lots of posts regarding these cabs not performing as they should. I have been converted into a regular DIY man by the 996 and I love it. Welcome to the board.