Why have a 996

Hi all I have had my C2 for a few days, after driving it for a couple of days and then going back to my everyday car which is an 16 Audi S3 (modified) I am wondering why everyone likes their 996's? The S3 is faster, more comfortable, more practical, better looking (subjective obviously) , better in snow ... at least for the C2 people like me although I would love the AWD 996, obviously better technology, the interior is nicer, better on gas, etc.... The 996 seems to handle better, the 6speed is more fun than the dual clutch, although its amazing on both the audi and on the GT3 that I drove. It will sound better I hope once I change the exhaust but the aftermarket exhaust on the S3 sounds amazing even though its a 4cyl The 996 is just a fun car for me, i bought a convertible that I can enjoy as a drivers car (yes I know the coupe is better for that), I can live without all the bells and whistles anyway. I drove a GT3 on a track a few months ago and ever since that I have been looking for a Porsche, I have always loved the turbo / GT cars but I was not willing to spend that money ... yet but I am already planning that in 2 years I will upgrade to a better model. Obviously the pricing on the 996 makes it an easy decision on why we are buying them I had a B5 S4, then a B7 S4 and now the S3... I was planning to buy the new TTRS but decided to keep the S3 for a daily driver and the 996 for a fun car. curious why others are buying them and what your daily driver is

I think the 996 is something you either get or you don't. Personally I love the quirkiness of them. They aren't flashy, but they are very fun. If you are going to be tracking it, and can afford to go, I can't recommend Bondutant's 4-day Grand Prix school enough. This will teach you the car control you need to be able to steer your 996 with the brake and throttle. And that is where the magic is in these cars. Drag racing is about power and torque, road racing is about a car's ability to corner, and these cars are amazing in the corner.

I have a 2015 Chevy SS sedan and a 2016 Vette Stingray convertible. They are both great cars but I added the 996 cabrio for some 6 speed manual fun and because of the Porsche mystique. I am not disappointed. I went into this knowing that German performance vehicles can be expensive to maintain and I am prepared for that. But when the wife, whose daily driver is the Vette, asks me to take the 996 when we're going out on a weekend I KNOW I made the right decision.

Buying a Porsche 911 rarely involves logic or rational analysis in the purchasing decision. Buying a Porsche 911 is an emotional decision. There's always another car that's faster, handles better, has more technology, more storage space, more utility, etc. This is especially true when you buy an older Porsche. As Slakker said, you either get it or you don't.

yes agree with what all have said, its the feel, the smell, the sounds(ok only the good ones). you get out of it smiling, think wow that was fun. It doesnt try to over complicate things with gizmos or flamboyancy. It also challenges you to push that bit harder, feel the cars balance. On the newer tricked up cars, a virtual car novice can quickly push the envelop as the car wont let them get to out of shape. The 996 lets you push and break that envelope a little( there is a smaller rule enforcer), to make sure you know if you dont pay great attention to what you are doing, its not going to end well. When you get a great lap time, or know you entered that corner perfectly that was you controlling the car, not the other way around. Also its still pretty quick.

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haha yeah I totally agree there, if we used logic I doubt most people would have expensive cars but we are men (or at least mostly) and as you say emotion overrides logic sometimes

While the wife and I haven't yet settled on the purchase, the 'fun' factor of our numerous test drives zeroes right in on a 996 MT C4S cab. With PSE. Has to make a little noise! About fell out of my chair when she admitted the PSE adds to the experience. Especially when its her right foot on the go pedal. In spite of the 6,000,000,000 possible MOF to the engine we are probably going to lean to 996. If not it will be a 997.1 MT C4S cab and deal with its 6,000,000,000 MOF. The 997.2 and 991.1 models are far more refined, improved in every way really, yet for whatever reason they feel too sterile and numb in comparison to the 996. Almost too nice. 996 isn't fast (C4S cab is the slowest of the bunch) but it sure is fun and that is all that matters.

I hate to be redundant, but here goes. I am playing in the last quarter. When you get to this point you say OK, i've done the Ring often, ditto the Dolomites etc. etc. Wouldn't it have been something if I could have done it in ( fillin any of your present rides ) be happy that you've been fortunate enough to be able to choose and compare the different experiences each one of our toys provide. I bought my 996 w/o any forethought, on a whim and am enjoying the madness.

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Post again on your feelings about the 996 when you are more familiar with the aggressive handling qualities of the car.

I guess you just don't get it. I got my 996 in 2011 and only planned to have it for a couple of years. It's now nearly 2017, and I plan on keeping it. The 996 is an amazingly under-rated car. I've driven a lot of performance cars, and I still love the 996. Obviously, there are a lot of performance cars I also haven't driven, but nothing I've driven compares to the 996, especially for the money. It's modern enough to easily be a daily driver, but simple enough to still make you fell really connected. I love the steering feel, I love the (Fister) exhaust sound. I drive my 996 almost every day, and it still puts a smile on my face. If I ever "upgrade" it would likely be for a 997, just to get something a little more modern. When I drove the PCH, there was no other car I would've rather been in. (Though I'd be willing to try something like a Ferrari 575 with a 6 speed!)

For one reason, this is a better car overall than this was though not as good a winter highway car as this is but mostly because I'm fortunate!

The 996 was probably the best-performing, best-handling car in 1999 and cost between $80 and $100K when new. So that takes care of the "why did you want a 996." What's left is "why did you buy a 996 instead of a newer 911?" Money. Plain and simple, the 911 is a lark for me, a fun car I don't need. The 996 satisfies 100% of my 911 Jonesing at a substantial savings over what a new 911 would have cost me. I paid $30K in cash for mine and am working on the 5th year of fun. Total outlay over 4 years (purchase price plus repairs, PM, scheduled maintenance, consumables) is around $40K. A current model-year 911 configured like my 996 would have cost $93,000; a 60-month loan @ 3% on that car would cost $1,671 per month, or $80,208 over 4 years. Today's lease offer from San Diego Porsche for a 36-month lease for a 911 coupe is $1,199 per month with $7,199 due at signing. I'm assuming I would have rolled that lease into a new lease at the end of 36 months, but I didn't include a second signing payment in these calculations. Total outlay for four years of leasing a 911 would have been $64,751. If I'd leased for 4 years, I would have spent $24,751 more than I put into my 996. If I'd made payments for 4 years, I would have spent $40,208 more. Some folks need to have the current-model car to be happy; I am happier to have an older 911 AND a decent pile of money left over...

I've wanted a 911 since I was a kid. The 993TT is one of my all time favorite cars and I remember vividly seeing it in action at an autocross, and thinking some day.... While I have had some pretty amazing cars, I never really decided on a 911 until recently -- don't ask me why. I had my heart set on a 997 S, or C4, but after several test drives, I really wasn't completely 100% sold on the Porsche experience. I didn't find the ride all that refined, and unsure if it was what I wanted in a sports car. So instead of dropping 50K on a 997, I decided to 'test the waters' if you will on a 996. After researching/driving/buying the right car, I now understand it. You don't drive the car because it's smooth, quiet, and refined. You like the car because it's quirky, noisy, smelly, and doesn't really seem to come alive unless you're driving in the twisties. For that, I love the car and am more than willing to overlook it's DD driving manners. My other daily driver (which I don't take out as much anymore) is my '16 Tacoma TRD Sport. My wife has one of the most refined cars i've ever driven ('17 Volvo XC90 T8 R-Design) and it couldn't be a more polar opposite than my 996, but I would drive my 996 any day of the week! So where does that lead me? Now that I know I am loving the 996 experience, I think my next P car will be a 991 Targa in a few years.

agree with 5CHN3LL

Bought my Dad's 1982 SC Targa and sold it when we had the first kid. Tried to be rational that it wouldn't work for family, etc... Missed it the day I sold it and it took me years to buy one again. Have had my 1999 C2 since early 2006 and other than some repairs and occasionally not being able to haul more than one other person comfortably, have loved every minute of ownership. Everyone thinks it's cool and looks at it. Won't happen with an Audi unless it's an R8. Sure there are plenty of cars that's are newer, faster and probably handle better, but they have no soul.

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I think you've answered your own question with your list of why your S3 is better. You want a comfortable, predictable vehicle. You aren't looking for an affordable car that leaves you with a face splitting grin with your heart rate above 160 and a bit of sweat on your hands. Look at the variety of vehicles made, there is one for every personality type and driving desire on a sliding scale that determines how well those two objectives are met that is dependent on price. You can't afford (or don't want to spend enough on) the 911 you want. If I could afford it I would have a roughly 15 vehicle fleet sitting in my garage to fit my mood, with my employees following me in the other 14 vehicles in case I decide I want to change mid trip. I drive a Lexus GS350 F-Sport that is an absolute pleasure to drive as a commuter car, and fun to toss into the few corners between my house and office. While I've torn up some canyon roads in the GS and left with my heart pumping, it just isn't the same as the 996. Again it's all trade offs. Nothing in completely "perfect", the most it can aspire to is being perfect for a given set of conditions.

You are comparing a car that is 15 years old to one that is brand new....can't really do that. I love the 996 for its simplistic nature, lack of gadgets and electronics. My other car is a 2007 Audi S8, have driven it once in the past six months....wow, what a great car! But I prefer to drive the 996.

I had my Golf R, SRT8, Infiniti G37 and my 996 all at the same time.. Golf R, Like your S3 was (Heavily modified and was running E85) and yes it was faster, more comfortable and better all year vehicle.... but then I brought home my 996 and my Golf R didn't get driven for two months due to the fun of my Porsche so I sold the R to a friend and sold my SRT8 to a dealership. The porsche will always handle better, it is more mechanical feeling, I think it looks better but I love the Carrera's shape... bottom line, it is more of a "drivers" car than my golf R would ever be...Low center of Gravity, 2900 lbs, motor in the wrong place and a manual gear box, No driver's aids, no room for friends in the back. *We will see what happens to my garage when the RS3 hits the states though... I wouldn't mind grabbing a 2-3 year old one and let someone else take the first depreciation bite.

After owning several Audi's (which I loved) I finally bought my '02 C2 four years and 58,000 miles ago. Wanted a 911 ever since the Dentist up the street brought home his new '66 911. I didn't even know what was until my Dad told me it was a souped up VW. Almost pulled the trigger on some air cooled ones over the years, but family obligations came first. Finally, at age 60 I bought one, and I couldn't be happier. Yes, there are newer cars that can blow it off the road (at least on the straights!), but this just pushes all my buttons. 4 years later and I am happy as a clam, and I can hardly put gas into it without being approached by someone who loves it. Never happened with my Audi's. I restored a '68 MGB almost 40 years ago. At most that car was never worth more than $3,000, but it always turned heads, especially with the ladies. My Porsche is in the same category. I almost never tell anyone what I paid, but when I do people are shocked. Lets keep it our little secret!

funny how these same threads pop up over and over and over. Its almost like people have to remind themselves why they put up with them

Actually it's much sicker than that. We are so obsessed with them that we all jump at the chance to talk about why. If I want to remind myself of why I put up with it, I just go drive it.

The 996 is currently the awesome 911 bargain. 5 years ago, 80's air-cooled cars were the dirt cheap 911. Before that, rusty 911's and 912's were the gateway 911. The only non-rhetorical point is financial...whether it's cheaper to do X, Y, or Z, and how reliability factors into the financial equation.

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This might be my favoritist internet post of all time.

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^ these men know me, even if they don't It's a good football field down the road in terms of performance and ability when compared with my old 350z, A4 1.8T, GLI, etc. It has the tactile inputs of the old Saabs I used to drive, the ability to high speed corner like my dad's old Z06 C5 vette, and the polish to keep my girlfriend happy during ~1,000 mile weekends. I may have the occasional heart attack about the m96 engine, but every time I'm in the driver's seat I find myself shunning the radio and just focusing on the feel, sound and experience of driving it - even in mundane commutes. It's without question the most confidence inspiring and well put together car I've ever driven. The 996 has soul for days if you push her limits and drink the cool-aid. The only thing I don't like about my 996 is that it's not a GT3, but my journey on this blue ball isn't over yet

An old 996 is a car that you buy because you want it, rather than need it. It's the opposite of a pick-up truck. The love affair really begins after you bring it home. My 'daily driver' is a CLS550, yet I find myself taking off in the 996 more frequently than the Mercedes. Why? Because it's fun! It turns and stops well enough that I catch myself grinning when I have the opportunity to push it a little without others around. And for being so small, it's really not that uncomfortable at all. The initial buy-in at today's prices for these cars makes it a no-brainier... for those of us that run on emotion when it comes to cars. And if you own a 996, it wasn't logic that pushed you to buy one. I don't see myself selling mine anytime soon.

I am in the car business and have driven/owned quite a few different cars, and I still have yet to find a drive like my 996 4S. I am thinking that only a newer Porsche will satisfy that itch at this point so I really believe I will from now on have a 911 in my life. This is 100% an emotional experience, from the purchase to the drive, to walking out of the grocery store and realizing that my car is the best looking car in the lot. Every time. I am lucky to own such a masterpiece at the age of 28, now approaching 30 this Feb. When I first purchased this car it was weird the looks I got when I got into it. Being somewhat younger the idea of owning such a car is somewhat abstract. I could not resist the affordability of the 996 which lead me to making ownership a reality, but I did not know what to expect. It is not cheap to maintain true, but less than the average "super car". It is the highlight of my day being a daily driver, and I am constantly surprised by the abilities of the 4S. I have put about 20k on it so far and I am not letting up. Enjoying buying new stuff for it, making it mine and making it perfect. My little money pit. **** all the haters, I love the weird lights, and love the liquid cooled goodness of all 325 hp. She ain't the fastest but makes you feel like a badass while being able to hang with the $250k+ club if you choose. It is a freaking Porsche come on, just like Tom said there really is no substitute. I will take seconds on my Kool-aid thanks. Tastes so goooood......

Did you grow up with Porsche posters plastered all over your walls? Did you lust to own a 911 since you were old enough to ride a tricycle? Did you dream of the day you put your very own key into the left hand ignition slot? If you answered no to any of these questions, then your question has been soundly answered.

The balance. It's not the fastest, it's not the best cornering, it doesn't stop the quickest but the balance... The 996 has no wasted parts, no wasted motions. When will you "get" your 996? The first time you drive it at 10.1 tenths and realize you have only been doing 8 tenths all long.

I agree with Esfoad. Ive had vettes since 2009 and love them for what they offer. But since Ive added my C4S to the stable I cant get enough of it. It has a special fun factor I cant explain. I like to drive it more than my 15 vette. The wifey likes the comfy aspect of it also. Vettes are shock and awe, the Porsche is cool and collected. Cant beat the sound of the flat six whinning out back to rev me some more. The car is more driver involved I guess. My vette is refined and super car like.

I drive a 996 as my daily driver because I love the handling and experience of driving a Porsche everyday, and life is to short to not have as much fun along the way as you can. I do have other cars, but its the 996 that gets all the use, for the nice summer days for fun I have a 996 twin turbo among others and for when I have to take other people or haul stuff I have a Golf Sportwagon.

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this is me. I grew up lusting after Porsche my hole life finally pulled the trigger a little over a year ago and havent regretted it an instant Although it is a slight problem when you are on vacation on the beach in SE asia, and you just want to get back for one more drive before it snows lol

because.... there is no substitute...and that statement is very true. Believe me I've tried. Brand new Corvette, nope. BMW M3, nope. I have tried to get away from this Porsche 911 thing for years, it doesn't work. Of course you should know in my mother's house is a picture of me, just one picture among of a collage of pictures of many family members, I'm 15 and standing in my bedroom. Behind me taped to the closet door is a page torn from Road n Track or Car and Driver, a black Porsche 911, my dream car.

I bought my 996 back in 2008 after owning some pretty fast M3s and was planning orginally to keep it for 2-3 years. I cant depart from my 996 its a great fun car and everytime I hear the PSE exhaust and feel the M030 handling it is just as good as the first weeks of ownership . It is a great Porsche and i dont give a toss about all this negative pubilicity and so many many stories. THe 996 is a great 911

haha my plan is also to keep it for 2-3 years and then buy something else... but I am pretty sure that I will be in the same situation as you

I've always wanted a 911 ever since Car & Driver (or was it R&T?) did a review in the 1970/71 timeframe when I was in HS. They reviewed 3 Porsches - the T, E, and S. I carried that mag around forever. Wish I still had the copy.

I remember having arguments one summer with another kid who wouldn't shut up about the Ruf 911 being the fastest production car in 1980something - and me arguing that a Ruf 911 isn't a production 911. Crap, I now realize I was being a troll before the Internet was a thing.

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You do have a way of getting under people's skin! ha! Poor kid.

Philosophical discussion about why people do what they do is always fun. It's even more fun to watch people defend their decision which in nearly all cases of the 911 seem irrational. So, for all of us, it's an emotional itch we scratched. I"m no different. I wanted a shiny bauble, had the cash, and wham! I became a 996 owner. I"m over it. I've driven faster cars, slower cars, better handling cars(Lotus), etc. The 996 is a fine machine but I think it's the whole immersion in the aura of Porsche 911 ownership that gets most buyers. I have to give Porsche major credit for having some of the best marketing people on the planet. When you can convince a significant segment of the population to buy an irrational product, at an inflated price the promotions people have done a bang-up job. Of course, the same can be said of Charmin TP(that bear promo is cool), and Pampers - but, I digress. I'll miss it a little when it's gone. I miss several of my old cars. I had a 1967 Fiat 850 coupe that I miss most. Maybe it was the times, I was in college studying eng and working at a recording studio part time. That 850 was a POS that caused me no end of problems, but I still miss it. The human psyche is a weird thing. No one really gets it for all people, which is another fascinating lesson framed by Pavlov, or maybe better by Mazlow. We're all fulfilling our 5th level of self-actualization and of course, that can't really be done without at least one Porsche 911 to actualize us properly. I think I'll self-actualize down the slope a bit. But - it's been fun.

If you only like Audi's why did you buy a Porsche? Audi did make convertibles. You compare your S3 as faster but a contemporary (1999-2003) S3 is way slower than a 996, and also you are comparing a modded car to a stock car. There are modded 996's that will toast you S3. If you think any stock S3 is more fun to drive than a 996 you are a small minority, not just in this forum but in the world. If you care about fuel economy get a Prius and hyper-mile. There isn't a lot of enthusiasm for hyper-miling in this forum. Gas is cheap these days. Snow shmow. It will melt eventually. Yes, your newer S3 may be more comfortable. So what, the 1999 may not be. I am not an Audi hater. Mrs Ditto drives an S4. It is quick but boring to drive. Good thing the interior is really nice. I am pointing out that your comparison is apples and oranges.

Why have a 996? Because you fit in one or more of the following categories: You're an idiot: You did no research before hand so had no idea what you were buying. You're an idiot: You ignored all the research you did which told you this was a terrible idea. You have no taste: The headlights. Really? You're an idiot: You thought the $20k buy in meant they were cheap. You're poor, but want to look rich: You can't afford a real 911. You're a masochist: You just like pain and frustration. You're not old: So an air cooled 911 just doesn't fit your life style. You're a sadist: You like making others listen to you **** and moan about how expensive/broken your car is. You're an idiot: You have no idea that this was entirely sarcasm and you're still not really sure after reading this bullet point.

this forum has so much bashing on the 996 im almost done with it. I really enjoy my C4S and did all the right things to get it and keep it healthy. If something happens out of that control, so be it. Had fun getting there. Lots of good cars out there with no issues. I have a corvette also which is more reliable for the long term, but they have had their issues too since the new C7. I enjoy the p car more. And Ill drive it few years and move up to newer one. Yes Im probably termed an idiot but what fun!

I submit this as good enough rea$on to own a 996... You Tube

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being an idiot kicks ***, cheers from an avowed moron

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I is intuhlecchewally challingged

In a Word.....

Quite a few people brought up emotion - which is quite insightful. Great brands are genuine. They don't try to bend to appeal to everyone and the result is something more 'pure'. Porsche is a great brand, in my opinion a stronger brand than Audi. For the most part they defy common sense in an effort to stay true to their heritage and the result are products that don't appeal to everyone, but for the people that they do appeal to it is something that transcends a typical consumer product experience. Enjoy your Audi, I'm sure its a fine car (my A4 certainly was). It was well made, functional, plenty of luggage space, wonderful in the winter but lacked any emotion. Porsche build cars with track functionality in mind, not simply pacifying a midlife crisis as practically as possible.

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Then please explain the macan, panamera, and cayanne! Porsche is still a for profit company and they need to appease their board. They can't just build sports cars -- they needed to diversify to grab a bigger share of the market.

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The Macan, Panamera and Cayenne (and the Boxster) are generally fast cars for their segments, which in turn keep the doors at Porsche open and ultimately make it possible for them to continue developing and selling their flagship car, which is the 911... The 911 represents the soul of Porsche. Those other cars represent the day job that feeds the soul.

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I can't speak to the Panny (though I'm willing to guess), but if you are seriously asking that then you have clearly never driven either a Cayenne or Macan in anger. Go drive one in a DE or AutoX and then come back and tell us if you still need an explanation. They are not 911s, but they are Porsche in all the ways that count.

I secretly want a Macan. They have a nice stance, low and wide for an SUV. Pretty sure that's no mistake

My 996 is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my 996 is useless. Without my 996, I am useless. I must drive my 996 true. I must drive better than my competition who is trying to beat me. I must beat him before he beats me. I will... My 996 and I know that what counts in driving is not the miles we drive, the noise of our exhaust, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the wins that count. We will win... My 996 is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its throttle and its brakes. I will keep my 996 clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...

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I was replying to the previous posters quote Porsche only building cars for track in mind.

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You're right - and that is why I said 'for the most part' earlier. To be fair, those cars all defy common sense to a particular degree and one could effectively argue they were built with track use in mind. They compromised in all instances though, and in my humble opinion, diluted their brand as a result.

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I understand that and my point stands. Go drive them on the track and then try to tell me with a straight face that they were not built with the track in mind. It may not be their main focus, but they are far from out of place running around a track for a day.

I actually did drive a Cayenne and I really did not like it. It was a V6 and was a pig. Have not driven the V8's or turbo models and they may have some excitement but based on my experience, No Thank You! No comment on the Macan, since I have not driven one, but I agree the stance is nice. I do like the look of the new Panamera where the old one was butt ugly. Lack of a manual is a deal breaker for me. But the magazines really like them so I suppose they scoot and they handle. I don't know, I'm a fan of the 911 and the 996! Old school I guess.

it seems a lot of people missed my point, my question probably should have been written why do you love your 996. Yes i like Audis, clearly more practical for most people BUT if i wanted only practical i would not have purchased the 996

You all have neglected one crucial concept: small weiner.

I grew up restoring 60's and 70's Porsches in the 80's. I had the opportunity to drive many of the air-cooled models even into the models of the late 80's. There are commonalities among them all from a 1960's 911T up to the 996. (I haven't driven any newer ones, but expect the same.) There is a visceral experience when driving the 911. It has been dulled a bit in the 996 as stock, but turn off PSM, add a louder intake and exhaust, and drive it aggressively and all the feelings of the classic 911 begin to emerge. I've driven many fast, sporty, good looking cars. The 996 meets all those points, but adds the rear engine, Porsche driving experience into the mix. I feel some similarities between German brands. I"m not sure if it is the steering, the handling, or what. For me, there really is no substitute for a Porsche.

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One reason I'm looking to get a 996 is because when I look at the alternatives, I cannot find anything better for the money. Cars I'm considering: 1.) Audi S4 - Cabriolet, Manual Trans 2.) BMW 135i - Cabriolet, Manual Trans 3.) BMW M3 - Cabriolet, Manual Trans Cars I've ruled out: 4.) Subaru BRZ 5.) Mazda RX-8 6.) Ford Focus RS 7.) VW Golf For $20k, any of these cars will do, but the German ones will all require some maintenance and repairs that will cost extra money, and for others, a lot more depreciation. Given those reasons alone, then I might as well drive a Porsche.

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I officially declare this the winner. You can close the thread now.

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You should not discount the S and Turbo because of your base model drive. That's akin to discounting the BMW M-3 because of the way a 318i drives. I've driven Cayenne base, S and Turbo models...The Cayenne S is considerably faster than the standard Cayenne... with almost the same fuel consumption. If buying used, avoid the base model based on price. The S model is often available in same price range, maybe a year older and with a few more miles... They are a very cool SUV to drive with outstanding suspensions and driving dynamics. Very, very different car than the base model. As for the Turbo, I drove one of those that belonged to a good friend of mine with upgraded HP due to chip tuning. We went to Miami for the weekend and he got a ticket on Alligator Alley on the way there, so he decided to let me drive back. He sat in the passenger seat urging me to go faster whenever there was another fast car around. I ended up getting into two different games of "catch me if you can" with Corvettes. Bottom line, they could not pass the Turbo unless I let them, and that car felt glued to the road and was exceptionally comfortable to drive. I also seem to remember reading about how Walter R�hrl lapped Nurburgring in under 8 minutes in a non-modified Cayenne Turbo... Those cars are bad-asses and I will likely own one someday. And since this is starting to go off topic... I'll try to bring it back with this last comment. I think the Cayenne S or Turbo make for excellent garage companions for 996 owners. I see nice Cayenne S and Turbos models available locally for much cheaper prices than older 996's.

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Based on your experience it is what I imagined, that the base model was not an accurate barometer for the model range. My wife and I are beyond the need for an SUV/minivan type vehicle and Thank Goodness, we are still able to get in and out of sports cars, my DD is a 2015 Chevy SS Sport Sedan with an LS3 and a Solo exhaust. Gives me all the room we need when we need it. So I will agree that for those who need or want the bigger vehicle, then make sure to test drive and choose what excites you.

who cares if you can drive the macan or panamera in anger on the track. Nobody dreams about owning one of these. The 911 is what people dream about owning. it has the panache other cars don't.

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+1

+2 This is my 996. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

I've been on the fence about a GT4, 997 GT3 or 991 GTS for the past few months. Lots of window shopping every winter after track season. Then I get back behind the wheel and forget about it. Why pay another $40-60k for a better interior I don't care about, in a car with electric steering, and maybe 2-4 seconds on the track? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MITXXuGjP0o&t=79s

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I wondered in anyone would fill in the first line!

This is my forum, this is my car.

been thinking about the cayenne, but i am more and more in favor of another 996 in the stable

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Fixed that for me They actually complement each other well in my opinion. There seem to be a bunch of 996 owners over in the P!g forum so I don't think I'm alone in that assessment.

I have two 996s - yeah, one is a GT3, but it is a 996 GT3. I love these beasts. Pure, full of soul, stupid fast and more fun than you can imagine. As was said above, you either get the 996 or you don't. If you don't you are probably a hairdresser named Vance and you really miss your Miata. Just sayin'

I kinda would need a big hauler, from time to time but don't generally like SUVs, however the porsche badge on that vw touareg changes some things. but then again my red 911 is becoming more and more track focused, (coilovers, bucket seats) but I just love the way 996 handles so I am in a dilemma of maybe borrowing my dads van for the times I really need to haul around **** , all the other time I can do without all the bulk, (single no kids etc) I have an e46 M3 as a daily at this moment, but it seems so bland now, after 911 it is just a normal car no matter how I adored the previous one I had before my red 996. now I want to drive a 911 all year round (sick, but we live once so... )

Not that this thread really needs another reply but taking my car out for a good full detail today, and then driving it home made me happy. Yes the older my 996 gets the more I like it. It's major engine weakness is easy to fix, and depending on the generation of your car, you might not really care to fix something that isn't breaking that often. I have one more change to make...backwards again to the rapidly becoming legendary early 98 build date 996...this time a coupe and with a manual. The great thing is that high milage examples are so cheap I probably won't sell my 2000 Cab...yes as others have said, it is such a good car it makes sense to have two of them. That will push my senior citizen social security budget but I can always get a greeter's job at Walmart if push mkes it necessary. What I also like is that the 996 is much closer to the cars before than after. Sitting in it and looking at the dash and gauges I feel more at home than in the later cars. Every time I slide into the seat I love the driving position. I am impressed with the build quality after 16 years. Listening to the engine from outside, watching the detailers work on my car, I love the subtle burble of the motor. And as others have also said, I really don't need to listen to the radio because the engine is music. This is a car that says "I drink gasoline!" It's a car's car. It is not a collection of high tech gadgets that make it easy for any fool to drive...it tells me I have to be on my game as well.

Put her on a diet, switch to slicks, and then see how you like 6-8 seconds faster. You've already come this far and it makes an awesome winter project.

johnireland, great post!

+1

It's a bit unfair comparing the 996 which is like 20 year old tech to a brand new state of the art hot hatch like an s3 , go get a twenty year old s3 and put it next to a 996 then think which is best!

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very true, back in 2000 i was driving a pontiac sunfire gt with a whopping 150hp.... jeesh when i compare the 996 to that its a supercar lol

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Congratulations and welcome to the group. Funny you mentioned the TTRS; I was looking at that car 4-years ago and was tempted but buying one new would have killed my bank account. So I landed on a real nice 40 AE and have enjoyed it since April 2013. I purchased it with 18,000 miles and now have just under 65,000 miles. My other car is a 2006 V70R (6MT, 300-hp, 295-lb/ft....all stock) which I have owned since new and I think I have two pretty awesome cars. With that said, like most of us here, I am a car junkie and there are a few (new) pretty faces out there in the automobile world. To afford one of the new pretty faces I would have to sell the 996 and I can't see giving it up yet. It's the best car I have owned by far! And yes, still on the original IMSB

Added a 2011 Cayenne TT to the mix this past May and yes, it is that good. I wouldn't call it a sports car but it's as close as you can get with the functionality that vehicle has. Even so I still love my 996. It is the car that fits me perfectly. It communicates to me through the steering wheel and the seat. I can easily tell when something is not right, even if my tire pressure is low by a few pounds. But I guess after almost 9 years you get to know your car that way. So why the 996? Capable, bang for the buck, and still loads of fun to drive!

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Add me to the Porsche + Volvo family. We have a '17 XC90 T8 R-Design 400hp beast. Volvo makes great stuff!

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We drive Volvos too... Heck, I like them so much, I'm willing to trade you my Porsche 996 for your '17 XC90. What do ya say? ha!

Good God, now a I love my Volvo thread. Johnny I please cough up a Volvo review. Harken back to the Saint please.

Volvos have character like a piece of gravel has character. But yet... still a very reliable steel box on wheels that will bloody shame many sports cars. hahaha I've seen and it's down right, knee slappin' funny!

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This has to be my favorite forum post ever in 15 years.

Lol! Talk about messing with the head of a newbie looking for one. Thanks for the laugh!

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Put me down for line items #2, 3, 6, and 7.

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In 2006, I bought a 18-yr-old 911. People ask me, "don't you regret selling it now that prices have doubled?" In 2016, yesterday in fact, I bought a 17-yr-old 911." When I got inside the black on black 47,000 mile completely bone stock original 1999 996 C2 cab manual, I saw the manual headlight switch, the original cassette deck and tape deck holders, no glovebox, no cupholders, I thought, "this is so much like my old 1988 in many ways..." I then took it for a test drive. The steering, engine, the feel... took me right back to the '88 I used to have. These, my friends, are the good old days.

the manual lights kill me, i am so used to the automatic ones now that i keep forgetting to shut them off lol

1) Sure makes our yard gnome look like a pile of crap. 2) I love all my friends and neighbors asking me how the Porsche repair is coming along. 3) I don't remember what it was like to drive, but I love looking at it and sitting in the driver's seat making vroom noises 4) it's fun getting packages in the mail full of parts for the car 5) It is my dream car and I don't care what anyone says, a relationship with any car, like any marriage eventually becomes strained and either you quit and move on or it's worth it to hold on and take care of its needs, and when you get over the bad patch it's so worth it....

GL with your rebuild rrtec++

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Good gravy that's a nice sounding 996. Equal length headers and an x-pipe Im guessing?