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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHTurbo or 4S?
Reported or suspected cause
mid year like some 99 models
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Suspected cause
Probably a mid year like some 99 models that had ambers and later switched to clears.
Leading evidence: 'mid year like some 99 models' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'mid year like some 99 models' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean 02-04 turbo' (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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Suggestion · Original poster
Seems like the nod goes to finding a nice clean 02-04 Turbo.
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Suggestion
Having both, I would recommend a Turbo for a weekend car, but a C4S as a daily driver.
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Suggestion
- Pipes need to be repaired/welded, especially if you're taking it to the track
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Suggestion
I think the C4s is the better looking of the two, but there arn't many production cars our there that can out run a 996 Turbo
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Big time Porsche fan but never owned one. Like to turn a wrench here and there in my own garage and have basic abilities. At that time of my life where I can spend a few $$ and indulge a bit.
Originally thinking 02-04 4S, nice looking with nice performance and priced in my comfort zone. Started thinking about the turbo as the added performance would be nice and no worries about that lousy IMS bearing. Would love to find a nice 6 speed, non-cab turbo for $35-40K.
This will be a weekend car, under 5K miles per year as I'm in the northeast and most likely won't be driving it much from mid November-March.
Any issues with either of these cars regarding limited use? Any problems with indoor winter storage other than a Battery Tender?
Aside from doing a PPI once I find a car I'm seriously interested in, does anybody have any thoughts or advice on one model over the other based on what I've mentioned.
Do the turbos have any significant problem areas that I should look out for.
All input appreciated.
A C4S is an awesome car, but a Turbo... Well, it's truly a supercar, and for only a few thousand more. No brainer in my opinion - get the Turbo if you can afford it. The superior engine design alone is worth the difference, if you listen to the real experts (not me, but the techs).
Turbo all the way! You will not be disappointed. The boost is extremely addicting. The C4s is an excellent car as well, but if there is even a way of getting a turbo do it!
I don't fully tuck mine away for the winter, I do take it out when the temps are reasonable only because of my tires. I get a good battery tender and make sure there is fresh oil in it and you will be set.
My daily driver is a C4S. Love it more and more every day.
For a weekend only toy go with the turbo. However, these cars need to be driven. Up your maintenance budget if it sits a lot.
I had my eye on an 03 Turbo listed on eBay that was down in Ft Myers, FL. Price was a bit heavy for me and still trying to make the final decision of Turbo vs. C4S.
What are the issues people are referring to when they say these cars aren't happy spending time in the garage......leaky seals/gaskets, problems with brakes/clutch???? This worries me as it will really be an occasional weekend ride and will be laid up for the winter months.
no car likes sitting, however, if used weekly and taken care of lovingly it should be no issue at all
for winter, store it properly using the normal 'guidelines' and again no issues..
Good luck on your search!
Having both, I would recommend a Turbo for a weekend car, but a C4S as a daily driver. I think the C4s is the better looking of the two, but there arn't many production cars our there that can out run a 996 Turbo
I have a C4S that's my twice to three times a week driver and I absolutely love the car...that being said, if I had the extra money I would have bought a turbo hands down...especially since my wife's BMW 650 still kicks my butt!
I have both. In winter the C4S is much easier and safer to drive. Actually a lot more fun because you can hammer the throttle around and it just sticks. It also gets better gas mileage when driving it hard where with the TT it's a pig even when taking it easy. The C4S is 100 lbs lighter then the TT.
When it comes to the clutch, engine and power they are completely different cars. Handling is pretty similar.
Seems like the nod goes to finding a nice clean 02-04 Turbo. Let's s go than, anybody have any leads please pass my way!
In the process of selling my current weekend ride so I'm hoping to be ready when a nice Turbo comes around.
You can't go wrong with either choice. They are both great cars. Here's my opinion on the pros and cons of each:
Turbo:
- Incredible performance, faster than most cars on the road. But, can you really safely enjoy that power if you don't take the car to the track?
- Metzger engine is very good. No IMSB issue to worry about.
- Pipes need to be repaired/welded, especially if you're taking it to the track
- More exclusive than other 996 models
- Turbo premium - example: front spoiler lip for Turbo is ~$395. For C4S, it's ~$150.
- Aside from the engine, other components generally shared with other 996. For example, window regulators fail on all 996 models.
C4S:
- Arguably the best looking 996 variant with the wide body but without the lines being broken up by the rear spoiler and air intakes on the rear fenders
- Great handling and braking - components designed for a more powerful car. Many people consider it the safest 996 and easiest to drive fast.
- Less expensive to purchase
- Same engine as other 996 models, IMSB issue needs to be addressed
Again, you can't go wrong either way. I drive a 996 C4S every day and I love it. I think I'd be happy with a turbo also.
The 996 has never been about raw power, it's all about useable power and agility.
The C4S is lighter than the TT. Compared to a C2, it out brakes, out handles any other 996 easily.
For a dedicated toy, the TT is superior. For a DD the C4S is a no brainier.
Sarki I'm in the same boat as you looking for the same.. I live in south jersey and there is a guy that's on forum he's got both a c4s & a turbo not my particular taste in color but he is pretty meticulous with his cars so it might be an option. His name is yurii... Polarporsche.com. Check it out
I wonder what the manufacturing cutoff date is? When I was looking around a few years ago, it seemed like every 01 I saw back then had these. Probably a mid year like some 99 models that had ambers and later switched to clears. Damn Porsche...
