What year of the 996 is best

My brother and a friend are considering 911's of the 996, is there a better year of the 996? Also which is more mechanically sound the 996 or 993 Your comments would be appreciated Andy 83 Euro S

2002+

2002+ has the face lift , bigger motor 3.6 vs the 3.4. Both the 993 and the 996 has their own issues, As everyone knows the dreaded RMS on 996 , and the Clogged valves on the 993. Both are very good cars , but have very different purposes. If a daily driver is what you want , then the 996 does this much better, more options, more room . Depending on what you look at the HP numbers are all over . I think the later 993 have 282 HP, the early 996 have 300 HP and 02+ have 320 HP.Cant go wrong with any Porsche .

Cant go wrong with any Porsche Let's not forget about Bob's Porsche.

Yeah, but remember, he bought it at a Phord dealership!

I know a Porsche in Baltimore you could definitily go wrong with.

What is the facelift between a late '01, and an '02?

Really only one year, and one style. The 2004 C4S Cabriolet was/is the only good 911. Let's move on now.

Absolutely true if you carry a purse just joking, the C4S cab is a great car

Todd, those with glass roof's shouldn't throw stones.

So true, so true. At least mine is Prada and it matches the moonlight that shines through the Targa top!

Same as the facelift from a 99 to an 02. This article sums the changes up nicely http://www.europeancarweb.com/longte...206ec_carrera/

I'm well aware of the engine change. The body stifness is news to me. However, as far as aesthetics, I fail to discern a difference in the interior or exterior of mine, which was manufactured in 2/01, and an '02.

Glovebox?

The early model didn't have the electric throttle, I've heard some say this is good. Others have also said the early models are more receptive to modifications in terms of power gain. Of course, they have more power lacking vs the +'02 in stock form. TD, that was very funny, and I do appreciate the splitter info, i just like to jab

Keep in mind that the 99-01 version is lighter, so the increased HP in the '02+ really doesn't mean all that much because IIRC the hp/weight ratio was held constant. Another thing to keep in mind is that the '02+ models have improved oil baffles to prevent oil starvation. I wouldn't let that keep me from buying a 99-01 model, but if I tracked the car AND used slicks, I would get the Porsche Motorsports oil baffle kit for the 3.4L motor. Glad you enjoyed, but just keep it in line or I may have to have my Ann Taylor posse smack yo @$$ down yo

The Major changes were: - Bigger Motor w/VarioCam Plus - 20% stiffer chassis - Revised interior (glovebox, cupholders, new materials, etc.) - Revised headlights, front fenders, front bumper - Revised rear bumper & bumperettes - (Revised aerodynamics reduced front and rear lift) That's most of the major changes that I am aware of.

The instrument cluster changed slightly as well.

I hate the 2002+ cluster. What's the deal with putting the temperature in big font in the middle of the tach and moving the digital speedo one gauge left? Like I would really need to know the temp while accelerating. -All other things equal, the glass window for the 2002+ cab is a GREAT feature and the exhaust also sounds a little meaner on newer cars. -The cupholder is still a joke; the Ultimate Cupholder is heaps better and sits on the floor in case of an overflow or spill so as not to mar the center console. -Glovebox is irrelevant, nice to have but whatever. -Stronger torsional rigidity of the frame is NICE. Net net, with all cars, always buy the newest car that you can afford and want. I would however avoid both the 1999 and the 2002 model years. In Bob's scientific study some month's back, there did seem to be an inordinately high number of RMS failures on those cars. (Yes, Dell, I know, I just screwed the pooch of hell again both in reference to Bob and in even trying to offer a statistical opinion without any objective data. Sorry. )

Edward, I had a 2001 so I was very used to the old instrument cluster, too. The new cluster has some really nice features, and you can choose what information to include in the center cluster - but not the speed. I thought this was an oversight on the part of the Porsche engineers, if you are going to be able to customize the digital output, really let me customize it. When I first brought home my 2004 I almost got pulled over for speeding because I was looking at the center console which said 45, and I was in 40mph zone when a cop passed me and gave the the slow down gesture with his hand, I couldn't understand why he was making a big deal about me going 5mph over the speed limit until I realized that I was going close to 60mph because the speed was now under the speedometer. I'm used to it now, so either way, it's all good.

Thanks all for your coments, other than RMS issues in the 99-01 are there other issues to be considered. Andy I forgot to say that this car is not going to be a daily driver just for massive pleasure. Other than handleing is the c4s slower in acceleration than the standard two wheel drive versions?

Can somebody post an '02+ instrument cluster for comparison?

I'd prefer 2002. Updated headlights, body kit, extra horsies (albeit the extra weight), and no MOST. Oh, and cupholders.... can't forget that one

crappy pic, but you get the idea

I'd take the 20 extra ponies for sure, but I prefer the '01 cluster, and as far as cupholders, my '01 has them as well, as if they'll ever be used!

I've made the same mistake in my father's 2004 C4S, but fortunately it didn't result in a ticket. I hear you that you get used to the new location, but it seemed such a great idea to have the large center tack in the middle with the digital speedo therein so you really didn't have to take your eyes off the road for too long. Of course, my father always says that purists never look at the speedo anyways.

Ah, Riad, you have a GT3?

No, sorry (especially for me) the pic was from the interweb.

oil kit for the '99-01 - someone direct me to where i can find that. pics?

here is the brey krause kit . . . http://www.ebsracing.com/item.wws?mf...ntid=ebsracing Here is info on the Porsche Motorsports kit: http://www.pca.org/tech/tech_qa_ques...5C2CE361057%7D

If i am not mistaken, Jim.B did'nt find the need for an oil kit on his 99 race car.

as non-911 owner I think the 2002-2004 is the nicest looking Porsche has ever made (996 TT being tops). Growing up I was always a fan of the 928 and 944 which I considered futuristic designs. Back then The 911 always looked like a glorified Volks Wagen to me (except the old slant nose). When I first saw the 2002 I thought "NICE!" that looks every bit as exotic as a Ferrari. The 997 is disaster by comparison. (just my opinion of course) I always think it a good idea to go with at least one model year after a major revision. Two is better. Gives the boffins time to address all the customer complaints.

I wasn't a fan of the 997 when it first came here, but it has really grown on me and I love the 997S. But have you seen the 997GT3? Now, THAT is an amazing looking car

Porsche put the digital speed indicator back under the Tach on the 997.

cab porsche is almost as good as a tip porsche

I think everyone got it right here, later is better. It really comes down to what they can afford. 99's are known to have problems. 00' are pretty reliable and can be purchased in the $30's. 02's have a lot of improvements and the price jumps about $10k from an 01' as a result. Figure high $40's (non-certified/non-Porsche Dealer) to low $50's(Certified from Porsche Dealer) for an 02'. 04's are still going for $60's. A C4S is $10K over a regular Carrera. I would look at an 00' for the cheaper ride or an 02' for the best price/performance break. If you want the best performance, skip tiptronics, convertibles, targas, C4's and C4S'. The basic Carrera weighs only about 3100 lbs with the typical options. The 996 is so improved from earlier models that 4WD and PSM aren't necessary to control these cars in the dry or wet. Porsche test drive Walter Roehrl runs 6-12 seconds faster around the Nurburgring in the base Carrera than each generations 4WD counterpart. This is why the best Turbo, the GT2, is only 2WD. An 04' C4S convertible tiptronic is over 3700 lbs, pretty chunky for a sports car and as a result substantually slower than an earlier/lower powered 00' Carrera Coupe. Car & Driver tested a Turbo S Cab with PCCBs and no hardtop with a test weight over 500 lbs heavier than the GT2 they tested. Get a convertible if you really want one, but the resale price is the same as a coupe. Removing the top means losing a lot of stifness and adding a couple hundred pounds. A lot brag about the 4WD, but those cars actually run 2WD over 95% of the time. This means over 95% of the time you just have extra weight slowing you down. The front diff only engages when the tires are slipping. This might come in handy if you drive in snow, but a complete waste of money for warmer climates. Stay away from a 99' and you should be fine. There is a little more maintainence for the 996 due to the cooling system for the engine. It is an easy tradeoff, for the much better climate control. The 996 has a far improved A/C with almost twice the cooling capacity and a real heating system.

Yup and it works like a charm.

Rule of thumb, never talk $mack about a car/year/model that you have not own.

I think that summary is pretty good, although I personally would not hesitate to get the "right" 99 car, particularly if it has LSD. I mean, you can add the third radiator kit. Also, the "downsides" to some of the models are not "that" huge so, if the "right" car comes along, I would not avoid it simply because it is not an '02+ coupe. Finally, your summary is heavily track/performance biased, which, again is fine. I love my Targa for the street and occassional DE use. A coupe would be far better for serious track use.

Now I'm curious. When doing my research on the 996, the overwhelming opinion was that they had no more issues than the later years. Now I'm hearing that the 99's have more "issues". Can you elaborate? Thanks.

Thank you all for your advice it will definitly come into play when making our choice. Andy

Jeeva, I didn't have an oiling kit on my 3.4L but did install it in my 3.6 X51. I really don't know if it's needed or not. I ran the crap out of that 3.4 and it performed flawlessly. My 2 cents on what 996 to buy. I think it really depends on what you want. Like Todd, I would not hesitate to buy a 99 if I found a nice stripped one with LSD if you're looking for a real sports car on a budget. If you want a fast, very nice, very comfortable car and you have some extra cash then a 40th Anv would be the perfect choice. Actually, any 02+ car with an X51 would be great. Since I compete in my car I don't post dyno charts but it's fair to say they put out a whole bunch more than 345 hp. Those are my favorites although for a street car I must admit I drive a pimped out 02+ cab with full leather, nav, etc. etc. It's embarassing but a great way to get to work on a sunny MN morning. Jim

I agree with JimB and Todd refering the MY99 cars. I bought a MY99 on purpose. My car has the LSD and the MY99 cars also are the last with actual mechanical throttles. Egas has come a long way, but it still leaves alot to be desired. Also, the MY99 cars are the lightest of the 996 model range even if you include the GT3! My car is nicely equipped with the sport seats, 030 suspension ans chassis stiffening from the factory. I like to think of it as a budget GT3. I may be biased because I have a MY99, but my next 996 will be either a GT3 or a Turbo. I see no reason to upgrade to a 2000 or newer Carrera. JMHO.

I have a 99 with no electronic devices on it like traction control. It's light, fast, and responsive. Motor Trend and EVO magazine both tested the 99 at 4.6secs from 0-60mph. I like the narrow bodied 911s much better than the fat ones, since they seem more sleek and closer to the originals.

My girl's not fat!! She's big boned.

" What year of the 996 is best?" Any one in MY garage...

Amen to that!

Here is a short list to start with: fuel system fuel tank trunk lid oil leaks from improperly torqued engine bolts differential seal defects and leaks wipers inoperative interior door realease inoperative PCM software glitches There are several more. Keep in mind that there were recall campaigns and service bulletins related to each of these items. Knowing that they are potentially out there and looking at a car out of warranty, you will take a bigge risk with a 99'. 00'+ had these problems fixed in production, so you don't have the same risk. This does not mean a later car can still be without problems. There are late 3.6's that had engines replaced due to rear crank seals that won't stop leaking. There are also a lot of early 03's that had their engine replaced due to improperly torqued down cam tensioners coming loose.

I agree with 02 Carrera, there are always issues with newly released cars. However, if these problems were addressed at the dealer with the appropriate service bulletin, there is no reason to believe they will cause further problems.

zman53, I have an '02 model year. From the cupholder and premium sound console, it seems to me yours is an '01 model year? I have an '02. Aside from everything else people have mentioned, I enjoy the turbo-look headlights along with the better looking cupholders. -WKL

All Porsches are great when they start and drive ...BUT when they don't start!!! THEY ALL SUCK!! No matter what year and where the speedo LED's are.....when a fuse blew (which I didn't know) and my P had to be flatbedded, because it didn't start...the car that I love....SUCKED BIG TIME ...when the shop told me it was only a fuse...I LOVED MY 99 TIP/CAB FACLIFTED TO A POST 02 996 ....wait untill it gives me the cold shoulder again ...you know a P is almost like a girl friend you always thought was too pretty for you! You never know when she is going to leave you!!

Are there issues on a '99 that would not be covered if you bought a Porsche Certified car? It would seem to me that although you would pay more, you would have a great deal of 'peace of mind' if there were no huge $$ items that could surprise you,(at least untile the warrantee runs out!!).

Not all will be covered, because the certified warranty is not the same as the original bumper-to-bumper warranty. The tougher issue is finding a 99' at a Porsche dealer that they would certify. My local Porsche dealer won't keep a Porsche older than 01' if it comes in on trade. They just wholesale it out. This has to do with how the ceritification process works. It costs more to certify it if it is not under the orignal manufacturers warranty, 4 years/50K miles. The certified warranty extends it to 6 years/100K miles from the original inception date. They can ceritify an out of warranty car for a 2-year warranty, but you will need to find the car and a dealer willing on doing it.

That was a good question Last930 very good coments on this thread.