Time to buy 996?

Hi - Long time BMW CCA guy, resonably mechanical - RR 325iT engine and other major repairs, pretty much do all my own wrenching. Have been toying with buying a 996. My Rennsport buddies tell me no but I think they are air cooled and later gen water cooled snobs. Perhaps its the fried egg syndrome. Compared to an S54 or m54 powered BMW are the mechanicals more difficult to repair/manage? I have a quick jack and most every tool needed for auto related work. The 996's have moderated in price (along with all other sports car prices) in the last few months so maybe its time? Your comments appreciated. Best, Mike

The 996 is super easy to work on. The engineering is first rate and well thought out. Parts although sometimes pricey are mostly available and easy to get. I�ve worked on a few BMW�s (E39 540i, E92 328ix & a E92 335ix) and I have to say I much prefer working on the 996. The engine and transmission(s) are obviously the most difficult parts to work on but certainly not un-doable (I have dropped the engine/transaxle and did some top end work on the motor and replaced the IMSB and clutch)� it sounds like you�re a diy�er with plenty of tools so have at it. There are write ups in this forum for just about every project imaginable.

I concur with dporto

I also concur with dporto. Forests of trees have fallen to record the issues of the 996, Its a unique used car opportunity in that there are no unknown problems with it. All replacement parts are still being made. It still amazes me that you can buy one at a reasonable price. That being said, you need to make sure that it hasn't been owned by people who clearly didn't care and even knowing that, you should plan on a $5K rainy day fund to have on hand as you start going through the checklist of upgrades/repairs. And yes, it is easy to work on. I do what I can without a lift.

I also came from the e46 M3 world, you're gonna fit in here well, the 996 is no more complicated then what your used too.

OP - I love my 996 experience. Flipping the script I think my next car will be an E46M. Then I just need to sell three kidneys to buy a 360 and I’ll have my dream trifecta.

Just be sure to get it borescoped before plunking down cash. Everything else is relatively cheap to fix, in terms of German hot rods. I came from BMWs also. Bought a 996 to see what all the 911 hubbub was about. Now I know!

I've found the 986 generally a handful to work on, but I think that's boxster specific and not any real commentary on the m96. I will say the reward for doing maintenance and getting it back on the road is through the roof. I find my e91 was easier to work on but n52 and m96 have been equally reliable.

Well, you ask a 996 forum if they concur with your opinions about 996s. You should expect some bias here. My personal opinion in cars is probably not the best fit for your wants and needs. Than being said, a more critical question would be what your budget is? Keep in mind that these cars are generally 20+ years old and that means not only spinning wrenches, but cost in parts. Some parts will be harder to find, if not now, at some point in the future. Expect to have a reserve of cash for not only routine repairs, but unexpected ones, too. A 996 may be an entry-level Porsche 911, but it may also be a false economy compared to a much newer car at a higher price. You might even find a CPO car, but you are most likely looking at a 2014 or later car (991 model). There are tradeoffs with the newer models. The 991 is clearly a faster, better handling, and a more technologically advanced car, but some of us find that less driver-engaging than the 996. I suggest driving as many models as you can to determine where you feel most drawn to. You might seek out your local Porsche club and see if you can get some guidance there. One thing I have found with the clubs is that the people really care about their cars and those that own them. Good luck with your search.

I just threw an S54 back into an E46M yesterday; it's "easier" than a 911 in the sense that you have more space, but BMW puts a lot of BS in your way (circular wiring harnesses, A-requires-B geometry constraints, ****ty bolt access) to getting the job done. Porsche thinks things through better when they remember to think about it, even if it involves more steps to first lower/drop the engine thanks to the rear-engined design. I don't hate it... from the POV of an E34 owner where I can engine-out in an hour.

There has never been a better time to buy a 996. Although prices have gone up, maybe 40-50% over the last 7 years, that�s in line with inflation and other car increases. Same applies to an original Boxster S. If you don�t need the rear seats, consider this option.

I will add though that parts, while available, are not cheap if you plan on getting them from Porsche. A full head will set you back between 4 and 6 grand, for example. A short block is 10 grand. Some small stuff can be incredibly expensive. Want that carbon fiber shift ****? 2 grand please. And almost as much for the handbrake lever.