Buying 99-00 996 Bad idea?

I've been looking for a 911. Initially I was pretty much open to any 911 from an early SC to 993. After seeing a lot of junk and missing out on some nice cars, I've started to look at early 996's. My budget is around $30k and there are plenty of cars to choose from, with 99's to be had around $25k. Are all the horror stories regarding faulty engine cases, RMS leaks and junk engines true? None of the cars advertised indicate that they have replacement engines. Please give me some input on what year to buy on my budget, mileage where engine is "safe" to keep on running and other pittfalls with these cars. Thank you!

My 2000 996 was purchased by me 15 months ago and still has the original engine. It was babied by it's original owner and only saw 40,000 miles in the six years before I had it. Since then I've put 20,000 more miles on it, including four track days on very high speed tracks and it has continued to run like a charm. It is bone dry under there (no oil leaks anywhere) and everything about the car is perfect. I mean that. It has plenty of power and torque. It's comfortable. It drives and brakes perfectly straight. The paint is in near-flawless condition. I'm happy with mine. Don't believe everything you read. There were certainly issue with the car, but my feeling is that if you find one either with a replacement engine or one with mileage like mine that's perfectly dry and exhibits no sign of ever having leaked, and which has a well documented service history, go for it. Be sure you get a thorough PPI from a Porsche specialist well versed in these cars, however. Don't just take the sellers word for it. Good luck to you.

Scott, thank you for your input. Nice to hear good things about these cars. Johan

My tale is very similar to 450's, less the tracking. I initially was in the market for a 3.2 litre 911. My budget was 25-28K. I wanted a nice one. With market values where they are, the 996 came into the mix also. You know, I think if you base your decision on what you read on the Porsche internet boards, no one would ever own a 996. But, in my mind, after a couple of years of this continuing research (including 8 months of 996 ownership), I think that you don't read anything online about the huge majority of people who have these cars (99-00 996's), and have no problems with them at all. I looked for over one year, until I decided on my 1999 996. It's an unusual Zenith Blue, had 46,300 miles when I bought it (I'm the 3rd owner), has complete service records from 15k miles, is dry as a bone underneath, and has never leaked a drop, and uses no oil at all. It already had a PSE and SSK installed, and runs like a swiss watch. Since I bought it, I've driven it to 53,500 miles, and all I've done is replace the coolant expansion tank, which is a "when not if" issue, and cost me $450.00. I love mine- it's comfortable, fast, pulls like crazy, drives like a 911, and just plain feels great. When I compared the speed/power/amenities/comfort/price factors to an older 911, it was a pretty clear choice. My opinion is that all the negative pub on the internet boards has certainly helped to drive the market values of the 996 to levels where they're just too good a buy to ignore, along with good 'ole supply and demand economics- JMHO. There's plenty of good ones out there, if you take your time, get a PPI, and buy a car that has complete service records, and reasonable mileage (Excellence mag says 7-9K per year is ideal). Based on what I've read, the two most prominent (at least on the internet) issues- RMS and porous engine case- will show up pretty early on, if they do. That being said, I will add this- If it's an older, air cooled, Porsche that you're jonesing for (as I found out that I was), my 996 did not scratch that itch. Right now, I'm snooping around for a cheaper, higher mileage, old SC or 3.2- just for fun. I'd like to have both- but we'll see how it goes. I'm truly crazy about my 996- but it's not an OLD Porsche, if you know what I mean. Hope this helps- good luck!

The 996s are fun cars. My research found stories of the "engine failure" mostly in the 3.4lt engines (1999 and 2000). I could not confirm any of the stories. Draw your own conclusions on this topic. The RMS issue is plague of the 996 and Boxsters. My 2003 3.6lt is having the RMS repaired as I type this response. I had a PPI and at the time of inspection no issues were identified. My suggestion: 1. If you want an older car, 911 or 993, test drive both of them and see if this is what you really desire. 2. Whatever vehicle you purchase, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle. Take the time up front, it can save you a ton of money on the backside. 3. See the vehicle personally. I have heard of many distant purchases go without issue but....buyer beware. 4. The older cars are a lot of fun to drive but remember the 993s and 911s are starting to show their age. I have owned a 1972 911T and a 1983 911SC, great cars, but I still prefer the 996 for overall...fast and everything works. Good luck in your search.

Thank you everybody. I used to own a 72T, so I know how the old cars feel. Drove a 1999 996 at my local dealer today, love the car. It has 41k miles and makes all the right sounds. Johan

I would test drive different models and make sure you understand your tastes as different models give different responses to your right foot. A 930 may be found here or there. A couple 911s. And Rennsport III in Daytona would be a great time to buy one as there is always a couple 911, 930 993, 996 FS. Sounds like you starting to do some good research. Good luck.

Thank you Bernard, As we all know there are really no bad 911's, but I am sure a 996 is what's for me. I have found some nice 2001's and 2002's so I will pay the extra money and stay away from 1999's. Johan

Another early 996 owner chiming in. I purchased my '99 in January of this year. Not one hiccup in the 8K that I have put on it with well over 50% of those being on the track. Good luck in your search.

I have had my '99 996 daily driver for three years now. I bought it because I have a ten minute commute and wanted the water cooling. Bought from original owner with 12k miles and is now pusing 35K miles. No trouble other than the coolant resevoir replaced ($800!!!) and some seatbelt/airbag light malfunction that I have not fixed due to cost ($2500!!!!!). It is a great car but I prefer my '83 and '72 for pleasure diriving.

Here's the 996: ...and where it's normally driven:

Great photos in the woods! What camera lens and settings?

Wow, nice cars. My search for a 996 continues!

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Thanks Glenn, believe it or not, these are taken with a Sony Steady Shot DSC-H2 on the automatic setting. Here are a few more from that day:

Jerry, your car looks really nice. What side skirts do you have, GT3? How much is the car lowered? Johan

Johan, The side skirts are the OE GT3 Aero Sides. My car didn't originally come with the Aero Kit option, but I sourced the applicable parts. Over the winter I have to respray the hood and fenders from track abuse and at that time I'll install the OE GT3 front bumper, rear spats and a GT2 type rear spoiler. As far as suspension, I am running H&R RSS Club Sport Coil Overs. They are set at right around 1.75in lower in the rear and almost 2in lower in the front. Most people do Bilstein PSS9s as coil overs on the 996, but they were a bit too soft on the dampening for the track. The H&Rs are firmer than the firmest PSS9 setting but I don't find them uncomfortable on the street. I have a set of GT3 adjustable sways that are going on it as well as some adjustable camber plates for the front and rear. Good luck with your search.

Thank you Jerry. I am still looking for a car, plenty of cars to choose from. Just haven't found the right one yet. Will certainly do the Aero skirts and lower the car. Looks great! Johan