Porsche 996 - *THE* Best Porsche for the money?

YouTube videos are always good for debate, another positive one for the 996...

I would say so... Also the last 911 with a proper fixed ratio steering rack, nicely weighted controls and I actually like the headlights!

I agree, fabulous and under rated. I will be puttting my 996.2 cab up for sale shortly so this could be a good omen. Mine has the xenon headlights with the washer which makes it look rather nice. What is this about a fixed ratio rack??

996's and my other Porsche, the Cayenne 955 Turbo WLS (E81 Powerkit) , just like the Turbo S or even just a straight Turbo are phenomenal value from £7500. Something that big and heavy should not handle and go like they do, in shear comfort with air suspension and plush seats. If you can put up with 15-18mpg, I don't think you'll find better value second hand.

Takes me back to 2009 :cloud9: ........ and 2010, 2011 and 2012 It's certainly the best Porsche you can buy for under £20k in 2022.

The 997 and 987 had a new variable ratio rack which was picked up by the motoring press at the time as not having as much feel compared to the earlier fixed ratio racks. Having owned a Cayman, I would agree that it felt a bit dead around the centre.

That is interesting as i noticed a difference in the steering between my 996 and 997 to the point i thought the 997 might need 4 wheel aligning (which i had done less than 1k miles ago. So that has saved me time and a few bob as i now know it is just a different steering rack. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

...looking at that picture I am astonished that anyone could take issue with the style/ look ? Not crossed eyed like the 993 or confused with a boxer like the 996.1 ...I would take issue with them as £20k cars...not if you want a minter with known and familiar issues reconciled. ...my; story: 2003 996.2 Tip' with 69k miles,2 owner OPC history: genuinely immaculate condition in and out... ...IMS failed = £14k comprehensive rebuild #Mercedes AMG paddle conversion #refurbed wheels #Topgear quiet exhaust #aircon condense replaced #fan resisters x2 #brake line over engine replaced #new brake bleed nipples #refurbed calipers #stainless fasteners from manifold to tail pipe trim #front suspension sans shocks renewed #new oe engine mounts #sprint booster So whilst I appreciate some of the items above are choice replacements the others are inline with what one would expect to renew/upgrade... ...I'm a fussy fit to be sure but a £20k 996 will need spends to be close to tip top imho :thumbs:

Anyone buying a 17-20 year old car would expect to spend more money to get it completely up to scratch but the fact remains ....... You won't find a cheaper 911 starting point than a 996.

It's a very good point. People only focus on purchase price not Total Cost of Ownership. In strange way it can actually be lower TCO buying a brand new Porsche. As always, many factors to consider. For sure, risk of cost-related issues significantly increases with age (and also deferred maintenance, especially at lower end of market). Fact is all 911's are brilliant cars. Just depends what you want. And 996's are no different. Just look at all the hugely positive reviews when they were launched. I'm yet to see a respected reviewer get in a 996 without a grinning smile. This video is just another example of this. Just buy these cars with eyes open, same with any other older performance car. Then enjoy :thumbs:

I have been looking for a decent 3.4 manual car for 9 months now. I am starting to think that i should buy the cheapest one i can find in my ideal spec and colour as most are starting to need rust repairs to arches / sills then need re-painting etc. Pretty sure that work could gobble up 7-10k for a top job.

And therein lies the problem with the strapline ie the 996 is the cheapest 911 but not the best VFM in terms of total cost of ownership :bandit:

...trouble is cheapie is likely to have a tatty worn interior as well as need all of the other bits and bobs so by the time you've done the paint etc you've spent a wedge on what will have been a worn cheapie with likely high mileage...false economy to these eyes... ...buy the best you can and be prepared to spend...or just broaden the search criteria...remember the 996.2 was stiffer,more powerful, refined interior plus a glove box and cup holders oh and nicer lights :thumbs:

Just imagine if a 996.2 had the Head lights if the 911 gt now that would Be a beauty 😉

Yep they should have kept the GT headlights (from the 993) :thumb: