I think I have decided to buy a 996 Turbo manual...
Discussion
Hello all..
I'm not frequent around here, but keep meaning to get more involved (PH in general that is.)..
Anyway.. Over the past two years I have been thinking about my next keeper purchase. It was between either a C/E/CL 63 Merc (M156 6.2 litre) or some manner of a Porsche..
I've flip flopped a lot, but I think i'm finally set on a manual 996 Turbo.. call me crazy but I like the 996 styling. I haven't been sure about either a Tip or Manual.. But all my whips have recently been out of action and i've been driving my mothers manual diesel MK 7 Golf..it has reminded how much fun and engaging a manual box can be....but also what a nuisance it is as a daily, in traffic.
So anyway.. here I am and that's my current plan. I'm not too pushed on X50 or not.. and i'm also not sure I am bothered about pre/post facelift.
One thing I do like about the 996 is how manual it is supposed to be etc.. and that the pre-facelift has drive by cable..
...Also.. while I don't want this to turn into another "market/prices thread.." I am thinking to get my ducks in a row and start test driving in the new year when I think prices will have had a time to correct a bit.
It feels like right now there is talk of a correction...hopefully in the new year prices might see a bit of sense, but who knows. I will be looking at max £40k I think. I won't be seeking massively low miles, but I think 90 will be my max.
I plan on maintaining this myself, as I do with all my cars. But I think for this car, my most valuable to date, I would still maintain a specialist service history for oil changes.
Now I have a few questions:
- If you were in the market for one of these what would be your make or break items?
- Are there any decent drink holder mods for the gen 1?
- What do I need to buy in order to be able to plug in and check over rev counters? Does the 996 show over revs in stages.. or just a single counter? Does that diag work as a good workshop system?
Thanks a lot guys.
I'm not frequent around here, but keep meaning to get more involved (PH in general that is.)..
Anyway.. Over the past two years I have been thinking about my next keeper purchase. It was between either a C/E/CL 63 Merc (M156 6.2 litre) or some manner of a Porsche..
I've flip flopped a lot, but I think i'm finally set on a manual 996 Turbo.. call me crazy but I like the 996 styling. I haven't been sure about either a Tip or Manual.. But all my whips have recently been out of action and i've been driving my mothers manual diesel MK 7 Golf..it has reminded how much fun and engaging a manual box can be....but also what a nuisance it is as a daily, in traffic.
So anyway.. here I am and that's my current plan. I'm not too pushed on X50 or not.. and i'm also not sure I am bothered about pre/post facelift.
One thing I do like about the 996 is how manual it is supposed to be etc.. and that the pre-facelift has drive by cable..
...Also.. while I don't want this to turn into another "market/prices thread.." I am thinking to get my ducks in a row and start test driving in the new year when I think prices will have had a time to correct a bit.
It feels like right now there is talk of a correction...hopefully in the new year prices might see a bit of sense, but who knows. I will be looking at max £40k I think. I won't be seeking massively low miles, but I think 90 will be my max.
I plan on maintaining this myself, as I do with all my cars. But I think for this car, my most valuable to date, I would still maintain a specialist service history for oil changes.
Now I have a few questions:
- If you were in the market for one of these what would be your make or break items?
- Are there any decent drink holder mods for the gen 1?
- What do I need to buy in order to be able to plug in and check over rev counters? Does the 996 show over revs in stages.. or just a single counter? Does that diag work as a good workshop system?
Thanks a lot guys.
The metzger engine is still considered pretty bullet proof and I would not expect a turbo engine to have been over revved like a GT3 n/a as it should have run out of puff way before massive revs….you’d hope it hadn’t been wrong slotted or just over revved on the way down…I doubt that many 996 t have spent a lot of time on track.
Brilliant cars would love one myself. They seem able to swallow large amounts of money to keep them tip top!
There’s one in the classifieds currently that’s just had £22k spent on a general mechanical refresh. That’s the kind of thing I’d be looking for. Still a fast car today and feels it.
Agree on the styling too I like it and would put it ahead of the 997tt especially around the rear.
There’s one in the classifieds currently that’s just had £22k spent on a general mechanical refresh. That’s the kind of thing I’d be looking for. Still a fast car today and feels it.
Agree on the styling too I like it and would put it ahead of the 997tt especially around the rear.
irish boy said:
Brilliant cars would love one myself. They seem able to swallow large amounts of money to keep them tip top!
There’s one in the classifieds currently that’s just had £22k spent on a general mechanical refresh. That’s the kind of thing I’d be looking for. Still a fast car today and feels it.
Agree on the styling too I like it and would put it ahead of the 997tt especially around the rear.
Hi mateThere’s one in the classifieds currently that’s just had £22k spent on a general mechanical refresh. That’s the kind of thing I’d be looking for. Still a fast car today and feels it.
Agree on the styling too I like it and would put it ahead of the 997tt especially around the rear.
What one is that? Got a link please?
fourwheeler said:
Oh that's nice alright.. will be interesting to see what it goes for.
Interestingly the mileage is on the slightly higher side than I would expected for something at Silverstone Auctions.
There is a rare RHD S for sale (1 of 60) which might be of interest to you. Reputable dealer too as I am sure you know. Lovely colour - the interior might be marmite but makes a change from the pebble grey that so many of that era were specced with. Interestingly the mileage is on the slightly higher side than I would expected for something at Silverstone Auctions.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/14153457
I was in the same position in 2012 and bought a manual 996 turbo X50.
Ten years on and I'm still enjoying the kick.
Living with a 996 turbo
It's been a great car and I still love driven her but she is more pampered weekend car now.
I've had the usual clutch, tyres, brakes. The exhaust hardware and shields rust and I had the spoiler rams fail which is a costly fix, even via an indie. I also added mesh on the front grilles to keep out debris.
But on condition, check the turbos and boost and look for a good history of maintenance.
They're a fantastic car and amazing value.
Ignore those who say they lack feel (usually compared to a GT3), they're scalpel sharp compared with 99% of other cars.
Good luck with the search. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Ten years on and I'm still enjoying the kick.
Living with a 996 turbo
It's been a great car and I still love driven her but she is more pampered weekend car now.
I've had the usual clutch, tyres, brakes. The exhaust hardware and shields rust and I had the spoiler rams fail which is a costly fix, even via an indie. I also added mesh on the front grilles to keep out debris.
But on condition, check the turbos and boost and look for a good history of maintenance.
They're a fantastic car and amazing value.
Ignore those who say they lack feel (usually compared to a GT3), they're scalpel sharp compared with 99% of other cars.
Good luck with the search. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
julian987R said:
fourwheeler said:
Oh that's nice alright.. will be interesting to see what it goes for.
Interestingly the mileage is on the slightly higher side than I would expected for something at Silverstone Auctions.
There is a rare RHD S for sale (1 of 60) which might be of interest to you. Reputable dealer too as I am sure you know. Lovely colour - the interior might be marmite but makes a change from the pebble grey that so many of that era were specced with. Interestingly the mileage is on the slightly higher side than I would expected for something at Silverstone Auctions.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/14153457
Great colour.
Great cars, choose carefully and you won’t regret it.
Over revs are in two stages only and you need durametric to read them.
Gen 2 with glove box and cup holders also have some other minor improvements which you may or may not desire.
Don’t worry about x50 or not, generally folk say it’s not worth the premium
Over revs are in two stages only and you need durametric to read them.
Gen 2 with glove box and cup holders also have some other minor improvements which you may or may not desire.
Don’t worry about x50 or not, generally folk say it’s not worth the premium
irish boy said:
They seem able to swallow large amounts of money to keep them tip top!
There’s one in the classifieds currently that’s just had £22k spent on a general mechanical refresh. That’s the kind of thing I’d be looking for. Still a fast car today and feels it.
Thats the kind of thing which scares me.There’s one in the classifieds currently that’s just had £22k spent on a general mechanical refresh. That’s the kind of thing I’d be looking for. Still a fast car today and feels it.
Although I did see a 997 GT3 ad last week which mentioned 10k for new discs and pads - standard steel also.
ATM said:
Thats the kind of thing which scares me.
Although I did see a 997 GT3 ad last week which mentioned 10k for new discs and pads - standard steel also.
Here it isAlthough I did see a 997 GT3 ad last week which mentioned 10k for new discs and pads - standard steel also.
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2009-porsche-9...
Advert blurb said:
In August 2022, £10,682 was spent at Porsche Centre Cambridge to replace both the front and rear brake discs and pads, fitting a new alternator plus pulleys and belts, and replacing the radiator.
996 turbo is the best VFM 911 hands down. They need to be used to stay in tip top condition though so do not be afraid of mileage as long a the car has been loved and had lots of work done to stay on top of things. I'd almost prefer a well used and well looked after one to garage queen.
Hi everybody
Thank you for the phenomenal response!
I can't seem to easily quote the various replies, so i'll just response in essay form
My plan is to keep this car for quite some time.. so the Mezger engine is "the one" for me..
Adverts showing lot's of money spent are very odd to me.. why would somebody spend a shed load of money and then offload the car..but on the other hand, when the say "xyz big number recently spent" it could have been in the last 2 years.. which I have personally seen happen.. which in actuality is just really maintenance or a neglected car getting caught up to pass an MOT..
In fairness to the one with 22k spent.. that is for sale from specialist, Weissach UK, which probably did the work to get it saleworthy and at cost by employed mechanics. That said, it seems to have a heap of new parts fitted which can only be a good thing. 12 month 3rd party warranty too..
Oh, and bit shout out to @97jhp - many thanks for your response and I am sure I might hit your DMs with specific questions, when I have them..
I've also been looking at the mileage.. it seems like my budget will allow me something as low as 70k+ miles.. Part of me wants a 70k max car.. but then another part of me says anything 85+ is fine also.. it depends on maintenance I guess..
Since posting last, I have narrowed down what I am looking for.. which currently stands at:
When I am serious about buying I am going to get a Durametric setup as I will absolutely be checking over-revs.
Follow up questions ..
Thank you for the phenomenal response!
I can't seem to easily quote the various replies, so i'll just response in essay form
My plan is to keep this car for quite some time.. so the Mezger engine is "the one" for me..
Adverts showing lot's of money spent are very odd to me.. why would somebody spend a shed load of money and then offload the car..but on the other hand, when the say "xyz big number recently spent" it could have been in the last 2 years.. which I have personally seen happen.. which in actuality is just really maintenance or a neglected car getting caught up to pass an MOT..
In fairness to the one with 22k spent.. that is for sale from specialist, Weissach UK, which probably did the work to get it saleworthy and at cost by employed mechanics. That said, it seems to have a heap of new parts fitted which can only be a good thing. 12 month 3rd party warranty too..
Oh, and bit shout out to @97jhp - many thanks for your response and I am sure I might hit your DMs with specific questions, when I have them..
I've also been looking at the mileage.. it seems like my budget will allow me something as low as 70k+ miles.. Part of me wants a 70k max car.. but then another part of me says anything 85+ is fine also.. it depends on maintenance I guess..
Since posting last, I have narrowed down what I am looking for.. which currently stands at:
- Budget £40-45k - Could probably stretch a bit more for a really good example which has had something like new top range rubber, clutch, discs etc.
- Black / Silver / Grey
- Manual
- Aero kit ideally, so that I don't have to worry about the hydraulic wing issues in the future. I also love the aero wing.
- Black leather (possibly blue on silver car)
When I am serious about buying I am going to get a Durametric setup as I will absolutely be checking over-revs.
Follow up questions ..
- What's the story with turbos? I see some (more than i'd like) adverts talking about rebuilt turbos.. sounds expensive. What does it cost to have them rebuilt (excluding labour to remove as I would DIY that.)
- My friends says that from the research he has done, the most desirable 996 is a C4S. I just simply doubt that and would assume normal pecking order of models.. not to mention the issue with IMS / Borescore not on the Mezger lumps.. Price would also dictate that he is wrong.. although I didn't want to get into it with him, because I would just sound bitter / biased. Don't get me wrong though.. the C4S is a lovely motor and borescore wasn't an issue i'd be having one due to it's turbo looks and naturally aspirated engine.
Also guys.. what's the story with maintenance?
I am a keen enthusiast not afraid of any job probably with the exception of programming an ECU or major engine work.. I will do everything else myself. I service all my own cars, but this 911 I will be getting it outsourced to keep the book in order.
I know these cars are known to consume large amounts of money, which isn't necessarily a problem, but desirable to avoid.
I'd be putting 3k (4k MAX) a year on mine.. and DIY'ing a lot of work.. surely that won't be crazy money.
I'm sure parts will be expensive.. how would they compare to Mercedes for example?
What are the big ticket items that hurt when needed? Clutch I believe is a big one.. what about those turbos? How reliable is the dry sump system and is there much scheduled maintenance on it?
Also.. What's it like to work on in general?
I am a keen enthusiast not afraid of any job probably with the exception of programming an ECU or major engine work.. I will do everything else myself. I service all my own cars, but this 911 I will be getting it outsourced to keep the book in order.
I know these cars are known to consume large amounts of money, which isn't necessarily a problem, but desirable to avoid.
I'd be putting 3k (4k MAX) a year on mine.. and DIY'ing a lot of work.. surely that won't be crazy money.
I'm sure parts will be expensive.. how would they compare to Mercedes for example?
What are the big ticket items that hurt when needed? Clutch I believe is a big one.. what about those turbos? How reliable is the dry sump system and is there much scheduled maintenance on it?
Also.. What's it like to work on in general?
The 996 C4S is a sweet spot, the 3.6 N/A is really nice it has plenty of torque and revs out well. A slightly fruity exhaust means it sounds as good as a V8 M156.
25-30k should get you a low mile and nice C4S: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209049...
if you fancy 2WD you can drop out the front diff relatively cheaply and fully reversible should you wish return to standard.
25-30k should get you a low mile and nice C4S: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209049...
if you fancy 2WD you can drop out the front diff relatively cheaply and fully reversible should you wish return to standard.
C4S great but a turbo weapons grade by comparison. Wait a few months and these current stupid prices will ease off. By March next year I'd guess used market will be hit with a sense of reality. That car above for £75k or whatever was only £50k a few years ago which is about right IMO for a time warp example.
£35k for a well maintained low owners 70k-85k miles 996 turbo wouldn't be paying more than this. You need a £10k contingency but you will not need it if you do your homework and buy well.
£35k for a well maintained low owners 70k-85k miles 996 turbo wouldn't be paying more than this. You need a £10k contingency but you will not need it if you do your homework and buy well.
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