Is there a Porsche 996 Turbo mrk 2?

[fastf355]

Hi, Im new here. So please forgive my lack of knowledge!

I am looking to purchase a Porsche 996 turbo. I recently read that there was a mrk 2 version from 2002. here is the link: http://www.evo.co.uk/buying/buyingguide/235617/por... (read the second last paragraph)

However, this seems to be the only source I can find that says anything about a mrk 2 Porsche 996 turbo. I was wandering if anyone out there could clarify this for me.

The reinforced gearbox, improved handling and increased crash safety sounds very good.

Is it a good idea to forget 2000 & 2001 models altogether or are they still a good buy?

I am looking to buy soon and dont want to make the wrong choice.

Thanks very much in advance for all feedback

[ScienceTeacher]

Porsche continually updated bits of the car but tweaked it more for model year '02. The Mk 2 is quickly distinguished by having a glovebox. Minor difference. Useful and better for resale.

[s3nick]

If I remember correctly 52 reg and later has glove box as standard and has the PCM 2 sat nav. That's all I can remember for now!

[porkyspecialist]

Don't forget the built in cup holder, I think this is the extra safety the OP speaks of

Edit, glovebox & cup holder were for the 02 model year, so sept 01 on, PCM to PCM2 is for the 03 model year which is when the car also went to optical for the nav/sound/ phone.

Edited by porkyspecialist on Friday 23 November 18:32

[thegoose]

Given that even the MKII's (usually called facelifts) can be 10 years old, and besides the glovebox there's very little difference, it's more important to get a good car than worry about pre/post facelift.

Concentrate on condition - it's always worth walking past an average 2002 car to get to a good 2000 one.

[David Hype]

I think that the OP asking if it is technically a Mk2 or just MY improvement details...

[fastf355]

So there is no reinforced gearbox or improved handling and safety features?

Also, apart from condition and full service history, is there anything in particular I should be looking out for? Is the X50 package, for example worth paying extra for, is is the extra 30 bhp not noticable enough?

Again, thanks in advance for all your feedback

[porkyspecialist]

fastf355 said:

So there is no reinforced gearbox or improved handling and safety features?

Also, apart from condition and full service history, is there anything in particular I should be looking out for? Is the X50 package, for example worth paying extra for, is is the extra 30 bhp not noticable enough?

Again, thanks in advance for all your feedback

The X50 is more suited to the type who like to drive hard a lot of the time, & bare in mind driving a turbo hard is probably not a great idea on the public highway, bigger turbos increase lag, but on the boil they are obviously faster. The only gearbox mod I can think of would be the change in the tiptronic box when it went to the merc one at about that time. If it matters the last of the turbo's moved away from the 964 crankcase, but I can't recall a problem with those.

HTH.

[Callughan]

Facelift also had a slightly stiffer structure.

Edited by Callughan on Saturday 24th November 14:30

[Rockster]

Total 911 did a good coverage of the 996 Turbo in several special Turbo specific issues. Too much to cover here. Visit Total 911 web site and see if any of the special Turbo issues or issues in which the Turbo was featured are still available as back issues. You can also order the 1st 50 issues on CD. Nice.

[monthefish]

The 996 turbo was introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year, and all UK cars included:
- Sunroof
- on board computer
- alcantara headlining


In 2001 the 996 turbo was upgraded to include:
- electric switches for the front and rear lids
- improved interior illumination.


Then, in 2002, the 996 turbo was further improved (sometimes known as the mk2) and all models featured:
- Passenger glovebox
- twin cup-holders
- soft-touch plastics
- better ventilation
- BOSE sound system
- rain sensing wipers
- autodim rear view mirror.


As has been said, definitely go for a 'mk2' if you can, but don't discount an earlier one if it is better condition.

[monthefish]

porkyspecialist said:

fastf355 said:

So there is no reinforced gearbox or improved handling and safety features?

Also, apart from condition and full service history, is there anything in particular I should be looking out for? Is the X50 package, for example worth paying extra for, is is the extra 30 bhp not noticable enough?

Again, thanks in advance for all your feedback

The X50 is more suited to the type who like to drive hard a lot of the time, & bare in mind driving a turbo hard is probably not a great idea on the public highway, bigger turbos increase lag, but on the boil they are obviously faster.

This is a good point. When I was looing for mine, I was actively seeking non-X50 cars, mainly for the above reasons.

The standard car is plenty quick enough in my opinion.