What are the essential 996 options?

[windymiller]

Right, so after getting a smuch info as possible on what I should look out for when looking for a Boxster, I've now fallen in love with getting a 911 instead - I've always dreamed of owning one!

I took one out on the weekend, so now I know that I definately want the sports seats, but what other things are worth it? The car I test-drove had lots of switch-blanks, so must have been missing a few toys.

I'll be looking for a 98-01 manual C2 with the all-important (to me) turbo alloys. Not too sure about the GT3/Aero kit yet.

Sorry for being such a pain!!!

[radron]

Hello mate

The advice I was given when I bought mine was to find the most specced up one possible for your budget, the logic being that there were lots of 996's (asuming your talking about 996's) and therefore get one with the most toys. I have an early one a 98 but I chose it as it had the most toys, leather dash, traction, aerokit, audio upgrade, pcm and telephone etc. Hope that helps

[Vesuvius 996]

Porsche Warranty.

[freedman]

PSM if its a C2, pcm, Bose (Or at least the Porsche soundpack)

You can do most of the other stuff later if necessary PSE etc

[fidgits]

in all honesty - I didnt care about the toys when I got mine - its a sports car not a Merc or Beemer...

get the one you like the most, or as the saying goes, buy on condition - for options, well, which ones do YOU want?

[DucatiGary]

manual
C2
LSD
sport chassis

[thegoose]

fidgits said:

get the one you like the most, or as the saying goes, buy on condition - for options, well, which ones do YOU want?

Wot he said. Don't even worry about turbo alloys - for 2 reasons:
1) they are the easiest bit of the spec to change
2) I have a spare set if you end up needing to buy some

[simes69]

I like the heated seats. I find the climate control is OK but not terrifc, so the heated seats keep you warm but not too warm... if you know what I mean. I don't have a decent hi-fi in mine, but that's cos ur playing the 6-pipes most of the time.

[Andy M]

Mine were:

Manual
RWD
Sports suspension
Sports exhaust
Warranty
BOSE

I got all but the BOSE - instead mine has the uprated system.

[ballcock]

To throw in my tuppence , the essential options aren't what you'd expect from your typical BMW320ci , where you'd be looking for all the bells and whistles.

I think the most important stuff has been repeated a few times here , but just to emphasise :
C2 .. More feel (in my numpty opinion)
Manual
OPC warranty
PSE


Brolly ... to fill the passenger door well hole !!

[caddyshack]

Make sure you get the rear engine oil seal checked, check that the Air Con is not leaking in the front radiator / condensors (leaves accumulate in the intakes and rot through)

I would have a good 100+ point check done

Go for popular coulours, avoid the tip tronic and IMO avoid the Sports suspension unless you plan to track day it (I added it then removed it and put the std stuff back) Its harder on the road and the std car handles pretty well (remember that people feel the M3 is better on smaller wheels not 19's...its the same with the Sports suspension IMO)

[anglebox10]

DucatiGary said:

manual
C2
LSD
sport chassis

I'd second that !
I had a 98 C2 with optional 'sports pack', this gives lowered suspension, LSD, traction control, sports seats, & 18" wheels - brilliant drive if that's what you want !!

[windymiller]

So how do I check if it's got the sports pack? Obviously the seats are an easy one, but what about the LSD, suspenders and traction?

Starting to realise that the turbo-alloys thing will probably be a thing I drop as all the good one's don't seem to have them!

[anglebox10]

It was a factory option, so should be on the build sticker inside the boot -not sure the code number though.

[wetwipe]

I feel i was very lucky to find mine. Literally stumbled across it (or at least Mrs Wipe did whick helps)

spec is as follows

seal grey
gt3 alloys
coloured centre crests
PSE
Bose
heated seats
ali door guards
6 cd changer
cd storage

I really couldnt have wanted more. I did think about PCM but the PCM1 system is poor and looks horrid so i am glad i went without

crikey that sounds like an advert

[DucatiGary]

wetwipe said:

crikey that sounds like an advert

you cant sell it yet geezer, need to put a nice spoiler on the back first.

I agree with the uprated hifi comment too, the sound in the C2 was amazing, wasnt bose it was before they did bose but the sound was lovely.

[nervous]

wetwipe said:

I feel i was very lucky to find mine.

mine, actually.

[wetwipe]

nervous said:

wetwipe said:

I feel i was very lucky to find mine.

mine, actually.

whats mine is yours chum you know that

[fidgits]

wetwipe said:

I feel i was very lucky to find mine. Literally stumbled across it (or at least Mrs Wipe did whick helps)

....

crikey that sounds like an advert

Really?

You see, what I love about mine is I havent a clue what upgrades it has... I think a stereo one, sunroof, 3 spoke steering wheel, but with mine its so much fun to drive who cares

if thats an advert you can see why I dont work in marketing!

[stubbsy996]

My advice would be just decide what model you want then colour combo and go for one as highly specced as possible for your budget.
Stuff like heated seats, sunroof etc not really important IMO.
Nice if you can find one with 3 spoke steering wheel.
18" alloys preferably.
Most 996's have turbo alloys - easier to clen than spokes.
However, do go on condition and service history.