911 Test drive - Tips?

[Panthro]

I'm planning on driving a couple of 996 Carreras this weekend, specifically a C4S and hopefully a Carrera 2. Both are from reputable specialists and come with a warranty. I've never driven a 996 before, are there any pointers for me to get the best out of the test drive? My last few cars have been M3's and a Z4 35i so I'm very used to front engine rear wheel drive cars and their handling dynamics, but want to drive the 996 and see if it's really the car for me. Cheers.

[V8KSN]

Panthro said:

I'm planning on driving a couple of 996 Carreras this weekend, specifically a C4S and hopefully a Carrera 2. Both are from reputable specialists and come with a warranty. I've never driven a 996 before, are there any pointers for me to get the best out of the test drive? My last few cars have been M3's and a Z4 35i so I'm very used to front engine rear wheel drive cars and their handling dynamics, but want to drive the 996 and see if it's really the car for me. Cheers.

I hate doing this but have you looked into the issues with the M96 engine? I hope you have.

Anyway, as for the test drive...

Move the steering from lock to lock and listed out for any knocks or bangs.

Make sure EVERYTHING electric works.

Once the car is all warmed up, put it in 4rd at 3k revs and then put your foot to the floor, the car should pull slowly but surely and the speed should increase in a linear fashion. If it doesn't, the clutch could be slipping.

Check underneath if you can for any signs of oil leakage from the RMS between engine and gearbox.

Check for smoke on start up.

Check the exhaust tips and make sure one is not blacker than the other (could be blacker due to bore scoring and burning oil)

Thrash the tits off it as you would if you owned it

[Panthro]

Thanks for that

I was more interested in the drive of the car rather than the mechanics (I know all about the potential problems that may arise from the M96 engines....may being the operative word) but you can only be too careful and fastidious with the 996 from what I've been researching.

Edited by Panthro on Friday 10th April 15:18

[Henry Fiddleton]

Gears can be notchy when cold.

My clutch has always been heavy - even when it had just been replaced, so no need to run for the hills.

Turn in should be sharp, car should feel planted and mine seems to be affected by gusts of wind.

Basically, it should be a hoot to drive. Probs not as quick as an M3 etc, but should feel very engaged and a pleasure to drive.

Enjoy.

[V8KSN]

Panthro said:

I was more interested in the drive of the car rather than the mechanics (I know all about the potential problems that may arise from the M96 engines....may being the operative word).

Sorry, I just thought I would warn you about the engine issues in case you were not aware.

[Panthro]

Appreciated

I spoke to Ray at Northwood this week and he informed me that Porsche has dropped the price of complete M96 units considerably. I believe the figure was around £2.7k plus VAT. This was for the 2.7, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.6.

[LordHaveMurci]

Listen out for knocks & squeaks from the suspension, smoke on start up as already mentioned. Check the condition of the tyres, brakes & exhausts as they are all expensive to replace.

Check the radiators as much as possible (they get clogged with leaves etc), the coolant header tanks can split so check it & coolant level.

It would be worthwhile getting a PPI on any car you are serious about to be fair.

Try to get an extended test drive, a 911 doesn't drive like any other car I've ever driven & it takes a while to start to get used to!

Good luck, they are great cars.

[Shaoxter]

Compared to the cars you're used to:
- Traction should be better as there's a lot of weight on the back wheels
- Steering feel should be better
- You need to press harder on the brake pedal as they're less servoed
- The C4S will feel understeery with its 4WD and wide rear tyres, but you'll get used to it and adapt.

Good luck!

[Slaav]

Panthro said:

Appreciated

I spoke to Ray at Northwood this week and he informed me that Porsche has dropped the price of complete M96 units considerably. I believe the figure was around £2.7k plus VAT. This was for the 2.7, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.6.

If you are looking at a 996, you are obviously out of main OPC warranty options and therefore I would strongly recommend a good well known Indie.

Ray at Northway is one such chap! Since mine came out of OPC Warranty, I use Northway even though not the most convenient but I have no reservations whatsoever in recommending them.

They know these things (as do other good Indies) backwards! Genuinely.

Someone else mentioned the suspension and squeaks? I had my front lower wishbone(?) fail in that it worked perfectly and was no danger but sounded (when warm) as if the was a mice on acid in there somewhere. Minor job!

I also just had one of my flanges effectively fail, total bill at Northway £89 from memory It sounded awful and I was fearing a large exhaust bill.....

In a nutshell, these are now getting on a bit but barring the engine going pop, there are more than enough good Indies to make ownership a total pleasure!

DO bear in mind that after 9 years or so of ownership of ours, we both still smile when we get in it!

This morning I drove one of Mrs Slaav's best mates in to work with the roof down - her response; 'now I know why you don't bother with the tube!'