By popular demand - New 996 C2 owner
Discussion
I thought I would share some pics and thoughts of my recent purchase, partly due to being asked to do so!
A few weeks ago, I bought my first Porsche - very much at the entry level of 911s, namely a manual, C2 Carrera 996. The headlights give the game away that this is the 3.6 version - it is an MY2002 car. 59,000 miles on the clock and last owner for 11 years, with impeccable service history.
I have coveted a 911 since I can remember but children from the very moment I qualified as a solicitor and saw my earnings reach the level required to buy one (6 kids in total over 15 years) put pay to the ambitious, Thatcher's child in me. I lived a more humble life than I had expected and resigned myself to quick transport of a cheaper nature with a handful of MPVs thrown in for good measure. I lived with the certainty of never fulfilling my automotive dream, but of course I always had my lovely children to love and keep me grounded.
So what of those cheaper cars? Well, I spent most of my car owning life wishing for and chasing more power. I started with Saab. Not a bad place to start to be fair - cheap, luxurious, well built until 1998 and quicker than one might think. Highly partial to a remap, they served me well. From there I "graduated" to BMWS, starting with a 530i sport - fabulous handling but the lack of torque pushed me to turbo power again (diesels) and a V8 (BMW 550i). The only true MPV of note was a Grand Espace 3.5 v6 which whilst not "especially" quick was an absolute peach of an engine. A rarity as well - the diesel loving MPV brigade swerved those like they were North Korean built. I haven't seen one for sale for a while! Why on earth would you drive a diesel Espace though when you could buy one with the Nissan 350Z drivetrain? Nuts. Current daily drivers currently being an e46 330d and E70 X5 40d.
I mention this to contextualise my very first impressions of the 996. I guess the common theme developing above is that of torque. Low down grunt. And lots of it. Would it be the case, I wondered, that the 996 would feel flat at low revs only really coming alive much higher in the rev range than I am used to travelling? Would it feel "slow" because of this? Heck, some people even claim an M3 feels slow. Would the 996 feel slow?
In a word, no. Not at all. In fact, it felt fast. Much faster than I was expecting. Having not driven the car until the day of purchase I was totally ignorant and a 90 minute slog down the North Circular, the Blackwall Tunnel and South London babying what to me was a new car was NOT the ideal proving ground however the day cheered up because after establishing that my two twins fitted in the rear I was straight on from Bromley to the South Downs - skipping off the M23 at the earliest opportunity and driving down A roads when possible. There were times I didn't know who was driving the thing - was it me? Or was the car doing the driving? We positively hurtled down back roads, pausing only to give corners the respect I had been told they deserved, before squirting out at the apex. This is my memory, but in truth I was barely getting above 4000rpm. I was probably only driving at half mast. I didn't feel the need to push harder, not on those roads.
As to the handling, did the 996 handle like a sports car - or just like any other sporty rwd car. Hard to say - I have not driven a Ferrari, a Lambo, McLaren, Aston etc. I need to get it out more to really find this out. What I think I have noticed is that the car is far more competent than me - whilst I will hesitate in a corner, thinking I might have overcooked it, easing on the throttle finds an unflappable and rock solid chassis happy to carry me round without drama. It seems to be saying - "why ease, you should have buried" - time will tell.
I think my suspension is standard but it does seem to have that great knack of being wonderful over a speed bump or rut (which it soaks up) and yet at the same time entirely roll resistant in a corner. In addition to this attribute, tramlining is happily non existent which when you can gather pace at the rate you can is essential.
What is sporty is the driving position and low centre of gravity, coupled with the noise - not necessarily from the engine (I have the standard exhaust) - but also from the road through the tyres. You do feel the divots and pot holes, the road surface. There is noise at speeds. It is not strictly a car for passengers, I can see that on the face of my dear wife. But what in a Bentley Continental might be considered insufferable works really well in a 996.
The gearing is noteworthy. I do not exceed the national speed limit, but it doesn't stop me from enjoying a car that can exceed it in second gear. Also, any car that can take a 1st to 6th change and carry on as if you've done a 3rd to 4th in a lesser car gets my approval. In essence, the car has bags of go at any speed and in any gear. Having got used to turbo-charged engines (and the solitary v8) I do like this about a car.
The brakes take a little getting used to - and probably contributed to my reluctance to really gain momentum along quieter roads - as you think initially that they are not that good. Further research happily reveals that "they are all like that sir" and in fact what you have are just lightly assisted brakes to allow for a rawer / smoother driving experience and that should you really need to mash the pedal they will duly stop on a sixpence.
Oh and there is one other thing which is perhaps most interesting of all. I have had, and have, a number of tics. Miscellanous really. Currently I have an issue with my throat and whilst clearing it started of as necessary that has also now developed into a bit of a tic in the sense that I cant really stop it and certain situations make it worse. The ONLY thing so far that has had any effect on this is driving the 996. It is such a visceral experience all of my concentration and focus is on it and the road ahead. For some strange reason, not a single tic from journey start to journey end. Weird eh. But good.
A few weeks ago, I bought my first Porsche - very much at the entry level of 911s, namely a manual, C2 Carrera 996. The headlights give the game away that this is the 3.6 version - it is an MY2002 car. 59,000 miles on the clock and last owner for 11 years, with impeccable service history.
I have coveted a 911 since I can remember but children from the very moment I qualified as a solicitor and saw my earnings reach the level required to buy one (6 kids in total over 15 years) put pay to the ambitious, Thatcher's child in me. I lived a more humble life than I had expected and resigned myself to quick transport of a cheaper nature with a handful of MPVs thrown in for good measure. I lived with the certainty of never fulfilling my automotive dream, but of course I always had my lovely children to love and keep me grounded.
So what of those cheaper cars? Well, I spent most of my car owning life wishing for and chasing more power. I started with Saab. Not a bad place to start to be fair - cheap, luxurious, well built until 1998 and quicker than one might think. Highly partial to a remap, they served me well. From there I "graduated" to BMWS, starting with a 530i sport - fabulous handling but the lack of torque pushed me to turbo power again (diesels) and a V8 (BMW 550i). The only true MPV of note was a Grand Espace 3.5 v6 which whilst not "especially" quick was an absolute peach of an engine. A rarity as well - the diesel loving MPV brigade swerved those like they were North Korean built. I haven't seen one for sale for a while! Why on earth would you drive a diesel Espace though when you could buy one with the Nissan 350Z drivetrain? Nuts. Current daily drivers currently being an e46 330d and E70 X5 40d.
I mention this to contextualise my very first impressions of the 996. I guess the common theme developing above is that of torque. Low down grunt. And lots of it. Would it be the case, I wondered, that the 996 would feel flat at low revs only really coming alive much higher in the rev range than I am used to travelling? Would it feel "slow" because of this? Heck, some people even claim an M3 feels slow. Would the 996 feel slow?
In a word, no. Not at all. In fact, it felt fast. Much faster than I was expecting. Having not driven the car until the day of purchase I was totally ignorant and a 90 minute slog down the North Circular, the Blackwall Tunnel and South London babying what to me was a new car was NOT the ideal proving ground however the day cheered up because after establishing that my two twins fitted in the rear I was straight on from Bromley to the South Downs - skipping off the M23 at the earliest opportunity and driving down A roads when possible. There were times I didn't know who was driving the thing - was it me? Or was the car doing the driving? We positively hurtled down back roads, pausing only to give corners the respect I had been told they deserved, before squirting out at the apex. This is my memory, but in truth I was barely getting above 4000rpm. I was probably only driving at half mast. I didn't feel the need to push harder, not on those roads.
As to the handling, did the 996 handle like a sports car - or just like any other sporty rwd car. Hard to say - I have not driven a Ferrari, a Lambo, McLaren, Aston etc. I need to get it out more to really find this out. What I think I have noticed is that the car is far more competent than me - whilst I will hesitate in a corner, thinking I might have overcooked it, easing on the throttle finds an unflappable and rock solid chassis happy to carry me round without drama. It seems to be saying - "why ease, you should have buried" - time will tell.
I think my suspension is standard but it does seem to have that great knack of being wonderful over a speed bump or rut (which it soaks up) and yet at the same time entirely roll resistant in a corner. In addition to this attribute, tramlining is happily non existent which when you can gather pace at the rate you can is essential.
What is sporty is the driving position and low centre of gravity, coupled with the noise - not necessarily from the engine (I have the standard exhaust) - but also from the road through the tyres. You do feel the divots and pot holes, the road surface. There is noise at speeds. It is not strictly a car for passengers, I can see that on the face of my dear wife. But what in a Bentley Continental might be considered insufferable works really well in a 996.
The gearing is noteworthy. I do not exceed the national speed limit, but it doesn't stop me from enjoying a car that can exceed it in second gear. Also, any car that can take a 1st to 6th change and carry on as if you've done a 3rd to 4th in a lesser car gets my approval. In essence, the car has bags of go at any speed and in any gear. Having got used to turbo-charged engines (and the solitary v8) I do like this about a car.
The brakes take a little getting used to - and probably contributed to my reluctance to really gain momentum along quieter roads - as you think initially that they are not that good. Further research happily reveals that "they are all like that sir" and in fact what you have are just lightly assisted brakes to allow for a rawer / smoother driving experience and that should you really need to mash the pedal they will duly stop on a sixpence.
Oh and there is one other thing which is perhaps most interesting of all. I have had, and have, a number of tics. Miscellanous really. Currently I have an issue with my throat and whilst clearing it started of as necessary that has also now developed into a bit of a tic in the sense that I cant really stop it and certain situations make it worse. The ONLY thing so far that has had any effect on this is driving the 996. It is such a visceral experience all of my concentration and focus is on it and the road ahead. For some strange reason, not a single tic from journey start to journey end. Weird eh. But good.
Wonderful car and now you're hooked forever its like crack 
You've bought an absolute cracker there. One of the greatest sports cars of all time.....(whisper it the 996 C2!)
Try some Michelin PS4S when current tyres wear out - modern tyres on that will transform the handling from very good to sublime. A geo from Chris at Centre Gravity well worth a look too. You'll be amazed how good the guy is at setting these up. Or Sport and Classic or 9e for the geo to be fair.
You've bought an absolute cracker there. One of the greatest sports cars of all time.....(whisper it the 996 C2!)
Try some Michelin PS4S when current tyres wear out - modern tyres on that will transform the handling from very good to sublime. A geo from Chris at Centre Gravity well worth a look too. You'll be amazed how good the guy is at setting these up. Or Sport and Classic or 9e for the geo to be fair.
Nice write up, congratulations and some of your experiences mirror my first impressions (the feel of the brakes especially) since I picked up my 2002 996 C2 (almost a twin of yours in Basalt black but I have the Aerokit rear spoiler and side sills) almost 8 weeks ago.
I've since done 1900 miles (that's twice the previous owner's average annual mileage over the 7 years he had it) including a few days in the Lake District and will shortly be going into Center Gravity next week for a geo/refresh prior to a trip round Yorkshire which will add another 1000 or so.
My daily is a tweaked Toyota GT86 and I love the difference between the two cars which makes using the 911 even more special.
I've since done 1900 miles (that's twice the previous owner's average annual mileage over the 7 years he had it) including a few days in the Lake District and will shortly be going into Center Gravity next week for a geo/refresh prior to a trip round Yorkshire which will add another 1000 or so.
My daily is a tweaked Toyota GT86 and I love the difference between the two cars which makes using the 911 even more special.
Desert Dragon said:
Wonderful car and now you're hooked forever its like crack
You've bought an absolute cracker there. One of the greatest sports cars of all time.....(whisper it the 996 C2!)
Try some Michelin PS4S when current tyres wear out - modern tyres on that will transform the handling from very good to sublime. A geo from Chris at Centre Gravity well worth a look too. You'll be amazed how good the guy is at setting these up. Or Sport and Classic or 9e for the geo to be fair.
+1 for the CG work.You've bought an absolute cracker there. One of the greatest sports cars of all time.....(whisper it the 996 C2!)
Try some Michelin PS4S when current tyres wear out - modern tyres on that will transform the handling from very good to sublime. A geo from Chris at Centre Gravity well worth a look too. You'll be amazed how good the guy is at setting these up. Or Sport and Classic or 9e for the geo to be fair.
You may find a good set of proper discs and pads will transform both pedal feel and bite without huge expense.
Lovely car. Looks well on those wheels.
I have never even contemplated changing 1st to 6th!! It's a nice enough box that I'd rather go up through the gears every time (the 997 shifter helps here).
It took me a few days to 'get the 996 drive. Once you have, you will definitely want to stretch it's legs above 5k rpm - the whole thing comes alive up there
It took me a few days to 'get the 996 drive. Once you have, you will definitely want to stretch it's legs above 5k rpm - the whole thing comes alive up there
Desert Dragon said:
Wonderful car and now you're hooked forever its like crack
You've bought an absolute cracker there. One of the greatest sports cars of all time.....(whisper it the 996 C2!)
Try some Michelin PS4S when current tyres wear out - modern tyres on that will transform the handling from very good to sublime. A geo from Chris at Centre Gravity well worth a look too. You'll be amazed how good the guy is at setting these up. Or Sport and Classic or 9e for the geo to be fair.
Thanks and thanks for the tips too. No complaints to date really, but 9e do look worryingly close, experienced and enticing!You've bought an absolute cracker there. One of the greatest sports cars of all time.....(whisper it the 996 C2!)
Try some Michelin PS4S when current tyres wear out - modern tyres on that will transform the handling from very good to sublime. A geo from Chris at Centre Gravity well worth a look too. You'll be amazed how good the guy is at setting these up. Or Sport and Classic or 9e for the geo to be fair.
peterg1955 said:
Nice write up, congratulations and some of your experiences mirror my first impressions (the feel of the brakes especially) since I picked up my 2002 996 C2 (almost a twin of yours in Basalt black but I have the Aerokit rear spoiler and side sills) almost 8 weeks ago.
I've since done 1900 miles (that's twice the previous owner's average annual mileage over the 7 years he had it) including a few days in the Lake District and will shortly be going into Center Gravity next week for a geo/refresh prior to a trip round Yorkshire which will add another 1000 or so.
My daily is a tweaked Toyota GT86 and I love the difference between the two cars which makes using the 911 even more special.
Very nice! I have to say I am jealous of your time behind the wheel - In truth, I did wonder whether I would use this car very infrequently with an eye on resale but I quickly realized what a foolish thought that was. Still, I will struggle to do 2k a year even trying....I've since done 1900 miles (that's twice the previous owner's average annual mileage over the 7 years he had it) including a few days in the Lake District and will shortly be going into Center Gravity next week for a geo/refresh prior to a trip round Yorkshire which will add another 1000 or so.
My daily is a tweaked Toyota GT86 and I love the difference between the two cars which makes using the 911 even more special.
skinny said:
I have never even contemplated changing 1st to 6th!! It's a nice enough box that I'd rather go up through the gears every time (the 997 shifter helps here).
It took me a few days to 'get the 996 drive. Once you have, you will definitely want to stretch it's legs above 5k rpm - the whole thing comes alive up there
HA! Yes, not something I do often... I'm looking forward to getting to know it better over the next few months and years and I dare say my driving style will develop to better suit the car!It took me a few days to 'get the 996 drive. Once you have, you will definitely want to stretch it's legs above 5k rpm - the whole thing comes alive up there
johnwhalley72 said:
First post.
Really impressed.
You sir are a true petrolhead - a V6 MPV!!
Well done on your purchase.
911's do get under your skin.
Enjoy in good health.
Thanks and I feel honoured to receive your first post! It was actually my second v6 MPV believe it or not. I owned a mkIII 3.0 RXE Grand Espace before that!Really impressed.
You sir are a true petrolhead - a V6 MPV!!
Well done on your purchase.
911's do get under your skin.
Enjoy in good health.
Digga said:
Desert Dragon said:
Wonderful car and now you're hooked forever its like crack
You've bought an absolute cracker there. One of the greatest sports cars of all time.....(whisper it the 996 C2!)
Try some Michelin PS4S when current tyres wear out - modern tyres on that will transform the handling from very good to sublime. A geo from Chris at Centre Gravity well worth a look too. You'll be amazed how good the guy is at setting these up. Or Sport and Classic or 9e for the geo to be fair.
+1 for the CG work.You've bought an absolute cracker there. One of the greatest sports cars of all time.....(whisper it the 996 C2!)
Try some Michelin PS4S when current tyres wear out - modern tyres on that will transform the handling from very good to sublime. A geo from Chris at Centre Gravity well worth a look too. You'll be amazed how good the guy is at setting these up. Or Sport and Classic or 9e for the geo to be fair.
You may find a good set of proper discs and pads will transform both pedal feel and bite without huge expense.
Lovely car. Looks well on those wheels.
Also have you checked the date stamps on them?
I'd recommend playing around with the tyres pressures. I think the Porsche recommended pressures are a bit too hard but its a personal thing. And whats better is this will cost you nothing. So let us know what they are now and if any adjustments help improve the feel of the car.
Standard for a 996 facelift with 18 inch is 225/40 Front and 285/30 Rear running 36 Front and 44 Rear.
I have 225/40 Front and 265/35 Rear running 28 Front and 34 Rear.
I had pirelli n4 on my 986 in the same sizes as my 996 back in 2005 and 2006. I liked them as they were quite compliant compared to the continental I tried. I will say that I think the n4 has not changed since then which is over 10 years old or more. I'm not saying you need new tyres but a newer tyre design may work better.
I would recommend you check the date stamp on your tyres and definitely check their pressures. If you like the setup as is then make a note of the pressures now.
I have 225/40 Front and 265/35 Rear running 28 Front and 34 Rear.
I had pirelli n4 on my 986 in the same sizes as my 996 back in 2005 and 2006. I liked them as they were quite compliant compared to the continental I tried. I will say that I think the n4 has not changed since then which is over 10 years old or more. I'm not saying you need new tyres but a newer tyre design may work better.
I would recommend you check the date stamp on your tyres and definitely check their pressures. If you like the setup as is then make a note of the pressures now.
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