I think these cars have one of the best looking rear ends of any 911 and the headlights are now really coming-of-age especially the turbo variant found on these cars.
Yes, the rear reflector is reminiscent of the 993 C4. I wonder what it would have looked like if they had altered the rear wings and altered the rear lights for the C4S so that only the ‘light bar’ remained (removing the top grey area of the light cluster), I think that would have looked amazing. I might have to photoshop that up 👍
993 S has the best looking rear end. 964 Turbo 3.6 as well. But this is definitely the best looking rear end of the water cooled. Why oh why they got rid of the rear reflector which is the classic quintessential Porsche look?
Yes; I would say that the 996/986 headlights are more and more receiving the appreciation they deserve... More so, in regards to the 986/996 version one as opposed to the .2 version... The original 996/986 headlights are "cleaner" than the .2 version imo. I say this as a happy owner of an 02 986 S 3.2 liter model I hope I'm not late 🙂
I have a C4S Tip. I use the buttons all the time and can change down a couple gears way quicker than doing the same in a manual. A mere flick of the wrist without taking my hands off the wheel. Agreed the radio/so called info tainment system is old fashioned, but I don't drive the Porsche to listen to the radio! 🤣 Great cars.
I think one of the big reasons the 996 was unloved was the change to water cooling and the sharing of some Boxster parts, Porsche had to do this to survive. The IMS issue, Porsche claim failure is around 4% across the 996 and Gen1 997. The Tiptronic box is very good, you can set off in first gear, select first manually as you roll to a stop. I like the Tip in my 996 C4S, no its not as good as the 8 Speed ZF box in my BMW 440i but its not as bad as people claim, even the buttons are okay. Interesting point the Gen1 997 ran hotter than the 996 and appears to suffer with bore score more than the 996. Values are rising around 8% PA.
The c4s is the way to go with this generation 911. I’m predicting it will appreciate in value. For the money you get the turbo bumpers, the 4wd and the best looking rear end with that taillight bar, and those headlights are mean looking, I’ve always liked that shape.
Who said it wasn’t particularly well received? It was met with great acclaim from all the mags , the only people who didn’t like it was old school air cooled guys . The 996 was a massive sales success , they sold a lot more of these than 993s .
Love the review. Love the look of these so much that I just went out and purchased one… am loving it… much better in the flesh than on screen actually….
After having mine for almost five years, I totally agree with your assessment although I have the manual cab. It’s a great car, but it’s critical to get a pre purchase inspection.
Good video! I've got a similar C4S in seal grey with a manual gearbox, although it started in much grottier condition that that one! As you say, it's a great daily driver and modern classic. One thing I would add is that they're actually surprisingly easy cars to work on, making even a tired one a worthwhile project if you're good with spanners.
Really enjoyed this video 👍 I have a C4S myself and everything you mention is spot on. I don’t drive it regularly but when I do, it just brings a smile to my face every time. Thanks.
Absolutely the best looking water cooled Porsche rear. And you are correct that these are genuine bargains. 993 widebodies start from $120K these days (and that is 4S with a lot of mileage). Insanity. These 996's are still accessible. So great cars.
I think it was the other way round, the Boxster was limited to using parts from the 996 911 project, like doors etc. Porsche had it well into development when the Boxster was released. The first deviation from the 911 for the Boxster is the 981 series, they no longer share so many parts, the doors have air scoops etc. I would wait for the recession to hit then buy one, top of the market right now.
No mention of the bore scoring problem? This is a real thing and very common especially on Tiptronic models as they start in second gear by default there’s a lot more heat generated by the gearbox. And despite looking like a turbo these cars don’t have the turbo bottom end they have the standard 996 engine and it’s issues. I owned a 996 tip for five years it was a great car but it had bore scoring that had been masked by the seller so it always had a taint to the ownership experience. Get a camera in the cylinders, fit a Hartech thermostat and use a thicker oil and you should be good.
I remember when the 996 came out, I loved the headlights.. The car looked futuristic and sexy, especially the turbo.. and then Porsche went back to the old round lights.. Idk why they did that..
This is a real driver's car, you will feel the instant confidence in driving and putting the power down as soon as you get comfortable with its basic handling, amazing visibility(considering its a sports car) and it's ergonomic controls. The only downside is the work that needs to be done to maintain the car. Check for the 996 ims bearing issue and rms leak that plagued the 996 amd boxter 986 generation of cars. Other than that it's a good buy 👍
986 is the real bargain. Not a great deal slower than a 996, not subject to bore scoring, better chassis with mid engine layout, oh and a better sound with that engine right on your spine, whats not to like?
Great review….with practical advice and the right amount of “feel”. I’m looking at one right now with less than 20k on the clock….a cabriolet….with the 6 speed MT. I want to sell my 2020 truck and my Porsche 944s2cabriolet. I’m retired Navy and retired federal LEO…but the wife still works, so I need her buy in (hey! Happy wife, happy life!!) So maybe…just maybe! Tanks again…a great review….Bravo-Zulu, well done!
I am looking to buy a C4S. I got a professional inspection report delivered today and it just said the coolant was low. The mechanic did not do any further checks to see why coolant was low but could this be a concern?
Unless you have to drive an auto then you 100% want a manual. Yes i'm biased as I own a manual. But it's so much better to drive in manual form. If you're buying one as a second car, then your buying for fun drives. The manual give you way more engagement..
Rather have a C2 honestly for the lighter weight and more pure driving experience... or convert a 4S to RWD and get the wider rear track while dumping the unnecessary drivetrain components. 911s have so much rear grip with RWD only, AWD is quite unnecessary unless you have huge amounts of power
I get that the C4S has a nice rear end but other than that it is just like the other models only heavier and lacks the classic 911 narrow body driving experience. For a non-turbo road car the 40th Anniversary is superior in horsepower and torque (X-51 standard), lighter, better handling (M030 suspensions standard), exclusivity (less than 2,000 worldwide), better interior, and the classic Porsche narrow body handling. Big ass looks nice for the guy following you to enjoy, but those who insist on a superior driving experience choose 40AE. I regret selling mine when the COVID pandemic hit but last time I looked their prices have shot up to nearly double what I gave mine away for.
C4S, X51, M030, PCCB, PSE VALVED, AEROKIT, HOLLOW SPOKE TECHNO, DARK TEAL METALLIC, FULL LEATHER SAVANNAH, SPORT SEATS / BODY PAINT SHELL, BOSE, etc. - 40AEs are nice, but if you find a 4S with these OEM specs, you could consider it a 1-off that might cost you less then a 40AE
@@avinii So you spec a C4S like a 40AE but you still can't spec the GT Silver exterior, the natural perforated leather interior or the classic RWD 911 driving experience. Four wheel drive experience is more like an Audi Quatro than a Porsche 911.
@@RayMelville Exactly, I spec a 4S technically like a 40AE + even more extras that aren’t even available on a 40AE, and what do I get? A car that is rarer and cheaper to get then a 40AE. You can find 40AEs worldwide, but how often do you find 4Ss speced like 40AEs + extras? GT Silver is cool, but almost undistinguishable from any other silver 996 out there. Perforated or not, its a black interior and from what I know all stock Porsches come with black interiors. Nothing wrong with black interiors, just saying they are common. RWD is undeniably great, but theres something about NA AWD 911s and the fact that with the given power you'll almost never be able to loose out on grip. That + AEROKIT + M030 + Ceramic Brakes makes it arguably impossible to loose grip. Could continue, but pictures, as we all know, speak for themselves prnt.sc/u5p0E3r3dMpp
I must agree with @AVINI. My Artic Silver Metallic 2004 C4S with the X51 package, 6 speed manual, M030 suspension, perforated full black leather, etc. is much rarer than 40AE and more fun to drive. Besides, we’re all talking Porsches here so why the putdowns? Let’s go driving.
@@karlhurn yeah and PDK is super transmission from 2011 on it was so good but these older 911’s the manual gearbox made a big difference to the drive experience. If you have not driven old Porsche and you want to make an opinion on them I think you really need to drive the manual
These cars are old, their performance isn't the main reason you buy them, the 4s is the best looking and most classy 996, I consider an aero kit early 996 to be a cooler looking car but it has no class.
…Exactly, and that should be the same reason why by the time of its launch in 2002, the 996 C4S was simply "the fastest N/A 911 ever" on the Nürburgring, Lol!!!
I think these cars have one of the best looking rear ends of any 911 and the headlights are now really coming-of-age especially the turbo variant found on these cars.
Yes, the rear reflector is reminiscent of the 993 C4. I wonder what it would have looked like if they had altered the rear wings and altered the rear lights for the C4S so that only the ‘light bar’ remained (removing the top grey area of the light cluster), I think that would have looked amazing. I might have to photoshop that up 👍
Agreed, yet I found the original 996 C2 terrible. Amazing how detail changes and a wider rear end changes the look drastically.
@@karlhurn you don’t have to do that lots of ppl wrap the top half of the rear light in body color just look on line
993 S has the best looking rear end. 964 Turbo 3.6 as well. But this is definitely the best looking rear end of the water cooled. Why oh why they got rid of the rear reflector which is the classic quintessential Porsche look?
Yes; I would say that the 996/986 headlights are more and more receiving the appreciation they deserve...
More so, in regards to the 986/996 version one as opposed to the .2 version...
The original 996/986 headlights are "cleaner" than the .2 version imo.
I say this as a happy owner of an 02 986 S 3.2 liter model
I hope I'm not late 🙂
I have a C4S Tip. I use the buttons all the time and can change down a couple gears way quicker than doing the same in a manual. A mere flick of the wrist without taking my hands off the wheel. Agreed the radio/so called info tainment system is old fashioned, but I don't drive the Porsche to listen to the radio! 🤣 Great cars.
Great vid! Only one thing you missed… the sound it makes going from 3k to 7k revs 😁
I think one of the big reasons the 996 was unloved was the change to water cooling and the sharing of some Boxster parts, Porsche had to do this to survive. The IMS issue, Porsche claim failure is around 4% across the 996 and Gen1 997. The Tiptronic box is very good, you can set off in first gear, select first manually as you roll to a stop. I like the Tip in my 996 C4S, no its not as good as the 8 Speed ZF box in my BMW 440i but its not as bad as people claim, even the buttons are okay. Interesting point the Gen1 997 ran hotter than the 996 and appears to suffer with bore score more than the 996. Values are rising around 8% PA.
The c4s is the way to go with this generation 911. I’m predicting it will appreciate in value. For the money you get the turbo bumpers, the 4wd and the best looking rear end with that taillight bar, and those headlights are mean looking, I’ve always liked that shape.
Who said it wasn’t particularly well received?
It was met with great acclaim from all the mags , the only people who didn’t like it was old school air cooled guys .
The 996 was a massive sales success , they sold a lot more of these than 993s .
Love the review. Love the look of these so much that I just went out and purchased one… am loving it… much better in the flesh than on screen actually….
Glad you liked it 👍 And congratulations on your C4S 👌
After having mine for almost five years, I totally agree with your assessment although I have the manual cab. It’s a great car, but it’s critical to get a pre purchase inspection.
Good video! I've got a similar C4S in seal grey with a manual gearbox, although it started in much grottier condition that that one! As you say, it's a great daily driver and modern classic. One thing I would add is that they're actually surprisingly easy cars to work on, making even a tired one a worthwhile project if you're good with spanners.
Any issues with it so far? I’m considering trading a modern car for an 04 Carrera 4S with a manual
@@sebeastin3830we need answers @mattsmith6514!!
Really enjoyed this video 👍 I have a C4S myself and everything you mention is spot on. I don’t drive it regularly but when I do, it just brings a smile to my face every time. Thanks.
Many thanks 🙏 Glad you enjoyed it. Have fun with the C4S, you’ve got a cracker 👌
Absolutely the best looking water cooled Porsche rear. And you are correct that these are genuine bargains. 993 widebodies start from $120K these days (and that is 4S with a lot of mileage). Insanity. These 996's are still accessible. So great cars.
I think it was the other way round, the Boxster was limited to using parts from the 996 911 project, like doors etc. Porsche had it well into development when the Boxster was released.
The first deviation from the 911 for the Boxster is the 981 series, they no longer share so many parts, the doors have air scoops etc.
I would wait for the recession to hit then buy one, top of the market right now.
The 996 C4S will never be a bargain as long as some think it’s a better car than the 5th gen tt.
Have one in my area for 29k with 63k miles clean as a whistle.
Want it and will get it.
My dream car.
No mention of the bore scoring problem? This is a real thing and very common especially on Tiptronic models as they start in second gear by default there’s a lot more heat generated by the gearbox. And despite looking like a turbo these cars don’t have the turbo bottom end they have the standard 996 engine and it’s issues. I owned a 996 tip for five years it was a great car but it had bore scoring that had been masked by the seller so it always had a taint to the ownership experience. Get a camera in the cylinders, fit a Hartech thermostat and use a thicker oil and you should be good.
Good point Levo 👍 and thanks for the insights and advice👌
How can bore scoring be masked, it makes so much noise you cannot miss it, even with thicker fresh oil.
@@robinoconnor1203 it can be masked if its in the beggining of the cylinder score.
I remember when the 996 came out, I loved the headlights.. The car looked futuristic and sexy, especially the turbo.. and then Porsche went back to the old round lights.. Idk why they did that..
What an amazing color. It's gorgeous.
996 are fantastic drive and sports car
This is a real driver's car, you will feel the instant confidence in driving and putting the power down as soon as you get comfortable with its basic handling, amazing visibility(considering its a sports car) and it's ergonomic controls. The only downside is the work that needs to be done to maintain the car. Check for the 996 ims bearing issue and rms leak that plagued the 996 amd boxter 986 generation of cars. Other than that it's a good buy 👍
986 is the real bargain. Not a great deal slower than a 996, not subject to bore scoring, better chassis with mid engine layout, oh and a better sound with that engine right on your spine, whats not to like?
I hear you! I love an early 2.5 986 👌
exactly, the same interior as this car as well. The 986 is the bargain of the century considering how much of a 911 you get in that car. crazy cheap.
Metzger engine! Lively metallic engine sound!no to 1000 screens and infotainment functions!
Ohh and it's a Porsche!
I like the corded telephone, lol.
A well put together video. Concise with detailed explanation - have subscribed. Thank you.
Thanks David. Glad you enjoyed it.
Crikey that was so time ago. It was hydraulic lifter failure on one bank. The car was repaired and sold, thanks.
Great review….with practical advice and the right amount of “feel”. I’m looking at one right now with less than 20k on the clock….a cabriolet….with the 6 speed MT. I want to sell my 2020 truck and my Porsche 944s2cabriolet. I’m retired Navy and retired federal LEO…but the wife still works, so I need her buy in (hey! Happy wife, happy life!!) So maybe…just maybe! Tanks again…a great review….Bravo-Zulu, well done!
Great review 👍
Thanks a million for the great review 🙏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👌🏼👌🏼
No problem. Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Biggest issue with this car is that it didn't use the Mezza engine which us a real shame so is open to all the well known documented issues.
Straight to the classifieds..
Nice Porsche!
I am looking to buy a C4S. I got a professional inspection report delivered today and it just said the coolant was low. The mechanic did not do any further checks to see why coolant was low but could this be a concern?
Unless you have to drive an auto then you 100% want a manual. Yes i'm biased as I own a manual. But it's so much better to drive in manual form. If you're buying one as a second car, then your buying for fun drives. The manual give you way more engagement..
Indémodable ❤
Carerra not Carera. Good review that
Great review, thanks man
Thanks 🙏. Glad you liked it 👍
What's maintainance like is it bad?
It’s a Porsche, so don’t expect Vauxhall bills. But if you find a good local specialist they are reliable cars.
I would rather the 2 wheel drive .. I believe it’s 70 KG lighter than , the 4S ..
Rather have a C2 honestly for the lighter weight and more pure driving experience... or convert a 4S to RWD and get the wider rear track while dumping the unnecessary drivetrain components. 911s have so much rear grip with RWD only, AWD is quite unnecessary unless you have huge amounts of power
Then get a 996 C4S with the X51 package. Loads of torque and fun. Great everyday driver.
The C4S was quicker around the nurburgring than the lighter C2 though as it had better brakes, suspension and mechanical grip.
I get that the C4S has a nice rear end but other than that it is just like the other models only heavier and lacks the classic 911 narrow body driving experience. For a non-turbo road car the 40th Anniversary is superior in horsepower and torque (X-51 standard), lighter, better handling (M030 suspensions standard), exclusivity (less than 2,000 worldwide), better interior, and the classic Porsche narrow body handling. Big ass looks nice for the guy following you to enjoy, but those who insist on a superior driving experience choose 40AE. I regret selling mine when the COVID pandemic hit but last time I looked their prices have shot up to nearly double what I gave mine away for.
yeah the 40AE is better but it costs quite a lot more now than a C4S
C4S, X51, M030, PCCB, PSE VALVED, AEROKIT, HOLLOW SPOKE TECHNO, DARK TEAL METALLIC, FULL LEATHER SAVANNAH, SPORT SEATS / BODY PAINT SHELL, BOSE, etc. - 40AEs are nice, but if you find a 4S with these OEM specs, you could consider it a 1-off that might cost you less then a 40AE
@@avinii So you spec a C4S like a 40AE but you still can't spec the GT Silver exterior, the natural perforated leather interior or the classic RWD 911 driving experience. Four wheel drive experience is more like an Audi Quatro than a Porsche 911.
@@RayMelville Exactly, I spec a 4S technically like a 40AE + even more extras that aren’t even available on a 40AE, and what do I get? A car that is rarer and cheaper to get then a 40AE. You can find 40AEs worldwide, but how often do you find 4Ss speced like 40AEs + extras? GT Silver is cool, but almost undistinguishable from any other silver 996 out there. Perforated or not, its a black interior and from what I know all stock Porsches come with black interiors. Nothing wrong with black interiors, just saying they are common. RWD is undeniably great, but theres something about NA AWD 911s and the fact that with the given power you'll almost never be able to loose out on grip. That + AEROKIT + M030 + Ceramic Brakes makes it arguably impossible to loose grip. Could continue, but pictures, as we all know, speak for themselves prnt.sc/u5p0E3r3dMpp
I must agree with @AVINI. My Artic Silver Metallic 2004 C4S with the X51 package, 6 speed manual, M030 suspension, perforated full black leather, etc. is much rarer than 40AE and more fun to drive. Besides, we’re all talking Porsches here so why the putdowns? Let’s go driving.
The damn IMS issue excluding turbo and gt2 models so the c4s is worthless deal
The IMS can be sorted though!?
But it's painful process and cost $$
@@mohsinmohammed3480it’s really not. If you have owned a 996 you would know your statement is false
While I’d certainly take a nicely-priced 996 Carrera, the 4S is my white whale.
So why would you pick a auto! You loose most the sporty character…
Cheaper? Or you spend a lot of time commuting? An awful lot of 911’s are Tip or PDK.
@@karlhurn yeah and PDK is super transmission from 2011 on it was so good but these older 911’s the manual gearbox made a big difference to the drive experience. If you have not driven old Porsche and you want to make an opinion on them I think you really need to drive the manual
The 4s is the slowest, overpriced version of the 996. The worst buy of the range.
These cars are old, their performance isn't the main reason you buy them, the 4s is the best looking and most classy 996, I consider an aero kit early 996 to be a cooler looking car but it has no class.
…Exactly, and that should be the same reason why by the time of its launch in 2002, the 996 C4S was simply "the fastest N/A 911 ever" on the Nürburgring, Lol!!!
Total bollocks