Took my first 11 hour trip in my "new" 1999 996 last weekend, Charlotte, NC to NYC, wow, what a great drive!!! Taken the same trip dozens of times over the years in my F-150, so yeah, much better!!!
I am lucky enough to have been able to drive almost all Porsches and to get cars loaned to me by my dealership from times to times so that I always get to drive the newest models. Despite that, I still love my 996, it has close to the speed of a modern 911 (I can keep up with a 997.2 S easily on a track), feels more raw, has the charm of a purpose built non luxurious sports car (modern Porsches are luxury sports cars ... which is good too, but different). I love more or less all 911s but the 996.2 is really half way between the raw charm of the aircooled cars and the practicality + speed of the latest 911s and, for that reason and despite the fact that I agree that it is not the prettiest, I love mine so much that I can't sell it because, aside from buying a GT3, I can't find the rawness of my 996 in modern 911s.
As it is 2 years after this video. I bought a 1999 911 996 from your Bud Jake R. After Jake went thru this engine for Jadie.. I feel I have the perfect 996. New LN IMS, clutch, AOS, Water Pump etc. etc. I've owned it now for 2 years. Running STRONG~~ no probs!
I can vouch for the comment about the C4 being great in snow (ground clearance being the only issue). I used to own a 911/964 C4 and one winter we had a bad blizzard and a friend called me to come pick them up. I used the 911 to do it and was absolutely amazed how trouble free and confident the driving in the snow was for me.
The youngest 996 is 13 years old. Like the 986 Boxster, they are potentially subject to IMS bearing issues. Spent the money for a PPI at a Porsche dealer. Tell the seller they'll be getting a free oil change out of it if you don't buy. If the seller won't allow it walk away.
PPI at a Porsche dealer is completely worthless. I make this comment from experience. Take it to an independent mechanic that specializes in Porsche, there's at least one good one in every city.
That flutter/runout sound at start is the starter not retracting fast enough and being back driven by the crank. My 2002 Boxster did this, my 1999 Carrera does this. New starter fixes it, or you can clean and re lube the starter, Burners cars has a good video on how to.
Very happy with my 1999 Porsche 911 996 Cabriolet. After owning 2 air cooled Porsches, I find a better environment as a cold A/C as I live in the hot South. I loved my Air cooled Porsches. However, I love the A/C down here in the South!
Where was this video last year? Bought my first Porsche last year. 1999 Carrera 6speed. Been great so far(knock on wood lol) and have put about 8k miles on it. Loving it.
Took my first 11 hour trip in my "new" 1999 996 last weekend, Charlotte, NC to NYC, wow, what a great drive!!! Taken the same trip dozens of times over the years in my F-150, so yeah, much better!!!
The PCA is doing something that feels so unique and incredibly helpful.
I am lucky enough to have been able to drive almost all Porsches and to get cars loaned to me by my dealership from times to times so that I always get to drive the newest models. Despite that, I still love my 996, it has close to the speed of a modern 911 (I can keep up with a 997.2 S easily on a track), feels more raw, has the charm of a purpose built non luxurious sports car (modern Porsches are luxury sports cars ... which is good too, but different).
I love more or less all 911s but the 996.2 is really half way between the raw charm of the aircooled cars and the practicality + speed of the latest 911s and, for that reason and despite the fact that I agree that it is not the prettiest, I love mine so much that I can't sell it because, aside from buying a GT3, I can't find the rawness of my 996 in modern 911s.
As it is 2 years after this video. I bought a 1999 911 996 from your Bud Jake R. After Jake went thru this engine for Jadie.. I feel I have the perfect 996. New LN IMS, clutch, AOS, Water Pump etc. etc. I've owned it now for 2 years. Running STRONG~~ no probs!
I can vouch for the comment about the C4 being great in snow (ground clearance being the only issue). I used to own a 911/964 C4 and one winter we had a bad blizzard and a friend called me to come pick them up. I used the 911 to do it and was absolutely amazed how trouble free and confident the driving in the snow was for me.
412 likes and zero dislikes! Keep it up PCA amazing videos
Thanks, will do! Be sure to subscribe!
The youngest 996 is 13 years old. Like the 986 Boxster, they are potentially subject to IMS bearing issues. Spent the money for a PPI at a Porsche dealer. Tell the seller they'll be getting a free oil change out of it if you don't buy. If the seller won't allow it walk away.
PPI at a Porsche dealer is completely worthless. I make this comment from experience. Take it to an independent mechanic that specializes in Porsche, there's at least one good one in every city.
The heated seat buttons are on the bottom of the console (below the radio/etc) on my 99 996, not where he noted
That flutter/runout sound at start is the starter not retracting fast enough and being back driven by the crank. My 2002 Boxster did this, my 1999 Carrera does this. New starter fixes it, or you can clean and re lube the starter, Burners cars has a good video on how to.
Very happy with my 1999 Porsche 911 996 Cabriolet. After owning 2 air cooled Porsches, I find a better environment as a cold A/C as I live in the hot South. I loved my Air cooled Porsches. However, I love the A/C down here in the South!
Where was this video last year? Bought my first Porsche last year. 1999 Carrera 6speed. Been great so far(knock on wood lol) and have put about 8k miles on it. Loving it.
Very good fillm
Great review. 5star. Thank you for making my mind up on this car. Precise .
996 is the last drivers car. Meaning everything the driver puts into it is what car will give back. 996 is a classic.
Any direction on what to expect if changing to 2 ND gear makes occasional grinding noise?
Good review BTW
This guy works for LN and didn't even mention IMSB?
aarunt1 He doesn't?? That's why I'm watching the video assuming he'd speak about it.
Very helpful video!
Good review, thank you. Builds confidence in these generation of cars and rightly so.
What's on the hood? Or is it painted differently?
Charles, I'm loving my "99 996 I bought from your buddy Jake R. I've owned 3 air-cooled and this is my 1st water-cooled. I love the A/C !!
This guy's about as dry as toast
If ur going to be selling it let me know
Intro song?
Song? You mean the two-tone 8-bit beat?
996 again ?
This car does have LSD option, which is a true highlight of all 996 models. Its a shame that mk2 cars did not even had an option of LSD.
996.2 can have an LSD, my 40th anniversary (2003-2004 cars) has one. Amazing cars.
ALL LIKES!!!!!!!!! HELLZ YAH!!!!!
Motor is a POS ticking time bomb due to the IMS bearing issue...why no mention of this huge design flaw by Porsche?
You guys are into selling aftermarket IMS bearings?
Worst mistake ever by Porsche introducing those horrible headlights on the 996
Have you ever driven one?
Have you ever driven one?
Intro song?