JayEmm: "In isolation, this car still is a wonderful thing." Yes, exactly, this is a critical point. Car journalists constantly hop from car to car. Regular owners do not have that experience of constant direct comparisons. The 996 is, overall, an excellent car, and plenty fast for 99% of us. You don't miss things that aren't constantly 'in your face'. A proper driving enthusiast, who buys a nice example of a 996, can really find just as much pleasure in it as a guy who buys a brand new 911. Less raw speed, which is pretty meaningless on public roads anyway, is offset by having far more money in your pocket. FAR more money, by most people's standards.
I’ve got a 986 boxster and the high speed stability is leagues above any car I’ve ever driven. It’s not fast in the sense of accelerating to a speed, but you can rip through road at a much higher speed than most road cars
Lowe the sound of the car. Many channels ignore the sound part which in my opinion are 50% of the performance car experience. Thumbs up for the engine rambles
There's no way this channel has less than 100k I love the style and the attention to detail, you cover proper enthusiast cars and cover what enthusiasts want to know. Genuine pleasure watching your videos and I'm hoping you get the subscribers you deserve
@@cabbys long ago... I still will answer this - as I think I know: No, this is not the same. The X51 adds 25HP to the 996.2 cars and 20HP to the 996.1 cars. The way those 20/25HP are generated can be considered quite "sophisticated". The K400 Update is a different approach, but it will add "up to" 40HP to a Mezger lump (which the M96 lump from 996.1 and 996.2 Carreras is not). As the original comment states, it is about to create 996.2 GT3 Power (which is around 380HP) rather than 400HP (which Manthey claims)... but still a good choice I think. If I had a 996.1 GT3 (I do not like the 996.2 GT3s that much for a reason I cannot really specify...?!), I would also opt out for the Manthey kit (for 380 up to 400HP total power)... But I guess this will not happen unfortunately.
Great cars those 996’s. Had a -99 C4 with reinforced motor. It was a tiptronic with M030 AND sport seats and a sun roof. Super daily driver and once you smashed the loud pedal, it felt quite fast too. Afterwards I had a tuned 405hp 996.2 GT3CS with the nomex buckets and 6-point harnesses. To top the madness off, it had cup gearing and a race exhaust... As it was in guards red, I named it “Red Alert”. Insane car. 95% useless on roads, but heavenly on track. Unfortunately I placed it in the Armco on the Nürburgring and was so scared of the car, I sold it after having it repaired. A GT3-esque 996.2 C2 is such a sweet spot into the Porsche craze. Get one if you find one!
I unloaded all of those old Porsche and their nostalgia. What I kept was a 2012 911 that was a 991. With all the changes in 8 years, my 991 is a long-in-the-tooth Porsche. Except that I love it. Having a loaner 993 911S for a couple of days, was a God-send because when I got back into my 991 I felt that I'd gone from an undeveloped car to a super car. I was so happy to be back in my 991. I've taken the opportunity to stay out of the upgraded 911's ever since. As a result, whenever I get into my 991, it still feels to me like a super car. I just love it. Drives like new. Has plain body work with no vents of any kind and no real wide body parts, except that it is wider than the original FAP 911. It comes close from an overall standpoint of having the classic lines of the original, yet still looking very new. It also has Porsche solution dual dash cup holders; a great stereo system, heated and ventilated seats, lots of leather and 18-way power seats (adaptive). The car is lowered by the factory by a half inch and it has factory wheel spacers and a longer factory front splitter. PDK with launch control and Sports Chrono. I modified the car with a Fab Speed exhaust system and with and with an IDP Plenum and a GT3 air cleaner. That plenum does a lot for the air intake and the car. It feels just wonderful. I also have a Fab Speed tuner, but I can't figure out how to use it. Racing yellow with beige interior. It rocks Southern California roads. AF
996.1 are the best looking 911 Porsches with the GT1 headlights. Close second are 996.2. These models saved Porsche and they remain great fun to drive. I own a 996.2 C4S with X51 package and it is a terrific daily driver with near GT3 low end torque. Miles of smiles. 😊
Agree with your 996.1, prefer the headlights. However, my 996.1 c4 cant hold a candle to your c4s as far as speed, especially off the line. Thats the only thing I wish it had was better quickness off the line, I try to never ever race at stop light;). However, get up to say 40mph and I'm gone. All that said, while I would like more low end power, the car is too fast for road as it is. I'm often walking that line of being pulled over and skipping the ticket and going directly to jail. I mean, on ramps I can easily hit 100-120 mph. So I often wonder why I want more? Great cars though. Smile plastered on face even cruising at 60mph
@@seniorscientist590 I understand exactly how your feel. Even with a Valentine 1 installed, i must be careful. I appreciate the low and high end power of my C4S. It’s very stable at 125 mph. More than fast and fun enough for me. Drive safe and have fun.
The mistake most make fitting high flow air filters is; performance is not going to be achieved unless the fueling is changed to take into account the increased airflow. I drove a few 911's with K&N filters without remapping the fueling and these cars lost shed loads of low down torque, something 911s are famous for. Also, early 911's with a mass airflow sensor can suffer when an oil-based filter is fitted, as the flow of air through the filter drags oil from the filter and over time coats the airflow sensor. This affects the performance of the meter and the fueling and ultimately causes the sensor to fail. If a high flow air filter is going to be used then get the engine remapped by a well known company to ensure correct fueling across the entire engine rev range.
Great assessment. My sentiments exactly. And yes, the OEM sport suspensions are brutal. I have a non sport 996 suspended car and an X73 suspended 981S and as delivered 20" Carrera wheels and the 981 is all but undriveable on anything other than perfect roads. Not a fan of the sound of the aftermarket exhaust when recorded or heard from the outside of the 911's but they sound incredible from the inside!
Good report, I have a 996 and used daily for many years with total reliability despite nudging 100,000 miles now. The main thing is the driving experience for the cost... brilliant!
I had a c4s for 3 yrs, paid 21k spent 6k (diff, wheel bearings, brakes etc) sold it at 77k miles for 20k (probably could have gotten 23k if i had waited for a better figure, but needed the cash) so 3 yrs in a c4s cost me 7k. My wife’s Volvo XC60 was 23k at 3 yrs old, sold that around the same time as the 911, for 15k (lost 8k in depreciation alone in just 2yrs) 996 ownership is a no brainier financially, they don’t depreciate any more.
Love my 996.2 C2 6MT Aerokit. It’s a brilliant analog car that I daily. So underrated. (Weekend car is a 991.2 GT3 6MT, which is brilliant in a different way)
Just bought a late 2004 C4S cabrio manual. Had a 992 C2S and after 3 years went back to a new Audi S3 on the basis that I would get a C4S and wanted that feeling of being in something that needed love. So looking forward to ownership
Always wanted a 911 but never had the money. Just bought a 996.2 C2 manual, non sunroof and absolutely love the thing. I know it'll cost to maintain but I don't drink, don't smoke and my kids are all grown. Even just seeing it sat outside on the driveway makes me smile so it's worth every penny. It even has the same mods as this car and all for less than £12K! Prices are starting to creep up but buying cars like these as investments isn't for me.
Fantastic review as always. The 996 is such an amazing buy right now. They aren’t going to depreciate only appreciate and the basic models are also cheap to maintain, bar this owners few niggles... which I also experienced 😆
Early 3.4s have a cable throttle which is what some people say makes them better. With regards to the revs on the 3.4 vs the 3.6 it’s more that the 3.4 has less torque so you have to rev it more to get the best of it so drivers rev them more not that the car is better reving.
You will not regret! Best bang for the buck! Absolute blast to drive and last of the “analog 911”. The stereo is confusing as feck! But it’s a quirk I guess
So did I! 3 1/2 years ago I purchased a '99 996, black w/gray and 18" Turbo Twists. 72,000 miles for $15,500. An absolute blast to drive! I love to track and Autocross it. Yesterday was my 2nd at Willow Springs, and my 11th day on a race track.
I have a 996.2 C2 manual. It’s a perfect road-going 911 experience. Usefully quick, and a wonderfully connected analogue driver’s car. Don’t know about the M030 suspension, but Ive gone to H&R blue springs for a 25mm drop and the matching Bilstein B8 Sport shocks - big improvement in handling with minimal ride cost, and with 17mm factory spacers all around, the car looks fabulously integrated and sporty. Love it, and great company for my Z4 M Coupe with near identical performance, but a totally different driving experience. Love that one too :)
Brilliant, So true. These are ridiculously good cars for the money. Remember how opinions changed about the 964......these are a gem. I prefer the earlier GT1 headlights and the 3.4 had far fewer worries. 👍🏻
For the curious £9k over 4yrs would be £187.50 a month, not going to buy you much on a finance deal. I welcome any love on the 996 C2, I've owned in excess of 50 cars, all kinds from 1970's classics to 500hp+ 4WD estate cars (yes it was an Audi) and driven a lot more. With everything considered: pleasure vs cost, comfort vs performance, track focus vs road focus, light weight vs high power, this is the best car I've ever owned. It just hits the sweet spot on all the scales. It can cruise the morning commute away or take you 1000 motorway miles in comfort and feel like you've done half that but ask more from it and you shall receive. Jump into one out of something like a Lotus and you'll feel the controls are numb and hard, but once you start warming up the tyres and the brakes, throw the weight around and make the chassis work, everything sharpens up. Driven at 10/10ths it's as good as any experience you can have on 4 wheels and it both flatters you as a driver and asks you to engage, use all your driving skills. You can't work with any of the controls individually to get the most out of it you have to use the brakes, throttle and steering together to make it change direction quickly at speed. Get it right and it's as agile as a house fly, you can hit impossible apexes. Jump into one out of an XKR and you'll be surprised how little you have to compromise on ride quality for the added agility and tactility of the controls. The exhaust note may not be as sonorous as an Aston but it's still evokes motorsport memories and satisfies that auditory element needed for a totally immersive driving experience. The steering feel compared to you average modern car like a fast Audi or BMW product is just a revelation and yet whilst slower than most of the latest M and RS products in a straight line, you would have to be absolutely thrashing one to get away from a well driven 996 on track! My only criticism watching the video was a lack of torque you mentioned at 3000rpm, my 2004 3.6 C2 with a sports exhaust is very strong in that region, in fact notably it's at those lower revs where the M96 is often noted to feel stronger than the GT3 of the day. It's definitely not as strong as a 997 S 3.8 unit but it's certainly not lacking. It makes be curious about whether the design of that particular exhaust or induction kit has lost power in that region? My eyes would be on the cone filter first. See this video for more information: ua-cam.com/video/mc9c07qCuKY/v-deo.html&feature=emb_logo Otherwise, thanks for the video and keep on enjoying :)
K&N filters don't filter very well. They flow more air (more power) because they don't clean the air well, which results in more dirt going into your combustion chamber and into your oil. If you don't believe me, put a K&N on your car and go off-roading for a few weekends, then change the oil. See how much dirt is in it. My cousins learned this the hard way.
My '03 C2 has an LN 4.0L conversion with head work, Cargraphic manifolds and catted xpipe, no mufflers. Lowered on 997 C2S wheels, springs and bilsteins. GT3 throttle body, BMS filter and IPD plenum. 997 ssk. CSF aluminum radiators. GT3 RS poly aero. I don't think I'll ever sell this car.
Great car! I think you could have even more FUN in a Porsche like mine; an 02, 3.2 liter, 6 speed, 986 Boxster S... I've got a Fabspeed exhuast, Evolve CAI, IPD Plenum/TB, headers (catless), a Numeric shifter, Bilstein performance struts, H&R lowering springs, spacers etc... It drives magnificent and sounds absolutely vicious, in the most pleasant way 😂
The K&N air filter many say reduces horse power. I have one and going to switch back to original airbox. Guy I know said he went back to original and noticed a big difference right away. The exhaust mod is great though. The stock exhaust is rather heavy. Going to say a fabspeed x pipe or other after market not only sounds amazing, but also reduces a decent amount of weight.
I think also fried Eggs are now so on trend the white light guys are looking for ambers and the gen.2 boys are asking to be included in the fried egg scene as they are feeling left out 😂 🍳🍳🍳
Dam it you make a very convincing point.id come to the conclusion that i could never really afford any 911.Watching and listening to that thing come over the hill i fear the obsession and search will be reignited.Great video thankyou
I ran one for 3 years and they are truly great cars. But sorry, Hartech say the crank bearings WILL be shot by around 80K and it was not cheap to run at all, so it had to go. Great cars, but a LONG way from trouble-free.
Since I discovered your channel recently, I have been watching your videos religiously. You remind me a lot of myself (except you have talent in front of the camera and I only have a face for radio!). I'll like and share your videos everywhere. I am hoping above all hope to buy a v8 Vantage next year, but your videos give me much food for thought - I have always loved Lotus (Lotiii?) so the Evora is very much on my list also. Anyway keep up the great work, good luck with your videos and channels, I hope in some small way I can help you :)
Love the 996! Have had 3 and could have afforded a 997 and even 991.1 but felt so much more connected in the 996. The 40th anniversary edition is the one to get. Basically the GTS equivalent in the 996 world.
I chose the 996 over the 997 as well. I didn’t see much difference other than cosmetics against the 997.1 also I always wanted a 996 as it was the one that came out when I first learnt to drive and said I would get one day. I tried a 991 but didn’t like it as it felt too refined and nice and felt less raw. I love the analog feel of the older cars.
I owned a 996 then “upgraded” to a 997.1S. After driving it for awhile I realized it wasn’t as fun to drive as the 996. The PASM and 19” wheels made the ride too harsh and in the non-sport setting it was way too loose in high speed sweepers. In sport the ride was way too harsh. I sold it and bought another 996 and am very pleased. I also have $10k in my pocket.
can't cozy up to back seats in a sports car. regardless of how useless they may be. i suppose it's the principal of the thing. one passenger is company, two's a crowd.
Jay, I have a 996.2 Carreras 4S, I am thinking of swapping to an Elise P2 111R, what’s your view? I have driven a 111R and was impressed do you think I would miss the power?
JayEmm on Cars thanks one of the reasons I was thinking of the swap was that the Elise seems to give the speed / handling buzz at lower road speeds than the 911 so a bit more licence friendly, also I was impressed how relatively quiet the Elise was apart from exhaust noise compared to the 911 which generates a lot of road noise
Loved my 996 C4S Loved my 3.2 Targa Supersport If I could get away with turning up to a clients house in a Porker I would get another one. Unfortunately that is mission impossible- even when you explain depreciation or lack of. So, an Audi it is for work - and it’s quicker!
I’m the same, I have to go to customer meetings in a BMW company car that cost twice as much as the 996 because people think you over charge if you turn up in a sports car.
RichJW Im in financial services and visit clients at home/work If I turn up in a Porsche I must be charging too much If I turn up in a tatty Sierra I can’t be any good at my job. I have to arrive in something respectable and not too expensive . Tried to explain to a client that a £25k Porsche would pretty much hold its value over 3-5 years but a new Focus would lose 60% - so what car is cheaper to run. Clients just didn’t get it I just about get away with my TT!
@RichJW I think you miss undersatnd what he is saying, If you turn up in a golf to a customers house they are fine with it as its a perfectly reasonable car in their opinion. its not old and tatty so you clearly arent rubbish and its not giving them the impression that you chartge too much and are expensive or flash. If you were selling windows for example and you turned up in a ferrari people would instantly assume you were too expensive as how else would you be able to afford a ferrari. The issue with an old porsche like the 996 or a boxster from the same time is customers that dont really know about cars think they are much more expensive than they are so lump them in with the exotic sports cars and think you charge too much despite the fact they are cheaper than a new Golf R, turn up ion a new Golf R or GTI and a lot of people wont notice its an R or a GTI and will think its a sensible normal car for a sensibly priced normal salesman.
How does the sport exhaust lose mid range torque ? That shouldn’t be the case , if the car has been fitted with x pipe cats these can lose a bit of mid range for top end power but the sport exhaust shouldn’t
What’s not to like I own a C2 cab, comes out every spring, personally I love the looks including the headlights, I could of easily bought a 997 but like I said I love the 996, mines going nowhere while I’m still breathing 👍
@@HarryG98 breathtaking broadcast of boisterousness, bro! By which mean it was banal bullshit lacking the beautiful bollocking befitting of Boulderous Bib. Bye.
Had one of these and lost 20k on it bc some boffins said they didnt like the lights, and were offended at water inside the engine, not good when i saved for many years to get a Porsche and watched my savings fritter away in one year
Best comment ever, spend a little bit more that is double 🤣😂🥴😂 because that’s a little bit more. Be honest a Porsche can be purchased for around £5000 but running costs will cost around £5000 on repairs and services. For a Porsche that doesn’t need that much work will cost £30000 + yes that’s £20000 mor than the £5000 car plus repairs and services but you will constantly be fixing the £5000 dog you now own....stick with a well looked after example and budget 10% of the purchase cost for annual service costs 👍
I love my 996.2 with a vision motorsport 4.0, bbi control arms and kw clubsports. Better all around than my 997 gt3 except the engine note. 4.0 is too raspy past 4k
Jay, if one wants GT3 on a budget there is also a X51 option or Power Up edition, it was developed in parallel as temporary GT3 plan B, they changed a lot of things including upgraded oiling system that can cope with more than 0.8g. Full story: www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=60293
Robert Kilar yes I know there’s a lot more to the X51 than the sump, the extra horse power would be good! The third radiator doesn’t seem necessary on my car I have done a few track days and the brakes overheat well before the engine. The X51 oil system changes other than the baffled sumo aren’t as important on the 3.6 as on the 3.4 (I don’t know why fully but someone that knows what they are talking about tried to explain it and it went over my head). The power boost is the big selling point though. Just a shame there aren’t many of them about.
The most expensive single fix I have had was £1500 but that was replacing the sports exhaust with the switchable dansk setup I could have paid half that for a normal exhaust. A couple of grand should see you fine unless you are really unlucky.
Hmm I’m so on the fence about this. They look great both with and without the carrera badge, though the 911 badge by itself looks a little out of place
The biggest problem for me is this VS an E92 M3. You can also get them in saloon form for more room. Those cars are around 15k, much newer and do the same job in a different way. 8k V8 redline in those Vs rear engined drivers car......
The car in this video will provides everything to want on the road. And you can drive it without worrying because driving it won’t cost you anything in value. The GT3 is different because when you get out of it you may make money. It’s like real estate. In NYC our London, it cost a lot to get in but you likely will get something on the way out. If you live in the middle of nowhere, you can enjoy a great house, but you likely won’t make anything on the way out. 996 is disliked compared to the 997 because it is homely.
The 996 was hated because of two reasons, purists hated it because of the sacrilege of going water cooled. And it was universally classed as a bit ugly. The interior in comparison of the 997 has aged much better than the 996.
JayEmm: "In isolation, this car still is a wonderful thing."
Yes, exactly, this is a critical point. Car journalists constantly hop from car to car. Regular owners do not have that experience of constant direct comparisons. The 996 is, overall, an excellent car, and plenty fast for 99% of us. You don't miss things that aren't constantly 'in your face'. A proper driving enthusiast, who buys a nice example of a 996, can really find just as much pleasure in it as a guy who buys a brand new 911. Less raw speed, which is pretty meaningless on public roads anyway, is offset by having far more money in your pocket. FAR more money, by most people's standards.
agree 100%, and to be honest, the 996 is a very quick car, no problem cruising at very high speeds
I’ve got a 986 boxster and the high speed stability is leagues above any car I’ve ever driven. It’s not fast in the sense of accelerating to a speed, but you can rip through road at a much higher speed than most road cars
Micheal Lorenson thank you for this.
Lowe the sound of the car. Many channels ignore the sound part which in my opinion are 50% of the performance car experience. Thumbs up for the engine rambles
The sound is one of my favourite things about it.
There's no way this channel has less than 100k I love the style and the attention to detail, you cover proper enthusiast cars and cover what enthusiasts want to know. Genuine pleasure watching your videos and I'm hoping you get the subscribers you deserve
No way indeed.
I loved my 996.1 GT3 which I had for 12 years. It had a Manthey K400 upgrade giving 996.2 GT3 power levels. Best car I've owned and much missed.
Is the Manthey K400 upgrade similar to Porsche X51 package? My 2004 C4S has the X51 package and it’s great fun to drive.
@@cabbys long ago... I still will answer this - as I think I know: No, this is not the same. The X51 adds 25HP to the 996.2 cars and 20HP to the 996.1 cars. The way those 20/25HP are generated can be considered quite "sophisticated". The K400 Update is a different approach, but it will add "up to" 40HP to a Mezger lump (which the M96 lump from 996.1 and 996.2 Carreras is not). As the original comment states, it is about to create 996.2 GT3 Power (which is around 380HP) rather than 400HP (which Manthey claims)... but still a good choice I think. If I had a 996.1 GT3 (I do not like the 996.2 GT3s that much for a reason I cannot really specify...?!), I would also opt out for the Manthey kit (for 380 up to 400HP total power)... But I guess this will not happen unfortunately.
I tell ya what.. the sound of these flat 6's are just one of the best sounds of the automotive world!
Great cars those 996’s. Had a -99 C4 with reinforced motor. It was a tiptronic with M030 AND sport seats and a sun roof. Super daily driver and once you smashed the loud pedal, it felt quite fast too. Afterwards I had a tuned 405hp 996.2 GT3CS with the nomex buckets and 6-point harnesses. To top the madness off, it had cup gearing and a race exhaust... As it was in guards red, I named it “Red Alert”. Insane car. 95% useless on roads, but heavenly on track. Unfortunately I placed it in the Armco on the Nürburgring and was so scared of the car, I sold it after having it repaired. A GT3-esque 996.2 C2 is such a sweet spot into the Porsche craze. Get one if you find one!
I unloaded all of those old Porsche and their nostalgia. What I kept was a 2012 911 that was a 991. With all the changes in 8 years, my 991 is a long-in-the-tooth Porsche. Except that I love it. Having a loaner 993 911S for a couple of days, was a God-send because when I got back into my 991 I felt that I'd gone from an undeveloped car to a super car. I was so happy to be back in my 991. I've taken the opportunity to stay out of the upgraded 911's ever since. As a result, whenever I get into my 991, it still feels to me like a super car. I just love it. Drives like new. Has plain body work with no vents of any kind and no real wide body parts, except that it is wider than the original FAP 911. It comes close from an overall standpoint of having the classic lines of the original, yet still looking very new. It also has Porsche solution dual dash cup holders; a great stereo system, heated and ventilated seats, lots of leather and 18-way power seats (adaptive). The car is lowered by the factory by a half inch and it has factory wheel spacers and a longer factory front splitter. PDK with launch control and Sports Chrono. I modified the car with a Fab Speed exhaust system and with and with an IDP Plenum and a GT3 air cleaner. That plenum does a lot for the air intake and the car. It feels just wonderful. I also have a Fab Speed tuner, but I can't figure out how to use it. Racing yellow with beige interior. It rocks Southern California roads. AF
996.1 are the best looking 911 Porsches with the GT1 headlights. Close second are 996.2. These models saved Porsche and they remain great fun to drive. I own a 996.2 C4S with X51 package and it is a terrific daily driver with near GT3 low end torque. Miles of smiles. 😊
Agree with your 996.1, prefer the headlights. However, my 996.1 c4 cant hold a candle to your c4s as far as speed, especially off the line. Thats the only thing I wish it had was better quickness off the line, I try to never ever race at stop light;). However, get up to say 40mph and I'm gone. All that said, while I would like more low end power, the car is too fast for road as it is. I'm often walking that line of being pulled over and skipping the ticket and going directly to jail. I mean, on ramps I can easily hit 100-120 mph. So I often wonder why I want more? Great cars though. Smile plastered on face even cruising at 60mph
@@seniorscientist590 I understand exactly how your feel. Even with a Valentine 1 installed, i must be careful. I appreciate the low and high end power of my C4S. It’s very stable at 125 mph. More than fast and fun enough for me. Drive safe and have fun.
The mistake most make fitting high flow air filters is; performance is not going to be achieved unless the fueling is changed to take into account the increased airflow. I drove a few 911's with K&N filters without remapping the fueling and these cars lost shed loads of low down torque, something 911s are famous for. Also, early 911's with a mass airflow sensor can suffer when an oil-based filter is fitted, as the flow of air through the filter drags oil from the filter and over time coats the airflow sensor. This affects the performance of the meter and the fueling and ultimately causes the sensor to fail. If a high flow air filter is going to be used then get the engine remapped by a well known company to ensure correct fueling across the entire engine rev range.
Would love a 996 or 997 GT3. Such a pure and raw experience with that engine and gearbox.
997 gen 1 gt3 is such an underrated car
Great assessment. My sentiments exactly. And yes, the OEM sport suspensions are brutal. I have a non sport 996 suspended car and an X73 suspended 981S and as delivered 20" Carrera wheels and the 981 is all but undriveable on anything other than perfect roads. Not a fan of the sound of the aftermarket exhaust when recorded or heard from the outside of the 911's but they sound incredible from the inside!
Good report, I have a 996 and used daily for many years with total reliability despite nudging 100,000 miles now. The main thing is the driving experience for the cost... brilliant!
I had a c4s for 3 yrs, paid 21k spent 6k (diff, wheel bearings, brakes etc) sold it at 77k miles for 20k (probably could have gotten 23k if i had waited for a better figure, but needed the cash) so 3 yrs in a c4s cost me 7k. My wife’s Volvo XC60 was 23k at 3 yrs old, sold that around the same time as the 911, for 15k (lost 8k in depreciation alone in just 2yrs) 996 ownership is a no brainier financially, they don’t depreciate any more.
This what I keep telling my wife!
Shout out to the Porsche Owners Club! Car looks great Andy, looking forward to seeing it again at a POC Event soon!
As soon as the events are back on I will be there in it.
4 years later and I still love the car.
Love my 996.2 C2 6MT Aerokit. It’s a brilliant analog car that I daily. So underrated. (Weekend car is a 991.2 GT3 6MT, which is brilliant in a different way)
Just bought a late 2004 C4S cabrio manual. Had a 992 C2S and after 3 years went back to a new Audi S3 on the basis that I would get a C4S and wanted that feeling of being in something that needed love. So looking forward to ownership
Never was a fan of the wheel arches on the 911 from early 2000,s. However, the one your driving sounds great. You can hear it smiling.
My Golden retriever approves of this Porsche...
Please explain how your retriever has approved lol
Always wanted a 911 but never had the money. Just bought a 996.2 C2 manual, non sunroof and absolutely love the thing. I know it'll cost to maintain but I don't drink, don't smoke and my kids are all grown. Even just seeing it sat outside on the driveway makes me smile so it's worth every penny. It even has the same mods as this car and all for less than £12K! Prices are starting to creep up but buying cars like these as investments isn't for me.
Awesome, enjoy it. I see you are on the PH thread too :)
I'm glad you bought to enjoy it as porsche intended. by driving it hard. People who buy cars for financial investments just ruin the market
Please share where you found the air dam. Mine is 2001 C2 with original bumper. Thanks.
Fantastic review as always. The 996 is such an amazing buy right now. They aren’t going to depreciate only appreciate and the basic models are also cheap to maintain, bar this owners few niggles... which I also experienced 😆
What a lovely car. Creeping up in value as well. They say the 3.4 is the better connected drive and revs higher for longer than the 3.6.
Early 3.4s have a cable throttle which is what some people say makes them better.
With regards to the revs on the 3.4 vs the 3.6 it’s more that the 3.4 has less torque so you have to rev it more to get the best of it so drivers rev them more not that the car is better reving.
That car sounds lovely!!
I waited. 40 years to buy mine
You will not regret! Best bang for the buck! Absolute blast to drive and last of the “analog 911”. The stereo is confusing as feck! But it’s a quirk I guess
@@rumrnr78 had mine two years...love it
@@sidewayssam Nice! Enjoy the car! Mine is in the garage on a trickle charge- waiting for the weekend!
@@rumrnr78 here is mine a few weeks ago facebook.com/293471967418871/posts/3452516254847744/ should get back in a few days, now complete
So did I! 3 1/2 years ago I purchased a '99 996, black w/gray and 18" Turbo Twists. 72,000 miles for $15,500. An absolute blast to drive! I love to track and Autocross it. Yesterday was my 2nd at Willow Springs, and my 11th day on a race track.
I have a 996.2 C2 manual. It’s a perfect road-going 911 experience. Usefully quick, and a wonderfully connected analogue driver’s car. Don’t know about the M030 suspension, but Ive gone to H&R blue springs for a 25mm drop and the matching Bilstein B8 Sport shocks - big improvement in handling with minimal ride cost, and with 17mm factory spacers all around, the car looks fabulously integrated and sporty. Love it, and great company for my Z4 M Coupe with near identical performance, but a totally different driving experience. Love that one too :)
I think Jethro Bovington had arrived at the same conclusion with his 996? Thanks for the upload.
Jethro’s video was what got me buying a 99 c2. I lost count of how many times I watched that video.
Love it. So close to 100k now wonder what's planned, not including one amazing shirt. 🤔
Brilliant, So true. These are ridiculously good cars for the money. Remember how opinions changed about the 964......these are a gem. I prefer the earlier GT1 headlights and the 3.4 had far fewer worries. 👍🏻
Solid review Jay.
4:02-4:04 V8 911
For the curious £9k over 4yrs would be £187.50 a month, not going to buy you much on a finance deal.
I welcome any love on the 996 C2, I've owned in excess of 50 cars, all kinds from 1970's classics to 500hp+ 4WD estate cars (yes it was an Audi) and driven a lot more. With everything considered: pleasure vs cost, comfort vs performance, track focus vs road focus, light weight vs high power, this is the best car I've ever owned. It just hits the sweet spot on all the scales. It can cruise the morning commute away or take you 1000 motorway miles in comfort and feel like you've done half that but ask more from it and you shall receive.
Jump into one out of something like a Lotus and you'll feel the controls are numb and hard, but once you start warming up the tyres and the brakes, throw the weight around and make the chassis work, everything sharpens up. Driven at 10/10ths it's as good as any experience you can have on 4 wheels and it both flatters you as a driver and asks you to engage, use all your driving skills. You can't work with any of the controls individually to get the most out of it you have to use the brakes, throttle and steering together to make it change direction quickly at speed. Get it right and it's as agile as a house fly, you can hit impossible apexes.
Jump into one out of an XKR and you'll be surprised how little you have to compromise on ride quality for the added agility and tactility of the controls. The exhaust note may not be as sonorous as an Aston but it's still evokes motorsport memories and satisfies that auditory element needed for a totally immersive driving experience.
The steering feel compared to you average modern car like a fast Audi or BMW product is just a revelation and yet whilst slower than most of the latest M and RS products in a straight line, you would have to be absolutely thrashing one to get away from a well driven 996 on track!
My only criticism watching the video was a lack of torque you mentioned at 3000rpm, my 2004 3.6 C2 with a sports exhaust is very strong in that region, in fact notably it's at those lower revs where the M96 is often noted to feel stronger than the GT3 of the day. It's definitely not as strong as a 997 S 3.8 unit but it's certainly not lacking. It makes be curious about whether the design of that particular exhaust or induction kit has lost power in that region? My eyes would be on the cone filter first. See this video for more information:
ua-cam.com/video/mc9c07qCuKY/v-deo.html&feature=emb_logo
Otherwise, thanks for the video and keep on enjoying :)
What a sound !
K&N filters don't filter very well. They flow more air (more power) because they don't clean the air well, which results in more dirt going into your combustion chamber and into your oil. If you don't believe me, put a K&N on your car and go off-roading for a few weekends, then change the oil. See how much dirt is in it. My cousins learned this the hard way.
Also screw up O2 sensors
My '03 C2 has an LN 4.0L conversion with head work, Cargraphic manifolds and catted xpipe, no mufflers. Lowered on 997 C2S wheels, springs and bilsteins. GT3 throttle body, BMS filter and IPD plenum. 997 ssk. CSF aluminum radiators. GT3 RS poly aero. I don't think I'll ever sell this car.
Nice sound! Surprisingly good indeed.
I get disappointed with the look of the interior in the 996 then you hear that beautiful engine and all is forgotten think it's a great buy
It might look a bit dated, but it wears SO much better than either older Porsche or similar-age competitors. Its good quality.
Agreed as soon as you start driving you forget all about the 90s interior design.
This channel is growing so fast, you deserve it mate!! One of the best car enthusiast channels out there🙌
my dream car is still a 997.1 turbo manual but these are good buy
i won't tounch any of that since it was cost too much to own.. and maintaince and insurance... Ferrari all the way...
That opening music is a major disservice to a super awesome channel..
It has been phased out already, but as this video and a couple of others were edited months ago it will still pop up on occasion
Great car! I think you could have even more FUN in a Porsche like mine; an 02, 3.2 liter, 6 speed, 986 Boxster S...
I've got a Fabspeed exhuast, Evolve CAI, IPD Plenum/TB, headers (catless), a Numeric shifter, Bilstein performance struts, H&R lowering springs, spacers etc...
It drives magnificent and sounds absolutely vicious, in the most pleasant way 😂
The K&N air filter many say reduces horse power. I have one and going to switch back to original airbox. Guy I know said he went back to original and noticed a big difference right away. The exhaust mod is great though. The stock exhaust is rather heavy. Going to say a fabspeed x pipe or other after market not only sounds amazing, but also reduces a decent amount of weight.
LOVE mine 2003!
996 is the best 911 across the board for many reasons 👌💪
Wow, it sounds amazing!!!
What exhaust and inlet does it have???
That unique flat 6 soundtrack is sublime.
completely agree apart from the M030. I have it on mine … a seal grey C2.2 manual … I love it
I have the same car as well, seal grey 2002, happy with it.
I agree. I just need to build a larger garage first.
i really think that you deserve more followers!
i really love your video!!
much love and stay safe !!
I think also fried Eggs are now so on trend the white light guys are looking for ambers and the gen.2 boys are asking to be included in the fried egg scene as they are feeling left out 😂 🍳🍳🍳
99.9K subs! You're getting there!
Dam it you make a very convincing point.id come to the conclusion that i could never really afford any 911.Watching and listening to that thing come over the hill i fear the obsession and search will be reignited.Great video thankyou
love these 911's
I would love to see a review on the 996 GT3 and hear you opinion
Ride it like you stole it !
I ran one for 3 years and they are truly great cars. But sorry, Hartech say the crank bearings WILL be shot by around 80K and it was not cheap to run at all, so it had to go. Great cars, but a LONG way from trouble-free.
Since I discovered your channel recently, I have been watching your videos religiously. You remind me a lot of myself (except you have talent in front of the camera and I only have a face for radio!). I'll like and share your videos everywhere. I am hoping above all hope to buy a v8 Vantage next year, but your videos give me much food for thought - I have always loved Lotus (Lotiii?) so the Evora is very much on my list also. Anyway keep up the great work, good luck with your videos and channels, I hope in some small way I can help you :)
Two great choices there Andrew
991.1 headlights “fried eggs” - 996.2 headlights ....”crying eyes” either way I love a 996
I enjoy my 996.2!
100k here we come 👍👊😎
Hey, that's Andy's car! Nice one!
The engines are OK on the street if you swap the IMS bearing but they just don't hold up on the track.
I need a 996 C4S
Love the 996! Have had 3 and could have afforded a 997 and even 991.1 but felt so much more connected in the 996. The 40th anniversary edition is the one to get. Basically the GTS equivalent in the 996 world.
Me, 997 Sports Classic. I had a 997.1 2S, could never afford a SC.
I chose the 996 over the 997 as well. I didn’t see much difference other than cosmetics against the 997.1 also I always wanted a 996 as it was the one that came out when I first learnt to drive and said I would get one day.
I tried a 991 but didn’t like it as it felt too refined and nice and felt less raw. I love the analog feel of the older cars.
I owned a 996 then “upgraded” to a 997.1S. After driving it for awhile I realized it wasn’t as fun to drive as the 996. The PASM and 19” wheels made the ride too harsh and in the non-sport setting it was way too loose in high speed sweepers. In sport the ride was way too harsh. I sold it and bought another 996 and am very pleased. I also have $10k in my pocket.
can't cozy up to back seats in a sports car. regardless of how useless they may be. i suppose it's the principal of the thing. one passenger is company, two's a crowd.
I just view them as extra boot space 😉
Have a kid and your mind changes on this. Those seats are shit for a friend but perfect for a kid.
996? What makes them look good is the wider stance on the C4s and Turbo.
Could someone list all the aero kit and wing parts on this 996.2. I've had my 996.2 for a year and would love to make some changes to it.
Jay, I have a 996.2 Carreras 4S, I am thinking of swapping to an Elise P2 111R, what’s your view? I have driven a 111R and was impressed do you think I would miss the power?
You may miss the torque, the Elise is faster really in many situations but you really have to work it.
Also the Elise is not fun after the first hour
JayEmm on Cars thanks one of the reasons I was thinking of the swap was that the Elise seems to give the speed / handling buzz at lower road speeds than the 911 so a bit more licence friendly, also I was impressed how relatively quiet the Elise was apart from exhaust noise compared to the 911 which generates a lot of road noise
Loved my 996 C4S
Loved my 3.2 Targa Supersport
If I could get away with turning up to a clients house in a Porker I would get another one.
Unfortunately that is mission impossible- even when you explain depreciation or lack of.
So, an Audi it is for work - and it’s quicker!
I know so many people that have to buy an expensive new Golf because people didnt like them turning up in a cheap old Porsche!
JayEmm on Cars. It’s not what you are, it’s what you are perceived to be, unfortunately.
I’m the same, I have to go to customer meetings in a BMW company car that cost twice as much as the 996 because people think you over charge if you turn up in a sports car.
RichJW Im in financial services and visit clients at home/work
If I turn up in a Porsche I must be charging too much
If I turn up in a tatty Sierra I can’t be any good at my job. I have to arrive in something respectable and not too expensive . Tried to explain to a client that a £25k Porsche would pretty much hold its value over 3-5 years but a new Focus would lose 60% - so what car is cheaper to run. Clients just didn’t get it
I just about get away with my TT!
@RichJW I think you miss undersatnd what he is saying, If you turn up in a golf to a customers house they are fine with it as its a perfectly reasonable car in their opinion. its not old and tatty so you clearly arent rubbish and its not giving them the impression that you chartge too much and are expensive or flash. If you were selling windows for example and you turned up in a ferrari people would instantly assume you were too expensive as how else would you be able to afford a ferrari. The issue with an old porsche like the 996 or a boxster from the same time is customers that dont really know about cars think they are much more expensive than they are so lump them in with the exotic sports cars and think you charge too much despite the fact they are cheaper than a new Golf R, turn up ion a new Golf R or GTI and a lot of people wont notice its an R or a GTI and will think its a sensible normal car for a sensibly priced normal salesman.
Great video, lovely looking example that, thanks.
How does the sport exhaust lose mid range torque ?
That shouldn’t be the case , if the car has been fitted with x pipe cats these can lose a bit of mid range for top end power but the sport exhaust shouldn’t
Some years from now we won't be able to afford this cars anymore so let enjoy them while we can.
What’s not to like I own a C2 cab, comes out every spring, personally I love the looks including the headlights, I could of easily bought a 997 but like I said I love the 996, mines going nowhere while I’m still breathing 👍
Love the content but as I use headphones the music blasts my ears and end of video for me
still makes me smile when I floor it!
Gen 1 996 has PSM from year of manufacture 2000 even for the C2.
I do have to say, the 996.2, 3.6l Carrera 2 coupe is just the Porsche classic dream car, if you don't have enough bottle tops for the GT3.
Anyone know what the lip on the front of the front bumper is? I cant find it anywhere. cheers
I like the GT2 and GT3's...!!!
commentary so british xD
love it!
996s are the best looking bugs.
Change my mind
i think the signature porsche lights are better than the fried egg ones seen here. However, they do seem to get you a decent discount.
This is not the fried egg
@@JayEmmOnCars I prefer the early fried eggs. Good enough for the 911 GT1 LeMans race car, good enough for me!
Bib made one small addition to his Peugeot 106 diesel to improve the performance beyond measure....he put some diesel in it...
Behold, big brain banter by Bibby boy.
K M bbbbbbbbbbbb
@@HarryG98 breathtaking broadcast of boisterousness, bro! By which mean it was banal bullshit lacking the beautiful bollocking befitting of Boulderous Bib. Bye.
Jokes aside Bibbo, your initial joke was actually funny.
I'm just a bellend... Damn it, another B.
From a distance and inside the car the exhaust sounds classic Porsche. Close up outside, I'm not so sure.
100k coming James!
I know right! Crazy
Had one of these and lost 20k on it bc some boffins said they didnt like the lights, and were offended at water inside the engine, not good when i saved for many years to get a Porsche and watched my savings fritter away in one year
A normal 996 is never ever close to a GT3. The Mezger Engine of a GT3 is a masterpiece.
Did you watch the video or just read the thumbnail?
Best comment ever, spend a little bit more that is double 🤣😂🥴😂 because that’s a little bit more. Be honest a Porsche can be purchased for around £5000 but running costs will cost around £5000 on repairs and services. For a Porsche that doesn’t need that much work will cost £30000 + yes that’s £20000 mor than the £5000 car plus repairs and services but you will constantly be fixing the £5000 dog you now own....stick with a well looked after example and budget 10% of the purchase cost for annual service costs 👍
Certainly make a great daily along side my 986 Boxster S one day
Just bought one as a daily. It’s doing a fine job of it
I love my 996.2 with a vision motorsport 4.0, bbi control arms and kw clubsports. Better all around than my 997 gt3 except the engine note. 4.0 is too raspy past 4k
Jay, if one wants GT3 on a budget there is also a X51 option or Power Up edition, it was developed in parallel as temporary GT3 plan B, they changed a lot of things including upgraded oiling system that can cope with more than 0.8g.
Full story: www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=60293
That car has a X51 baffeled sump fitted to it as it gets used on the track.
@@noobymcnoobs Cool, but X51 is much more than that, have a look picture of all components going into the upgrade: 911uk.com/files/x51_kit_181.jpg
Robert Kilar good luck finding one!
Robert Kilar yes I know there’s a lot more to the X51 than the sump, the extra horse power would be good!
The third radiator doesn’t seem necessary on my car I have done a few track days and the brakes overheat well before the engine. The X51 oil system changes other than the baffled sumo aren’t as important on the 3.6 as on the 3.4 (I don’t know why fully but someone that knows what they are talking about tried to explain it and it went over my head).
The power boost is the big selling point though. Just a shame there aren’t many of them about.
What kind of emergency repair fund would you think you'd want to have when buying an average condition £20k 996?
The most expensive single fix I have had was £1500 but that was replacing the sports exhaust with the switchable dansk setup I could have paid half that for a normal exhaust. A couple of grand should see you fine unless you are really unlucky.
£18K
Needs a badge on the boot. Don't look right de badged
Hmm I’m so on the fence about this. They look great both with and without the carrera badge, though the 911 badge by itself looks a little out of place
I do dislike the fried eggs but these lights aren't so bad. The car sounds superb.
The biggest problem for me is this VS an E92 M3. You can also get them in saloon form for more room. Those cars are around 15k, much newer and do the same job in a different way. 8k V8 redline in those Vs rear engined drivers car......
Agreed love the BMWs I have had three BMWs so wanted my weekend toy to be something different.
The car in this video will provides everything to want on the road. And you can drive it without worrying because driving it won’t cost you anything in value.
The GT3 is different because when you get out of it you may make money.
It’s like real estate. In NYC our London, it cost a lot to get in but you likely will get something on the way out. If you live in the middle of nowhere, you can enjoy a great house, but you likely won’t make anything on the way out.
996 is disliked compared to the 997 because it is homely.
Now i need to know which one is your favourite?
The 996 was hated because of two reasons, purists hated it because of the sacrilege of going water cooled. And it was universally classed as a bit ugly. The interior in comparison of the 997 has aged much better than the 996.
I can’t stand the 997 interior….love the simplicity of 996 interior way more classy
JayEmm: What intake/exhaust mods are on this car apart from the K&N air filter?
Fried egg whites are a thing. But people who know, know those lights were inspired by le mans race cars of the 80's and 90's.
10:24 my old cycle route!
How is your 550 Maranello🇮🇹 ? 😊😉👍🇨🇵