The normally aspirated 996 has been much maligned in its time, and some of that bad feeling has extended to the
turbocharged version
, despite the Mezger-based M96/70 engine being unrelated to the troublesome new Carrera lump. It was, after all, the end of an era – the most radical departure from the original in the 911’s history, with a water-cooled engine and styling that some found hard to get used to. As a result of this slightly unfair reputation, the 996’s values have fallen considerably in recent years, and it’s now the most easily accessible Turbo of all.
“In many ways, prices have been artificially low for some time,” says Darren from RPM Technik. “They look superb value, and there are lots of people aspiring to own a 911 Turbo for the same price as a new hot hatch,” adds Mark from Specialist Cars. Most specialists agree, in fact, that the 996 Turbo has probably reached the lowest level in terms of value that it’s going to, so now’s the time to buy. The X50 performance package was a popular option and can command a £2-4,000 premium; the Turbo S, which combined the X50 package with Porsche’s carbon ceramic brakes, is more widely available than earlier models, but can still cost between £5,000 and £8,000 more than an equivalent Turbo. The GT2, meanwhile, which again delivered rabid power in rear-wheel-drive form, fetches roughly £10,000 more than the equivalent Turbo.
you’re looking to make an investment; you're looking for the cheapest way into a 911 Turbo; you want to combine storming turbo performance with day-to-day usability
you’re looking for the cachet of classic status – it’s a little way off for the 996
2004 Porsche 911 (996) Turbo
, 60,000 miles, full Porsche and specialist service history, Bose sound system, 2 years' warranty - £30,990
Price Guide –
Poor: £20,000
Good: £25-30,000
A1: £35,000
Turbo S: roughly £5-8,000 more than equivalent 996 Turbo
GT2: roughly £10,000 more than equivalent 996 Turbo