2004 Porsche 911 Carerra 4S (996)

Highlights 

• 320bhp with four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox

• Porsche main dealer service history

• Low owner car

• Long, advisory-free MOT

• IMS bearing replaced along with many other new parts

Overview

Ushering in a whole new era for Porsche the 996 was the first model to move away from the historically air-cooled setup of the perennially popular 911 in favour of a water-cooled system. It was a move that was derided by some purists in period but, as time has proven, it was an excellent and altogether necessary decision. It allowed the German firm to remain at the forefront of sports car production, a position that it still enjoys today and the 996 remains a hugely appealing prospect for fans of the marque.

Debuting in 1997 the 996 was, and still is, an utterly brilliant car that was initially equipped with a 300bhp, 3.4-litre flat six, but it's the later Turbo and four-wheel drive variants that are arguably the more sought after amongst performance junkies. Cars like this Carrera 4S, for example.

Arriving in 2002 the Porsche 996 Carrera 4S featured a naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre version of the original M96 flat-six engine driving all four wheels, all the while looking slightly more muscular than the standard 996, sharing as it did the same wide-body aesthetic as the Turbo. The suspension and braking setups were also borrowed from the Turbo making it ideal for those looking for a little extra performance and presence from their 911 without having to switch to the added complexities that forced induction arguably brings. Power was up to 320bhp, meaning a reduced 0-60mph time of five seconds and the car's top speed was also increased to 178mph, making the Porsche Carrera 4S an incredibly appealing proposition.

This late model 2004 Porsche 911 996 Carrera 4S in its classic silver over black colourway presents as an inherently usable example. A two owner car with an impressive main dealer service history the car comes with a hefty collection of receipts and invoices for parts and work completed, including the all-important IMS bearing as reported by the vendor. Whilst not in pristine condition and in need of a few minor mechanical fixes following a Porsche main dealer condition report (included) the car is free from any major damage and comes with a long, advisory-free MOT, representing an affordable way into modern classic 911 ownership.

History and documentation

• 2004 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• One registered former keeper

• In current ownership since 02 May 2009

• First registered 28 Aug 2004

• Original book pack and wallet

• Two keys

• Original satellite navigation DVDs

• Good service history with the original service book showing main dealer inspections at the following intervals: 2005 @ 12,557 miles (minor maintenance), 2005 @ 24,183 miles (service), 2006 @ 36,318 miles (minor maintenance,brake fluid), 2007 @ 47,757 miles (major maintenance,spark plug replacement), 2007 @ 60,161 miles (minor maintenance), 2008 @ 72,919 miles (major maintenance), 2009 @ 84,688 miles (minor maintenance), 2010 @ 90,500 miles (brake fluid), 2011 @ 93,993 miles (minor maintenance), 2013 @ 98,429 miles (major maintenance), 2015 @ 100,603 miles (service), 2017 @ 102,043 miles (major maintenance,spark plug replacement), 2020 @ 104,719 miles (minor maintenance), 2026 @ 106,547 miles (minor maintenance,brake fluid)

• Supporting reports included

• 2, 4 and 6 year status report stamps

• Airbag system check (2011)

• Numerous invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance

• Porsche main dealer condition report dated 10 Mar 2026 highlighting potential issues (see photos)

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• Advisory-free MOT until March 10th 2027

• 106,708 indicated miles

Interior

• Interior presents very well overall with no signs of any major damage

• Wholly original

• Vendor reports that everything works as it should but highlights that the stereo very occasionally powers up with no sound

• Some wear and tear to the usual high traffic areas consistent with age and mileage

• Rear seats remain in excellent condition

• Door cards and carpets appear to be clean and in good shape

• Headlining has not sagged

• Dashboard remains intact with only two small marks to the passenger side to note

• No reports of any warning lights illuminated

• All displays are clear and free from issue

• Luggage space is tidy

• Space saver spare wheel and tyre present plus tools

• Engine bay presents well generally with no apparent build up of grime

Exterior

• In good condition overall for its age and mileage

• No signs of any major corrosion however there are a few spots of light surface rust and some small areas of bubbling paint, including around the wheel arches

• Multiple imperfections, marks, scratches and scuffs here and there to note (see photos)

• All glasswork looks to be in good order with only a very small chip to the windscreen to report

• All shut lines appear uniform

• The factory five-spoke 18” alloy wheels although straight do all carry some marks with the vendor informing us that they would benefit from a refurbishment

• All centre caps are present and correct

• Vendor reports that all Michelin Pilot Sport tyres are new, having covered less than 200 miles

• Red brake calipers look to be in good condition with no evidence of flaking paint

• Underneath looks to be in decent, clean condition 

Mechanical

• 3.6-litre, 320bhp naturally aspirated flat-six engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Four-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.0secs

• 178mph top speed

• IMS bearing replaced in 2020 at approximately 100,000 miles using the IMS kit provided by Design911, along with a new clutch, pressure plate and release bearing as reported by the vendor

• Brake lines, with the exception of the caliper link pipes under the callipers, were also replaced, including the flexible hoses

• The vendor strongly advises that the 4 caliper link pipes be replaced as soon as possible

• Rear main seal reportedly replaced during current ownership, plus six new coil packs, new radiators, new under-body air conditioning pipes and receiver/drier, brake master cylinder, four new O2 sensors and new back boxes

• All the exhaust manifold to head bolts have also been replaced

• The vendor informs us that the car has been kept in a dry garage throughout their ownership, it starts, goes and stops absolutely superbly and sounds good too

Summary

Granted, this particular 996 has a few minor niggles that need to be ironed out and the bodywork could use a bit of TLC in places but underneath is a solid, usable example that still has plenty left to give. There is arguably nothing too onerous or expensive highlighted in the condition report and the impressive service history and clean MOT should assuage concerns over the car's overall mechanical health. Still an incredibly capable and exciting sports car, this 996 Carrera 4S is a good spec that retains all of the characteristics that make these cars such a popular choice amongst Porsche fans.

This car is with our concierge partner Henry’s Car Barn in Northumberland. To arrange a viewing, please contact them.