which 996 to buy ?

which 996 to buy ?

Author
Discussion

villageidiot

Original Poster:

273 posts

257 months

Monday 1st March 2004
quotequote all
I am about to purchase a 996 but have a few questions.
Are there any differences between the first 996's up until the facelift models apart from the white lights.I had initally thought about spending up to £40k , would it be better to find the extra money to get an early facelift model?like most people i don't want to be hit too badly with depreciation,would the facelift model be the way to go or would an early 996 in the low £30's be a better option? would you purchase through a OPC , specalist or private.

JamieBeeston

9,294 posts

280 months

Monday 1st March 2004
quotequote all
differences are discussed here :
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=48&t=81312

but.... in brief.

SomeHansomChap said:

Pre 2001 had non clear indicator lenses, and old style headlights (2001+ took the Turbos Ones)
No Cup Holder in Center Console
No Glove box
Most had no Side Airbags
Manually operated Boot and Bonnet (which cant be operated without door being open) 2001+ had microswitches instead.
Post 2001 Boot can be opened by Remote Fob
Post 2001 320 bhp 3.6l over the 300 bhp 3.4 l
3.6 supposedly alot more versatile accross the range.
2001+ had new OnBoardComputer with nice DotMatrix style pictures for Fuel and Seatbelt.
pre 2001 clock 12hr only, no option for 24hr.
iirc the pre2001 has a manual holder under the steering wheel, which was dropped on the post 2001.
pre 2001 had silver faded porsche crest on keyfob.
post had lovely gold Crest on fob

also, think the tri spoke gold crested steering wheel came along too


Rumours are that the First PreFacelifted models (97/98) had some build quality issues on the interior, and also some early mechanical issues (very limited number, and were fixed under warranty at time)

Enjoy

will_t

821 posts

257 months

Monday 1st March 2004
quotequote all
I bought a 1999 (T) 996 C4 in October 03 from an independent for £39,000.
It had only done 20k miles, had full UK OPC history and a 1 year warranty. I checked price and spec options on Auto trader's web site for a few months prior to buying to get a feel for the market. It's my first Porsche so my opinion is a little suspect (I think it's fantastic) hope you find the right car.

Happy shopping !

Will

wachuko

8 posts

257 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2004
quotequote all
If your budget allows get the 3.6 car... better built (interior/exterior), faster, better looks (IMHO) and more solid. If you test both back to back you will be amazed of the differences.