Ode to the 996
Discussion
I delayed writing this until it'd passed today's mot...
A few years ago I had my heart set on a manual 997.2 c2. I'd just about got the funds and after looking for some time I found a 996 at less than a third of the price in a colour I really liked. Manual, C2, Coupe. Admittedly the headlights aren't as nice, and if the engine blows I can replace it - 3 times - for the money saved.
After 15k and 3 years in this I wouldn't part with it. I read about GT3s and 4 litre flat sixes here but every weekend I drive a 350 mile round trip to see my folks, I won't bore you with why, but through some of the most enjoyable roads (western Highlands) and those two journeys are the highlights of my week.
When I was a teenager I got into mountain biking and one day I realised I never really rode, I just obsessed about components and specs. The 996 is the only car I've never had any desire to modify, I just want to drive it.
I haven't driven another 911 for long enough to judge it but if you're thinking about ownership then just do it. It won't appreciate, so you don't have to worry about pilling on the miles.. I prefer the look of a 993 but this is faster and lighter and a fraction of the price. I would say I'm a moderately good driver and this car is more than enough for someone far, far more talented than me. It's a phenomenal car to drive.
A few years ago I had my heart set on a manual 997.2 c2. I'd just about got the funds and after looking for some time I found a 996 at less than a third of the price in a colour I really liked. Manual, C2, Coupe. Admittedly the headlights aren't as nice, and if the engine blows I can replace it - 3 times - for the money saved.
After 15k and 3 years in this I wouldn't part with it. I read about GT3s and 4 litre flat sixes here but every weekend I drive a 350 mile round trip to see my folks, I won't bore you with why, but through some of the most enjoyable roads (western Highlands) and those two journeys are the highlights of my week.
When I was a teenager I got into mountain biking and one day I realised I never really rode, I just obsessed about components and specs. The 996 is the only car I've never had any desire to modify, I just want to drive it.
I haven't driven another 911 for long enough to judge it but if you're thinking about ownership then just do it. It won't appreciate, so you don't have to worry about pilling on the miles.. I prefer the look of a 993 but this is faster and lighter and a fraction of the price. I would say I'm a moderately good driver and this car is more than enough for someone far, far more talented than me. It's a phenomenal car to drive.
My current 996 is Rainforest Green and I love it. Also with tan interior, possibly your old car MR C, can't be that many?
It is in a spec most people would hate, Green, C4, Tiptronic, sunroof but it has factory Aero kit and I like being different and it suits my needs perfect. Used half of the week and for effortless touring. I have a TVR for the sporty stuff and a G wagon for the winter fun but this 996 could easily handle anything thrown at it all year round.
Worth upgrading to a newer 911, maybe if it was a main car but I love piling on the miles with out a care and it does everything so well, I think its a keeper.
It is in a spec most people would hate, Green, C4, Tiptronic, sunroof but it has factory Aero kit and I like being different and it suits my needs perfect. Used half of the week and for effortless touring. I have a TVR for the sporty stuff and a G wagon for the winter fun but this 996 could easily handle anything thrown at it all year round.
Worth upgrading to a newer 911, maybe if it was a main car but I love piling on the miles with out a care and it does everything so well, I think its a keeper.
Great car in an interesting colour ! Can't help but feel jealous - it might not be the latest or fastest (or even cleanest) 911, but it is clearly enjoyed immensely, being driven a lot on god's own roads. whereas my car is laid up for the winter whilst I get to ride on overcrowded miserable public transport everyday - I suspect I might be getting my priorities screwed up....
Noblebenn said:
My current 996 is Rainforest Green and I love it. Also with tan interior, possibly your old car MR C, can't be that many?
It is in a spec most people would hate, Green, C4, Tiptronic, sunroof but it has factory Aero kit and I like being different and it suits my needs perfect. Used half of the week and for effortless touring. I have a TVR for the sporty stuff and a G wagon for the winter fun but this 996 could easily handle anything thrown at it all year round.
Worth upgrading to a newer 911, maybe if it was a main car but I love piling on the miles with out a care and it does everything so well, I think its a keeper.
Sadly your's isn't my old car....mine was a std C2 w/o an aero kit/split rims. As you said, they're a rare car in the colour combo and for some a little bit "Marmite". I only sold mine as I wasn't prepared to run it as a my only car 15 years ago though I'm now able to have one as a 2nd car.It is in a spec most people would hate, Green, C4, Tiptronic, sunroof but it has factory Aero kit and I like being different and it suits my needs perfect. Used half of the week and for effortless touring. I have a TVR for the sporty stuff and a G wagon for the winter fun but this 996 could easily handle anything thrown at it all year round.
Worth upgrading to a newer 911, maybe if it was a main car but I love piling on the miles with out a care and it does everything so well, I think its a keeper.
n12maser said:
@nickpan - how do they compare? would be great to get more insight from your experience of both
The 993 is more pleasant to look at from every angle in my opinion. It feels solid but dated.. smells like an old car, a mixture of leather, oil and stale air con. But it has character, has been 100% reliable, and really sings past 5k rpm. Below that it’s a little sedate but lovely to listen when bumbling around town or through the sticks.I thought I would get the odd thumbs up from other drivers, possibly an admiring look, I get nothing to be honest, nobody cares, it’s a blue sports car from the 90s to 99% of people but I feel cool driving it so that is what is important to me.
The 996. Looks odd at certain angles but wonderful from others. Mine had PSE and sounded absolutely epic. Really special. More low end torque than the 993 which helps on a day to day basis - especially in urban environments. Cost me £20k so I was a lot less fussy about using it over the 993 which meant I drove it more. I felt less self conscious in it too which on reflection was probably a good thing.
I spent every day of my 18 months of 996 ownership worrying about bore scoring, IMS failure and every other creak and squeak. I guess that is what made me trade it in for the 993 but the reality is, my 996 was a cracking car and I can hand on heart say, on VFM basis, the 996 NAs In coupe guise are the real sweet spot of 911 ownership IMO.
I love my 996, although I don't drive it awfully often (once every other week for an hour or so probably). I do worry about it a lot and that drives thoughts of selling it, but every time I start the engine I think ;no chance I'm selling this'. I'd always wanted a 996 as it's the first 911 I clearly remember being launched (I was 15 at the time) although I remember the 993 and 964 launches too. That helped it feel that little bit more special for me and I wasn't so invested in round headlights.
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