I think I have decided to buy a 996 Turbo manual...
Discussion
fourwheeler said:
I really would settle for a 997 C2S .. but I really don't want to have borescore issues on my mind and the potential of that big bill from Hartech.
This looks like a great buy if you like a bit of blue leather.https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/14160626
To answer your question from a while back in the thread regarding the turbo's. The turbine housings can corrode and break apart because they sit low behind the rear wheels and get covered in crap. So make sure you take a good look at them.
In terms of maintenance, whilst it's tight in there, it is easy to lower the engine to gain better access.
Go in with your eyes open, and you won't be disappointed. Whilst down on power compared to an M156 Mercedes 6.2, our 996 felt much quicker than our E63 going by the seat of the pants barometer.
In terms of maintenance, whilst it's tight in there, it is easy to lower the engine to gain better access.
Go in with your eyes open, and you won't be disappointed. Whilst down on power compared to an M156 Mercedes 6.2, our 996 felt much quicker than our E63 going by the seat of the pants barometer.
Buy the 996 turbo! I realised I needed one in my life, so did just that 3 years ago. Bought a manual with 70K on the clock from Mike at Sport and Classic, so it had been prepped and brought up to a lovely standard. Mike had rebuild the gearbox in 2012, it had two new turbos at 9E in 2015 so the two big ticket items were done
It's got 85K on the clock now, it's my daily driver taking the kids to school, the milk home from the store and also roaring up the roads of Argyll any time I get the chance!
It's not been expensive to run (cheaper than my 1999 Carrera 2 I had before it). I budgeted 3K a year (I pay people to fix it, no time or skills anymore for DIY) and i've been spending less than that - I just stick 250/month into another account then pay car stuff out of that. It's a late 2001 model, so got the 2002 makeover of cupholders and glovebox. Has the original Becker stereo, Bose speakers and sub and still sounds good enough for me. I like the single din units but you can easily fit a giant carplay screen if needed.
Since I've had it, the spoiler rams failed (which Mike fixed under warranty), a front driveshaft (part was 450-odd from OPC), a starter (300 odd, easy to DIY I believe), and a new clutch slave and accumulator (b
d of a job for the indie, about 1000 for parts and labour). I think I need a new alternator as the bearings are squeaking and we did drive belt and all the little idler pulleys earlier in the year. I'd say all the common stuff is easy DIY. Porsche brakes are possibly the easiest to change I've ever seen. I'd go with the recommendation to fit 997 disks - I need to do it. The brakes aren't bad but I think they could be better given how quickly the speed can pile on.
Best thing of all, it's hilariously cheap to insure at 220-300 a year (I'm 51 now).
It is still (to me at any rate), brutally quick. Standard cars can be mapped on the rollers by Wayne Schofield up at Chip Wizards to a safe and reliable 490ish BHP as well
I'd echo getting the hardback sports seats. The interior in them is lovely - leather wall to wall, alcantara roof lining. Feels quite luxury and high-quality
It's got 85K on the clock now, it's my daily driver taking the kids to school, the milk home from the store and also roaring up the roads of Argyll any time I get the chance!
It's not been expensive to run (cheaper than my 1999 Carrera 2 I had before it). I budgeted 3K a year (I pay people to fix it, no time or skills anymore for DIY) and i've been spending less than that - I just stick 250/month into another account then pay car stuff out of that. It's a late 2001 model, so got the 2002 makeover of cupholders and glovebox. Has the original Becker stereo, Bose speakers and sub and still sounds good enough for me. I like the single din units but you can easily fit a giant carplay screen if needed.
Since I've had it, the spoiler rams failed (which Mike fixed under warranty), a front driveshaft (part was 450-odd from OPC), a starter (300 odd, easy to DIY I believe), and a new clutch slave and accumulator (b
d of a job for the indie, about 1000 for parts and labour). I think I need a new alternator as the bearings are squeaking and we did drive belt and all the little idler pulleys earlier in the year. I'd say all the common stuff is easy DIY. Porsche brakes are possibly the easiest to change I've ever seen. I'd go with the recommendation to fit 997 disks - I need to do it. The brakes aren't bad but I think they could be better given how quickly the speed can pile on.Best thing of all, it's hilariously cheap to insure at 220-300 a year (I'm 51 now).
It is still (to me at any rate), brutally quick. Standard cars can be mapped on the rollers by Wayne Schofield up at Chip Wizards to a safe and reliable 490ish BHP as well
I'd echo getting the hardback sports seats. The interior in them is lovely - leather wall to wall, alcantara roof lining. Feels quite luxury and high-quality
fourwheeler said:
So... i'm kind of back to the Turbo.. and is that a bad thing? I mean it looks fairly mean, and by most accounts it's fairly potent...I also really do like the style inc. the lights...
No, not at all. I kept my 996 Turbo (x50) for 8 years and its remained in the family. Best car I have owned and not overly dissimilar to the 997 GT3 that replaced it. Funnily enough by unanimous decision all my friends preferred it out of the two, probably because of how utterly impressive it is/was sat in the passenger (and driver!) seat. The larger K24's really belt you backwards, so much so that test drive in an R35 GTR felt no faster. The only car which felt quicker was a 12C I was fortunate enough to pilot.I still remember my drive home after purchase when I finally explored the full length of the throttle.....it made me question how such a car was legal to be honest and it's not like I hadn't driven 'fast' cars before it.
Edited by shantybeater on Sunday 20th November 23:19
I ran a 2005 Turbo S manual for 6 years, did about 3000 miles a year in it and it was fantastic. A mate has std (non x50) car and once on boost and the afterburner on, the S waltzed away from the std car. Always felt the 30 hp was a little pessimistic.
They were £100k+ new and keeping them in tip top condition isn't cheap, mine had a clutch, brake lines, turbo bolts, and an actuator rebuilt, A/C condensers twice and the side rads changed.
Find a good independent and that's half the battle.
Anyway if you're still looking for a car - my mates old car, he sold it last year and its for sale again, is here
https://www.piloteclassics.co.uk/vehicle-details/u...
I have no affliation with the seller, but if your looking for a car that has been well loved and cared for this is the one.
never driven in the rain, if it looked like rain or was even the chance of rain it was kept in the garage. its quite a rare colour, being the GT2 colour artic silver rather than polar? and has a black interior. It was his baby, it was always immaculate.
Serviced every year at the local Porsche garage and more recently bits and bobs done at a local respected independent. Cleaned and polished to within an inch of its life. he sold it last summer and bought a GT4 after 14 years of ownership.
They were £100k+ new and keeping them in tip top condition isn't cheap, mine had a clutch, brake lines, turbo bolts, and an actuator rebuilt, A/C condensers twice and the side rads changed.
Find a good independent and that's half the battle.
Anyway if you're still looking for a car - my mates old car, he sold it last year and its for sale again, is here
https://www.piloteclassics.co.uk/vehicle-details/u...
I have no affliation with the seller, but if your looking for a car that has been well loved and cared for this is the one.
never driven in the rain, if it looked like rain or was even the chance of rain it was kept in the garage. its quite a rare colour, being the GT2 colour artic silver rather than polar? and has a black interior. It was his baby, it was always immaculate.
Serviced every year at the local Porsche garage and more recently bits and bobs done at a local respected independent. Cleaned and polished to within an inch of its life. he sold it last summer and bought a GT4 after 14 years of ownership.
killysprint said:
I ran a 2005 Turbo S manual for 6 years, did about 3000 miles a year in it and it was fantastic. A mate has std (non x50) car and once on boost and the afterburner on, the S waltzed away from the std car. Always felt the 30 hp was a little pessimistic.
They were £100k+ new and keeping them in tip top condition isn't cheap, mine had a clutch, brake lines, turbo bolts, and an actuator rebuilt, A/C condensers twice and the side rads changed.
Find a good independent and that's half the battle.
Anyway if you're still looking for a car - my mates old car, he sold it last year and its for sale again, is here
https://www.piloteclassics.co.uk/vehicle-details/u...
I have no affliation with the seller, but if your looking for a car that has been well loved and cared for this is the one.
never driven in the rain, if it looked like rain or was even the chance of rain it was kept in the garage. its quite a rare colour, being the GT2 colour artic silver rather than polar? and has a black interior. It was his baby, it was always immaculate.
Serviced every year at the local Porsche garage and more recently bits and bobs done at a local respected independent. Cleaned and polished to within an inch of its life. he sold it last summer and bought a GT4 after 14 years of ownership.
That is exactly the sort of car I would want to buy. Looks stunning. Job done!They were £100k+ new and keeping them in tip top condition isn't cheap, mine had a clutch, brake lines, turbo bolts, and an actuator rebuilt, A/C condensers twice and the side rads changed.
Find a good independent and that's half the battle.
Anyway if you're still looking for a car - my mates old car, he sold it last year and its for sale again, is here
https://www.piloteclassics.co.uk/vehicle-details/u...
I have no affliation with the seller, but if your looking for a car that has been well loved and cared for this is the one.
never driven in the rain, if it looked like rain or was even the chance of rain it was kept in the garage. its quite a rare colour, being the GT2 colour artic silver rather than polar? and has a black interior. It was his baby, it was always immaculate.
Serviced every year at the local Porsche garage and more recently bits and bobs done at a local respected independent. Cleaned and polished to within an inch of its life. he sold it last summer and bought a GT4 after 14 years of ownership.
You’ll be hard pushed to find one that was better cared for.
He was paranoid whenever he left it anywhere, would park in sainsburys car park if he was shopping at tescos to make sure nobody parked next to it or came close to it.
Was always warmed up properly and cooled down before he put it away - and as you can see from the service history it was driven sparingly. He was robbed regularly about it being a cracking car for the next owner.
Anyway the proof of the pudding is in the eating - go and have a look. Looks great in the GT2 colour and is quite different to the usual bluey silver they normally come in.
Price has softened from last year it’s for sale at £6K less than it was last sold for.
He was paranoid whenever he left it anywhere, would park in sainsburys car park if he was shopping at tescos to make sure nobody parked next to it or came close to it.
Was always warmed up properly and cooled down before he put it away - and as you can see from the service history it was driven sparingly. He was robbed regularly about it being a cracking car for the next owner.
Anyway the proof of the pudding is in the eating - go and have a look. Looks great in the GT2 colour and is quite different to the usual bluey silver they normally come in.
Price has softened from last year it’s for sale at £6K less than it was last sold for.
This ones interesting. Shame it wasn't Polar Silver though as that's nice over the blue interior.
Be worth checking the other turbo out and the state of the intercoolers and associated pluming...are they rusted mess or does she look like a dry days car...No aero pack.
I haven't seen those wheels before either.
I don't think it'll fetch the asking price privately
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211061...
Be worth checking the other turbo out and the state of the intercoolers and associated pluming...are they rusted mess or does she look like a dry days car...No aero pack.
I haven't seen those wheels before either.
I don't think it'll fetch the asking price privately
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211061...
Slippydiff said:
The intercoolers aren’t the real problem Andy. It’s the stuff like the aluminium turbo scavenge reservoirs (and specifically the steel pipe/fittings) that go into them, along with heat shields and all the fasteners between the head and the manifolds, the manifolds and the turbos, and the turbos to the cats etc, that are the real problems.
Yea, maybe plumbing was too vague a term. Basically all the stuff slung down low that gets the UK road crap flung at it. Flat 6 turbos must be the worst turbo engine congratulation for that?Good thing about 996 Turbos is there's always a good few for sale so you'd eventually find a keeper
This is a fantastic with a broad range of opinions and insight... which is very much appreciated.
I also cannot believe that we have gotten to 4 pages without any flames or arguments about something being better than the other.. rare for 2022 internet lol
Anyway.. i've been doing some thinking.. and my current thoughts are:
I've really enjoyed driving manual lately and understand the desire for a manual sports car. That said, I find myself driving it a bit racy.. in the sense that I am chasing the next gear change. That's fine in a 1.6 TDI Golf.. but I imagine it might get me into trouble in a 911 Turbo. I think I also remember myself being quite racy in my Clio 172 Cup, also. I still have the Clio and that will be kitted out as very track oriented soon.. so i'll have that for my proper blasting thrills.
I also need to remember that I will be back in London soon and frankly cruising around London in stop start traffic would be a pain in the manual when I am so used to auto.
Then we have the cabrio. Well the weather is generally quite good in London and I found myself driving my SL with top down, a huge amount. In fact I wouldn't drive in the Nov-Feb .. and outside that I found I could have roof down all the time pretty much. I really enjoyed it with the v8 exhaust note. I feel like I would like to repeat that with the 911, as I don't see it being a winter car either.
Also, on the auto box. Does it have a sport mode? Can it be retrofitted, because I know MB have them. Are they all MB boxes? Is there much in the way of mods to the box to improve it. I seem to recall Alex on LegitStreetCars fitted an aftermarket valve body to his W211 E55 and made the gear changes faster (albeit a bit more brutal). Also, if no sport does it always start in 1st or 2nd gear? I know MB start in 2nd, but sport is 1st. Curious.
And much to my surprise, it would appear that the cabrios attract a slight premium. Is that just me, or would you agree? I am surprised to be honest, I thought the typical Porsche enthusiast would like a coupe with no sun roof (sports car).
With the X50, it's a nice to have. If there were two suitable cars and one had an X50 for a few extra grand i'd probably opt for it.
I have something else (non car related) potentially in flight at the moment, so the 911 will potentially not be ready to buy until say Q2 next year.. but that's fine by me. I'm kind of curious to hold on and see if prices cool a little more. From my current research of late.. anything I pump into TotalCarCheck shows the cars for sale price dropping a bit.. so who knows.
In any case.. this is very enjoyable and you guys are helping a lot. Thank you!!
I also cannot believe that we have gotten to 4 pages without any flames or arguments about something being better than the other.. rare for 2022 internet lol
Anyway.. i've been doing some thinking.. and my current thoughts are:
- Tiptronic
- Cabriolet
- Possibly X50 .. f*** it, why not.
I've really enjoyed driving manual lately and understand the desire for a manual sports car. That said, I find myself driving it a bit racy.. in the sense that I am chasing the next gear change. That's fine in a 1.6 TDI Golf.. but I imagine it might get me into trouble in a 911 Turbo. I think I also remember myself being quite racy in my Clio 172 Cup, also. I still have the Clio and that will be kitted out as very track oriented soon.. so i'll have that for my proper blasting thrills.
I also need to remember that I will be back in London soon and frankly cruising around London in stop start traffic would be a pain in the manual when I am so used to auto.
Then we have the cabrio. Well the weather is generally quite good in London and I found myself driving my SL with top down, a huge amount. In fact I wouldn't drive in the Nov-Feb .. and outside that I found I could have roof down all the time pretty much. I really enjoyed it with the v8 exhaust note. I feel like I would like to repeat that with the 911, as I don't see it being a winter car either.
Also, on the auto box. Does it have a sport mode? Can it be retrofitted, because I know MB have them. Are they all MB boxes? Is there much in the way of mods to the box to improve it. I seem to recall Alex on LegitStreetCars fitted an aftermarket valve body to his W211 E55 and made the gear changes faster (albeit a bit more brutal). Also, if no sport does it always start in 1st or 2nd gear? I know MB start in 2nd, but sport is 1st. Curious.
And much to my surprise, it would appear that the cabrios attract a slight premium. Is that just me, or would you agree? I am surprised to be honest, I thought the typical Porsche enthusiast would like a coupe with no sun roof (sports car).
With the X50, it's a nice to have. If there were two suitable cars and one had an X50 for a few extra grand i'd probably opt for it.
I have something else (non car related) potentially in flight at the moment, so the 911 will potentially not be ready to buy until say Q2 next year.. but that's fine by me. I'm kind of curious to hold on and see if prices cool a little more. From my current research of late.. anything I pump into TotalCarCheck shows the cars for sale price dropping a bit.. so who knows.
In any case.. this is very enjoyable and you guys are helping a lot. Thank you!!
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