Older 996 Vs Newer 996

[bermyandy]

Having finally got over the cab or coupe question (im going for the cab...) I would love to know whether i would notice the difference between the older version 996 and the new ones (facelift) - i notice there is 0.2 of a litre different in engine size..

Will i see a facelift and feel like i opted out and got the 'cheaper' version?!

Views greatly appreciated..

[LeeME3]

Facelift = turbo style headlamps, better quality interior (if you're into cup holders and cubby holes) and more torque low down

Non-facelift = cheaper, but still a great everyday (near)supercar!

Not too much to choose, but obviously go for best you can afford and that'll probably be a facelift if you are totally split between the 2 in terms of looks (generally only an enthusaist will know the difference anyway, esp with a non-age realted plate).

Drive 'em both, look at 'em both from all angles, and then buy on the important things like condition, history, warranty and so on.

All IMHO of course!

[800]

Congratulations on going for the Cabriolet, clearly a man of style .

Seeing as you are going for the Cab, the later models have a heated glass rear screen. This is an important improvement in the winter months. The earlier plastic screens cannot be used at temperatures below 5 deg C (risk of cracking).

[bermyandy]

How do you mean 'cannot be used'

i.e. dont take the roof down when its cold, or dont let it get cold (keep the hardtop on?)

[Don]

bermyandy said:

How do you mean 'cannot be used' i.e. dont take the roof down when its cold, or dont let it get cold (keep the hardtop on?)

The former. Don't operate the roof below 5C.

To be honest this is a good reason for getting one with a glass rear screen in the softtop. I know all 996s come with a hardtop. But cracking the roof in winter and driving along all wrapped up against the cold is part of the pleasures of a convertible. Its what heated seats are FOR.

There are five months of the year you'll never take the roof off otherwise...

[bermyandy]

How does the hard top cover work on the cab? Do you put the roof down, and then clip the cover over, or does the roof stay up, with the cover over the top?

The reason i ask is that if the soft top roof is down when the cover is on, then surely i can still have the roof down in the winter? i.e. i just take the cover and hey presto - just so long as it doesnt rain, the roof doesnt have to move when its cold, and so no risk of cracking the rear window?

Or am i just being incredible dense (which, in all honesty, is quite likely...)

[soir]

bermyandy said:

How does the hard top cover work on the cab? Do you put the roof down, and then clip the cover over, or does the roof stay up, with the cover over the top? The reason i ask is that if the soft top roof is down when the cover is on, then surely i can still have the roof down in the winter? i.e. i just take the cover and hey presto - just so long as it doesnt rain, the roof doesnt have to move when its cold, and so no risk of cracking the rear window? Or am i just being incredible dense (which, in all honesty, is quite likely...)

I can only say from boxster experience, but I had a hard top on all over winter last year (with soft top down) I think what people are saying is dont put it down when frozen (because bending it will crack) however put it down when slightly warmer then put hardtop on - i.e. if still freezing, warm up rear window/engine then lower it - basically dont lower it if it is actually frozen

[bermyandy]

So the roof does clip over the 'open' roof i.e. soft top down?

[800]

Yup, but, putting the hard top on is a two-man job. Its something you want to do once a year. (IMHO)

I'm all for driving top down on cold sunny winters days, but the reality is on sunny days the temperature quickly drops below 5 deg C.......

[bermyandy]

2 man job? really? its me and my girlfriend, and she has said that if we get a cab (which she wants) the roof has to be on the car when we're not in the house - usual female argument of where will it go as we have no garage...

but if its a hassle to get the roof on and off... maybe its time to consider the targa again!

[mikeg996]

Or get a 2002 Model Year, with the glass rear screen.

[800]

If that is your plan, I'd have to say its a non-starter.
There are a lot of soft-tops parked on the streets these days, depends where you live/park, I guess.

[BliarOut]

Removing the hardtop is about a five minute job once you factor in stowing it safely etc... TBH, I think most owners use the hard top once and then leave it in the garage

The soft top is very weather resistant and quiet. In fact on mine, it's more waterprof than the hard top as mine occasionally leaks slightly along the seal

[bermyandy]

so:

a) buy a cab, rarely use the hard top, get endless grief from the girlfriend
b) buy a targa - girlfriend happy
c) buy cab, dump bird..

Answers on a postcard

[BliarOut]

C)

You'll easily find a leggy replacement with a cab

[maxxuk]

Definately c.) Buy Cab, Dump Bird, have more money to spend on the cab !!! Job Done.

[mikeg996]

d) buy a coupe, don't look like a ....

[hoges11]

I have a Targa and just love the way it looks but it is in no way an open air experience like you get in a cab (nor even as much as the old pop out Targa roofs) Visability out of the rear with the roof open is also poor. Mind you the wife loves it !

[nervous]

BliarOut said:

C) You'll easily find a replacement with a cab

sadly, itll be a bloke tho.

[hobo]

Surely you'd be better off investing the monies in a new Salon & not buying the 'vert.