Comments on: Confessions Of A Porsche 996 Driver (1999-2004 Carrera 911)

By: arin

arin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:36:48 +0000

I have an 01 C2. I actually love the headlights of my car :-) I kind of think that the cayman is the kind of car the 911 was morphing into before Stuttgart regressed away from their non-oval headlight 911. Given the initial lashing against the 996 and Porsches precarious financial position, the company quickly responded by changing the headlights (twice in a span of 5 yrs.) back to the original style.

I think that the Porsche could have continued its evolution. Im loving what the 2013 boxster lights look like … and in fact, i think im going to like the 2013 cayman more than the 2012 911 ….lets see …

By: Martin

Martin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:56:38 +0000

Obviously, I’m late to the game… but Thank You! I have an early 996 with amber turn signals, manufactured in May of 1998. I’ve had it for 4 years, put 50,000 mile on it (at 110,000 now), and love it more every day. I was a 911 purist since childhood with walls full, and totally get the same nose as the Boxster issue, and admire the 993s and 997s, but… my car has won my heart and I could not love it more. I love that it looks small and retro next to a 997, and retro-modern next to a 993.

I just love it. I hope they stay cheap so I can get a second some day.

By: tarek salah

tarek salah — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:31:18 +0000

Nice writeup, the 996 is an amazing Machine…i love my 2002 and with a few modifications, and a more aggressive stance she looks bullishly beautiful!

By: Jan Pethick

Jan Pethick — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:24:11 +0000

Hi Jon,
Thanks so much for your response.
So you, too, had one of those Nissan 300ZXs? They are pretty wonderful. Considering what they cost, they are almost puzzling. But I can REALLY see why you went for a 4 wheel drive 911. And you’re right, “horrendous” is the correct term used to describe the Z’s behavior on snow or ice. The first time I experienced snow with the 300ZX was when I had to move it in the Baldwin School parking lot. As soon as those rear tires rolled onto the compressed snow the car decided to go “Sonja Henie.” It was a riot; I had to gently coax it along with the clutch to a cleared space, praying for warmer weather. The Porsche Speedster was NEVER like that. In fact in not-too-deep snow it was excellent. Some of the most “fun” driving I did was in that stark little car in the snow.
Your opinions and advice have been very useful – and this is after six months of investigating the 993 and 996 possibilities. I do love that 300ZX but that Porsche… besides, after almost forty years I’m back in the PCA, I’m a Riesentoter! Now THAT’S an excuse!
Ah, the addiction. I need therapy.
Best Wishes, I’ll follow your progress.
Jan

By: Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals

Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:36:34 +0000

Hi Jan,
I hear your point loud and clear. I think any time you buy a used car it’s a crapshoot and that’s why I recommend buying a Porsche with a CPO Warranty attached. Although Porsche’s reliability rankings are now number one, I doubt they were back in 2003.

Crazy as it sounds, I spent 50% more in the first year I owned my used 1997 993 C4S. So I think anyone would be out of their mind to buy any Porsche without an extended warranty.

I also have to tell you that I adore the old 300ZXs (I had a 1992 t-top myself and still drool over them), but in Denver you need an AWD if you want an all year around sportscar (the Z was horrendous in snow and ice even with Blizzaks) and that’s why a 911 C4S is the perfect car for me.

Lastly, Jan, I hate to tell you that the Porsche addiction never goes away.
Jon