996 Carrera Reliability Concerns
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Las Vegas
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Man, it may not have the WOW or performance factor, but I highly recommend the Lexus IS350. I have the 250 as a daily driver and it never ceases to put a smile on my face. It's comfort is amazing, its "keyless go" is convenient, its heated/cooled leather seats are very comfy, its ride is stunning, and with 50k miles it has not been to the shop for a single thing other than oil changes.
On the other hand, my 996 is fast, loud, rough, flashy, uncomfortable, and fun...
When I wake up tired, not feeling like shifting, wanting to be able to hold a conversation on the way in to work, caring about being able to drink a cup of coffee (with a place to put it), and not beat myself to death, I always chose the lexus. Only when I think about it the night before when I am fully awake, thinking about speed, and staring at this board do I drive the 996.
On the other hand, my 996 is fast, loud, rough, flashy, uncomfortable, and fun...
When I wake up tired, not feeling like shifting, wanting to be able to hold a conversation on the way in to work, caring about being able to drink a cup of coffee (with a place to put it), and not beat myself to death, I always chose the lexus. Only when I think about it the night before when I am fully awake, thinking about speed, and staring at this board do I drive the 996.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Dallas
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i'd be a little leery of having a p-car as my only means of transportation.
it's just a different kind of car. it certainly takes more effort to drive than an automatic Lexus that's geared for comfort first, then sport second. And, i also dont like getting caught in traffic in my p-car, as it gets a little tiring. maybe that's the case with all M/T cars though.
it's just a different kind of car. it certainly takes more effort to drive than an automatic Lexus that's geared for comfort first, then sport second. And, i also dont like getting caught in traffic in my p-car, as it gets a little tiring. maybe that's the case with all M/T cars though.
No offense but it sounds like you don't like your 996 all that much. I didn't know that the 996 was the kind of car that made you feel "beat up" and tired after driving it. If that is the case, it may not be the car for me. I'll be driving it as my only car. Not being facetious at all btw.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Las Vegas
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i'd be a little leery of having a p-car as my only means of transportation.
it's just a different kind of car. it certainly takes more effort to drive than an automatic Lexus that's geared for comfort first, then sport second. And, i also dont like getting caught in traffic in my p-car, as it gets a little tiring. maybe that's the case with all M/T cars though.
it's just a different kind of car. it certainly takes more effort to drive than an automatic Lexus that's geared for comfort first, then sport second. And, i also dont like getting caught in traffic in my p-car, as it gets a little tiring. maybe that's the case with all M/T cars though.
I've never had a problem driving a manual. I prefer it. I absolutely can't stand automatics.
I've heard many on here say they use their 996 as a daily driver. My roommate's gf has an 08 IS250 and I think it's basically a souped up Camry. It's not sporty at all to me. It's comfortable but super soft/boring as HELL. I could never drive that thing for fear of falling asleep at the wheel. But I drive an Audi a4 so really, I have no room to talk lol. Mine is modded though so at least it's not factory soft and cushy.
The more I post and ask questions on here, the more I think maybe the 996 really isn't for me at this time and that sucks.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Las Vegas
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nah, I'm looking into the e46 m3s. I have an Audi already, it's basically an upscale vdub.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 328
From: Tennessee
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I've never had a problem driving a manual. I prefer it. I absolutely can't stand automatics.
I've heard many on here say they use their 996 as a daily driver. My roommate's gf has an 08 IS250 and I think it's basically a souped up Camry. It's not sporty at all to me. It's comfortable but super soft/boring as HELL. I could never drive that thing for fear of falling asleep at the wheel. But I drive an Audi a4 so really, I have no room to talk lol. Mine is modded though so at least it's not factory soft and cushy.
The more I post and ask questions on here, the more I think maybe the 996 really isn't for me at this time and that sucks.
I've heard many on here say they use their 996 as a daily driver. My roommate's gf has an 08 IS250 and I think it's basically a souped up Camry. It's not sporty at all to me. It's comfortable but super soft/boring as HELL. I could never drive that thing for fear of falling asleep at the wheel. But I drive an Audi a4 so really, I have no room to talk lol. Mine is modded though so at least it's not factory soft and cushy.
The more I post and ask questions on here, the more I think maybe the 996 really isn't for me at this time and that sucks.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: SoCal
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+1...Agreed!!!
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: California
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Going to have to disagree. 4 months of ownership and $13k later and mine is still in the shop. I wish you the best of luck but mine has not been good
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Pasadena, CA
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This is exactly what I'm scared of; and is making me lean toward a CPO vehicle.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,238
From: California
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you're a fool not to. $385 for a sunroof clip and switch - week 2. Week 12 - $12,781 for an engine. Spend the money upfront and go CPO. There shouldn't be any debate about this
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Pasadena, CA
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$13K for an engine?!?! I though you could get a reman engine for about $7-$8K including labor 
Now I know why CPO cars are at least $5-$10K more than a private party unit.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,238
From: California
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Negative on that Ghostrider. Best deal out there is at Strausse - $6500 + $1000 to install. If you live in SoCal its the best best. Otherwise it was going to run $1500 to ship back and fourth. So there's $9000. Might as well pay the extra money and get the 2 yr warranty
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Bridgeport, TX
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Our average engine rebuild is around $30K with labor included for our Vipers so 15K isn't that bad for a unique engine like the carrera powerplant.
The E46 was suggested by my friend who knows what I'm looking for. I love the 996's but the BMW is the smarter choice both financially and functionally at the moment. Its cheaper to get, own, has a bigger trunk, and are fun as hell to drive.
I'm looking for a versatile fast car that is fun to drive. My tuner used to work for BMW and he has informed me that all of the minor issues the cars have can be easily remedied through simple maintenance (provided it isn't an 01-02 car that tends to spin bearings.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: California
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. Let me know if you want some help looking for a M3...I came from the BMW world and would love to assist. And then I'll smoke you at MSR
