currently i have an old, boring 2000 bmw 328i slushbox. it's about time to move into something newer & better. i was thinking about an e46 m3, but then a mechanic friend got me interested in 996 c2s's, also. he's worked on just about every car, exotic and common, and says that porsches are very reliable(which i know of, seeing as how porsche is always at or near the top in jd power rankings).

i would like to get a 996 c2s(prefer an 's', the extra power would be nice. don't wanna regret not getting it in the first place) 6 speed, because, well, it's a porsche, and insurance would be cheaper on it compared to the m3 as well; this was the case for another friend who went from a '03 m3 to a '03 996tt- his insurance went down by a nice amount.

my questions are;

1) how reliable are 996s? i believe i remember reading that '02 and newer were 'less problematic' compared to the '99-'01, is this true? specifically talking about the carrera s. i don't want the c4s, because i'd have more fun in a rear-wheel drive car

2) how easy is it to work on the car yourself(do-it-yourselfs) for someone that is mechanically inclined, and also has a good selection of tools at his disposal? i could save a lot of money(as i have in the past with bimmers) by buying the parts and doing basic maintenance myself, especially.

3) i think the rear of a carrera looks 'naked' without a wing, are there enough options to add a subtle wing to the rear of a c2s, like the wing from the turbo?

tried doing a search, but got vague results. thanks in advance

 

There is no such thing as a 996 C2S. The 2S came out with the 997. Maybe you mean a C2 with the X-51 power option. The cars are easy in some respects to work on and a ***** for some things. Changing a particular spark plug really sucks big time, but changing the oil is a breeze. Many here do their own brakes. So it depends on what you are trying to do. DIY clutch replacement? Not something I would try but there are people here who have done it.

As for fixed wings, there are a lot of options but if you plan to do any spirited driving, you should also change out the stock front bumper for the one that matches the wing. This is for safety purposes as well as aesthetics.

No comments from me on reliability. Do a search for hours of light reading.

 

Look at the DIY forums on renntech.org to get an idea of what it is like to work on a p-car. I think it is fun and I can always find a buddy who wants a chance to help. (In fact one friend offered to buy ME beer if he could help replace the spark plugs--instead of the other way around.)

Mine just passed the 30,000/4yr mark, and I did all of the work myself. Places like Pelican Parts help offset the Porsche-tax on OEM parts.

Do some research to learn about reliability issues around the IMS and RMS. There isn't a simple answer but it is a question that has been hashed about endlessly on many forums and publications.