Older 996 vs Newer 996
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Northern California
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Tony, you think I haven't read all the articles about 99's-2005's. What I'm saying is don't bash unless you have personal experience with the car. me I have NO issues with mine. My father gave me some good advice when i was young. "don't believe everything you read". Remember a newspaper costs 75 cents!!, and Bernard Madoff is a great investment planner
Last edited by Steve's 996; Mar 10, 2009 at 10:36 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: San Jose, CA
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MK II's also have some structural reinforcements that account for the some of the weight increase. There structures are a bit stiffer IIRC.
In regards to the 99 comments, don't let the hype get to you, a 99 that had a bad motor is likely to have popped already and have a reman motor. The ones that have survived are likely to be fine. If you choose a 99, check to see if it has a fresh motor, if it does, great. If not, make sure it has all records and passes a PPI (should have all records and pass PPI for any car you consider). Keep in mind, that the issuess that affected the M92 family of motors seems to transcend its years and are not limited to the MK I's.
Another benefit to the 99, aside from the aforementioned LSD (was optional on MY99 and 04 so it will have a option code 220 on the option sticker) and weight savings is the cable throttle. All other 996s are E-Gas which has a delayed effect and less crisp response as compared to the cable throttle. Depending on what you are looking for the 99 can be the best version of the 996 (with exception to the GT3) for tracking or autocross. PSM on the newer cars are a bit of a nuisance as they don't stay truly deactivated. You can't left foot brake on an E-Gas car as they kill throttle when you apply brakes. These factors make the 99 more engaging and fun to drive.
But then again, I'm biased and those are the reasons I specifically bought a 99.
In regards to the 99 comments, don't let the hype get to you, a 99 that had a bad motor is likely to have popped already and have a reman motor. The ones that have survived are likely to be fine. If you choose a 99, check to see if it has a fresh motor, if it does, great. If not, make sure it has all records and passes a PPI (should have all records and pass PPI for any car you consider). Keep in mind, that the issuess that affected the M92 family of motors seems to transcend its years and are not limited to the MK I's.
Another benefit to the 99, aside from the aforementioned LSD (was optional on MY99 and 04 so it will have a option code 220 on the option sticker) and weight savings is the cable throttle. All other 996s are E-Gas which has a delayed effect and less crisp response as compared to the cable throttle. Depending on what you are looking for the 99 can be the best version of the 996 (with exception to the GT3) for tracking or autocross. PSM on the newer cars are a bit of a nuisance as they don't stay truly deactivated. You can't left foot brake on an E-Gas car as they kill throttle when you apply brakes. These factors make the 99 more engaging and fun to drive.
But then again, I'm biased and those are the reasons I specifically bought a 99.
very good points. Never had any problems with mine other than minor items.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: socal
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they should have called it the 996.5 then!
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: montreal
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Good Luck and do NOT buy anything before 2002. Fellow Member- Tony Nestora
I have read at least as many posts for "blown motors", RMS issues, IMS issues etc from MK2 owners as well.
My '99 runs great and I daresay is a little quicker than friends who have newer MK2 models.
Pete
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 483
From: MA
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99 owner here and loving it!
When I was looking and soon after I got it, I was thinking about going with the newer teardrop lights. After a person at work got a 03' C4S and I saw the lights everyday, I am glad to have mine. I do like the newer 997 lights though better.
I like the cable throttle but this has limited me to ECU tuning (ex. no softronic for computer)
Some great deals out! Feel free to post specific cars for us to check out and remember to get a PPI!!!!
When I was looking and soon after I got it, I was thinking about going with the newer teardrop lights. After a person at work got a 03' C4S and I saw the lights everyday, I am glad to have mine. I do like the newer 997 lights though better.
I like the cable throttle but this has limited me to ECU tuning (ex. no softronic for computer)
Some great deals out! Feel free to post specific cars for us to check out and remember to get a PPI!!!!
Registered User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 80
From: Tannersville, PA
Rep Power: 23
Mine is a 2000. Great car. 39,000mi and no significant problems. Just did my clutch and all was tight and dry. Needed window regulators but that is it. I have the origional brakes and pads. No LSD but PSM. I agree about the throttle sluggishnes.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 133
From: Fremont, CA/ University of California San Diego
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99 owner here and loving it!
When I was looking and soon after I got it, I was thinking about going with the newer teardrop lights. After a person at work got a 03' C4S and I saw the lights everyday, I am glad to have mine. I do like the newer 997 lights though better.
I like the cable throttle but this has limited me to ECU tuning (ex. no softronic for computer)
Some great deals out! Feel free to post specific cars for us to check out and remember to get a PPI!!!!
When I was looking and soon after I got it, I was thinking about going with the newer teardrop lights. After a person at work got a 03' C4S and I saw the lights everyday, I am glad to have mine. I do like the newer 997 lights though better.
I like the cable throttle but this has limited me to ECU tuning (ex. no softronic for computer)
Some great deals out! Feel free to post specific cars for us to check out and remember to get a PPI!!!!
thanks for all the information everyone, i read all the comments and they have been very helpful
seems like the 99 owners haven't had any problems with their cars which is a good sign , what's a ppi though? haha
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 489
From: VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA
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PPI= Pre Purchase Inspection
wrt pre 02 cars... you have to think how many 996s are on the road... and how many people actually had issues... its probably in the low 20% maybe even 10%. BUT you get 25% of those people writing stuff on the net... so you get maybe about 100-200 horror stories?
honestly, with the price of these cars being SO LOW... and a new engine at about $11k... you could get a 99..run the crap out of it... buy a new "updated" engine.. maybe even a 3.6 conversion... for less than getting a an 02 maybe!
wrt pre 02 cars... you have to think how many 996s are on the road... and how many people actually had issues... its probably in the low 20% maybe even 10%. BUT you get 25% of those people writing stuff on the net... so you get maybe about 100-200 horror stories?
honestly, with the price of these cars being SO LOW... and a new engine at about $11k... you could get a 99..run the crap out of it... buy a new "updated" engine.. maybe even a 3.6 conversion... for less than getting a an 02 maybe!
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Newington, CT
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Was the sales price of the cars being recommended by the dealer higher than the older 996s?
I can't say the various stories don't get me nervous about purchasing a 996 myself, but at the same time other vehicles I've owned could have problems as well. In a way I think part of my problem is I've looked into this stuff too much - I never did this much research when I bought my Tahoe and know people say they can have issues too.
I can't say the various stories don't get me nervous about purchasing a 996 myself, but at the same time other vehicles I've owned could have problems as well. In a way I think part of my problem is I've looked into this stuff too much - I never did this much research when I bought my Tahoe and know people say they can have issues too.