I went from a 2000 boxster to 2003 911 to 2005 Z4. I am hating the beamer.

Had to dump the 911 for a litany of problems which cost me $8K in less than a year. At the time of dumpage the gear box/tranny was acting up. Popping out of 4th gear.

Any how i swore off Porsche after my drama and after researching a lot of issues a lot of people were having with 996's (RMS, Engines blowing up, clanking noises, etc.) and Boxsters.

The problem is, once you drive a Porsche everything else sucks. The boxster was a lot more fun than the 911, but the 911 was more solid and a great commuter car.

I've heard that the 99 996's were the most reliable out of the 996's and am looking at a couple. A manual with 72K on the clock and an automatic with 35K.

A couple of questions:
1) how many miles can you put on a 996, assuming it's been well maintained before you need a rebuild?
2) all my cars have been manuals, has anyone driven an automatic 996 (which i've always felt was a oxymoron) and what are your impressions?


Thanks!!

 

The newer you get the better. I don't think a 1999 is more reliable than a 2003. '02's and up have the 3.6 vs the 3.4. the facelifted headlamps plus the glove box. I would never get the automatic tranny. What kind of trouble you got with your 2003? $8000 in what kind of repairs? did you do a PPI before buying? I would suggest an extended warranty next time.
joel

 

i'm just curious when you say that the 911 was more solid than then boxster, what do you mean exactly?

we've been happy with both our 99 996 and our boxster.

best wishes on your search!

 

the boxster is lighter and with a mid engine design is quicker from the start. 911 is heavier, but faster overall. feels more sturdy to me. you don't feel a difference between the boxster and the 911?

 

what i was curious about was what you meant by more solid, meaning if you meant the car itself, or the performance?

yes, i definately feel a difference. but not personally what i would call more solid. i'm feeling something very different than you i guess. i don't feel that my boxster is quicker from the start. our 996 has a LWFW installed which on top of the torque and hp difference, it definately beats my boxster off the starting line and is able to pull away from the boxster on straight aways. i can't keep up until we hit the twisties. then it's time for my lovely mid-engine boxster to shine!

i admit, i haven't had nearly as much seat time in the 911 as i have the boxster though. they each really have their own qualities and i love driving them both and enjoying what each of them has to offer. =)

ps..we've even switched driver's and tried, so i know it's not just me! lol!

 

99 996 basic here. 98k on the odo, not many issues (knock, knock).

boxster girl - can you steer me to the source of the lug nout you use on your pink caliper boxster? thanks in advance.

jorge

 

Funny, I've had the same problems with my 02 996 tranny. About to cost me $5,200 to get it fixed too Probably be my last until the 997 Turbos come down in price. Until then I think I'll go American and get a Z06!

 

after spending the 8k on a bunch of upgrades and repairs in less than a year car continually popping out of 4th gear, and the occasional clanking noise!!

installed a 997 shifter, crossed my fingers but problems still occurred. was told syncros in gearbox bad. 8-10K for new gearbox and install.

that was it. got rid of it.

 

hi jorge,

the wheels/lug bolts are from my sponsor listed in my signature. i don't know the specs on them but i do know that i had to use spacers and extenders on the rears so the wheels would clear.

 

That's pretty much the same story for me. I put in the B&M Short shifter, didn't help. Took it in and got the bad news. The mech told me that the 996 and 997 Turbo, GT3, and GT2s did not have the same weak tranny design or the intermediate shaft problems.

 

Did they somehow repair your existing gearbox or did you get a new one including labor for $5200? Much cheaper than i was quoted but still not sure i would have done it after all the other dough i had just spent.

 

It is being repaired not replaced. The original quote was for 3-4k to repair it, then suddenly the price jumped to $5200 go figure. Mine would not go into second and in order to sell my car I needed to bite the bullet and get it fixed . Keep in mine my car only has 32k miles, pretty poor quality for the price I paided for it

 

To the OP - are you looking to get back into a 911?

 

wow sorry to hear that man. i actually traded mine in at a dealer and they closed the deal on my z4 without even driving the 996. i got hosed on the trade in but didnt care cus i knew the gearbox was wrecked. but now i'm upside down on a car i don't even like, but has dealer warranty,

 

thinkin bout it but have to unload the z4 that i'm upside down on