Hey folks...

Noob here. However, I am not new to Porsche. I am quite familiar with all the issues (RMS, etc.) of these cars and I am willing to take a chance on the right car. Just recently I found areally nice example of a '99 996 with only 25K on the odo. Great price. It is currently in a dealer getting a PPI. My question to you is....with this being my very first 911 (woo-hoo!) is the '99 a worthwhile purchase? Thanks all!!

Chad Austin
Saint Charles, MO

 

Hi Chad, I am just across the river from you. The best advice I have heard, is to buy the newest 911 that you can afford, as they get better each year. If the car checks out and the price is good, I don't see any reason not to buy it. Who has the car?

 

I love mine... (got it this summer)

In fact I can't stop adding mods! It's an addiction as my girlfriend says...

You can check out my link below to compare if you like

Paul

 

I went with a 2002 primarily bc of the newer front end facia and interior.

I think as long as you're happy about the 99's looks and it's mechanically sound with a warranty (I think it's a must due to RMS), you should not stop in getting a 99. You can always get a turbo look front end on the 99 if you like that.

 

I have a 99' cab and love it. I say get a 996 that is optioned the way you like -- and if you can find one you like that is an early year even better. The money you save will let you do all the other mods that you will want to do...

The main drawbacks of the 99's are that some have the orange tinted headlights and taillights, and the interioir pieces are coated with a different process and color. (mine had this problem and I ordered new headlights and taillights for about $500)

The only other main differences are the headlight styles on the 02' & newer cars & the glovebox.

However, the differences in options is staggering, and hanging out around here will make you mod, I would save your money for that!

 

Hey Paul,

nice mods... where did you get your aluminum gauge bezels from? they look sharp!

Pete

 

another thing to watch out, don't 100% trust the dealer... lots drama happening here with dealer's car.

 

Just a question, is PSM standard on all 996s?

 

I have a 1999 996 and LOVE IT! I had a 944 Turbo that was a full race car with over 15K invested in Remote Res Coilovers, Cage, seat, etc. and this car with Pss-9 and GT3 swaybars and a full interior is better. The car is solid and fast. Mine is white with the factory aero pkg and people think its a GT3. I'd like more power, but you'll hear that from guys on the turbo forums with 400+ hp. Definately invest in a set of shocks and swaybars. The 993 crowd that say the 996 is a grand -tourer fall in love with this car once they drive it. Good luck, do your homework and you can't go wrong!

Note: 1999 with Ltd-slip and NO PSM.

 

How would I know if I have a LTD-Slip in my 1999 Porsche. I also have a 1999 996 Porsche. I got mine for a great deal, and ended up dumping another $30K in Mods, but defintely worth it.

 

It's worth buying the 02 if you can swing it. More HP, and the other cosmetic junk.

 

I was more interested in a face-lift car, but found a '00 with a list of options that I couldn't pass up.

My car also doesn't have PSM (and I don't miss it and didn't want it; however, with winter a few weeks away, I may change that tune! ).

 

Just do the facelift yourself. The difference in price between a 2002 and 1999 is more than worth it. The facelift will cost you $1000 for the bumper, $650 for both fenders, and around $1000 for the headlights. You can sell your old headlights if they are litronic for around $600, and then whatever paint and installation costs. You won't get the 3.6L motor, but I have seen 99 with 30k miles on them going for 34k.

 

drive the 99 and 02 back to back before you make your purchase. the 02 feels a lot torquier. not to mention you'll still have a little warranty left.

 

Keep in Mind that this shape will become a collector one day givin the shape of the lights. Most Porsche are rounded and with 997
( ) ___ ( ) the 996 will always be unique