Greeting all, I am new to this forum and do allow me to say that I learn so much just from searching around in here, thanks a lot
I have some questions about the 911 (996) that would like to ask for some advise, hope you all can help me out.

I've been searching a lot about the 911 lately because I am considering selling my STi and move on to a 996.

My STi used to be my daily driver, but now I got a Van to daily drive with, I am considering selling my 4-door sedan and get a proper built platform to play with. Also I am getting older, STi just look too boyish to me and it will soon become a car that I used to own instead of something that can be a keeper.

I love my STi and I love the power and handling of the 4WD, my car is not stock (some power and suspension mods) and it does make "enough" HP for my track use. But by no mean I am a hardcore track person. I am just looking for a fun and good platform sport car to stick around with for another few years.


So here are a few questions,

- I can only afford to get a 996, mostly from 99-01, due to the fact that I have to put money aside for maintenance and such. So is it worth it to get the MK1 996? (Consider upgrading from my STi)

- Is the early model 996 rear main seal that easy to go out? I am looking for a few 99' carrera, and they are around 45k, is that kind of mileage high on the early model 911?

- Is the MK1 996 a good track car? I've heard a lot saying that the car went softer and slower, does that make the early 996 less enjoyable? I could be spoiled by the AWD system on my Subaru, but does the RWD platform on the early 996 easy enough to learn with?

- Lastly, I am looking for a fun track car that is an upgrade from my STi, given the reason that I don't need a rear seat or a boot that can fit tons of things anymore. Is the early model 996 a smart choice? Or should I just keep my STi and save up for a later model 996 or even a 997?


Thank you very much guys, wish you all can give me some hints

 

I have never owned an STI, but I came from an M3.

Tracking the car is WAY more fun, and very rewarding. It really feels at home on the racetrack. My 99 doesn't have any driver-aids other than abs so that makes driving even more fun in my opinion.

There is the dreaded IMS failure, and RMS failure, and I used to lose sleep over it at night, but now the car has got me so hooked, if it happens, it happens and I'll just have to upgrade to a GT3 motor the second time around.

I have loved the time spent with my car, although the seats don't offer my back much support. I like a fixed back seat with lumbar support.

If I could do it over I would have saved the money spent on this car, and waited a year and bought a gt3. But hindsight is always 20/20 and I enjoy my car a lot!

 

I had an STI (2009) that I bought to be my track car ... after 12000 miles I sold the car as it would be too much money to get where I wanted to. If you want something fast and cheap, the 996 is not the right direction. Those engines are not bullet proof as the gt3's and turbos, but neither is the Subaru. That was the main reason I got rid of it. The Porsche is much more rewarding to drive, than the subaru, while the subaru can be fast and very easy to drive. Everything comes down to what are you using the car for and your pocket.

 

Well, I have never had a Subaru but did have a 99 996 and now a 2000 Boxster S... if you truely are looking for a fun track car and do not need the rear seats I would highly recommend the Boxster S, a much more capable track car with mid-engine design that will save you some bucks.

 

I've had 4 Subaru 's including 3 various STI with one being a stripped out 2200 lb GC8 chassis with JDM STI swap. Subaru's do not compare to the Porsche IMO, even the '99-01 models that you're looking for.

It is a little trickier car to master but the rewards are definitely worth it. It just does everything better(in the dry at least )

It is pricier to maintain but if this isn't going to be a daily driver this might work for you.

But really, you should drive one or few to see if this fits what you're looking for and take our opinions with a grain of salt.

 

I've been told by two mechanics to avoid any early 996 without a replacement engine. Porsche fixed it in 03 and 04. The fix for the RMS is new engine. Too rich for my blood.

I waited and bought a '04 996 last year. Very happy with it. No track. Just road and my daily driver. High smiles per gallon!

Go for it.

 

Oh boy, here we go again...

 

Thank you for all the replies so far, they are very helpful

It's true that I think a 996 would be much more rewarding when I can drive it right on the track.

I do however don't want to sell my healthy toy and buy an expensive lemon.
The IMS and RMS problem really scares me out after some reading, and seems like the cheapest fix is gonna cost half as much as the car in general.

But in real world, does this happen very often on all early 996 models?

I've heard that I can purchase aftermarket insurance to cover this problem, does this still apply to the early model 996?

Thanks!

 

Thanks a lot, it's great to know the 996 perform better than STi in dry course
The STi does have ultimate grip due to the AWD, but it feels sloppy and unrewarding as always, I believe you must know what I meant.

As far as maintain goes, it's actually quit expensive to maintain my STi already, if the RMS or engine stay healthy on the 996, I should be good. And I believe i can save a lot on my insurance switching to the 996 as well, lol

 

There are people on rennlist who say they've had their engine replaced under warranty, I couldn't find any warranty info for my car 99 C2, but then again I didn't look too hard. I think I found 1 but it required the car to be serviced at the dealer, and I couldn't justify the 3400 warranty and $140/hr labor rate when you can find a used crate motor for $6k. Plus my car has the updated IMS and new RMS. Fun car, but again I would just save for the gt3

 

My brother is a porsche 993, 997S/ subura sti combo owner. He currently has wrx sti 2010 model and really really enjoys it.

Porsche no matter how you do it, is still a great car to own. I think the 996 Carrera is a great car and buy so go and get one. Also you get great valet parking spots

 

Nope it does not. I've read several articles where experts that offers remedies for these problems estimate that 5-10% develop these issues.

Based on this info I decided to buy a 1998 996 5 years ago, as a 2002 or newer was out of my price range. I've enjoyed every mile in it, and after upgrading the suspension with Bilstein PSS10 and GT3 sway bars the handling has gone from very good to absolutely fantastic. And best of all, no engine issues at all :-)

 

My old 996 engine was replace under aftermarket warranty. [Engine died at 69,500 miles and around 7 years old.] It was not serviced at the dealer, but I had records of all service for the claim.

-td

 

I went from a 06 wrx to a 996 mk2