I don't agree that the 996 era cars undesirable. Fans call this the "Mezger" engine after Hans Mezger, the late Porsche engine guru who designed the original air-cooled flat-six and its racing derivatives. And don't overlook the T. It may be the least powerful, but like all other early 911s, it's quite tunable. Vehicle History's team of automotive experts brings you the most accurate and up-to-date used car information. Porsche. . Mild styling updates, subtle chassis tweaks and improved shift action on the seven-speed manual rounded out the changes. But the 996 is not without faults. The idea was to create a 911 that had even friendlier handling than the 997 while bolstering the car's GT credentials, losing weight, and maintaining the ineffable quality that has defined the 911 throughout its history. It is beautiful and very comfortable for me to drive. Now, lets learn more details about the most common Porsche 911 problems-. The move boosted sales, and profits, almost immediately. Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. The aluminum crankcase was replaced with a new magnesium unit, saving 22 lbs, and fuel injection was added to high-end models. As with any vintage car purchase, beware basket cases, shoddy mods, or questionably-repaired wrecks. For the most part, the 996 Carrera is a very solid car. Its a similar story with newer generationsGT-series cars command a big premium, and the ultra-limited-edition models like the 911 R sell for huge bucks. As we said in the beginning, the Porsche 911 is a massively successful car, and its no wonder why. ICloud drive for hours in the comfortable seats. 5 Best And Worst Years For The Porsche 911 - WVDOT Automotive (Explained), Which Pontiac Vibe Years to Avoid and Why? Based on owner reviews it seems that the 911 is worth the money, and that helps them hold their value on the used market as well. In particular, be wary of the 2002 model, which had 13 registered complaints, three recalls, and an investigation. Early cars are quite expensive, and even the once-unloved 912 can push past $50,000. Most shops charge around $2000 to replace the IMS bearing on an M96 engine (provided there hasnt already been a catastrophic failure), and since the fix involves dropping the transmission, it makes sense to couple the bearing replacement with a clutch job. Porsche 911 - Consumer Reports The 2009 model users mainly mentioned excess oil consumption, engine stalling, coolant hoses leaking, and window operation malfunctioning. No corner too tight. In the Seventies, Porsche executives believed that the company's future lay in front-engine cars, so development focused on the 924 and 928. Answering this in 2018, two decades after the modern template for the 911 was issued with the more aerodynamic lines, water-cooled engine, stability management, etc. Porsche also brought back the Targa, using the sliding-glass-panel design seen on the 993. 2012 PORSCHE 911 C2 S PDK * PSE SPORTS CHRONO * 991 TECHART ADD ONS Exterior Color: Carrara White Interior Color: Black . Targa 4 and 4S arrived in 2007 (no more rear-drive Targa), as did the new Turbo, with a revised version of the 996 Turbo's 3.6-liter flat-six using variable-vane turbos to make 480 hp with improved throttle response. For more than 50 years, the 911 has been a sports car benchmark. The comfort-oriented 991 variants focused more on grand touring, while the GT special editions were for hardcore enthusiasts. Built using the same technology that car dealerships use to buy and sell their inventory, CoPilot is the smartest and easiest way to buy a used Porsche 911. The 996 also has issues with its electrical system and interior components falling apart. When Porsche released the 993, they made sure they fixed everything that was wrong with the 964. A quarter-century into the models production run, the 911 finally got its first comprehensive update. These are known to be some of the most reliable sports cars on the market and that is in part to the fact that the 911 has been around for so long and Porsche has nearly perfected the mechanical aspects of these cars. 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet - California Car - 3.6L H6 - 6 Speed Manual Transmission - Silver . Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. If youre more interested in a newer, off-lease ride, try CoPilot Compare, the search engine for nearly-new cars. And with countless variants, there's a 911 for just about every buyer. The vehicle has received particular praise for its air-cooled opposed rear-engine design (water-cooled since 1998) and independent suspension. He even claimed that all fluid drained away through the leaking hoses. The problem is probably from harsh TX sun. While the visual differences are subtle, modifications under the sheet metal were extensive. The base Carrera made 296 horsepower from a 3.4-liter flat-six, paired with either a new six-speed manual or a five-speed Tiptronic automatic. RS America toolkit Part# 964 721 115 01 Dan $500 - will ship for $20 more . Porsche 996 Years to Avoid (List of Years) There are many problems associated with some years of Porsche 996. To save weight, they introduced alloy hollow spoke wheels. The highlight is a new family of direct-injection engines, dubbed 9A1, still displacing 3.6 liters in base models and 3.8 liters in S models. 2023 Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design Today, early 911s are quite valuable as they're the rarest and purest of the breed. 5 Best And 5 Worst Porsche 911 Models Over The Years - HotCars Hence, the new Porsche became known as the 911. When hes not busy writing about cars, he can be found hosting videos on his popular automotive YouTube channel, Kinneys Reviews, which has grown to garner over 4,000 monthly views, and his writings have been viewed over 200,000 times. So case in point nothing is wrong with my car. We did, however, get the Turbo, which arrived in 2000 with a 420-hp version of the 3.6-liter GT3 engine, along with all-wheel drive, unique headlights not shared with the Boxster, and wider fenders. I would highly recommend Porsche! Two huge influences shaped the 996-generation 911. A new base model, the SC, sported a 3.0-liter engine, while the Turbo got a larger 3.3-liter engine and an intercooler. 4 complaints were reported against this years vehicles by their users. The flat-six engine from a 1975 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo. It has good gas mileage and it is a car that is very comfortable. Its still possible to find clean, low-mile 991s under Porsches Certified Pre-Owned program. Only offered in rear-drive form, the new Targa was an interesting curiosity at the very least. Then, perhaps in response to criticism of the PDK-only GT3, Porsche rolled out the 911 R, an homage to the ultra-rare 1967 original. In the worst case, one might have to rebuild or replace the entire engine, and rebuilding from Porsche authorized dealership or mechanic might cost approx. An all-new, mostly aluminum body and platform added length and width, allowing Porsche to move the engine slightly forward in the chassis for better balance. The first 997 GT3 arrived shortly after the Turbo, with a 415-hp version of the naturally aspirated Mezger 3.6-liter flat-six and an enormous rear wing. This 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo is one of approximately 1,500 Turbo 3.6 models produced for the 1993/1994 model year. This was an astonishing accomplishment, especially when you consider it had to go up against the other great German manufacturers like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. If you've idly perused 911 listings on Bring a Trailer or elsewhere, you probably know that 993 prices are super strong right now. (Explained), Which Porsche 996 Years to Avoid and Why? Few manufacturers have ever used this type of engine, and even in modern models, nothing else sounds like it. Thus, if you are looking for new or used Porsche 911 models, avoid the following years: Porsche 911 got an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 on Porsche 911 Reliability | RepairPal, which indicates the decent reliability of most Porsche cars. The last 911 Speedster was revealed in April 2019 as a homage to the original Porsche 356 . I have have gone ahead and added a few extras such as intake plenum, muffler delete via x pipe, performance chip and soul performance cat headers. Thus, avoid the years models that are marked as problematic and choose between the rest of the available options. And for its entire existence, the 911 has been a fixture at the world's race tracks. Dealership. Among Seventies models, SCs are generally less valuable than the slightly more refined Carrera 3.2. Which year models of used Porsche 911 to avoid? . But the big news for 1996 was the new 911 Turbo. When you're ready to buy your next car, CoPilot helps you make sure you never get taken advantage of at the dealership. The 996 was manufactured from model year 1999 to 2004. The original 911 was not the powerful race car we know today. And while the shape has hardly changed, the 911 has undergone numerous updates big and small over the decades. Even the rare Targa has unique appeal, and the Turbo is quick even by todays standards. The 2009 year model would be the worst purchase with more problems reported than any other models. There have been outside players too who have been trying their hand at reimagining the 911. I like a smaller car and feel more able to control my driving because of the size. Additionally, resale values for these years are typically lower than for other 911 models. For the 997 generation, the 911 was available in base Carrera or Carrera 4 (either coupe or Cabriolet), or uprated Carrera S or 4S (again, coupe or Cabriolet). It was also the most expensive 911 ever, with a base price beyond $300,000. Porsche didnt stop there; they also improved the 964s power steering and AWD systems. Porsche 911 is one of the most famous and influential sports cars, which began its journey in 1963 and still serving the industry with some remarkable models. (Explained). The way it handles curves and holds the line is fantastic. A comprehensive reworking of the 996, this new generation of the 911 carried over the M96 engine, but got a new transmission, all-new bodywork, a wider stance, an improved interior, optional adaptive dampers, and spawned a slew of new sub-models and variantsstarting with the Carrera S, which had a 3.8-liter flat-six making 355 horsepower in place of the base car's 3.6-liter, 325-hp unit. First major update to the 911 in 15 years. All-wheel drive debuted on the 1989 Carrera 4, and remains a 911 staple. The 964 finally ditched the primitive torsion-bar rear suspension for coil springs. Owned 3 months and no problems ,comfortable on long trips ,navy blue real head turner, always getting thumbs up. You may be familiar with the dreaded IMS bearing failure. The M96, like its air-cooled predecessors, drives its camshafts off an intermediate shaft (or IMS) that sits parallel to the crankshaft. The 1983 Porsche 911 reportedly has issues with broken head bolts that may pop up under 40,000 miles. Most Porsche 911 cars are reliable with little to no problems at all. Which Porsche 911 Years to Avoid and Why? - thecarfax.com For the first time since the 911s initial release, nearly 35 years prior, the 911 had a new chassis. In spite of all that, Porsche wowed the world with a new masterpiece: the 993-generation 911. Which Porsche 997 Years You Should Avoid and Why? We search every car at every dealer so you don't have to, we give you data and insights you won't find anywhere else, and we rank every car so it's easy to find the best car at the best price. Originally, Porsche only released four models being the Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera S, and Carrera 4s all being powered by a 3.0L H6 Turbo engine. The 911 Turbo was no longer a widowmakerit was an all-weather supercar. The 992 is to the 991 as the 997 is to the 996basically, a heavy update of the preceding generation, sharing the same underpinnings but sporting restyled bodywork, revised engines, and an all new interior. There was more new chassis tech, too, including Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and active anti-roll bars that could change roll stiffness depending on the driving scenario. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. What Years Are Ford Diesel Engines to Avoid and Why? Although most Porsche 911 year models are extremely reliable, there are two we recommend avoiding. GET THE SAME LISTING INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE. Here Are The Porsche 997 Years To Avoid - CoPilot Another year of the Porsche 911 to . It did, however, come with stiffer suspension and an optional limited-slip differential. These engines do not last as long as a lot of engines in other vehicles, but that is primarily because they are high-performance engines that are pushed harder than a regular engine. Impact bumpers brought a new look, but the underlying car was much the same. The first 911 Turbo arrived in 1975, a paradigm shift for Porsche. The SC of 1978-1983 and Carrera of 1984-1989 added refinement. The Porsche Boxster is a convenient way to get into the Porsche family without paying the full price for a 911. IMS failures are most common on 996s built between 2000 and 2004, though issues can happen in earlier cars. 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo - Muscle Vintage Cars The 964 still represents a considerable step forward in comfort and capability over the G-series, coupled with classic 911 style and sound. Built using the same technology as dealerships use, well show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long its been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby. The classic lines of the Porsche 911 remain largely unchanged after 56 years in production. Tell us what two-door sports car youre looking for and well find it, searching every dealership in your area to create a personalized list of the best buys for you. PDK and all-wheel drive helped the Turbo S blast from 0-60 in mid-2-second times with ruthless efficiency. Not convinced yet? Perhaps the only thing I do not like is the gas consumption. _____ 911-996 Reliable 1999 MODEL! Though the 993 was a masterpiece, it wasn't a particularly strong seller: fewer than 68,000 were made. At the time, the RS America was the cheapest variant of the 964 and a hard sell for Porsche dealers, but now it's among the most sought-after cars of this generation. Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. I wish it was a bit more green like the taycan. It is stiff so it feels sporty and helps you be in control with the car. If you can figure out the issue in the early stage of the engine damage, it might not cost you more than $1,500 to $2,000. 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.4 Consumer Ratings: Overall for 1999- 9.2 / 10 2002 Porsche 911 Amazing Performance & Handling! Users also mentioned that these issues mostly occur at 25,000 to 28,800 miles. However, they did not have enough time to turbocharge the 3.6L H6 engine, so they reused the 3.3L Turbo from the 930. Then, Porsche decided to turn it up to 11 and release the Porsche 911 GT2. Some Porsche mechanics maintain that IMS bearing failure risk is lower on regularly-driven cars that have had frequent oil changes, but evidence of a bearing upgrade will bring huge piece of mind when youre shopping for 996-generation Porsches. As with the 964, it still had that recognisable 911 shape, but the new styling was the biggest departure yet for the then 30-year-old sports car. 10 Best: 2017 Porsche Cayenne. Thousands of, Read More Which Ford Taurus Years to Avoid and Why? You won't find many for under $75,000 today, and good examples will easily fetch $100,000. And they still improved upon the 930s setup by decreasing turbo lag. The keen drivers choice is probably a facelifted GT3 or GT3 RS. (Explained), Which Porsche Cayenne Years to Avoid and Why? Overall amazing car. Sporty, powerful, fun; expensive to maintain somewhat practical. Old-school charm and such aside, we suggest the 2011 Carrera 997, the first of the 991 series. The Pontiac Vibe comes with a stronger powertrain, Read More Which Pontiac Vibe Years to Avoid and Why? This is where electronic chassis controls starting playing a big role in the 911 lineup. In an age of emissions-strangled sports cars, the 911 Turbo was a revelationthough the cars tendency towards lift-off oversteer, combined with copious turbo lag, gave the 930 a hairy reputation and the nickname widowmaker. Early 911 Turbo values have exploded over the last few years, especially for early examples, so don't expect to find one cheap. Those bumpers also necessitated a shorter, flatter hood911s built before 1974 have come to be known as "longhood" models in Porsche circles.