APEX | Why We Drive EP#1 - Porsche 996 Carrera

[@Alanpiggy123]

Am I the only one that actually LOVES the headlights on the 996?

[@stephenauty2402]

Definitely not , they're special

[@KAS470]

I do! They get hate on so much.

[@apexwheels]

So many hated it when it first came out that I believe that stigma just stuck to the car. As others have said, the car is aging really well and most of the purists that were old enough to purchase these when new have moved on while people like myself that lusted over these in grade school are finally buying them!

[@timh4886]

You know. I agree, Sometimes the hardcore fan boys get a little carried away with their criticism. Like when the new vette's came out and had tail lights similar to the new Cameros and the die hards fell apart. I'm like wow we live in an era of some really cool cars, i enjoy seeing the design changes and updates.

[@TedBarrera]

I prefer them to bug eyes.

[@PrimeMatt]

I love my 996 C2 I've driven the brand new GT3 and GT4, which are both amazing cars, but I honestly think my basic 996.1 gives me more overall pleasure. It's worth very little, but I've had it 12 years and don't ever see me parting with it. I had a 996 Turbo too, which was tuned a little, it was insanely fast, but the standard C2 is more enjoyable for me.

[@apexwheels]

They really are fantastic cars. If you like it, you might as well keep it forever cause what else would you replace it with for the same price? I do love me a 996 Turbo though! Wish those were still easy to find in the 30-40k range.

[@christopherbellisario9195]

I think the 996s have actually aged very well, still looks modern today and set up right, like this car, are sick.

[@apexwheels]

They really have! Agreed on the aero kit. It goes a long way in giving off that modern sporty look.

[@eliabrahamsanchez3812]

Could you please tell us which are the wheels that the 996 has. I would also like to know which is the aero kit that has, brand and model.Txs

[@apexwheels]

The full wheels specs are: APEX Wheels EC-7RS in Race Silver 18x9" ET46 with 255/35/18 Nankang CR-S 18x10.5" ET44 with 285/30-18 NanKang CR-S The Aero kit is OEM Porsche (post face lift kit) If you have questions on wheel fitment, here's a link to our fitment guides: support.apexraceparts.com/hc/en-us/categories/360000139514-Vehicle-Specific-Fitment-Guides

[@tonychan4526]

Some input from an early 996 owner. I agree with the video, but i think the really weak spot is the cheap interior. The headlight debate is high school snark. The newer 911's are so much better cars, but you are paying looney tunes prices for them.....and they are huge compared to the 996's. For posing, newer 911's are the way to go. For real driving and rowing gears, the 996 and 997's are the last of the real sports cars.

[@tayloraungst8569]

Perfect in white

[@stephenauty2402]

100%

[@timothylinehan8197]

I love this example, such a beautiful presentation. Growing up with this generation of 911 as a teenager I’ve always found them to be my favorite and the honeycomb wheels with areo kit and seats and cage. Well done

[@Boxsterox]

I’ve owned probably fifteen 911 variants over past 35 years. My favorite is my current daily driver, a 993. My second favorite was my 996.1. IMO it was the perfect blend of throwback air cooled feel and modern conveniences. I don’t feel they will remain at such bottom $ values forever. Get one while you can!

[@drunvert]

Thinking about it.. I have a 2016 Cayman 6-speed and an 83 944 5 speed. 911 would be a nice ad

[@richharr]

I have a 996.2 6spd coupe. It was my daily driver for 8 years 8:36 . 170k. Almost no issues. Coils, starter, fuel pump. Still have it, but its not my daily driver now.

[@hatemsgarage]

Excellent video. I have a 996TT and obviously love the entire 996 lineup - that car you have is a gem!

[@MrBollabollabolla]

Great video! These cars are underrated. Love my speed yellow 996 4S

[@apexwheels]

Speed Yellow is epic. Hard to find these cars in exciting colors it seems.

[@Carlos.Rivera]

Glad Yo still doing well... you was the 1st person who helped modifying my FRS back in 2013-14

[@apexwheels]

Can you believe that was about 10 years ago now?!?! Thanks for watching and remembering me from way back!

[@drunvert]

I see a lot of 996s that I don't like. But I've seen a few that I do and 10 seconds into this video. I absolutely LOVE this 996

[@chasingautos6350]

Spreading the 996 love! Had no idea apex made wheels for this car - I know what I’ll be buying for my summer set of wheels.

[@apexwheels]

Please reach out if you have any questions regarding fitment for your car!

[@sangh1120]

Loving the 996 experience. 03 Targa owner here😊

[@timbranton7950]

Great summary. I've an early 'fried egg' cable throttle car. They are special

[@apexwheels]

Congrats! Definitely a car to hold onto!

[@Rennsport-Media]

Same here.. mine was built on 3/7/98. Awesome car!!!

[@thetumanshow]

About to pick up a 4/98 build myself... in white with optioned hollow spokes ❤

[@apexwheels]

Niiiccee!!

[@ayowser01]

That's a super nice 996! The simplicity and timeless look... 👌👍

[@Inazuma68]

Agree. I drive a 996.2 GT3. Hudge fun to drive and still a quick car. On German Autobahn you reach easily 300 kmh (with only 380 PS) because it is so aerodynamic and small (cw x A = 0.58)

[@apexwheels]

Sounds like a blast! I'd love to own one of those someday.

[@slincolne]

The 996 was/is the best that Porsche could do when they built them. Porsche threw everything they could at this design. Not only did it have to sell - it had to sell well. Everyone needs to remember that in the late 90's Porsche was not keeping up with the market and the 'air-cooled' purists were not going to save them. The fact that Porsche still exists today proves that their decision to branch out to develop a water cooled engine, produce the Boxter, and later add a SUV to their marque and now embrace electric vehicles shows that they can both maintain a continuity of design, embrace innovation, and still be successful. Personally I would love an early air-cooled 930. I would love a late model 993. I own a 996 and I am extremely happy with it. Every time I turn the key I smile. The car is over 20 years old, has over 300,000Km on the chassis, and is still quick, nimble and turns heads. People who pick on differences such as the shape of the headlights, or moan that some parts are also used in the Boxter need to take a reality check. I have a Porsche that is a daily driver - not a 'garage queen' - and that's what makes it a 'real' Porsche.

[@danstimelessclassics5899]

In UK gen1 are starting to put price Gen2 ... Especially if aerokitted then £££ getting strong now 💪

[@skyachtone8702]

Original owner of C2 Cab 996. The best car ever. Still driving it daily and loving it.

[@996Revival]

Nice one!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Very cool shots, too🙂

[@apexwheels]

Thanks for watching!

[@gonschor7dleven]

What a great spec, the beautiful GT3 kit with those wheels, absolute perfection.

[@KingDrewPhilip]

I love 911’s. So my dad has an old 2001 Carrera 4 , and since he retired recently, and doesn’t really drive at all that much, he gave it to me and now I drive it. Despite this, I only drive on weekends as well because I already have a daily driver. But wow, what a car! It’s old but this 996 generation is superb. I’m debating on whether or not to add an aero kit to it. Even by itself, it’s still good looking.

[@Curtis_Good]

I have a white 996 GT3 so thanks for showing what those wheels look like in a vid! Now I just need to see the VS-5RS in the metal.

[@apexwheels]

We might not have photos of exactly what you're looking for, but our gallery should help: apexwheels.com/gallery#design%3DVS-5RS%26make%3DPorsche My vote goes for the EC-7RS!

[@inaj27]

This makes me appreciate my 996 even more

[@freeyourmind8849]

love those with the quad tips.

[@corychecketts]

Amen, brother! I bought my '99 for $14k six years ago and have been driving it almost daily ever since.

[@theJeffRuhl]

Nice video… the car looks amazing. Can we get a mod list? I just switched to a 996 C4 S after 11 Subarus over 20 years. Love the P Car world.

[@apexwheels]

Thanks for watching! Mods are pretty basic and most of it was factory optioned! -OEM Aerokit -OEM GT3 Coilovers -OEM GT3 Lower control arms -APEX Forged EC-7RS wheels -Nankang CR-S tires -PFC08 brake pads -Tubi style side mufflers -Recaro Pole Position seat -Tequipment roll bar

[@911CARRILLO]

Such a great car and so clean! Now I Actually would consider buying one

[@apexwheels]

They're sweet cars! I imagine prices are only going up for clean examples.

[@Krnnerdboy]

I am in love with my 996.2 4.0 build. The perfect size and weight

[@apexwheels]

What build did you go with? FSI?

[@N911GT2]

I Loved my 996TT still miss that car... Even though I have a 997.2 now

[@elduderino1809]

Owner of a 01 996.1 C2 Cab in lapis blue here... Agree, this is a 911 to keep. I enjoyed the great video, its content and your presentation.

[@apexwheels]

Thanks for the kind words! I'll be sure to pass it along, as our media team will be happy to hear it!

[@craighughes3495]

The headlights are starting to look good, especially the turbo/facelift lights but the .1 lights are cool looking as well. Being a recent porsche aficionado i never even knew about this generation’s stigma over the non round lights, saw they were cheap so i bought one two years ago, a 996.2 c2 cab (perfect for California) i love my car, it’s beautiful, reliable and still decently fast

[@EchoSigma6]

Nice video and as an owner of the least desirable Mazda Miata in 3rd generation (Nc) I agree 100%. I just do all of what you stated in 1/3 scale in terms of cost. There’s a lot of motoring enjoyment. Plus you really don’t need a lot of power when canyon carving.

[@bicycle697]

I couldn't agree more!! I love my 01!!!

[@gunsandcars3648]

I have 996 and 986 , love both , its great with top down and able to drive harder with less power in boxster, but the 996 is fast, enough car for city or back road driving, great feedback, like it much better than 997 or 991, they are faster but not as useable.

[@romulus_]

I don't mind the facelifted headlights but don't love the taillights! the light bar on the 4S is an improvement.

[@carlos13rivera]

Looks great in white. I have an 03 996.2 c2 in black. Love the 996 generation.

[@apexwheels]

Awesome! I love a clean 996 in black with silver wheels. Very classy combo

[@garysmith-qr9gt]

i love em to 991.1 headlights are epically cup!

[@ianmichael8117]

Love the 996 headlights Also the best built 911 ever - shame about the IMS and Borescope issues.

[@alenseven11]

Kudos to you sir and your love for this car. Everything you said is just spot on. Grab the car you like and enjoy it to the fullest! 👌🏼👏🏼🔝🔝

[@apexwheels]

This is the way.

[@marshallsonmotorsltd2101]

Sounds bloody gorgeous and I love the looks

[@apexwheels]

Agreed! Such good cars for the money!

[@marshallsonmotorsltd2101]

@@apexwheels I’ve rebuild my 996 gen1 carrera 2 to big bore 3.7 and has factory lsd, it’s just the perfect lightweight drivers car now

[@y0057]

@@marshallsonmotorsltd2101 no wonder it has that Aircooled like hollow bark up top, like the 993 to be precise. Absolutely mental, love it 👌🏿

[@apexwheels]

That sounds epic! Such exhilarating cars to drive.

[@y0057]

@@apexwheels I own one and with the right exhaust system they are wild for sure. Love yours as well though 👌🏿

[@wesleycarusos8225]

So I have an 02 996 coupe with the aero kit... call me crazy in a little biased but I think with the arrow kit those lights look better than round lights. Anyway my car is pretty popular at the car shows these days. Also have done the suspension lowered BBS 3-piece Wheels could not be happier

[@ElijahNicolas]

Great video! Love the mix of talk and b-roll! Perfect 🎉 Love my 40th too. Let’s do a video!

[@apexwheels]

Thanks for watching! 40AE is such a gem and would love to compare one day!

[@ElijahNicolas]

@@apexwheels if you’re ever in San Diego, let’s go for a drive!

[@paulchurchouse4585]

GT1 headlights helped put Porsche on the map. Beautiful car

[@apexwheels]

Agreed! I think they're aging quite nicely too.

[@joachimrayos4337]

Love it, looks great in white. I daily my 996.1 and echo your thoughts about it a complete fun and useful package. I’m able to fit my road bike (with wheels off) in the back! Hey what’s your suspension setup and driver’s seat?

[@apexwheels]

Thanks for watching and commenting! The seat is an older Recaro Pole Position on Brey Krause mounts/sliders. The suspension is OEM GT3 coilovers and lower control arms.

[@lakestreet3951]

I sold my 1998 Carerra 2 as it was my daily and I needed something more practical. I’m definitely buying one back at some point. Probably go for the 4S this time.

[@apexwheels]

The 4S is sweet! Love the extra wide hips.

[@paulchurchouse4585]

Great car . This is a time bomb in terms of values !

[@richardclegg5853]

Great review for a great car... I've listed for a 911 for 40+ years, if not for the "purists" disdain, I never could have afforded entry. LOVE my 996, everything about it including the lights...

[@speedacademydave]

Great video! Love the 996, and this one in particular looks the business. Would have enjoyed hearing more about the specs on this particular car, mods made, and why the owner modded it this way.

[@CameraJosh]

More car reviews please this is awesome

[@apexwheels]

Glad you're liking the content! We'll keep it up but we'll need some people to volunteer their cars once we run out of staff cars to review 😅

[@andredya9867]

Love your video I got my self 03 C4S and 02 Boxster and absolutely love to drive

[@apexwheels]

This is the way.

[@mrbzliteyear]

+1 2003 C4S white/Blk

[@DasBlauShu]

Great spec and video absolutely amazing. Hope to see more

[@apexwheels]

❤️ 👊

[@smote911]

Really enjoyed this video! One of the nicest 996s I've seen. I usually don't care for the aerokits but looks awesome here.

[@apexwheels]

Thank you!

[@thecashflowdoctor]

What a beauty

[@web-navigator]

I own one and ... I love it

[@imi4449]

Thats gorgeous!

[@LC-rj6ok]

Back in the day, I hated them, everyone did (well most people) Now I love them, especially the S4 with the kidney grilles on the front and that curved red strip on the back. Awesome. I went to buy one last year but ended up with a Cayman R. However a black 4S with a Hartech 3.9 engine rebuild has come up! Temped to swap. I think these will become even more sort after in a few years. Interior still bugs me though.

[@SkywalkerPMs]

Just ordered a set of Apex wheels for 996 today!

[@thetumanshow]

I’m literally days away from picking up a 4/98 build. Hit all the points that drove me to get one.

[@apexwheels]

Congrats! Hope you drive the hell out of it!

[@flatsixer70]

...your car looks very nice and clean especially in white colour...like a cup carrera...got a similar car to yours, 996.2 3.6 US spec and I enjoy every single moment while driving it 👍👌

[@apexwheels]

This is the way.

[@dvdlbck]

As a price reference, I paid $17K for a 60k miles 986 Boxster S with a 3.4 swap and aerokit. I absolutely love the car and it is a weapon to drive spiritedly. These cars are awesome and I’m glad they are finally getting the recognition they deserve (even better as it’s after I bought mine)

[@chokingfai]

Keep it up, love this first EP so much🎉

[@apexwheels]

Glad to hear it! We've got more planned!

[@nickplaks1]

Are those factory offsets on the wheels? Looks like they fill out the wheel wells better than stock

[@apexwheels]

That fitment is a bit more aggressive vs the stock wheels. If you're interested in learning more, here's a link to all of our Porsche fitment guides: support.apexraceparts.com/hc/en-us/sections/360000673053-Porsche Feel free to send in an email to [e-mail] if you have any questions.

[@danstimelessclassics5899]

996 .... Best 911 ever ... There I said it and the whole car world is starting to realize it too 😏

[@apexwheels]

We're glad to be a part of that realization!

[@danstimelessclassics5899]

​@@apexwheels me too ❤

[@iAMjoshK]

The Lao platter strikes agaaaaaaaiiiiiinnnnn

[@jameskime5533]

those 996.2 lights are much improved over the 996.1

[@Nad-A123]

Great video!

[@8hoffa]

great stuff!!!😊

[@TheSwedishCarGuy]

LOVE IT :D 911 classic car :)

[@CoffeeandCars.]

Lovely car! Is that aero kit or gt3 wing?

[@daveandhisdogs]

Hi there. What exhaust are you running. Sounds nice without being too harsh.

[@apexwheels]

You can ask the owner on IG! @yo_keutla

[@kineticU]

Well done

[@IanClos3]

Absolutely beautiful example. What exhaust is on it? Love the tone

[@apexwheels]

The side mufflers are Tubi style sport mufflers. Everything else is OEM. Thanks for watching!

[@Aeneas137]

I appreciate the 996 Gen, but today, with the shocking drop of 997/987 prices, it doesn't make sense to buy a 996/986 anymore unless a prior owner has already installed and aftermarket IMSB. in which case, no worries. but I still feel that the 997 is a better choice for similar money. there was a wide gap in prices just two years ago but it has narrowed. I just bought a 987.1 Boxster S for 20K. mid mileage. and 2 years ago I bought the same in Cayman format for 36K. lower miles but comparable. The 997s are mid-thirties now. so unless you find a 996 with a couple of those service items done, which really should have been recalls, you're going to spend the difference.

[@fairfaxa]

Lovely 996! I just bought an early 97 built 3.4 manual carrera... not traction control, silver paint. I love it. May I ask, what exhaust system are you running in your car? it sounds magnificent.

[@apexwheels]

You can ask the owner on IG! @yo_keutla

[@brandonwade5035]

My '03 C2 has been a joy save for the motor failure at 110k miles but I was planning on rebuilding it anyway. I bought it in 2018 when the values were in the gutter and made out pretty well. Since then it has become a totally different car with a stage 2 fbo 4.0L m96 motor. Still not the fastest car out there but 400hp is a nice little bump from the factory power output.

[@jeffvance9970]

All the guys with 993s... their moms love my 996.

[@GC-kp7lo]

Nice!

[@anthonydanninger4359]

If you are on the fence about the "fried egg" headlamps, look no further than the historical Porsche GT1. That is exactly where they are sourced from, and it is reminder of my 996.1's racing heritage every time I slip behind the wheel. It is an honor to display a piece of racing heritage on my local streets, and should be admired by all true students of Porsche history. As I visited Stuttgart this summer, the 996 is proudly displayed as a historical marker of the 911's journey. Side note, it was interesting to learn that my color, Vesuvius Metallic, is one of the rarest built, numbering in the high double digits or low triple digits for the 14 months it was offered.

[@Lmg_fabric]

Is it stock exhaust??

[@GuitarsCarsandBikes]

Love my 01 c2 after 20 plus years it finally has a slight water leak. Other than that it’s been great ! For the money these cars can’t be touched.

[@apexwheels]

Congrats on the long term ownership! Yeah it seems like if you replace the IMS bearing and don't experience bore scoring they're pretty freaking reliable cars.

[@leeevernden]

True

[@Goodness14966]

I hated this headlight Design as a kid . Idk y 😅 as time passed it grew upon me and they did a great job gelling it up with cayenne cuz it didnt seem that hard on eyes when i saw the similar headlight design language being followed on earlier models of Cayenne and for this 996 shown here it blends so well with white colour makes it look much subtle than when put together with other colours. Does anyone know what the make year of the one shown in the video ? I would love to know. 1 thing that I love about Porsche body design is that the design is so evolving it so timeless never runs out of style i wish BMWs and Mercedes learn from Porsche lol . How to not kill authenticity its hard to differentiate mercs these days back in early 2000s each one had their own identity.

[@apexwheels]

You can reach out to the owner on Instagram for more information! @yo_keutla

[@LukasM55]

Are the GT3 control arms the only part that were changed apart from coilovers?

[@apexwheels]

It was fully converted to GT3. So I believe the knuckle itself, GT3 coils, and GT3 arms. Camber comes from the lower arms mostly. The OE top hat might have an additional setting for some camber but most of it was dialed in on the arms.

[@LukasM55]

@@apexwheels thank you, looks great! Def gonna try that

[@mikeyKnows_]

How hard is it to maintain

[@morphyon]

The thing is, most of the people never had a problem with the headlights, the majority just got talked into it.

[@kovacsnoel23]

I really DON'T like these videos of the 996!! Because I want to own one myself since I was 6 years old when I played with the NFS Porsche. So with videos like this you guys show the people how awesome this car is and drive the prices up for me!! Btw I Love the video!!

[@apexwheels]

I really hope I don't drive up the prices! My hope is to get people behind the wheel ASAP!

[@kovacsnoel23]

@@apexwheels I know I know

[@buntagt3380]

Believe it or not, people used to hate the flatnose 911's, 944 Turbos, shoot, they even hated the 964 for a while. Look at the value of all of those models today. I think the 996 will have the same redemption story. Especially the 02 - 04 facelift model.

[@apexwheels]

Very good point. The 996 is already aging very nicely in my eye.

[@bostonaudi]

Prices have gone up - mid to high 30’s for nice .2 C4S.

[@JosephAStanley]

Thats a bad ass car 🎉❤

[@apexwheels]

Thanks! We definitely have a soft spot for the 996!

[@PeterGranberg511]

🔥🔥🔥

[@joaquinsantillan6257]

What exhaust set you running?

[@apexwheels]

This car is rocking "tubi style" sport mufflers, but everything else is stock.

[@joaquinsantillan6257]

@@apexwheels sounds good

[@machohogan]

Never see them in white apart from the GT3. Was it a factory colour?

[@apexwheels]

Definitely don't see a lot of standard 996s in white, but there are out there in Glacier and Carrera White!

[@averyc7492]

I want a 996.1 so bad

[@apexwheels]

Same! They're aging so well

[@FlyingTigersKMT]

Nice intro

[@apexwheels]

Thank you!

[@Bill-r9z]

I’ve both 72 911 and 99 996. I prefer my 996.

[@aldricloong]

What wheel is that?

[@apexwheels]

They are our EC-7RS wheels!

[@G8rJimbo]

Which Recaro's are in this car?

[@apexwheels]

Those are the Recaro Pole Position

[@TedBarrera]

"Definitely not that special" wash your mouth. How dare you. Haha

[@apexwheels]

Isn't it messed up that is kind of the general opinion around a "base 911"? Most non-Porsche car people would just glance over the 996. I am definitely trying to change that opinion!

[@frederickcook87]

What’s the specs on your wheel/tire setup?

[@apexwheels]

APEX Wheels EC-7RS in Race Silver! 18x9" ET46 with 255/35/18 Nankang CR-S 18x10.5" ET44 with 285/30-18 NanKang CR-S

[@frederickcook87]

@@apexwheels thanks Bro 👌🏾

[@apexwheels]

Anytime! We've got fitment guides for most modern Porsche models as well. Here's a link: support.apexraceparts.com/hc/en-us/sections/360000673053-Porsche