Porsche 996/997 | Buyer's Guide with Autofarm

[@gregspark9845]

Had both, 996.2 C2 manual, now 997.1 C2 manual. Both great driver's cars, with similar character. The interior on 997 better quality and finish. The steering on 996 less filtered and a little more direct. Buy on price and condition, either will thrill. Ignore comments that rave about one, and rubbish the other, always from biased owners.

[@MustangBoss1973]

So true, well said.

[@younghem]

Great advice

[@purple-porker-productions]

Agreed

[@tims7639]

Totally agree. I have a 996.2 C4 manual and absolutely love it.

[@Leeholtom2911]

Been looking at selling my E46 M3 and getting into a 997 2S, drove the 997 4S and was a bit too refined hoping to test drive a 2S and hoping that’s more to my liking.

[@hugohugo2832]

I was in the market for a 997.2 but the dealer had a 996 Turbo for £7k less so I went for it and haven’t looked back. It’s a whole new world to my previous 996 4S

[@stephenauty2402]

They're such a good car , it does everything very well and seriously rapid. Mine's a keeper.

[@lostinwonderland9927]

How does the turbo compare to your previous car?

[@hugohugo2832]

@@lostinwonderland9927 completely different in performance. Amazingly apart from fuel consumption it is cheaper to run and more reliable.

[@clnhunter9137]

997.1, 2005. 78k miles. Getting ready to do a clutch and ims job. Car runs beautifully. Oil change every 3000 miles without question. Upgraded the infotainment to a modern car play model. It’s a proper semi daily.

[@AccentShmaccent]

love how small these are compared to the current 911's

[@bsnyd10]

After the 997 generation the 911 became so bloated. I never understood why it became so big.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

At first glance, I always think "old 911" whenever I see a 997 in the wild.

[@stevenkrekeler8403]

I understand the the 991.1 is 3" longer than the 997. However, the wheelbase is 4" longer and the engine is therefore moved forward, so it has a different driving dynamic. Personally I have both a 996.1 C2 and a 997.1 Turbo. Love them both.

[@MathewLewit]

Went for 996 after driving both, I dont need it as daily driver, thus I appreciate weirdness of interior and old school feeling of everything. I find it very close in how it makes me feel behind the wheel to the late 993s, which is nice. And its still capable of some touring, 5 to 6 hours behind the wheel is acceptable deal if you want to do it. If you have to drive it, buy 997, if you want to drive it, buy 996. Or something aircooled if budget allows and you are that kind of person.

[@adampeirce3297]

The sweet spot is the 996 40Jahre. More power (X51), better suspension (M030), relatively light (weighs ~2,900 lbs), and still very analog.

[@leehartshorn1479]

Nice to see the 996 and 997 in a video getting some love again Still love my 996.1 I fitted an under drive pulley that weighted up the steering nicely too And fitted a lightweight flywheel that may be too far for some as it does chatter at idle but I love my 996 😉

[@fairfaxa]

i recently bought a 98 3.4 996 manual and i absolutely love it. The revvy / peaky engine is a treat and it feels very light and very nimble. The design is more acceptable these days and the car does grab a lot of attention in Arctic Silver, with the Fried eggs still in place. The 997 CS feels a better mousetrap, fiendishly fast and very planted, but I personally feel the extra weight in the later car, that is not there with the early 996's. I love them both, and can't complain, they're 911's after all. and superlative sports cars in their own ways.

[@marshallsonmotorsltd2101]

I’ve got a gen1 C2 but had Hartech oversize rebuild to 3.7. Best of both worlds in my opinion

[@catk9685]

Have driven examples of both. Currently have a 997.1, both excellent drivers cars and still really good value. Don't miss the train, grab one now.

[@bleezogottidagod]

Seen a 1998 911 Carrera for $26k 21k miles should I get ?

[@JENNANDJUDD]

@@bleezogottidagodprobably a scam

[@mattdedasc]

I still have a 996.1 C2 manual and it's the best modern classic I can think of

[@christopherlastname7638]

I have love the 996 from the first time I had the opportunity to drive one but I'm pore and will never be able to afford one !

[@9jfd1]

I daily drive a 996.2 C2 Cab Tip for 6 years now still smile as each trip is a unique joy to ride in the city streets of toronto and it kicks ass on highway driving like to be just under 4k revs sweet spot. Roof top down best sound with billy boat exhaust!

[@pokiou]

ive had my 996 c2 mk1 for about 5 years... its just an amazing car to drive. I've driven nearly all the generations and its just miles ahead of the previous generation cars.

[@ortontom]

Love 996, they are also lighter than a 993 and more powerful. Some 996 come with matching colour rear bumpers ;) our last three 997.1 in the last six months all had borescoring....

[@kimchee411]

All S 3.8 or base 3.6 as well?

[@storkman]

What years were the 997.1s?

[@pauln0371]

I owned a 996.2 C4 manual for over 2 years as my daily driver. Great all weathers drivers car. Tbh I prefer the look of the earlier 3.4. Always hated the turbo headlights on the 996.2 cars. Best bet would be to get a 997. 2 Manual as the engine is Direct injection and doesn't suffer from as many problems like IMS, RMS and Bore Scoring as the 3.4 ,3.6 or 3.8. Another problem with the 996 models is the A/O separator. I had a few go on mine. Luckily covered by the Porsche Specialist I bought the car from in Leeds. The 997.2 is imo the best looking of the lot also.

[@BuySellCarsTV]

996 C2 manual is some serious value for money in my opinion!

[@hayabusa27]

Until the IMS bearing fails 😆

[@createanddestroy]

@@hayabusa27 They don't fail that often, certainly not on the 996.1 with the dual row. Or they have already been taken care of.

[@cgoldens]

@@hayabusa27 uneducated comment

[@hayabusa27]

@@cgoldens so why both failed on my 996 and 997??

[@hayabusa27]

@@createanddestroy Porsche fanboys are always in denial. I owned a 996 and 997 and both failed

[@Rennsport-Media]

Love the 996 headlights… they are unique looking!!!

[@danrook5757]

My house is also unique, that’s why I can’t sell it at market price

[@craighughes3495]

Love that “purists” don’t like them, it allowed me to buy a 🍒 low mileage friggin 911 for 24k😂😂😂😂

[@DJWenlowe]

Fantastic deep dive into these amazing cars, thanks very much indeed. This will save a lot of used buyers a lot of money and grief👍👍

[@SF_Native]

I have a 996 C2 and 997 RS. Love both, albeit completely different driving experiences. Still quite enjoy the 996, as a fun daily. 997 RS is definitely the choice for a spirited drive.

[@mariapires7170]

Great cars, but attention to the IMS bearing and replace it. Beyond that, perfect cars.

[@SF_Native]

@@mariapires7170 agreed. I have a 99- IMS is less of an issue on early 996s. It also has LSD and cable throttle as well.

[@gregspark9845]

​@@mariapires7170 the RS, assuming it's a GT3 RS, doesn't have the IMS problem as it has a Mezger engine. And 2006 997s only very rarely have an IMS problem, as they have the larger internal IMS bearing.

[@gregspark9845]

​@@SF_Native LSD wasn't standard on 996s except in the GT3, and possibly turbo (not sure re latter).

[@SF_Native]

@@gregspark9845 You're right it wasn't standard. It was however a rare option on some 996s. Mine was one. I have codes 220, 222 and 224.

[@pjay3028]

I have a 997.1 C2S. I recently went to the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone and drove a 992.1 C2S on their handling circuit for 90 minutes, so had an excellent taste of how the 992 drives. I can honestly say I massively prefer the 997. The 992 is obviously faster, but it misses out completely on the feel and feedback through the steering, brakes and seat of the pants. The car feels dull and lifeless in comparison to the 997. I was absolutely amazed at the difference. The 997 is a truly sensational car, don't miss out if you're remotely tempted.

[@alfpetzer5812]

This. Wanted to replace my 997 with its successors, failed to love them

[@storkman]

I'm tempted, thanks for sharing

[@nickk7689]

Jonny Smith with a Boxster and now Matt...glad these gems are getting the recognition they deserve.

[@truebluemiata]

People go on about the "fried egg" headlights and I say this: Le Mans GT1.

[@TheJpo911]

The 996, the working man's GT1 ;-)

[@christopherlastname7638]

I love the 996 I detailed them when they first came out and had the opportunity to drive one on track what a car !

[@pacoguerilla3097]

« Fried eggs » come from Boxter, and helped reduce building costs. Not an issue for me😊

[@BarkandJack]

Awesome amount of details. Thanks a lot chaps. 👍🏻

[@davidwills3107]

Really decent overview of both cars. Thanks for uploading 👍

[@collectingcars]

Thanks for the comment David!

[@BABY3438]

996s are great cars

[@halfunkbass2966]

I am never letting go of my 996 Turbo... I love its name 996. If 6 was 9 Jimi Hendrix song... speaks he will not copy anyone and the head lights is totally me I not wanting to copy the same boring headlights. I absolutely love the change and it kicks ass on the track too. I love that it reference the Bible mythology 666 too. It reminds me of the cartoon "Speed Racer" of the World's Fastest Car episode where the engine was so controversial, they buried it in the cemetery because it was so fast it put drivers in another dimension...😆 Anyway, Hail to the Porsche 996 and may you hold your head up like a baddass because you got your Porsche with money in the bank from the savings. You will never get such an opportunity again.

[@christopherlastname7638]

I love the 996 its underrated because of the headlights but i loved them the interior left a lot to be desired even the boxster is an amazing car to drive .

[@_que]

CO or carbon monoxide is a colourless and odorless gas. I believe when he says to smell the exhaust, I suspect he meant to say unburnt fuel or HC smell perhaps closer to methane... could be wrong

[@David-xh9cw]

Great video this. Very thorough. One day I'll get my hands on one!

[@sidewayssam]

I had a 996 carrera on a 98 r plate,cable throttle ,twin row ims, m030 suspension, lsd, dansk exhaust, ipd throttle, mapped 330 bhp...brilliant car. Now have a turbo, also awesome, but get one of the above and keep it. The lightest and purest

[@tz6414]

Not much hasn't been replaced on mine. Rads, condenser, pipes, coffins, forks ,drop links, even the arb wore. . Yes they rust in the sill from the wheels. Put some tiny flaps on mine . Other joys were tip cooling pipes, compressor, striker plates. Also 3 water leaks into the cabin from plates on the bulkhead. I can have weeks of maintenence, then nothing for a year or so. Has so many oil leaks, never managed to get it dry. Even had an rear main seal replaced , still leaked after a couple of years Luckily I maintain it 90%. myself. Having said that, no plans to sell it as decent newer model is 50k plus.

[@skcapture]

Great video. Thanks. Have a 996.2 C4 only compliant is the PSM ABS warning light

[@KurtV8]

Former 992 C2 owner - had to address all the issues raised plus a few more!

[@chrispig7748]

Looking for a 997 now, thanks for the video

[@collectingcars]

Get onto Collecting Cars!!

[@storkman]

Same

[@arvidkarlberg5845]

love my 3.4, sport seats and x51 etc.. lovely driver!

[@marshallsonmotorsltd2101]

Didn’t think X51 pack was available on gen1 3.4 cars

[@arvidkarlberg5845]

@@marshallsonmotorsltd2101 it's really nice and incredibly comprehensive. apart from the headline stuff like redline increased to 7400, there is additional center radiator, additional oil pump, different heads, exhaust and intake manifolds, camshafts, pistons, oil cooler, etc..

[@marshallsonmotorsltd2101]

@@arvidkarlberg5845 you sure you don’t mean 3.6 gen2?

[@jacopopalamidese5235]

As someone who can only afford a Dacia Sandero i really enjoyed this

[@daytonaeagle]

I’ve been told that bore score starts at the bottom of the cylinder so you won’t be able to necessarily tell there is an issue when looking down through the spark plug holes unless the scoring is quite severe.. To confidently tell you need to look at the cylinder wall underneath the piston..

[@christopherlastname7638]

That 996 has the best wheels you could get from factory the Porsche dealership i worked for did a lot of up sales aftermarket rims and some aftermarket engines parts.

[@155stw]

The 996 represents fantastic value for money. Comfortable and capable. Just get the IMS fixed.

[@robster6868]

This guy Mikey talks a lot of sense.

[@jason22spurs]

996 3.4 all day long !!! Love my one

[@jep1912]

Quick question guys... where on earth are your podcasts...? Haven't seen one for months.

[@catk9685]

Yep, I miss them too.

[@maz2044]

Love the long form content !

[@WeirdNeville]

Would love to see a Boxster/Cayman guide... if you can stoop to those levels!

[@996Revival]

You may call it dated, but it has aged well😊

[@НикитаМакаров-й2и]

Thx for video! Could you make one about boxsters and caymans too?

[@nivsingh1433]

Brilliant video - great tips from Auto Farm !

[@laetimarc254]

the engine of the 996 designed by Mercedes and manufactured by Porsche at the time when Porsche was in financial difficulty is a disaster in terms of reliability (IMS, cracked cylinder heads, scratched cylinder, etc.) It is greatly preferable (especially if we ride and keep it) to go with a 996 turbo with its Mezger engine (designed by Porsche) much more reliable.

[@nigel.w]

Didn't discuss manual v Tiptronic and/or 3.6 vs 3.8 on 997 issues, or 997.2...or cross-over pipes.

[@I999-g2s]

997 3.8 - Bore scoring, be aware, budget for a rebuild (maybe even an upgrade) and enjoy the last of the real 911’s!

[@danrook5757]

If u DO rebuild, go upto 4L

[@Njabuloseh]

I don’t notifications for this channel despite ringing the bell 💔

[@vaflur]

Hello everyone! I was a lucky owner of bmw m3 f80 comp package (stage 1 tune + full exhaust). While the car is very good, I want to enjoy something more raw. I always wanted to get a 991 one day and I believe the time has come :) I have found one car with a perfect spec for me - 997.1 Carrera S with aerokit and only 37K kilometers. The car is in Germany and I will have a contractor who can inspect the car and help to make the purchase. However, he is not a Porsche expert and I am a bit worried that the car may have IMS or Bore Scoring issues. Should I ask to take the car to the nearest Porsche dealer to check those issues, if that is possible? Thanks and good luck everyone!

[@_que]

Welcome back

[@trevorlynch7378]

my 996 gen 2 has had ims and clutch done also shocks annd brakes runs like achamp only 60000 miles on it

[@pacoguerilla3097]

I believe 997 is easier to maintain and drive (without worrying about IMS). There may be a price difference as 996 is older with a bad reputation (lights, IMS).

[@nicktaylor5273]

Great video but the interviewer please place your microphone in a better position so we can hear you better

[@andrewselden358]

Pedro, could l suggest you do a sound check on your mic. Your intro was ok but when discussing with Mike, his voice was clear but yours was so muffled to be a strain to hear.

[@gsmoto9790]

IMS does not concern me anywhere near as much as bore score, since IMS can be sorted. Noone has yet told me how to ensure the car does not get bore score, And I'm not interested in the attitude where i'm supposed to accept hardly any of them do it, so i'll be alright. So these cars are still a no for me.

[@_que]

If the issue is temperature to the #6 and potentially #5 cylinder, theory would say get a lower thermostat and see if more cooling capacity can be applied. I believe on a 997, one can add a 3rd radiqtor in the middle of the front bumper, not sure 996 have the option...

[@sutherlacd27]

Can't ensure it won't happen but following the proper warmup process, using quality oil and oil filter, and changing it on time reduces the odds

[@AxelSpitzer]

❤ 997.2 ❤

[@92Godzilla]

I would pick the 997. I just can’t learn to love those headlights on the 996.

[@VantageNoir]

I can't learn to love the interior in 996.

[@danrook5757]

Thats what i said about my First wife

[@deanlutgert8292]

Make sure it has the original catalytic converters they cost 3000.00 a piece if you have the cores otherwise they cost 6000.00 a piece for original equipment

[@enriclibert545]

Thanks for this good video👍🏻👍🏻🇪🇸

[@flat6croc]

There are loads of lowish miles 997.1s which are on the original bores and will score sooner or later.

[@catk9685]

Over 100k on mine, and no sign of bore scoring. It does not happen with all cars.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Had 5 porches loved them pity about the engines , I looked after mine like an egg they still crapped themselves

[@danrook5757]

What are u driving now

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

@@danrook5757 Honda s2000

[@dimitriosmichailidis268]

@@Ricky-cl5bu let's be ownest Ricky. You could never afford Posche - not to mention 5 of them crapping on you.;)

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

@@dimitriosmichailidis268 what ever you say lol

[@davidadamW]

Love my 997.2

[@ryanmcgrail4298]

What happened to the podcast on Friday.

[@rotarypower84]

Great video

[@marshallsonmotorsltd2101]

Presenter not doing a very good job at pretending to know what he’s talking about

[@jamessheehy4895]

Sound is far to quiet

[@jimmoseley5813]

Why do I not see you comment on the 997.2? you cannot compare Gen1 to Gen 2

[@greathey1234]

I can't get IMS failure possibility out of my mind in 996 models. I bought a similarly priced V8 Vantage and I think it's the safer bet.

[@sutherlacd27]

Go with the 996 turbo and then there is no IMS issue

[@dennisbeukude8325]

Or GT3

[@bramprins229]

the narrow 996 please

[@7sq]

Bin the "music" !!!

[@sixpotshot]

I can easily see dreamers coming up after watching this video: expecting everything to have been replaced and demanding a pin perfect out of the showroom form and think they will get away paying pennies: if you are one of those then forget it!

[@CW-yp9jo]

It’s not unreasonable to expect that basic maintenance like what’s shown in the video has been done on the car you’re purchasing. No car is perfect but no one wants to be sold a lemon.

[@techniqueswithtodd]

Yup, it requires a lot of cost folks. Get used to it.

[@jonathangalloway6796]

997 all day long

[@sutherlacd27]

Personally I wouldn't touch a Porsche with the m96/m97 engine. IMS and bore scoring risks aren't worth it IMO. Get a mezger engine instead

[@robbo777cricket]

You've completely missed the point. The cheapest Mezger engined 911 is ~£70k whereas a sorted M96/M97 car is about £20k.

[@stuartrhodes7352]

​@@robbo777cricket70k??, 996 turbo is mezger , they start around 30k👍

[@antohnygrech]

Hi like to get a race chip for my 911 m 2ooo 996 is it much more then just a chip cheers 😊

[@mikesmith7496]

turn up the mic!

[@jorgej5916]

the 996 look was by a Chinese Designer

[@r53caspar]

Quite dull…. Buy an r53 instead and try and keep up on a B road.

[@-Grifter]

I’m guessing that’s a mini. I has the supercharged S and it was amazing. I now have a 997.2 and the Porsche is on another level really mate. The mini did inspire a lot of confidence though you are right and the younger crowd in these minis may have more balls but my new 997.2 C2S shifts like nothing I’ve had before. 7.2 vs 4.3?

[@r53caspar]

@-Grifter fair enough. Yes the supercharged instills so much confidence it's insane. I've only driven a boxter and felt I could judge the limits easier on the mini although I never found them luckily! Boxter of course different to 997s

[@tekis0]

Poor audio, unfortunately.

[@bielas1200]

The talk about headlights is so stupid, it was the best-selling 911 ever, was it because it was ugly? It cost a small fortune. The 911 the 996 was the best.

[@Huh-jx8kd]

I believe the 996.1 headlight are way cooler than the .2. I also believe the .1 will be heavily sought after once people realize it was only made for 2 years with these headlights.

[@Xayuap]

d ainno sense with no Harris

[@mark_n_r]

Had a 1999 996.1. Such a cheap interior, let the whole ownership experience down.

[@Pstaines439]

Salting roads. Ruining cars since decades ago.

[@nigel.w]

This guy can't even tell the difference between a 996.1 and a .2.

[@therealgaragegirls]

It's amazing to me that Porsche designed that interior in the 996 cars. Looks like awful GM 90s design.

[@stephenauty2402]

That's because they were designed in the 90's 1994 to be precise , production started in 97.

[@richardcook2674]

Half sized elf....

[@cliffordbody4516]

it makes me sad to here people go silly on these cars ;do not get me confused with a none 911 owner ever just get over the badge

[@CLaFong]

I thought the age limit on skinny jeans was 25. Is it older in Britain or are these guys just an aberration?

[@therealsharps]

tell the camera man to stand still .. so annoying

[@VantageNoir]

996 dashboard is such garbage I can't believe Porsche was making it

[@cgoldens]

Crazy, it was 1998, compare a Ford Taurus from the same era….the exterior is plain, while lots of plastic has aged way better than a 993

[@pulaskicondoassociation6799]

Wha wha .

[@sutherlacd27]

I considered the 996 turbo because of the price but I couldn't get past the interior and those headlights so I went 997.1 turbo instead

[@cgoldens]

@@sutherlacd27 headlights are freakin awesome

[@hayabusa27]

Worst 911s in history! -Fact

[@seamusmcfitz913]

You have no idea what you're talking about. Ask Chris. The best Porsche ever made was the 997 GT3RS 4.0

[@nickwright4652]

The 986/996 was the car that saved Porsche that's fact 👌

[@hayabusa27]

@@seamusmcfitz913 I don't need an Indian guy to tell me it drives well. I need a good mechanic to tell me its a good car. I'm pretty sure they won't be as enthusiastic.....

[@hayabusa27]

@@nickwright4652 did it save your pockets???

[@nickwright4652]

@@hayabusa27 ?