Should You Buy a PORSCHE 911? (Test Drive & Review 996 Carrera)

[@robbey300]

It’s a sickness Matt...! Looking at cars all the time is ‘The Chase’....then comes ‘Buyer’s Regret’.....then comes ‘Seller’s Regret’.....and the cycle repeats itself.... I have it myself! Great review again....! The answer is yes buy an old 911....!

[@griffpowell8501]

no, your not on your own spending most of the evening on autotrader

[@HighPeakAutos]

I need to set up an Autotraders Anonymous meeting

[@gtcaledonia2886]

@@HighPeakAutos No one will show up, we'd all have missed the start getting side tracked looking at the latest obsession haha

[@Knappyrash]

@@HighPeakAutos 😂😂

[@smiler921]

Pretty much described my evenings 🤣

[@prits5976]

My phone tells me how long an app has been used, autotrader makes for grim reading😂

[@jonkenwell5514]

I have a 996 911, and I have to say I think they’re incredibly underrated. Mine is a 2003 3.6 manual and is absolutely fantastic. It’s plenty quick enough for the road, handles and brakes well, plus is just practical enough for a long journey. It feels nice and small too compared to more modern cars, giving you more space on the road. Matt’s absolutely correct, the running costs aren’t prohibitive if you buy well in the first place. I’ve had mine for 6 years, servicing and consumables (brakes, branded tyres etc.) average at £1000 per year. Insurance is circa £280 for me, fully comprehensive with guaranteed value limited to 3500 miles per year. Tax is circa £27 per month on direct debit Another fantastic review 👌👍.

[@cartman668222]

my mechanic brain just sees a nightmare but my drivers brain just hears Jeremy Clarkson saying POWER!!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha fair enough

[@Mike_Jones281]

It's not so bad. The car I generally reliable.

[@adamtarrington6541]

I start my Autotrader search for a modern frugal suv that I can get my fishing tackle in. 6 cans later I always end up on Mitsubishi GTO’s and Jag XK’s. Great vid

[@Shane-zx4ps]

Yeah but when we sober up we get sensible again..😊👍

[@cannonball9478]

😂

[@davidashley4386]

The dangerous thing for me is I can do that sober 😅

[@relentless1379]

Lol funny to hear what a lot of ppl including me do on auto trader

[@ericl452]

The C2 (2 wheel drive), C4 (4 wheel drive), and GT3 were all narrow body. The C4S, Turbo, and GT2 were wide body. Note that the C4S is the wide body version of the C4 and the mechanicals are the same. Starting with the 997, the "S" versions came with a larger more powerful engine. Not so with the 996. Also, if you are looking to buy a set of wheels, it is important to know the wheel offsets are different for the narrow and wide body cars.

[@itsjoel]

I’ve got a burning desire to buy one of these at the moment

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me too. Its weird. I was never really bothered about them before

[@HighPeakAutos]

I kind of want a cheap ratty one that I can use and abuse

[@itsjoel]

@@HighPeakAutos know the feeling. And a C2 too so I can slide it

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@itsjoel 😎

[@ldwp6395]

@@HighPeakAutos buy one and rag it as hard and often as possible

[@vx4716]

"One Porsche two cups" lmfao that put a smile on my face 🤣🤣

[@geraldhornsby]

Yeah, me too. Clever man.

[@isee7668]

I did lol

[@TheMentalblockrock]

I smiled at the dig at Gordon Brown!

[@Nathan-ng1jt]

Sorry, I don't get it. Could someone elaborate please..

[@Pat14922]

@@Nathan-ng1jt He was the Chancellor who put the road tax up for large engine sized cars. Before that it was a flat charge.

[@BorisG13]

I absolutely love these, I don’t understand why people dislike the headlights, I think they are iconic.

[@davetester100]

Still dreaming of the Dacia Duster!

[@ericl452]

Love my 996. I have a very early 99 model built in March 1998. Bought it 4 years ago for pennies on the dollar. My C2 coupe is 2900 lbs and is visibly much smaller than the new 992. It's a great analog car that I enjoy driving.

[@boltring]

“I don’t really have the money “ how honest is that? Well said Matt. You’re in business to trade not collect. The only downside is that you always have to move on items you’d rather keep, because that’s the nature of earning a living. Keep well

[@HighPeakAutos]

I know. Its one of the biggest challenges in this job

[@retepyam5858]

Great vid, completely agree the narrow body classic shape is to my eyes a lovely car. Having bought a 2002 996.2 in 2015, all the pundits said at the time they are going to rocket in price, didn't lose much money as such but sure as hell didn't get more than I paid for it when I sold it 4 years later. As an ex biker Tyres are vital to safety, never been a fan of unknown tyres on high performance cars. If a manual let the gearbox warm up a bit before fast changes, second can be reluctant from stone cold. There is a sticker under the bonnet with a bunch of codes which you can look up so you can see what extras have been fitted. Full Porsche or specialist history is a must if you want to get a good price when you sell it. One to tell if someone has looked after it get on your knees with a torch and look into the air intakes for the rad and aircon, if there is a compost heap in there its not good and the rads could be on their way out all it takes is a goo going over with a wetvac. Flat battery bonnet and boot wont open as they are electric releases. Some suffered from bore scuffing which is why you see some advertised with Hartech engines where they have been refurbished

[@compostboomtron9001]

I was born in the 90s, so this is my favourite 911 model. I gaped at these in awe when I was growing up. Would love to own one some day

[@keithwelton]

I am in my 70’s now but well remember having my nose pressed on the Porsche showroom windows 50 odd years ago.

[@keithparish5863]

I can lose hours, evenings, and days in Autotrader, and on many occasions, end up buying cars I never knew I wanted.. its a rabbit hole =)

[@davebentley3542]

Good review fella. Cracking cars, not super fast, but tremendous fun on a twisty road. I am often to be found threading my C4S through the Peak District. Extremely rewarding drive. You do have to stay on top of the mechanicals as you mentioned, some items are sensibly priced, others are the price of distilled unicorn tears 😭 Well worth a punt with your hard earned pennies 👍👍

[@car_pal]

3:55 nope, i do that daily

[@zachariah74]

Out of all the people I expected to see watching High Peak Autos it had to be a BeamNG channel

[@emgee44]

Ditto.

[@paddyclose6852]

Same here

[@car_pal]

@@integralevideo kind of, it was a miata in the end haha

[@BeryProduction]

I do that daily as well, start at around 2k€ for a new daily "just to get to work" car and ends up at 10-15k€ cars that I do not have money to buy, but would rly want to have

[@bassisent58]

Owned a 2003 C4S now for 9 years. Great car, no issues, upgraded the IMS bearing (even though the old one was perfect as it turned out) fully recommended as a modern classic that won't break the bank.

[@reddhow2829]

I've just bought a 2001 c2 with a full engine rebuild. Regarding insurance I'm paying under £250 a year. Had Mk5 golf GTi that was £480 a year before. The 996 isn't to bad on your wallet, I'm finding it easier to daily than my old 987 Cayman too.

[@richardwilson57]

How come?...... I’ve owned both and I found the 987 had more boot space and less notch gearbox......

[@lincolnengland5005]

As soon as I see crap tyres on a car it makes walk away from it UNLESS all the history is there and verifiable. I agree that some folks will put cheap tyres on a car needing a new set just to get rid/ through the MOT but generally it's a very good indicator to the level of maintenance.

[@Z-u-m-a]

I quite agree.

[@prits5976]

I've always loved the 996, the hate is so undeserved, the itch is real😂

[@prits5976]

@Blackporsche roadster it wouldnt though would it? If you buy right lol. Coming from an e46 m3 so I know how it goes😂

[@prits5976]

@Blackporsche roadster fine by me. I'm happy to pay to fix things so I know it works then have a characterful, enjoyable modern classic to play with. Better than some soulless shitty little 20 plate plastic box

[@richardmcdonell1108]

One of your best - not just the car review, just liked the thinking process up to 3.60. Plus “that grin”

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@iaindoole4060]

Bought a one owner 2002 996 c4 in 2013 . 150k miles with service history. Now 174k and great fun. Agree with your comments on engineering simplicity and quality.It’s a joy to work on .

[@stevensarson482]

You describe me exactly. I’m sat working my way up through the models and the prices, as I look to change my 987 Boxster. At a whisker off 70 it has to be a real coffin dodger and fit a bag of shopping. Thanks for this and your other videos. I used to work at the garage opposite your stand in the late 70s when they were a Datsun franchise and so I’ve suffered like this for some time.

[@clubracer6]

I could have bought a 991.1 or 997 and chose to get a 40th ae 996. Honestly my favorite gen. Organic and very capable. Perfect review!

[@TheGreatestPlayerInTheWorld]

I look at cars every day on my auto trader app and i know il never be able to afford 90% of them 😂😬

[@benpenagonzales6014]

So I’ve just got my first 911, a 996.2 C4 auto. The least loved but still cheap. And love it. If you want a pure thrash, get a 986 boxster manual. Lighter and sweeter. Just a slightly different vibe I think.

[@pauln0371]

I owned a 996.2 Carrera 4 Coupe Manual for 3 years not that long ago. It was my daily driver and the only problems I encountered was that the A/O separator let go a couple of times and needed replacing both times. Luckily I bought it from a Porsche Specialist in Leeds and he changed them for free. Only problem with using it as a daily was it ceased being a Porsche and just became a car to go to work and back. Swapped it for a new Audi S3 Black Edition in 2017.

[@E12m535i]

My 996 has just turned 23 and it’s in great condition thanks to fastidious long term PO’s. There are a lot of 996’s that had a cretin or two as the 4th or 5th owner+, and subsequently neglected their cars because they were cheap. With so many 996’s made, you have the ability to be picky about its condition. But don’t assume that a pampered car won’t throw you a big bill. Great review and I wish you success with your new business venture 👍🏻🙌🏻

[@JamesThomas-wf9sl]

Enjoyed the review, model wise the C4 is a narrow body as well and I think is only available with a 3.4, the C4S shares the turbo body shell, brakes and suspension but runs the 3.6 litre motor. The standard Carrera didn't have an S model option until the 997 was introduced. You talked a bit about the 997 as an alternative and the IMS, some small number of 996s had IMS issues as you say, the 997 particularly the .1 had a bigger frequency of bore score issues, which are much harder to resolve. As you say the IMS is pretty straightforward to sort and not for crazy costs. 3 years in I love my C4S its a properly good cross country car.

[@Ediconic1]

Very good review. Just picked up a 997.1 but beware of the Bore issues. Expensive mistake £10k fix. I absolutely love the 996/7 as you said they are just enough to be powerful, but not to kill you. If you have a garage this would be a great buy and keep. Tiptronic is great and so simple to drive. You should just start every review with Service gearbox

[@nelsonclub7722]

Even a well looked after 996 might need a contingency/sink fund to either keep it or get it into tiptronic top order. IMS Bearing. Cracked Heads. Worn cylinder linings. Etc Etc. It's a classic so either get handy with some spanners or get to expect to be on first name terms with a local garage/nearest Porsche service dept. Performance upgrades are rife so history is vital and this is likely to affect insurance. But once all that is done and sorted you are driving a Porsche for Prius money. Get one. They are brilliant. Thanks HPA - another fantastic video - I have just bought a 2014 4.4 RR, and your earlier reviews helped enormously. At first, I was like you, a bit remorseful....what I have I done etc...... but now?....... It's astonishing. Absolutely astonishing. And incredible value - £127,550 new. and I paid 35K for a true titan of the motoring world which has more toys than a branch of Smyths including the Premium 2,500 watt sound system . One thing I can say is that I had the engine remapped to help with the slightly disconcerting junction lag; it was a bit like booking an appointment for the power delivery to arrive but now fantastic and better mileage and ahem officer a bit more power. Brilliant.Thank you. Stay safe good luck.

[@nigeltoon1848]

Excellent review. Did a track day in one of these with an excellent coach sitting alongside me. Had the absolute best 30 minutes of my life. This is another time in my life when I should have bought a car at the point values turn. I know the 996 would be the sensible choice I wouldn’t regret, but I’m more drawn to a cheap AM Vantage. I blame the faulty bit of my brain that draws me towards the CX’s, XM’s and the Vel Satis I owned. And mostly regretted.

[@jamiecampbell5905]

Another great video mate! I'm 14 and Im definitely going to use your coruse when I'm older to own a dealership

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching

[@ssb8344]

I’ve been watching the reviews since the beginning and they are much better now, slicker talking, the jokes are still 50/50 but that’s of the reasons I keep watching. The cars are also a great mix and some we would never see on KZbin! Keep it up mate!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching

[@DaveStevis]

I paid £68,000 for a new 2000 "v" plate Carrera 4, it was black with terracotta leather, that was some car back then! People really hated them a few years after. Bit unfair, i blame the Boxter.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good choice! Yes I think you're right

[@2702simmo]

I bought a 98 Carrera 2 in July never driven a 911 before and I absolutely love it. I daily it and it’s got such character and going through the Peak District last week makes so much sense in the twisty roads It’s so much better than the E93 M3 it replaced and the only car I’ve liked more than my previous favourite the e46 M3 They weigh nothing and sound so growly

[@tjabaley]

My friend I started looking at 997. Just like you kept justifying a step up. Ended up ordering a 992 for my 50 birthday. Wish I’d have got a 911 years ago. It’s worth every penny.

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂 this is how it goes

[@GarthLovesTRAVEL]

i love my 996 4S......its my daily driver!! people think its a new production every time i pull in a gas station :)

[@3582jj]

I've done exactly the same on auto trader. I'm fact pretty much each time I go on there no matter what car model I'm looking at. You are not alone

[@davidh2022]

PLUS +++ - Love your honesty! When i met my girlfriend 15yrs ago - it was cool she had an 80's 911 - reality for an 18 stone 6ft 8 fella with muscle probs - it is HELL to get in and out of - I found her another car for our daily use!

[@Philly5G]

Another great film and good to know the 996 is on the up!!! I've had my C4S for 15 months and JUST learned the cub holder expands to 2 cups!!! Thanks!!! :)

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha very good

[@paulowen7644]

Yep, me too. Just found out my car has 2 Cup holders. Sorry Will Smith you don't have any, ask Martin to hold the coffee ☕

[@alanmaxted6215]

Enjoyable as ever covering everything the average petrolhead wants to know. Still prefer my Boxster offering top down driving as 911’s always seem a bit clostraphobic to me.

[@Kwippy]

When I saw my cousin driving one 3-4 years ago I was hugely jealous. He hardly ever drives it now, it spends far too much time in the repair shop. I bet many Porsche owner have the same experience but don't want to talk about it.

[@Blue-moon12]

Ever since I was a kid I wanted a Porsche. I am 41 and dreamt of the 959😍😍😍. The Boxster and 996 are affordable. Cayennes are cheap on the 2nd hand market and I am aware of the issues. I would even now consider a 944. Loved this review.

[@dewitudur.dyddiauyndonnini741]

Another enjoyable video. Drove my 2008 Porsche from Wales back here to Italy before Christmas. Heavy snow before St Gottard. The snow plough ahead of me was a blessing. 😀

[@nospamevereh]

A few years ago I bought, cleaned up and sold a 2001, 911 Carrera cab (996). Had ~36,000 miles on it and I had a compression test and system read done on it pre-purchase. Imported from US into Canada so lots of paperwork there but not too onerous. Beautiful car but there is a major known issue. As soon as you get to ~60,000 miles the cylinders start to creep and oval. Normally aspirated, NOT the turbo, it lasts forever. You have the IMF but that is easy to check, the engine cylinders ovaling is a major issue and will happen. I sold it at a significant profit and was looking for a turbo but the dealer yard jockey range 2'd it on the way to a pre-purchase inspection so I ended up buying a lake house instead. 6 months ago I bought a used 2018 Stinger GT limited for ~ what I sold the Porsche for. 3 years factory warranty when purchased, actually seats 5 adult humans can comfortably sit in, has way more creature comforts and outperforms the cab I had. Would have loved another Porsche but after one ride in a Stinger, it was a no brainer. It even does all this on Regular gas!!!

[@fairfaxa]

fantastic and very honest and rounded review there. I own a 98 3.4 manual RHD 996 and I think you hit on all the points. Thank you!

[@MrREHW]

As a resource I highly recommend Friends green porsche on you tube, he's a dealer specialises in mainly 996's and 997's. He runs through all the defects and refurbishment that he does with every car he gets in.

[@lindametcalfe728]

Have not seen the reviews on green not very good and they have had court cases on the cars they sell

[@lindametcalfe728]

Have a look on uk911 .com

[@davidwills3107]

That was one car out of about 1500 he’s sold, I amazed people pick up on one bad review. Luke who owns that garage is an honest guy.

[@MrREHW]

@@davidwills3107 got to say you don't do all that work to the cars if you are trying to rip people off.

[@trailingarm63]

I like dainty narrow-bodies myself. They cost less to feed and I don't have to adjust the suspension when they get on the back of my motorbike. Nice car. I think you should sell your other trophies and keep that one. That Mercedes you've got looks far too Marbella for the Peak District whereas the Porsche fits in anywhere.

[@nickturner2813]

How come no one's asked you "what happened to the Bentley" constantly?

[@kevinsmith5448]

really excellent overview. and your experience searching the interweebs for various 911 cars is universal

[@mikespinler5998]

had one just like it. ran great was my first 911, after 2 prior boxsters. never got into the funky headlights, traded it for a newer 07 s model . 4th porsche, and still love them. always worth getting the s. model upgraded version of any model.

[@shaunjudkins7192]

I'm in Southern California and I obsess over how much to spend on my first porsche as well. I can't wait to get it. Nice job on the video

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! What are the prices like there for 911’s?

[@johndoeee888]

I just found one in socal for 16k. Great condition. Ims and rms replaced and owner has kept up with maintenance.

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

I like the 996 and the C2 would be my first choice, although as 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc car it has to be a convertible or the much rarer Targa which gives the best of all worlds. Im also a fan of the narrow body for the same reasons, more recent cars have grown too fat. Its worth remembering that there is now a price overlap between nice 996's and early 2004/5 997's which to some may be more appealing. Porsche quality is excellent and whilst the interior may look dated and a bit bland, that's its charm as are the distinctive headlamps. Another enjoyable and honest review, keep them coming. By the way your SL55 is exceptionally good.

[@adeyp3871]

Hi Matt, I was always put off Porsche’s because I thought about the running and repair costs. Glad to see they are attainable without selling a kidney.. Great review as always mate.

[@alchapman1052]

Back in black and what a car to be In ,looks a real mean machine and joy bringer.

[@michaelhelme3575]

You're quite right, it's a superb car, I should know........ I've had mine for 12 years, only one owner before.

[@ashaley263]

For a guy who doesn’t like 911’s find yourself making more 911 videos and a damn good review! Love my 991.1 2S, 997.1 2S and next on my radar is a 996 4S!

[@picklemetimbers3003]

Here in the states the desire for the 996 has also been on the incline. March of last year at the start of the covid outbreak I was able to join the Porsche owners club. Prices had hit rock bottom. Picked up a 2001 Carrera 2 in black grey interior. 6 Spd manual coupe. 33k miles. Original window sticker showed over 20k in options. I paid 20K USD for the car. I could not be happier. That is less money then people spend on a new Kia.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yeah you’re right. I think covid has played a part. People are thinking life’s too short so why not buy a car I’ve always fancied

[@materialstwit]

What a great non-nonsense 996 guide. Thanks @High Peaks Autos... better than irritating forum experts. Oddly enough, I do the same thing with classifieds & end up looking at ever pricier cars. Tried a few 996s pre lockdown and they drive really nicely. Prefer the C2 to C4. Agree it's better to pay 15-20 for a sorted car than 13 for a mediocre example.

[@stephenlane9168]

Nice video Matt. Stick with the Range Rover, it’s perfect in my mind, can’t beat it 👌

[@TheMuzikall]

Most Definitely...you just need to buy a Sound one from a Specialist for peace of mind or get it checked thoroughly by a Specialist if you are buying private

[@jonathanribee8098]

I bought a 2004 C4S in 2009. Took it from 50,000 m to 130,000 m. Used as a daily driver up to about 2017 when a move to a city has just about stopped me driving as everything is quicker by public transport. However, it is still sat on the drive should it be needed. I was going to sell it - but if they are appreciating finally I might keep it for a bit longer! :) One of my colleagues drove it and went home to measure his kids to work out how long they would still fit in the rear seats.

[@danielmarshall4587]

"walk away from my laptop and go and get some fresh air"..... you're a Gentleman Sir, sadly my solution is usually. NO DANIEL stop that, anyhow thank you.

[@davidh2022]

Girlfriend has an 82 911SC and a amte has had 10 different 80's 911 including Zeemax and other modded versions - for me, I get the 'fried egg lights model aignt not so bad' - not that relevant but I had the same with Series 3 Jags replaced by the XJ40 - I learned to love em!

[@jackburtonstwin]

You raise a good point regarding road tax. I own a contemporary of the 996, the 09 model Audi S5 V8 coupe. As you indicate, I use it purely for pleasure and cover around 3-3.5k miles per year. As such, the fuel consumption is really not a significant factor, my insurance is less than £350 per year, but my "ambition tax", well that's somewhere north of £560 per year. A stupid amount, as it means, annually, I am paying also most as much in road tax as I am paying in petrol! In what bizarro world does road tax become your most significant running cost, beating out fuel, insurance and servicing? Just as well I love the car!

[@ttmadness34]

I start looking at old beemers for 700 quid, then end up looking at 60k M5's lol

[@matthellis8649]

Evenings on auto trader - definitely not alone. 996 is the dream, nice video!

[@markdoherty9205]

Spot on with every comment. From Porsche misnomers to trawling through autotrader for hours.🤣 I never thought I would ever buy a 996, Porsche baiting used to be a hobby ffs! But as an all round drive I've actually grown to love it. Every day drive to work, shopping, kids, and can even get two sets of golf clubs and a fat best mate in it (Targa only for that packing trick by the way).

[@deansmith4752]

I live in China and there is no chance that I will ever own one of these cars (insert your favourite model here) yet, every time I see one of these videos I relish in the UK wit and sardonic sense of humour of 'our man in the north'. long may your videos illuminate the furthest corners of the earth and your reputation wax gibbous in the eyes of the gods

[@matthewstephens5005]

That’s the conundrum I’m having. Not in the office going forward other than a meeting so don’t need commuter car. This would tick the box

[@dieselsubmariner1639]

I retire next year and I have been doing exactly what you do, start off with a 20k budget and before I go to bed I find myself justifying spending 55k on a 911, or CLS 55 or S Class or...................... You have sold about 5 cars I would have bought if it had been retirement time, CLS, A8, S Class. Lets hope you have something good Sept 25.

[@1seipai]

Informative. The Turbo was not the "widowmaker" (as it was 4WD) , that was the GT2. They are bloody expensive now, around £100k for a good one.

[@nehalbechan685]

Off to 996 listings we go

[@rob5944]

I had the same thing happen to me after I had my old bosses 996 in gun metal grey over the weekend a few years back. I used to come up lovely after a wash and had a beautiful set of wheels on it (to me, a sure sign of quality). Straight away it had me under it's spell, I don't know why as the ride was hard the gears slightly notchy and the performance was fast but not mind blowingly. I've driven cars just as quick but a Porsche has a certain kudos that only German cars can give you. For example they make you feel great, people are hesitant to overtake, a wreck of a transporter was next to me at the lights and I'm certain he felt like a king, and all these things are purely in the mind.....Aren't we a strange lot. lol

[@Jahmed5635]

Lovely video as always my friend, certainly a lot of demand for Porsche’s, I think although they’ve kept the design the same for the 911 it works well and there’s a lot of demand for it. Would be good to see more videos on investment cars etc

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good idea. Cheers

[@worigami]

I don't know why but I wasn't expecting such a positive review ;-) I had over 3 years largely enjoyable ownership of a 2004 C4S. It was a very low mileage example with lots of extras, the sports exhaust is a worthwhile addition. Low mileage meant mine, with a recently expired warranty, experienced the IMS failure. I feared a big bill but Porsche picked up the entire cost for a new engine with an upgraded IMS bearing or so they said. They fitted the engine and had it tested in a little over a day - possibly through a lot of practice :-) That was in the past so having a good specialist, proper maintenance and as someone here has mentioned, keep the revs low until up to temperature...though easier said than done.

[@mrmitch5054]

Matt really enjoy your channel a breath of fresh air

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@steveGee5787]

A postie colleague of mine has an early 996... I've never been brave enough to take the plunge (and most likely never will), but it shows that - for an "exotic" car - it is kind of doable if that's what you wish to blow your disposable income on!

[@mikecave4665]

Great review but no mention of the dreaded bore scoring common on these cars?? Engine rebuild is the only proper fix at £6k-£12k!! I wouldn't buy a 996 or 997.1 without a bore scope inspection or even better buy one that's already had the rebuild.... I've got one for sale actually! (997 C2S) Engine rebuild cost £12k (ouch!) but now it's bulletproof! :)

[@callelindstrom4789]

Hey! I laughed, and laughed. Recognize myself on everything you say 😂🤣. You have a very pleasant way of talking and formulating yourself. Started looking and then I stopped and got a cup of coffee. I have to hear this :) Thumb up! You have a new follower. Stay Safe! ☺️

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you! Thanks for subscribing too

[@cblack1green]

Just add one to your collection and enjoy it when you can, life’s to short. I love my 997, it gets used when I can or if I want to just pick my self up a bit and drive with a smile.

[@IIAdnan93II]

Thanks for the upload once again mate much appreciated as always. What a car!

[@ascott2264]

looking through autotrader for your next dream car is always a good use of time, if you do win the lottery or your elderly parents both die of covid, i know thats a long shot, but if you get the windfall cash you are ahead of the game and know which car is best for the money.

[@jpronto]

I have a 996 3.4 and have never come close to those fuel figures. The factory figures are much lower as well. Otherwise, Great vid!

[@gregspark9845]

aargh! These are NOT the fried egg headlights. The fried eggs were on the 996.1, more particularly the earlier ones before they went all clear. These headlights are the turbo style ones used also on the 996.2. But you are far from alone in making this mistake. And the 996 turbo was NOT the “widowmaker”- that title was bestowed on the 930 Turbo.

[@richardh3587]

Ha- I’ve definitely been down that 911 slippery slope more times than i care to admit. So true.

[@JICE-zd7vo]

Thank you for this review, I am in the market for a early 2000 carrera and I so appreciate your honest and candid options. I actually feel better about my decision to purchase one. Wish me well!

[@merv690]

Matt, I am running short of superlative;s , although I am not a Porsche fan, I can only say as always what fantastic review and I can only imagine the time and effort you put into producing these videos, I wish I was younger to take advantage of your online course, thank you

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@ibra1200]

i don’t want to admit it to myself but i am really starting to like this, i’m definitely going on auto trader after watching this😂😂

[@RMILLSMMA]

I 100% do the same thing on Autotrader, followed of course by extensive research on a loan calculator...usually till around 2am... when I'm up for work at 5:30. 😳

[@johnash826]

Buy one that has had the IMS bearing changed for the upgrade, fit a low temp thermostat to help avoid bore scoring and don't rev beyond 3k -4k until up to temp and you will be alright.

[@rckc1706]

Ims issues usually repeated by totally ignorant noobs who repeat what they’ve heard.

[@johnash826]

The source of proper information is there if you look for it. For IMS issues, the Jake Raby series of videos as an example. The problem is that the failure is random and statistically occurs in between 5-10% of cases. You pays your money, so to speak or don't buy one.

[@chrissutton927]

I own a 2000 C2 with aero kit 64000 miles full history it feels as tight as the day it was built! In truth not every engine is going to explode. A lot of the cars get abuse and not maintained properly due to the cost. Then when the engine fails they look to blame everyone but themselves.

[@mpfwar7369]

hi matt very good report and youre bang on..i had one(996 3.6) beautiful car but with a sun roof..always leaked..got rid but wish i hadnt...keep up the great work..now back to autotrader and laptop!!

[@v10cylinder]

LOL, no you are not alone! I have the same experience. It all starts with not wanting to spend too much money but loving the 911. So, my search starts with the 996. But I also don't want a cheap one with high mileage and problems, which to solve would cost money anyway. So, I start looking for the lower mileage more recent 996s. And it should also have a nice color. And few previous owners. And so on and so forth. Eventually I realize that I've entered 997 price territory... Then, the same story repeats itself until I end up looking for a 991... 😂

[@bazzaclarky7445]

What a fantastic review! Always fancied a 996, and you've just boosted my desire now. Haven't got the spare cash though, and they're not going to drop any further in money to make them more affordable in future unfortunately. Oh well, the wife gets her way again I guess! 😢

[@JoePineappless]

Fantastic cars, never owned one but driven a lot. They are perhaps the most engaging car I have driven but never committed to buying one. I try to keep away from Autotrader but after watching your videos usually find myself "just looking" to see what's out there, usually to find myself looking at things entirely out of my budget.

[@alextrott2037]

I drove a C2 Aero Cab for 13 years, but as soon as I hit my 40s it had to go. It's a young mans car or an older gentleman's (60s) car. Brilliant though, loved it. Specialist maintenance is cheap, main dealers are con artists, remember having my Boxster serviced at AFN wanted to charge me £250 to change some discoloured lug nuts!