Why The Most HATED Porsche 911 Is Quickly Becoming The Most LOVED... 996 C4S Review

[@itsjoel]

Do you love or hate the 996 generation Porsche 911?

[@BorisHristov]

Absolutely love it. Have a black 4S for the last two years that I restored to a rare to see condition. Brilliant car and so underrated it’s hard to even understand all these people who comment on it and have never driven such. Mine is for sale as we now have a 718 spyder. If anyone in Europe is interested, let me know. Will lose ton of money on it as it is in truly crazy condition but also not in a rush to sell especially looking at people’s expectations on pricing today. For everyone wondering if you should get one of these - if you find one on a price that is OK with you, do it. The car is absolutely beautiful to drive both as a daily and for a weekend car. 😊

[@TiptronicSS]

This was the dreamcar when I was teenager. I love it. Lights and color are perfect for this as well.

[@BorisHristov]

@@TiptronicSSsame for me. The turbo was on the NFS 5 cover. Didn’t want a turbo engine after my cayman S and that’s why I bought the wide body but with naturally aspirated engine. Brilliant car the 4S.

[@Sussexfauns]

@@TiptronicSSlikewise! Had a 996 poster on my wall for a good few years in my early teenage years, I think the egg headlights are an iconic feature.

[@steverogers7473]

I have a black 996 C4S and love it to bits. The perfect drivers car and beautiful to look at too 👍

[@autobahn-engineering]

Lovely 996! As a 996 owner myself I can say that the problem you mentioned at 8:38 about the PCCM+ box blocking phone storage is very real. That’s why I started to make an OEM-looking replacement cubby to put your phone there that supports fast wireless charging. (adding wireless CarPlay to PCCM+ is very easy to do so you will end up with a fully wireless solution)

[@fredrichnicecar]

Bought a 996 Carrera 2 in 1998 and still have it, Put sports suspension and cats on it from Gemballa in 2000, A fantastic car with fried egg headlights that I would not change for the world.

[@kriskalpa]

nice

[@Ash-ky8jo]

Just bought one. Very happy! 996.2 aero with 43k miles.

[@jamhot8243]

43k miles!!! Damn mate🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@SkepticMedic]

Congrats! Nice ride!

[@Ash-ky8jo]

@jamhot8243 Cheers man. I couldn't believe finding one with such low miles. Needs a few bits but very happy with it.

[@EtonieE25]

What colour???

[@nandopelusi7699]

I've had a 2003 996.2 six-speed for a few months and getting more enjoyment from it every day. The connection to it is unlike any car I've owned.

[@mattias8039]

If you love driving - get the C2 instead. Much lighter, better steering a la more classical 911 and more nimble. My 996.2 C2 manual on Ohlins is sublime.

[@Oliverhugoo]

4s have widebody

[@Ev86589]

I just bought my first Porsche... 2003 996 w/ 31k miles. Can't wait

[@iainmcglynn833]

My fave After 9 years of Boxster S ownership I’ve never thought the headlights an issue as I knew they were the lights off a Porsche GT1 Google that rarity

[@kriskalpa]

Agree with your comments. I have a black one and you're right, it feels extremely solid and safe on the road. much more stable than a boxster. Mine does have cruise but I don't use it. One downside I found is people trying to race you on the road, it is an attention magnet.

[@Mike649foxx]

I can imagine Kirk, I drive a 2018 M2 and it’s always the same for me too. Gets a bit tiresome doesn’t it?

[@kriskalpa]

@@Mike649foxx yeah! people assume that you're willing to race but actually just want to enjoy your own car. Love the M2 good choice.

[@Mike649foxx]

@@kriskalpa Exactly that my friend.

[@88951s]

I was watching the video and kept thinking about you standing in the mud and going to get in the car. Then there is was @4:06 muddy footprints on the carpet. Great video and as an owner of a 996.2, I agree they are great cars.

[@FlynnBellamyCars]

I’ve had a ride in the 997 C4S and the noise it makes isn’t nearly as good as the 996! Fantastic review as always. 😄

[@SkepticMedic]

Great review as always. I actually think the 996 is the best Porsche 911. The first of the water-cooled generation but still retains lots of analogue feel and not obese like the new generations. I personally love the v1 GT3 and it would be my ideal spec. I was looking for 986 Boxster S but I keep coming across 996 C2 cabs for only slightly more money. Still not sure which way I'll go but I'm leaving towards to the 911 C2 cabriolet as the area I live in is ideal for top down driving all summer.

[@stuartclarke8806]

Good video Joel! I too upgraded to a 996 C4S (seal grey) last year after 5 years owning my black Z4 3.0, similar to your old one. Definitely a step up from Z4 both in capability but also running costs! I missed the snappy gear change of the Z4 so put a short shift on the 996 which like you say, transforms it. Mine is on 80k miles so I have spent about £3-4k replacing the majority of the suspension, but it feels brand new now and i'm loving it! I can also fit the wife and 2 young boys in it! I plan to keep mine for a few years but I also have an itch for an M4 or F-Type 5.0 like the one you reviewed last week. Keep up the good work!

[@athlete2014]

I have an 04 Z4 3.0i which I love. After watching Joel's videos on that model I finally bought one. Maybe it's time to move up to Porsche. I just worry about cost of ownership. At least on the BMW with its straight 6 you can work on the engine easily.

[@ianmason3040]

Always loved them - its a modern classic, and the switchgear doesn't go all sticky like a 997 👍, get one while you can before the prices go through the roof

[@ifyouarefeelingsinister]

You know what…I reckon I could get over having headlights that look like eggs if I was driving a Porsche

[@stephenmitchell2979]

Had mine years, Carrera 2 .2 over 100k mileage no issues at all, original IMS and rear oil seal with no problems Awesome cars, iconic and will be a true classic going by other models that were disliked 928,924,944…. Try buying a mint one of those and you will realise. Get a 996 while you can.

[@wozmac771]

I think its getting love because very few can afford to buy a 993, or 997, or 991 or 992.

[@ALEXANDARRR42]

Exactly this right here. If you're wanting to get into a 911, the 996 is almost the last cheap generation.

[@Rennsport-Media]

@@ALEXANDARRR42not for much longer! Prices are on the rise!

[@leeevernden]

There is really not much difference in price between a 996 c4s and a 997 Carrera anymore.

[@j.d.4681]

I have some of these but also have a 996 turbo which I adore, metzger!

[@sidlazzar1002]

Yep and now the prices are gonna shoot up unfortunately 🙄

[@SantaBarbaraFrenchy]

Great review, thanks. I just replaced the alternator on mine. It is pretty straightforward DIY (took less than 1 hour); voltage is now back to 14volts.

[@timskelton2125]

Have a 996.1 C2 with aero kit. 3.4 has the higher revving engine and a bit more of a drivers car. They are just superb. You need to let the engine warm up and the gearbox plus tyres and then you have the most fantastic car to drive

[@phil7884]

Bought a 996.2 in March. Absolutely loving it. Including the headlights! Most recognizable 911 ever.

[@lindenblvd25]

The 996 used to be cheap to purchase now they are expensive due to KZbin, just like the C6 Corvette. You are lucky you can find one now especially a 4S.

[@PointNemo9]

There's the same number on the road whether they are expensive or not

[@ASG_250]

I own a 996.2 c4s with aero kit. Done around 62k miles and used nearly every day. Great cars, great engine for the road and the chassis is great. Reliable car so far but I would recommend getting a warranty in place, I paid £600 for the year and have had the front rads, ac condensers and alternator replaced. Saved me a lot of money!

[@markwat5958]

I had a a 996.2 C4 cab in Meridian followed by an X50 turbo cab in Polar Silver, both manual. Each were lovely to drive, the turbo was shockingly quick especially after sports cats and remap by DMS (450 factory to approx 550bhp) . The rarity of the X50 makes it a particularly sought after car but still less than a turbo S ( same engine and power).

[@detonator2112]

The earlier cars look much better today than the facelift version, imho. The front will never become "the most loved" but it's ok. But the 4S traditional Porsche rear reflector makes it the best looking water cooled from the rear. Looks a bit like the 993 from the rear. SO good looking. Why oh why Porsche got rid of the big reflector?

[@y0057]

Thanks of the video. Done really rather tastefully 👌🏿. I started out with a beautiful 997 convertible in speed yellow and wished I’d kept it. One of the things I did not like was the feeling of it being too civilised and not as involving compared to my previous e30 m3 evo. Also hated the tire noise. But she was a truly pretty car until I got my 993, it was love at first sight. That’s going no where. I think the 996 is likely closer to the 993 in feel than the 997 which is further removed from the driver. Although the 997.1/.2 GT3(RS) all of which I have driven or tracked are something altogether different including the 997 turbo. Though still love the 996

[@Looney21]

I have owned an early .1 996 for 17 months now and love every minute of it!

[@brianiswrong]

The owner peter needs congratulations for keeping a near 22 year old car in such nice condition and adding just the right modern creature comforts and exhaust back box to an otherwise elegant looking 911. Joel not so much for putting muddy footprints all over the floor.😅

[@gregs8685]

I have had 997.1 (a C2 and a C2S)and 996.2 (two C2, a C4S and a turbo). All manual coupes. The 996 cars are better driver’s cars. They are lighter, have better steering and damping. The problem with them is the interior quality and the well known engine issues. The 997.1 cars have great interiors and exterior styling, but they don’t drive as well. Yes the 3.8L has better power, but the variable steering and PASM suspension ruin the experience. The engine issues are arguably worse, with bore scoring in the 3.8 being very common, and the 2005.5-2008 cars do not allow for replacement of the IMSB. If I buy another one of these I will get 996.2 C2 or C4S and replace the IMSB if it has not been done. They are great drivers.

[@paulchurchouse4585]

I’ve owned 996.2 C2 / 997.1 C2 / 997.2 4S and now 996.2 4S in that order. Love the 996 4S - work of automotive art.

[@mrd64]

To me a 911 is a 911. I like it.

[@grecopena]

Wonderful example, and it looks like it’s been well maintained. I got an 2004 with 137,000 and it’s still running very strong. Enjoy!

[@roddyrobertson7589]

Had my 996 C4S since 2016 and have no plans to sell it either. I love the headlamps and the unique dash, the fact it’s different to the other 911s before and after, each to their own I know, but the 996 will do me.

[@hoopscyclingfirearmslifestyle]

Can you share the link of the Porsche Apple car play system? Thanks in advance.

[@lrnasigo1]

I miss my 04’ seal gray C4S. The only reason I sold it for $48K in 2012 was because it was a tiptronic.

[@petersmith2650]

I think the 996 looks great and such good value for money. Bore scoring and IMS is over egged. IMS can be done with a new clutch. If you were unlucky enough to get scoring that needed seeing to perfect excuse for a Hartech 4litre upgrade. My 996.2 C2 makes me smile every time I drive it and will never let it go. Get one with a sports exhaust or after market as the noise is just angry

[@Stefan020]

Just bought a 996.1 Carrera 4 cabrio, and we love it😊😊

[@robertsole9970]

You can buy a little cover that gets rid of the scrambled eggs look. It also keeps the turn light. I forget who makes it. I think you can also replace the whole front end with a 997 one.

[@tonyperry007]

i now have one of these sitting next to your old RR

[@itsjoel]

Fantastic! I miss that car!

[@papasmurf986]

C2 with aero is my pick...do not like the gen 2 headlights and I don't really like the turbo front end either. The only good part of the C4S is the rear fenders.

[@ryanpatterson9526]

The C4S is really the beauty queen of the 996 stable. One of the best looking 911s period!

[@SkepticMedic]

It might look the best but I think I'd be disabling the AWD doing the C2 conversion.

[@Gozar111]

Headlights are actually starting to look pretty good…and values are going up fast

[@Birmingham_racing]

The sound alone makes it worth buying

[@roderickjones7479]

It's becoming loved because it's still 'affordable'.

[@wonkihong4101]

Same story for the air cooled 15yrs ago. Get in the game early is the key.

[@roderickjones7479]

@@wonkihong4101 yeah...true

[@GreatAytonWild]

You love a muddy field review, surprised your not showing heal and toe in wellies. time to update location for reviews?

[@ToCoKe-g5s]

I preferred the fried egg but the real controversy is water cooling

[@ThatOneGuyMax]

WHY DOES EVERYONE SAY THE SHIFT THROW IS TOO FAR?! Legit, I have never ONCE heard someone say that the shifter on ANY car is short enough. When is it short enough? Like dude, are yall just trying to money shift? also, the transmission needs the leverage. I am just not a guy that needs the throw. Anyways, the shift speed is dependent on the flywheel weight and the transmissions gears. ... yea Nice review tho fam

[@celt67]

Just finished watching Seen Through Glass's latest video where he's driving a mid 2000s Porsche Boxster across America....and hes just starting to experience 'battery problems' just like this.

[@itsjoel]

Oh no way! It turned out to be the alternator on this car

[@raypayne2228]

What’s with parking it in a muddy road?, why get someone else’s car dirty?

[@leem1200]

Bought one today and also kept my C4 as just couldn’t part with it !

[@Starnberger01]

996 is Love ❤️

[@curiousdreamer546]

It's fucking beautiful, the 996.2 generation anyway. I would say it is probably one of the best 911 designs, Porsche came out with.

[@CallumMcK99]

The 996 is Sally from "Cars" - pretty cool to me

[@PointNemo9]

No, because if that movie made any sense the car should have been voiced by a German. All other cars had voice actors from the country the car is from.

[@996Revival]

Sounds so great😊

[@leonismyname6573]

Haven't tuned in for a while, as I've only seen you doing car reviews, of cars well outside my price bracket. Are you doing any low budget stuff on cars of your own any more? Cheers from NZ.

[@itsjoel]

Yes, more cheap stuff (and slightly irresponsible) stuff coming soon, bare with me!

[@leonismyname6573]

@@itsjoel thanks for the reply Joel, I'll look forward to your future cheap car things :). Take care, and I hope married life is treating you both well.

[@itsjoel]

@@leonismyname6573 thank you!

[@davidgardner5852]

Nice review. I have a C4S the same ages and love it. What model child seat is fitted to this car? I have struggled to find one that fits well. Also do you know the make of the rear silencers fitted? They sound great

[@sheepy31]

Child seat is a "Halfords Essentials Group 1/2/3 Child Car Seat", although can't see them for sale anymore. Silencers are Top Gear Sport back boxes, which have since been gundo hacked.

[@markhomer6357]

Beautiful car best wheel design 😍

[@kriskalpa]

yes! the wheels are a spectacular piece of design.

[@liljazzysmusicappreciation3807]

2000 996 Boxster, 2004 996 Targa 911... BAMM!!!

[@maulajatt5655]

I am looking to buy a C4S. I got a professional inspection report delivered today and it just said the coolant was low. The mechanic did not do any further checks to see why coolant was low but could this be a concern?

[@philw4053]

Yes

[@SlayerEddy]

That 6-liter is truly something else. And the weather 😂😂😂

[@mountain_walker]

*cylinder

[@SlayerEddy]

@@mountain_walker of course! Thank you, it's been a long day 😅

[@mountain_walker]

@@SlayerEddy We all get 'em!

[@josephgilliard2129]

Beautiful model of the 996. Having owned one I wish I never sold it. With that said, why would you take another persons beautifully maintained vehicle and drive it onto a muddy road and then get into the interior with your muddy feet. Seems like you had very little respect for the owner or his car.

[@Yarmox]

I like gen 1 lights more then gen 2

[@lukasschmidt5778]

It must be a bliss to be a car guy in the uk. Compared to Germany all used cars seem to be 50% cheaper

[@MrBouncerdrum]

Can't believe you driven that beautiful car down that pot-holed farm lane ! Good content though 👏

[@jameshunterford4099]

I think they’re great. So glad it’s the most hated. It means it’s amazing value, before everyone wakes up and realises it’s awesome!

[@spanishjohn420]

im buying a 996 c2 this week and getting mad imposter syndrome like i dont deserve it but money is not an issue. so im in two minds.

[@Mike649foxx]

0-62 in 5 seconds is quick.

[@KTLaz]

996 C4s is 1 of the most beautiful 911s ever made

[@nitramh24]

Would never buy a 996 because of the bore scoring issues… The Turbo is the only exception!

[@jb50-w3k]

I am about to buy a BNW z4 E89 straight 6, 3L for half the price of a 996, is it half the car? imo it is better looking so I am happy.

[@johnash826]

Headlights, most hated, water cooled! All this stuff started by a group of air cooled anoraks, who looked for something to moan about when Porsche changed just too much for them to cope with! It has known issues, what car hasn't, but to drive the 996 is superior to any air cooled car. And I am glad you didn't take the opportunity to condem the Tiptronic gearbox. Too many people talk about how so much more involving a manual is; so much a drivers car. Driving involvement is about steering, braking and cornering, not lifting your left leg, pressing a pedal and moving a gear lever. That process just interferes with the actual driving bit. Good video presentation by the way.

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

The price that 997’s are currentley at the bottom end you might as well get one of those instead.

[@MAGNUSGARAGE]

1500 quid and it's not even wireless Apple Carplay??? What a rip off

[@autobahn-engineering]

You can easily add wireless CarPlay to PCCM+ with a simple adapter - but yes I agree, it should come as standard.

[@MAGNUSGARAGE]

@@autobahn-engineering sorry, no, those adapters rarely work well. Built in or nothing.

[@autobahn-engineering]

@@MAGNUSGARAGE ​ I’ve been personally using a wireless dongle on PCCM+ for over a year now and it works great every single time - better than most built-in ones I’ve seen from Audi or BMW for example. And none of our customers who use them ever had a problem with them.

[@bimmernath]

Sorry if I’ve missed something as I’ve been away from this channel for some time. Is it just a car review channel now?

[@spanishjohn420]

nice bluesey

[@mikec1096]

996 c4s best porsche .

[@2.fresh767]

Wow, seen another side to Arrdee, deep, deep dive, man needs a wet suit & a snorkel.

[@MDEV-86x86]

Only a reason: IMS PROBLEM !.

[@craigwilkinson8664]

These ‘brutally honest’ videos are done to death 🤦‍♂️

[@JohnHoganN8]

Yeah! Are they not being honest usually?

[@keithvers569]

Shame they suffer with reliability issues

[@MrCaterhamr500]

Indeed

[@wilbertmcmaster8025]

​@@MrCaterhamr500no reliability issues if it's bought well sorted. After 3 1/2 years ownership of a 2002 C2 it has cost me £400 total in 2 minor services. I don't know how people say it is £2-3k per year

[@MrCaterhamr500]

@@wilbertmcmaster8025 bore scoring meaning a complete engine rebuild costing £12k + is pretty significant

[@josedasilva9210]

@@MrCaterhamr500 Sure and the 997 as well and more prone to bore scoring in the 997.1 engine and on top of higher cost of entry. You're starting to see cylinder issues in even the new engines as they age. If you. buy any Porsche expect a costly engine rebuild if it ever needs it. Otherwise go buy. a Honda/Toyota.

[@MrCaterhamr500]

@@josedasilva9210 but the point is you shouldn’t be put in the position to expect it. Even the great E92 M3 had issues with rod bearings and throttle actuators but the cost of rectifying them is a huge amount less than a £13,000 bill for a complete rebuild to Porsche engine, it’s not acceptable and Porsche has offered no help or responsibility for a poor design that future customers have to pick up the bill for. Short of a GT3 which costs too much (I’d rather travel the world) I’ve been unimpressed by Porsche so far, they always use over-long gearing which spoils the fun and only the PDK style boxes have reasonably short gearing but I don’t want an auto. Everybody raves about steering feel but I thought the 996, 987, and 997 were no where near as good as my Eunos Roadster MK1 or Evo 6 RS. The badge has a certain snobbery to it but from a petrolheads point of view I’ve been unimpressed (bar a GT3 or GT4 but they cost too much and I could use the money for a 2 year gap from work and travel the world with my other half, which I would prefer)

[@TrueGold88]

Yo'.

[@JeffoJonJ]

..Boxster S for me...sorry 😎 ... much more reliable&fun..i have a custom edition 02 cheers

[@PointNemo9]

Why would anyone choose grey for a car? Imagine you are ordering a new car and you pick grey over all the other colours.

[@Boris-xx7dw]

Joel , can you do a review on my Porsche Cayenne please and park it in a muddy field lol , your inability to look after a vehicle especially when its not yours is staggering, I would wager he presented that car spotless.

[@itsjoel]

Very rude!

[@Boris-xx7dw]

I know ! But I’m the sort of guy that takes a rental car back clean , I just look after things especially when it’s not mine ! Just blame my parents it’s how I was brought up . You fill the car up with mud and I’m rude 😂😂😂

[@PointNemo9]

​@@Boris-xx7dw No need to bother cleaning a rental car, they need to valet it again anyway.

[@Boris-xx7dw]

@@PointNemo9 you obviously don’t recognise British sarcasm eh lol .