Buying my First Porsche 911? 996 C4S Full Review & First Ever Drive (Dream Come True!)

I spent the morning at eporsch quite literally drooling over their stock. I took out the 911 996 C4S for a test drive and wow has this made me want one even more! The hunt is now on to find my dream car...
Where I went: www.eporsch.co...
John's email: [e-mail]
Follow my Instagram: @lucyoncars and @lucydagostino_
Contact me: [e-mail]

[@SF_Native]

Welcome to the Porsche club. I currently own a few 911s, but the 996 was my first one many years ago and still have it til this day. Great car and still love it.

[@chrispark4310]

Do you have a 964? I love it, what do you think of it?

[@Metro6am]

This guy comes across very well, no lying on the common issues. Would happily buy my next car there.

[@RossWhite-u5s]

I wouldn’t trust a guy like this clearly only sells cars would love to see how much he knows about them mechanically or tear one of the engines apart. I’m sure if I went there to buy one I would humble him as he only knows about the car once I check it and find things he don’t even know about I’m sure he would look a tool

[@Metro6am]

@@RossWhite-u5s they’re quite popular as a place to service Porsches. I wanted to bring mine there but it was too far. The cars he sells are all pretty straightforward mechanically, all of the common issues are well covered online at this point! If you’re tearing apart one of these engines you’ve made a big mistake somewhere..

[@Griphook1]

I've owned my C4S manual for over 4 years now. I love it. It's not a daily as it's a 3rd car but when I do drive it, I love every minute. Bore scoring isn't super common, but it can happen even on low mileage cars. My car was a Garage queen with just over 50k miles and I ended up doing a complete engine rebuild.

[@stresseddad1615]

Great dealer, seems honest to me. When I am older (OAP) and can afford it I am getting myself a Porsche!

[@JohnBaxendale]

L322+996 is the perfect combination. The 996 is a wonderfully analogue sports car. Uncomplicated, great chassis, great engine, doesn't scream "look at me", but if you know, you know. Seal grey is the best colour too (same as mine!) Not entirely sure what a psychologist would say about your obsession with the gear stick Lucy, but let's gloss over that.

[@EvoraGT430]

Sorry, grey is just dull.

[@CarFettle]

@@EvoraGT430What colour is yours?

[@thecoachhousecarpenteredwa9637]

Not sure what her proctologist would think either 😅 good.comnination of cars love the 996 and enjoying the channel!

[@byronalexander3396]

996 Awesome Car!!

[@yammy1000]

Always have a soft spot for the 996 4s.Great car! If you find it uncomfortable to drive on long distances, get a pair of 997 seats fitted. They are a world of difference.

[@ccw5886]

I have had 3 911's and 1 boxster. The Boxster was the best, by a country mile ,for me.

[@eddie275a]

I’d have the 996 GT3 - but it may be a little too hardcore if it’s one’s first Porsche. However, I had a 996 4S and a well sorted one is an excellent choice as a first Porsche to have. Back then, mine was utterly reliable - although quite tail happy if you’re not used to RWD (especially rear engine) cars. The 4S is a very capable weekend or daily car that can just go on for miles. The ICE is crap, but that can be remedied. A distinctive thing to notice is the ‘Porsche smell’ after a long/spirited drive. EDIT: oh, and it sounds fantastic whether idling or at full chat.

[@AarmOZ84]

Black cocktail dress and New Balance sneakers? You were born to be driving a Porsche.

[@simonnorcliffe5877]

Morning Lucy, i personally love the boxster and the old 911 is just iconic 😊The 911 range is stunning they all are gorgeous 😊. There are 2 on my road at home a 911 and a cayman. Love the the shape of the 911 similar size to a Audi tt which is another classic sports car. 😊😊😊😊great video 😊😊

[@JebusCripes]

Loving your dress code for going to buy a Porsche... side split dress but with trainers! lol When you go to a main dealer to buy a new car, please wear trainers just to piss off the snobs! 😁

[@LucyOnCars]

Haha got to do both 😆 I used to drive in heels all day every day when I worked at BMW but those days are past me now 🤣

[@geoffclarke3796]

Great cars the 996. I had a 996 GT3 for many years, a club sport model in Speed Yellow and was by far the best car I've owned. The 996 C4S is my second favourite model in the 996 range after the GT3. I don't get all the hate for the 996 headlights which i think is a load of bollocks.

[@deaks25]

I've always like the "Runny Egg" headlight of the 996. At worst it was distinctive. Honestly, the C4S would be really tempting because it was the perfect middle-ground 911; fast and looked awesome with the Turbo-bodykit but not so fast my license would be at extreme risk. The 997 with black paint on red trim does look fabulous, but money-no-object, the 996 GT3 would probably get my pick.

[@blainestreeter5483]

Working with Porsche in Germany and America…. And from someone who speaks German… Porsche is a 2 syllable word… the “e” in German is not silent on the end of words. I trust the Porsche executives in Stuttgart pronounce it correctly 😊

[@88laserbeam]

My coworker told me he used to work at a porsche dealer and they would constantly correct him every time he mispronounced Porsche 😂

[@darumagenki6271]

Nobody really cares mate.

[@handznet]

@@darumagenki6271 Everybody except english speakers care.

[@Finley-zh6ip]

@@handznetyeah we really don’t care

[@4Kandlez]

@@handznet Why would we pronounce it as if we were German, have you ever heard a German say Jaguar with a perfect English accent?

[@thomasmountford1840]

Classic feminine curves and an amazing rear. Lovably temperamental. Good luck George

[@LucyOnCars]

😂

[@ESKATEUK]

This applies to both the car and Lucy 😂

[@bhopindermahal6481]

Ideally unless you are an expert, get a pre purchase inspection done by an independent Porsche specialist (for £350) when buying any 911. The 996 4S is one of the better/more reliable 996 variants but IMS are still a remote possibility (4-8% chance of failure) and (more remotely, say 2-4%) potential for bore scoring. Scoring is more only an issue on the 997.1 and 987.1. Common weak spots of the 996 today are bump stops/top mounts, corroded front radiators and crossover pipes, corroded brake lines, corroded rear exhaust mounts/bolts. The 4S is the most desirable Carrera model(only behind the GT and turbo cars in desirability) due to its wide body, better looks and s better IMS over earlier cars, so expect to pay mid £20s for a clean car. I would avoid garage queens and buy a car that has been regularly driven and regularly serviced (ideally with annual oil changes). These cars will be cheaper to buy and more reliable than under used and under serviced garage queens. The 997.2 (3.8 Carrera S) offers the current sweet spot in the entire 911 range, but only if it’s significantly cheaper than the 991.1 (Carrera S). Some sellers try and price them the 997.2 the same as the 991 but the 991.1 is a much more developed and sorted car, especially for daily driving or longer journeys. I would love a 928 but they have a lot more age related issues today, in particular electrical and general wear. So only buy one that is sorted, or if you are handy with the spanner’s. Good luck!

[@LucyOnCars]

Thanks for your comment, appreciate it!

[@dannsmcshane1233]

Paying for inspections is way of making some one rich every car will have age problems and you will end up pay for inspection after inspection and the money would have went a long way on restoring

[@bhopindermahal6481]

@@dannsmcshane1233having done so myself, even as a mechanically experienced individual, I would always get a PPI done. Anyone who has owned one will tell you that buying a 911 is an option expensive endeavour and is significantly more expensive than other premium marquee that I have and own (predominantly BMW and Audi). £350 is a fraction of the cost of buying a bad one. You will not be able to fix one on Audi/BMW money, that’s for sure. A good inspection will not only tell the buyer what is wrong now, but also what is likely to go wrong in the next 6-12 months and possibly within 2 years, as well as the likely cost. Even with a good car, budget £1-2k per year for servicing and small repairs. A bad (but not terminal 996 or 997.1 aka without IMS or scoring issue) can easily suck up £3-7k on suspension and age related work. They will also do a OBD and Rev scan which will give the buyer a good idea of hidden issues and how it has been driven (and/or tracked). This is a specially relevant for a manual. Don’t bother with the Porsche OPC 108 point inspection. They are very basic and cost almost as much as a fully inspection by an independent Porsche specialist.

[@bhopindermahal6481]

@@LucyOnCarsyou are very welcome. If you are looking to get a 911 then a 996 4S would be my recommendation with a sub £25k budget. If you could stretch to £30-35k I would definitely recommend a 996 turbo and so avoid the IMS and scoring issues of the carerra 996s. As they have the metzger engines they are also a much better financial investment so you WILL get that money back and then some when you eventually sell. If £25k is your hard maximum, I would recommend a 981 cayman/boxster (ideally an S if the budget allows).if your budget is £20k, go for a 987.2 Boxster/Cayman. They have the same dfi engines as the 981 but in the older chassis of the 986/987. An alternative to the 996 turbo (but still a solid investment) would be a 997.2 S (the 3.8) which will still appreciate in value although maybe not as much as a 996 turbo. The transaxle cars (928/968/944/924) are great cars but I wouldn’t recommend one unless your budget is tight and you are happy to accept the higher maintenance costs (or are handy with a set of spanners!). Good luck!

[@simon-ls6lp]

it has a warranty

[@ektrolleyboy]

Man, you talk a lot of shite! Nice to see all of the cars you review though. But you do bang-on!

[@SazzyKassi]

I’m my gosh!!! I just picked up my first Porsche too! A 37k mi 6sp 996tt!!!!!! Seal grey with black interior, with the turbo twists still :) Blew my coolant line within a few days and just got it back after having all the lines pinned… YAY! I get so much attention as a girl driving it, I’m sure you do too. eeeeeeek. Congrats girlfriend

[@RosskoPeeko]

It took me about 30 years to finally appreciate Porsche. It’s definitely a car that you mature into :P

[@biggiebruce2428]

It really does feel special. I just picked up a 996 4s 1 month ago as my first ever weekend car. I was mainly between this or a F80 M2 Comp. Very glad I chose the c4s. It may not be as fast or rowdy as the M2, but it's got a certain composure and character that just cannot be beaten! I absolutely love mine and I think you'll love yours too if you jump on it.

[@edjustice7755]

Glad you did your research! Yeah only the IMS, then he admits yeah Bore Scoring can be an issue, pls pls folks heed the warnings and do your homework b4 looking at any used Euro. GT3 is the one for moi, different engine to the 996 C2 etc. The Turbos also had the Metzger.

[@Justin225]

My favourite in that showroom, apart from that C4S, is the white 928… love that! Have looked into the C4S before, they are great. I used to really dislike the 996… particularly those ‘fried egg’ headlights but in the last few years for some reason I’ve grown to love the 996 and it’s headlights… particularly the C4S and turbo with their wide body. Big fan now. Off to ‘Simply Porsche’ event at Beaulieu Motor Museum this Sunday so hoping to spot a few C4S’s there. Top vid!

[@anthonywilson479]

Absolutely my dream car - stunning car Carrera 4S

[@netherborn926]

I have a 996 C4S in this colour. So for what it’s worth my experience. I use mine as a weekender normally for driving between London & Wales and boy does this 911 get a lot of attention. Everyone from Dad’s in their family SUV’s to boy racers in their Audi S3’s wants a piece of the action.. and you know the best thing? You don’t have to give them anything ! Just cruise on and crush their ego’s by being too cool to give them any attention. On the downside, its not super modern, its crap around town especially over speed bumps, things stop working, my rear wiper, AC, driver side window and fuel gauge all not working at the moment. Upside the smile you have inside every time you walk towards it. Floor it in any gear over 3,500 revs and it takes off the engine sounds great and that annoying white van man tail-gating vanishes into your rear views distance like an insignificant wannabe in, well in a van. Buy one you won’t regret it, but for £15-20k you probably looking at a tiptronic.. £25k for a decent manual.. don’t buy any car that is above 80k miles and hasn’t had an engine rebuild and significant suspension work

[@normansterritt1373]

Sometimes the camera spots things that the naked eye doesn’t, notice a colour shading difference between the drivers door and the front wing

[@jennyfromjapan]

0:30 there is no debate. it's porsche pronounced portia.

[@zzhughesd]

George. Who happens to drive me around. Lol. Father and partner. Porsche just the best. From a beaten up beater ( US speak ) to a GT3. They're all special.

[@mattsmith6514]

I have a 996 C4S. The only child seat I could get in there was a Britax Romer 2 way elite for my 3 year old. Ring the In Car Safety Centre in Milton Keynes - they seem very used to people ringing them up about child seats for the 911. Also, remove the seat base from the back seat before putting the child seat in.

[@davidboyce6427]

Lucy have you and George folded Forensic Detail KZbin channel. His 996 is getting engine work. He took it to the track about a month ago and the engine blew up. Jon in the UK and is a professional car Detailer. He’s wonderful 👍👀

[@neilk22]

I think the 996 is underrated - but dont believe it will ever be an investors car. Its a fantastic entrance into the world of 911 tho.

[@abagley2334]

996.2 C4S is a good looking 911, and great value 👍🏼

[@anxiousmindmusic]

Place names are anglicised, people's names aren't. Porsche was a person so you pronounce the e at the end.

[@verynormalman]

You need to edit your videos more. There's alot of repeated information, and it made me jump through it.

[@francisflorez5581]

The gt3 hands down.

[@davidsean290]

Goodbye Juicy Vlog Hello Lucy on Cars!

[@paulchurchouse4585]

996 4S is the boss. Great looking 911

[@Rick2010100]

The E in Porsche is not silent, and the Name Porsche origiates from the Porsche family wich can be trace back to a Heinrich Porsche mentioned in documents in 1432. The name occured in different familiy trees over the centuries with variations of Porsche, Porschke, Borsche. The Porsche family of Ferdinand Porsche still owns 31,9% of VW wich is the largest (53,3%) shareholder of Porsche, but the Porsche family also owns 25% of Porsche.

[@Rick2010100]

For those who are interested in the complicated power shifting between Porsche and VW: (enable subtatitle translation) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHjVp2WLlMlpoZY

[@parvinkukar1259]

Hi, great vid. Although I do not have a burning desire to own a Porsche 911, I did by my first Porsche 4 years ago, it was the cayman 987, and before even getting to the end of the street, I knew I wanted it. I recently just upgraded to yellow Porsche Boxster 981 and loving it. Personally I feel the Porsche 911 997 is a better option as inside it’s just more upto date and still within your budget if you buy privately or a dealer that’s competitive like eporsche Anyway good luck on your journey and enjoy it

[@gilesburrett3844]

Orange car looks vibrant and just smacks ya in the face look at my lines and curves baby want a drive me paradise a floor of dreams I say thank you 😊

[@blueberrycobbler]

It’s all about Ferdinand Porsche, the family name..so it should be pronounced how he pronounced it. Porsch-ah.

[@adrianrobertson1478]

Great choice, Lucy! Enjoy!

[@MrDmarkv6]

Porsche great, Range Rover should always be a 👎. Get a Toyota Landcruiser instead

[@christinejames5697]

Porsche is a German company and Germans pronounce the ‘e’. I would say “Porsch 911” but “I own a Porsche.” As would most Germans. 😊

[@ASI-l2w]

Another good video Lucy, thanks. Sharing is caring? 👍🏻

[@mrgoodkat3722]

The 911 that the guy was waxing lyrical about at the beginning is a 2001 reg and not 1998,surely he should know that!

[@johnmadden2421]

The 1970s orange car is my pick ignoring price, but the real world buy would probably be the 997 with the red interior. 996s are great value and good cars but the interiors are often surprisingly dull, given the cost new. I struggle to understand how someone who could buy a new Porsche would pick silver and a grey interior. Very little variation in body colour either. As for black interiors, they can be lifted with high colour carpets.

[@DougSlmon]

❤😂😢😮😅😊😊😊😊😊😊 you smart lady that know a lot about porches. I wish there was more ladies like you know a lot

[@louispadron3255]

997 cabrio is cool - 964 whale tail - 996 GT3 for a weapon of rawness

[@lefuedebout]

Without a doubt, the white 928 in the corner! That's the one to have. Re. correct pronunciation of the name Porsche, just keep in mind Shakespeare's Merchant Of Venice character " PORTIA " and you won't go wrong! :-)

[@stevehoulihan726]

Was going to say either that or the orange one.

[@Rosscraw]

I’d have that 997 with the red interior al day long.

[@crikycrocky]

Lucy, for sure that is your car! Really ticks all the boxes for a car enthusiasts ownership model. Daily driver, performance, investment, young family run around and if you need to carry a lot of stuff on occasion go and hire something for a day...

[@robertseaman2254]

Thankyou Lucy for sharing that ,not in market for Porsche but always admired them do like the 911 if going to buy one and good place to start from the man who knows all about them .

[@BigBear59]

Congratulations and welcome to owning your first Porsche……and may you be blessed to many happy miles ahead ……Alex🇬🇷

[@davidbigwood9509]

How much warranty Lucy ? Anyway your best video, depending on warranty I’d buy it

[@EatSleepEmpire]

You should say porsh-a 911. But if you’re referring to your car, you say “let’s take the porsh”.

[@nickdavis8467]

Hi Lucy & George, what a beautiful car, its suits you both. Hope you end up with one. btw there is nothing wrong with buying an "older" car, my Lexus LS430 Is 22yrs old and in amazing condition. All the very best from Nick in Wolsingham.

[@fabianviljoen9809]

I'll choose the Targa. Its a very unique car.

[@DougSlmon]

❤❤❤😂😂😂😢😢😢😮😅😅😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 I wish I was in the Porsche with you. I would’ve paid for gas and go for a fast ride in a Porsche. Keep up the good work. Take care.

[@FoggyPigeon]

I've never understood why people come down so hard on the looks of the 996. I think they look fantastic.

[@Jeremyyy412]

I went from 996 4S to 996 Turbo then 992 Carrera T. I still think about the 996 4S since it's the only one of the three that can be driven at high rpm on the streets, but alas it developed bore scoring.

[@8enable]

Lucy, George - so happy for you both! Enjoy the search & share when you do find the one

[@midsoftuk]

I had this exact car new in 2004.

[@philcrampton4231]

C4S , 996 at its most boring heaviest body, heaviest drive train , just needs to be a tip to kill it. Try a narrow body 2wd and feel the difference (ideally facelift 3.6) or a 997.2 C2S manual

[@tserzz]

I had a new 997 S but had to have a 996 instead because they are so raw yet with the best of the old and new in one. 996s have great character and look stunning.

[@jdubt8046]

I'd be lien if I said I was watching for the cars! You're gorgeous!

[@kevincoombs7348]

Perfect timing as, being almost 50 years further alone life's motorway, I'm thinking of a 996 as my last car. This one seems a really good one and good money. I will be v interested in what you decide. Having just got rid of my MX5 ( wife couldn't get out easily due to hip probs), I still have my Golf GT mk7, had from new and always thought its a keeper. But life really is too short and Porsche are v special. Just stumbled on your site and enjoying it.

[@RossWhite-u5s]

That car is guaranteed to bore score without doubt probably within a month of driving it will happen especially as it was sitting with a dealer only being started to shunt it around. When it does good luck on a 4S not as easy as the 2 wheel drive and engine rebuild is gonna be expensive so I would offer them £10k at the most for this do not believe a word that clown of a trader says he only knows about selling cars and that’s even at a push when it comes to mechanical they know f**k all about a car ask him how bore score happens and if he knows how to scope the bores and to show you the full test report good luck on all them coolant pipes your gonna need it

[@kmorton54]

I would take home that beautiful 928

[@Andy.01_uk]

Porsche 928.. always loved them.. I’m a mechanic and in the 80’s I used to work for a independent Porsche garage and always loved the 928 shape

[@thomashumber9762]

as you know 80s is best time for Porsche quality...hand built. I owned my first 944 in 1988....were more special and exclusive back then

[@bostonaudi]

I bought into water cooled 80’s P cars back in the day, arguably better than equivalent 911’s as that’s where the development went. 928’s were super cars when sorted, and 944 Turbos were great performers as well.

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

There is zero debate on the ONLY way to pronounce “PORSCHE”. It’s a family name! Por-Sha… that’s it.

[@peterowen4456]

2 comments - the insurance is insanely reasonable. I speak as a pensioner with a clean driving record who recently shelled out over £500 to insure a Honda Jazz. The other thing, and these two things may be related, you rarely see morons driving these unlike a few other German brands I (and many others) could name. Really enjoyable video. I do hope you get one.

[@ride_with_neilson]

i would take the GT3 of 997. If he would have an 993 i would take that all day! never e pre 2010 boxter, looks cheap

[@chojny23]

Just go for it! 996 is sooo great to drive!

[@williammorris3334]

A Boxster is a MUCH better value than a 911 because it’s the same quality and 2/3 of the parts are the same. Tens of thousands less though, and the 981 series are the best looking and have very few problems. The Boxster also handles better and has that classic mid-engined balance and turn in.

[@ianbalk6212]

I use to own a c4s I've now got a turbo s absolutely love my turbo and no bad dreams of ims bearing like on the c4s and the hanz mezgar engine is so sweet and a real everyday supercar but don't get me wrong the 996 c4s is still a nice car but money permits go for either the turbo or gt3

[@andrewoakley4957]

For me, the orange G series car, just because it's the model type I fell in love with. I have a 996.2 C4S! I couldn't afford anything older!

[@iainmcglynn833]

You hit the nail on the head It’s a car for treating yourself. Every other make just pales into insignificance ❤

[@EvoraGT430]

Hartech are the guys you need to speak to. They have a buyer's guide you MUST read.

[@Griphook1]

Sports seats are a big improvement over the coffin seats fitted.

[@robp8218]

I'd buy the white 928 hands down. Looks stunning, and always been my dream car 👌

[@musammithakkar1574]

Showing legs to buy car, nice plan

[@njnj785]

Wait do you also own the Juicy vlogs? I never knew you also do car reviews why not feature the cars here in the Philippines we have some nice builds like porsches jdms euro etc

[@dnbaddict]

You look great in the black dress!! I have to say the “New Balance” shoes are better suited in a Corvette 😂 I had to say it!

[@callelindstrom4789]

Not Porsch. Its Poo RR- sch-EE. pronounce the r and e so we can hear it. IMS is not a issue! The issue is bore scoring. I sold my 4S 2003 because of that. I Couldnt enjoy it. I bought a 718 GTS 4,0. Awesome car

[@RickPalmer]

Loved my 996 C4S. Great fun and stunning to look at too! Requires a lot of care especially if you plan on driving it year round like I did, with a good look over every spring once the worst of the winter weather gone. Get it you won’t regret it! Also had a few L322s and love those too. Get ‘em both 😉

[@kristianspencer1978]

Very nice car but the mileage is too high. You could get a VXR Monaro for £20k. 6.0 Ls2 V8. 400 bhp. Rarer than the 996. HSV.😍👍

[@rusty911s2]

As a Porsche restorer of 20+ years / 50 cars, I can confirm in UK people generally just say 'Porsh' rather than 'Porsha'. In the same way we say 'Parris' rather than 'Parree.' Of all of the specialists I know and customers I have, not one says 'Porsha.'

[@adambedell73]

Great video! But do you know you have an inflection at the end of most of your sentences? Must be Britt thing-lol

[@adventurouscampers]

Take home the Carrera 4S!!!😂😂😂 I GOT ONE THEY LOOK GREAT!!!!!❤

[@bobbydazzler8620]

Poor John never stood a chance Lucy stood there hands on hips, boobs pushed forward and left leg in full bloom! 997.2 gts Lucy!

[@1ongava]

997 Turbo wheels on Turbo cars are pretty awful, on non Turbo cars they're an abomination!! Not one of Porsche's best designs

[@chrisreadman4282]

911 is like a bug. Once your bitten nothing else compares to it.

[@hugohugo2832]

The 996.1 is a better drive than a C4S. It’s more involving and much lighter.

[@darumagenki6271]

Eyes on the legs. ❤

[@stewarthughesstewart]

You should have bought the Turbo.

[@MattEMaddock]

I insure mine for £130 fully comp for a year!

[@ulyssesgonzalez5655]

It’s nice how she has a genuine appreciation for this. I have the ‘04 C4S black on black. I absolutely love it, too…

[@shieldaigbencher]

Do the IMS bearing. If it hasn't been done, failure is imminent. Do it well with a modern version and you won't ever need to worry again. These Porsches have been shunned and devalued by this problem but it is an easy and not so expensive fix that will give you one of the best 911 varients that will last a lifetime.

[@Nylonrecordings]

I’ll go with the 997 Targa and the 996 4S.

[@Helios1234p]

It's weird seeing my local road and my flat in this video. I drive my Cayman S here everyday.