What's gone WRONG with my Porsche 911!?!

Three years ago I bought a Porsche 911 996 3.4 Carrera 2 1999. I did loads of research on the 996 and in this video I will tell you what to look out for and which versions of the 996 are the 'safest' to buy. Also I reveal what has gone wrong with mine so far. What are the biggest risks and which modifications I think are worth doing to make it a better car to drive. If you are thinking about buying a Porsche 911 996 you will find this video very useful. It could save you thousands in repair bills.
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[@user-je6ld8do9u]

Mat in real life is actually Mat in geek mode constantly.

[@randomores]

No angry people in the car park?!

[@MatWatsonCars]

Not this time.

[@bloodcarver913]

Oh yeah, the last time an old hag

[@randomores]

Blood Carver yeah last time that woman was funny.

[@moegamezzz3622]

I was thinking the same thing haha

[@carlovers4561]

@@MatWatsonCars Matt please do an in depth review of the mercedes Benz X class please I request you on carwow

[@harleyrobertson73]

What I love about the exhaust is that it doesn't pop and bang like a broken 2 stroke

[@mikeyhbev]

It’s so nice for once to hear positives about 996. I love mine ! I’ve been tracking it for the last 6 years. Such an underrated 911 👍👏👏

[@MatWatsonCars]

Mine would go pop on the track

[@mikeyhbev]

Mat Watson Cars 🤣 I doubt it Mat! Happy New Year 🥳👍

[@timatteberry3382]

My car was built on 1of 98 vin 00116. I absolutely love it. Daily driver. Zero problems. Bone stock. 110000 Miles.

[@JordanRants]

I was obsessed with Porsche in the early 2000s. So much so that my Dad took me to the Porsche shop on my 12th birthday. We were a bunch of poor council scum in there lmao. But this lady had just purchased a new Porsche and it had the exact same interior as yours. Same colour and everything. She let me ride in the passenger seat while she drove it around to the front of the building. Only thing I hate about new porsche's is they changed the front lights design back to circular. I prefer the light design on your car.

[@big_bicep_bill7594]

I've always hated that they went back to the 'beetle' headlights after this. The 996 generation has always been my favourite

[@alexthejew420]

@@big_bicep_bill7594 i also agree that the 996 headlights look really good, but the regular 911 is just so legendary my god its all so nice

[@-TJ-]

0:40 - Does it have Android Auto and is it better than BMW's iDrive?

[@haz525]

He says that mercedes mbux is better than I drive becuase it has android auto 😂

[@joeowen2340]

Why would it have that at 19 year old probably Idk

[@DrFearCo]

-TJ- the MOST important thing is rewinding satellite radio though

[@bandvitromania9642]

Nope but i think it has a Motorola radio :)

[@ali_a1805]

Joe Owen r/woooooooosh

[@SunnySingh-fd8wn]

Do a “living with a 996” video? Take it to supermarket, gym, motorway journey, wash it etc.

[@MatWatsonCars]

It's easy to live with. So would be boring

[@waclosh]

Golf

[@SunnySingh-fd8wn]

Mat Watson Cars you say that...but we’d all watch it and would like to see more about you and how you use the car. A lot of your followers like your reviews but most importantly you too. You’re the car friend we wish we all had 😂😂😂

[@franciscos.3671]

waclosh VW Polo

[@smaxwell4062]

Is it scary to drive on WET ROADS? No stability control and soooooo much rear overhang with heavy engine back there. Tailhappy? WAGS TAIL EASILY😄

[@peedeegt]

Watched Matt on Carwow for a few years, just stumbled across this. Nice to see a motor journalist who actually knows stuff about their car, rather than just “yeah, I’ve got this really fast car”. Subscribed 👍

[@vendetter7276]

The colour of that interior reminds me of a old prosthetic limb. 💪🏽

[@eddherring4972]

That’s being generous, reminds me of something altogether different: 💣💥🚽

[@custtard]

Hahaha 😂

[@murphyspattaya]

lol 555 true 🍀🍀🍀👍😎👻👻👻😱

[@tourajsadeghi1018]

😂😂😂

[@markhendry1]

Love your no nonsense reviews and straight to the point. As you drive an array of newer cars it’s great to hear you champion the old analogue car where you have put your own money into ownership. I’m also a 996 owner and love these cars.

[@lonewarrior1543]

Mat..your the best out there...simple...and no atrocious music...hat off to you....deserve it all mate!

[@carllynch8798]

Great vid to watch to brighten up my Sunday morning with a hangover.

[@Jakes_Cars]

Hi Mat, love the 996 it's so underrated, my dad has a fastlift 996 Carrera and it went bang a couple of months back and has just had a whole engine rebuild, it now runs lovely and will probably go on for another 100K+ miles. Love the videos. 🙏👍

[@aidanmc5027]

This review is exactly what I have been looking for. All real world UK advice, even down the exhaust and how to get a better sound out of her. I'm looking to grab one of these in the next couple of months as an upgrade from my E46 BMW. Thanks again!

[@prodrivebrasil]

Nice review Mat, thanks a lot! The sound of your exhaust is brilliant! I love it. Another thing is that the looks is great like this, true Porsche design, very clean.

[@AB-vi8zl]

Mat, there I was thinking you were a casual salesman. You know your stuff, thank you for an insightful video

[@Porsche9174Ever]

I've enjoyed every second of the video, it's very informative and honest! All the IMS stories on the internet are based on fear from the customer side and sales figures from the business side... Glad my 996 has none of the described engine issues :) BTW, my 996 has the optional "M030 Sport Suspension", that's just superb for daily driving. It's firm enough but not too stiff for driving through city centers.

[@smallworld3216]

Thanks Mat. The 911 has always been one of my favorite cars of all times and with your video I feel more confident on what year to purchase. Here in the states, as I’m sure there, price fluctuation can be big for the 996. Like you said, it all comes down to how well it was serviced and taken care of by the previous owner. Now if I can only find one like yours with all the mods you did. Thanks again.

[@MrGusisawesome]

love the pure car chat. Sometimes feel car wow is now so mainstream and clickbaity that it misses what was so great about car buyer. This was just perfect and what i love about you as a car journalist

[@shawoo]

Literally sounds like you have a hole in the exhaust lol

[@dan123ben]

Most 911s do sound like the exhaust is broke

[@bandit911]

When you put that crossover pipe you literally do have a hole in the exhaust 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@JonBecker81]

Haha yeah I was thinking the same. Sounds like crap.

[@Shaun-hp2yz]

he pretty much does

[@henryatkinson1479]

Thats just how flat 6s sound. My 911SC sounded broken right after the engine was rebuilt. Its just how they are.

[@Rascularvideos]

Honesty, especially in the modern world and double especially on KZbin, is something to be cherished. This married with knowledge and passion makes for a really good video. Well played Mat. My oldest friend bought a first gen Boxster (220 bhp) last year. He’s tidied it up in terms of all the essentials but no more than that. What a lovely, analogue car it is to drive. It talks to you all the time and sings above 5000. It makes a lovely “whoahhhh” sound about 4500 rpm. No, not fast by modern standards but it’s much more deep-chested than you’d think and you have to DRIVE it. It’s so interactive and, certainly in the south east of the UK, fast enough. I live in London so haven’t owned a car in years. Driving it made me miss my old Citroen AX GT, all 800kgs of it. Those were the days when a service transformed your car. Carrying a passenger transformed it too, but not in a good way, power to weight wise.

[@MatWatsonCars]

thanks

[@pana129]

One of the most informative and useful videos on the 996 I’ve seen. Thank you very much 👍

[@Txmax1]

I love the mods you've done to this Porsche. Just shows you are a true petrolhead and that you exactly know what your doing with it.

[@kash19840]

Love the mods you done! The only thing i'd change is the solid engine mounts to medium polly but what a great car

[@onyva3256]

I’m glad I never watched videos like this before I bought mine - would have scared the life out of me! Seriously though - good content as ever Mat. My thoughts - I agree, earlier models better (mine also 3.4). And in reality if you’re driving a 20 year old car with ten of thousands of miles on the clock it’s unlikely you’re going to have problems with things like the IMS bearing - will have happened already if it was going to happen. But ultimately these are 20 years old and classic cars now - you’re either brave or have deep pockets if you want to use one as a daily driver.

[@michaelbiniakewitz2329]

Matt, you nailed it as to how that bypass in the can makes exhaust note sound incredible! As for the IMS issue I think you’re right but if you do feel inclined, there’s a system you can set up that will lubricate the bearing I am sure you know what I’m referring to. Love your content, I watch anytime I need a cheering up whilst learning something

[@AlexBell13]

I went from a 98 model to a 2002, one thing I really didn't notice any difference to was the throttle, felt more or less the same. The engine tho feels much stronger. Anyway I think we have much of the same philosophy when it comes to how we want our car Mat, nice video. And you made me long for spring even harder...

[@smrf4941]

Happy New Year, Mat! And happy New y to this beautiful place called Mat Watson’s Club!

[@simes333]

Thanks for the knowledge Mat, I’m shopping and this really helped me...👌🏼

[@tonyfot0]

Matt - great you have kept the 996. Still have mine too. Good honest review & inspired me to go for a ‘softer’ setup. Love it that much bought a 2nd engine as a project too. That’s another story...

[@marceldobre3434]

You're such a technical guy! Love your vids!

[@avirupjana8165]

That exhaust noise. Oh my heart!

[@MaxiTeyla]

Mat you're a bloody legend. Happy new year! I've been looking for a 993, more expensive but the look is to die for!

[@stichupman]

Probably the best looking generation in my opinion

[@MaxiTeyla]

@@stichupman No doubt!

[@ianjames3078]

And to pay for

[@KRW628]

Well Done, Mat. Congrats on you ride.

[@denmark39]

New video and it’s summer outside? Brilliant 👍

[@Levent_Ergun]

that bypass valve made it sound like a 3 cylinder, still sounds cool.

[@huskyboystv1806]

Sounds fucking awesome a 3 cylinder would never sound that good a 3 cylinder would sound like a chevy aveo with open headers

[@shinguin6233]

I love that you are the same cool guy in the official carwow videos and your own ones.

[@shinguin6233]

I Germany we have a guy called Qualmedie. Very funny in his own KZbin videos, trash in his TV show...

[@craigfraser8240]

Great video, very informative and logically explained details around the problems with the 996.

[@jacebeleren429]

Matt, glad I found your personal channel. I just wanted to say thanks for making cool videos. ALSO yesterday I drove my friends 17 gt4 (which has titanium exhaust, fancy low swirl intake, 3d printed header by bbi and a gt3 throttle body (all which work to bring up the torque curve)). It felt like I was driving a rocket with gears. At the end of the drive I was shouting “Oh yeah! This is DEFINITELY worth 40k more than my M2!”. tldr; I want a Porsche now.

[@workshop_deluxe2493]

The good ol' stories about the IMS bearing... Just replaced it on my 996 after about 170,000 km and the old bearing was, well, like new. Anyways... like your videos, Mat.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Mat, great to watch and very informative. I'm bloody glad I've got a quick modern Mercedes. I've had a couple of classic motorbikes in my time and I know I’m not a tinkerer. You seem to be a man at ease with under the bonnet, behind the wheel and in front of the camera. Keep it up - it’s great to watch. I'm still not buying a Porsche 🤓🤓🤓

[@Audidude]

Your Mercedes is quick and modern. It also will be dropping like a stone in value, making running costs on this 911 seem small change. And about as unconnected to the driving experience as this is connected. I know what I’d rather have, but that’s what choice is all about. Enjoy yours :)

[@morganvon5664]

Fantastic video. First, I also own an older 911 (991.1S) and I'm interested in mods for my car as well. Most importantly, an actual car video that doesn't involve an endless explanation of the infotainment system. Thank you!

[@leonardoluc6362]

Thanks Mat for the review.

[@andreidragos6701]

Yoo, welcome back and happy new year to all!!!

[@DeezeRx]

u too!

[@rocketman4315]

Dude that exhaust note!! 😍

[@MaroMarenio]

The sound is awesome!!!

[@gepixelt7712]

My father got a 996 and i really love the sound! It is such an awesome note on the inside

[@GarryMcGovern]

Good vid, especially in regards to the IBS issues (or lack thereof!). Thought about one of these loads of times over the years as a replacement for my old 944 S2, but seeing as I've now had that car 18 years and is now rising in value, if I haven't changed it by now - I probably never will!

[@garrydavis3475]

Nice 👍 one Matt on the oil analysis makes perfect sense plus doing your usual stuff on time great upload

[@jonnygti]

Mat Watson has “scored balls”. Sounds painful that mate😜😂😂😂 Seriously though, great video, very informative 👍🏻

[@mrnicktoyou]

You have done everything I would have done if I owned that car. It sounds like it’s almost perfect now.

[@StefanKrunic]

so you are the one of people who ruin their cars and spend money to do it. vibrations ruin everything!

[@mrnicktoyou]

@@StefanKrunic It's a weekend car, not a daily driver. The extra vibrations are a good thing.

[@MatWatsonCars]

you are right - it's awesome to drive when I get the chance.

[@jimmygordonhansen]

Damn, you’re super knowledgeable about cars, and it’s very entertaining to watch your videos. You should seriously be hosting Top Gear! Keep up the good work!😀

[@paullockwood7219]

Great stuff Mat. This is the stuff us oldies want to see. Happy New year for 2020 mate.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Glad to hear your "bearings" are okay mate 😂 Another great video, only you can pull that interior off 😉👊

[@SilverScarletSpider]

I know what’s wrong. There’s no engine underneath the bonnet!

[@MatWatsonCars]

Lols

[@Crazy254_]

Syed Aydin Syed Halim no it’s mid engines

[@afrog2666]

Could turn it into a BiMoto xD

[@afrog2666]

@@Crazy254_ Is it now.. Here I was thinking it was rear engine, learn something everyday I guess :p

[@andyfreeman6865]

@@afrog2666 It is rear engine. All the 911s since the 80s are rear, not mid. Boxsters and caymans are mid which does change the handling and the feel through weight distribution.

[@atimko123]

I've owned a '99 996 C2 manual 6 w/ Euro suspension. They are a great value and a blast to drive on short, mid or road trips. 75mph in top 2nd gear!! Thanks for sharing all the info.

[@Engineerboy100]

Very cool video! I learned most of what you marked to look out for when I first started shopping for a Porsche 20 year ago. The IMS and a few other items are what made me switch to the 996 Turbo, and I'm glad I did. I love all of the 996 911's, but my tuned X50 is something I'll drive until I can't.

[@1066wastrel]

I put 18" wheels (from 16") on one of my cars, the difference in performance was astonishing, LOOKED amazing, drove crap!

[@MatWatsonCars]

So true. Sod the looks

[@ibtixgaming7168]

My 17" rims looks good and performs good mostly because of the better grip on the back from the 245's

[@ivorproblem1332]

@@MatWatsonCars Wheel spacers might help the stance and handling

[@PandaDiesel11]

AD08R Advan love Mat! I run them on my C-Class Holy mother of Mary do they stick

[@510RSe]

That is the first time someone has said something useful about Quaife and Wavetrac diffs, as well as the difference between the brands. Sir, I thank you very much.

[@jessem.5867]

I didn't know you had a personal channel. Subscribed!

[@shehroz3421]

1:42 Get It Redone In Leather Or Soft Alcantara!❤️

[@buserror]

I know /exactly/ where you were driving somehow! the A40 from Oxford to Stockenchurch -- nicest piece of road around there... I often left the M40 to take that 'hill climb' road..

[@ToolkiT73UK]

Yes, I recognised it to too, best going uphill but going down is fun too.

[@ralphsmallblock4367]

Nice ride first time I see you driving a classic🥳

[@vdub8481]

Nice car matt ...exhaust sound note is cool 👌👌

[@theplayerofus319]

Wow that Sound is really amazing nice

[@blackfire_x2964]

I love that exhaust note

[@greenmih]

Mat, its a pleasure to watch your videos, thank you for your work! I wish you were there in Top Gear, with Chris... I hope they fire the producers and change the format though, because it simply doesn't work without the you know who!

[@colinmorand129]

Nice set of mods/upgrades Mat 👍

[@affanhussain5986]

please upload more here mate! keep up the good work

[@SA-zoom1]

On the move that exhaust sounds epic. 👍

[@Ztandard32]

911s are just fun to drive and you captured that. I watched loads of helpful reviews like this before I bought one. Best driven on Sunday morning about 0600.

[@rollingthunderbirds8114]

Upload more on this channel mate , keep the good work up

[@paulj3625]

I swear I watched this a few days ago

[@MatWatsonCars]

Lols

[@milos1534]

Me too... Wtff???

[@pydoeswhatever]

Not just u. It was taken down not long after it was uploaded. I finished watching it before it was removed. Now it's back again.

[@Rascularvideos]

paul j Glad you said that as I thought I saw the thumbnail while Xmas drunk then couldn’t find the video later, while Xmas drunk. And then today here it is. Your post returned my sanity. Ish.

[@jcfertor]

@@pydoeswhatever has it been re edited? I mean was something removed from the video? It will be interesting to find out why Mat took the video down

[@marcopolo9565]

"..and now, we are going to have drag race!"

[@davonpointer2310]

Great video Matt 👌🏼

[@alik5645]

nice car matt looks stunning love it amazing review 👊🏽

[@Kunivaaaa]

A Porsche with an average speed of 17 mph is like a dog who's been in a cage it's entire life

[@worldtravel101]

👍 good analogy

[@tirupatisrinivasaatmaraman8454]

Bypassers : Dude it's just a normal 996 911 Carrera 😏 After hearing the exhaust note : Man that's one amazing 996 911 Carrera 😃😃😀

[@ekslar]

Great video! Love your videos about your 996. The tiptronic isn't actually awful. Maybe not as fun as the manual, but in Manual mode it is still great and also the gearbox is more reliable. I have a 98 C2 Tiptronic in the exact same colour combination (blue/savannah) and I love it! No modification except removing the resonator in the airbox and blocking the bypass to increase the sound.

[@soti1471]

Hey Mat, thanks for your cool videos on 996 - really much like 'em

[@TerribleUsernameAmirite]

I swear I've seen this video before...

[@MatWatsonCars]

there was a mistake in it

[@TerribleUsernameAmirite]

Respect man. Good on ya

[@ZylonFPV]

@@MatWatsonCars What was the mistake? :D

[@the_batmobile0.4]

@n11 good luck with em child support bills

[@dreamsteal4773]

n11 his pullout game weak?

[@youngshreddfilthy2930]

Matt Watson is back on his personal channel... If you can put more of your mother on car reviews too. We need more frequent content on your channel because I think he's one of the best car reviewers on KZbin!!! 😃👍💯🚘🎄☃️

[@MatWatsonCars]

Thanks

[@colin5577]

Fantastic little video.

[@stevesas632]

Great video mate. I've been contemplating one of these, but have had my 968 Sport now for 10yrs, so not sure as I do enjoy the drive very much.

[@lewis72]

All these potential engine problems should have been picked up by Porsche in development.

[@dragospahontu]

This was a reliable car like most Porsches, but with time cars just deteriorate. This car is over 15 years old.

[@lipozor]

...or to take responsibility for known issue and mechanical malfunction, free of charge

[@grovsey3656]

@@dragospahontu Come on. The bore scoring is proper shocking design. They kept boring out the engine from a smaller 1, what do you expect? Shit design.

[@dragospahontu]

@@grovsey3656 true that

[@thegirthquake8574]

Your exhaust makes it sound like you have piston slap. Especially on start up.

[@reshlanda1964]

Very informative Matt, thanks 🤗

[@minorearthmajorsky1476]

Great video mat, keep it up :)

[@anonlincracing2484]

Matt dont lie you was playing peekaboo in the sunviser mirror 😂

[@dee106ful]

Anyone who couldn't afford a porsche should get an alfa gt crash bang wallop.

[@alphatrion100]

When you buy a car like this its just waiting for the day you get super high costs. But its fun while it lasts

[@HypnOlli]

Yeah faulty bearings, poor pistons and gears gone wrong all at under 50k miles in many cars..I'd pass it on this one.

[@caio5987]

Sometimes under use can be just as detrimental as over use and 50k in 20 years means this car has spent more time parked in a garage than being driven

[@domzbu]

Loading now It can also mean city driving miles. Whereas Medium age high mileage cars can have been on the motorway mostly

[@BFD15i]

@@HypnOlli Just buy one with more mileage.. Problem solved. ;)

[@paulrose6359]

The early 98-00, 996's are very reliable. A small percentage have problems and that small percentage has kept the price on these down.

[@rs700910]

Thats a great assessment Matt, cheers...

[@tjabaley]

Excellent overview. I love the spec you chose. Normal size wheels, reasonable power that you can enjoy the power band on the road, fewer electrical doodads to go Bad, manual box! Im 6’6” so im looking for a similar 991 but would look for the 996/7 if i could fit in them. Enjoyed your video. Subscribed!

[@lbnewell23]

15:25 I live about 2 mins from there it was weird to see it in a vid

[@kuddin9021]

Did you pay for any of the mods or say “hey im Mat Watson, youtube God” lol

[@lukeb4410]

K Uddin I was thinking this.

[@crankypipo]

Oh my lord that sound i love it!

[@TomAraya]

What a nice and useful review :)

[@stigsarmeniancousin3925]

You have the Sally from Cars movie 😆

[@Shrike200]

I thought so too when I got one of these, I have the exact same colour - turns out, 'Sally' was a 996 Mk 2 (slightly different headlights are the giveaway)

[@stigsarmeniancousin3925]

Shrike200 ohh 😮

[@JJLOVEJJ1]

Love from Taiwan

[@hcooC]

Love your work!

[@tonye2695]

Lovely car Matt, I have a Boxster 986 which I really enjoy handling and directness , toying with upgrading to the 911.