Porsche 911 996 4S Review | Good Investment or Huge Can of Worms?

[@scottygou4916]

Your driving experience comments are spot on. I’ve had my C4S, first Porsche , owned now for nearly 3 years, and still absolutely smitten. Servicing costs and parts are expensive. But after a drive all is forgiven, every drive is a special & magical experience.

[@kriskalpa]

the 996 C4s is one of the all time best looking 911's. especially from the rear, and especially in black.

[@GarageTherapyOfficial]

For the 996 4S I would highly recommend a brake pad upgrade to Pagid or EBC Red Stuff or Yellow stuff. Also braided lines and an upgrade to the GT3 master cylinder can make a huge difference to the performance and feel of the braking performance for the 996 platform. Another worth while upgrade is the engine mounts. at 70k the engine mounts can get worn so new OEM or an upgrade to RSS engine mounts can make the rear end really solid and manage the weight transfer better. Lastly geometry are really important on 911s in general so its worth getting that checked out. Lastly for the gear change you can upgrade to the 997 system for a slightly shorter more positive throw or the 996 GT3 short shift. Both are worth while maintenance options as again the linkages can get tired.

[@philipkennard6603]

ditto. I've got pagodas, braided lines and gt3 master cylinder. Made a huge difference.

[@martinchai3607]

Thanks Garage Therapy! Will the GT3 MC work with the 996 C4S without triggering/disabling the PSM and ABS warnings? I have a 996 C4S and always felt the brakes were mushy! Looking forward to your video on this upgrade Jon! ;)

[@vintagesteelgarage]

Would agree with the ebc red stuff pads. Just fitted on mine.

[@amillerism]

Bought one myself 6 months ago and I bloody love it! Also thinking about smoking the top sections of the tail lights myself, doing a video on that would be really interesting to a lot of other 996 owners. Great videos and content as ever, big fan of the channel!

[@paulchurchouse4585]

9964S is a great looking car. Love the headlights, rear reflector and wide body- what a combo

[@marky9117]

Glad you’re enjoying it Jon. A few minor points I’d mention. A puff of smoke on start up is NOT an issue, as long as it clears very quickly. The engines are flat (horizontal pots) so oil often gets/lies in there whilst standing and on startup is burnt off. It usually does this when showing a friend your car or in a busy place. 😄 There’s an argument for not pulling out the IMS as this can put strain on the nylon/plastic chain guides. This could come back to bite you should a piece break off. As ever though with the 996, it’s a decision for the owner to weigh up. Bore score is the big killer of these engines so yes, a Boroscope inspection is essential at purchase. As is a full PPi by a good specialist. Purchasing one of these cars is just the start. Maintenance can be frequent as they’re a 20 year old sports car. You can save huge amounts by DIY’ing things like rads, brakes, suspension. Glad you’re enjoying it anyway. 👍🏻

[@grahammorley3389]

Had a few 996’s Gearbox choice is not necessarily a manual. Most newer super cars are now the opposite! Knowing how to get the best from both is essential, don’t pass up a great condition tiptronic they are easily more practical on todays roads and congestion. Manual will soon be gone for good! Upgrade to PCCM+ on the info, now holds its value in the resale price, so worth adding. Service on time as this is essential maintenance, and use it don’t park them up. Have fun with it.

[@marky9117]

@@grahammorley3389 Hi Graham. Just proves that we all a have different view. Manuals may be gone for good in the future. That’s why residuals and demand are so high for purist cars now. As always it boils down to usage and where you live. I’m in Northumberland and rarely sit in a traffic jam in my daily. Let alone my Summer fun car. PDK is a great gearbox. I’d still never choose it over a manual. Tiptronic though is terrible. Slow, lethargic and totally at odds with a sports car. But it’s all just opinion. Plenty of choice out there to suit us all. 👍🏻

[@sted101]

Manuals are the most sought after for a pure driver's car as reflected in the values.

[@martinbrown1452]

I love my 996 4s 2004 with 53000 miles on the clock and a the porsche sport exhaust system, i uprated my engine mounts and it sound silly but it changed the car in how it handles and sounds in a very positive way.( Highly reccommend this) EBC brake pads. I have owned my car for 4 years now and it makes me feel alive and it puts a smile on my face every time i get behind the wheel. Just a awsome car....... Great video Jon i cant wait for you wash your car because i have great pleasure cleaning mine.

[@bostonaudi]

I have a 996 C4S as well, you know when you keep going out to the garage to just look at it you've bought a car you love! I am constantly surprised how quickly the speedometer goes up - 80mph is nothing, its super smooth and the torque is great everywhere. Lovely car.

[@MrBatwa]

I have a 996.1 1997 Carrera 2 coupe manual non sunroof with sports seats and red seat belts Love it

[@sted101]

Same except for coloured seatbelts. Non sunroof coupés are few and far between.

[@TobyD]

Suspension can easily be transformed. Take it to Center Gravity and fit their CGGT dampers specifically designed for 996. They have a C4S development car. I’ve driven this before and after and it’s night and day. Their products are designed specifically for UK roads. I’ve got fitted to my 996 and very highly recommend.

[@lakestreet3951]

may I ask the price for supply and fit?

[@OriginalSarn]

That pause and smile at the beginning as he cranked it in first ☺️

[@helipeek2736]

Glad to see your out and about in the 911. Looks like we both “joined the 911 club” at about the same time.

[@roadsandrails]

I started watching your channel because last Novemeber I bought a 996 C4S! And I've been looking for the best products to clean it with, your videos have been great! I love mine, I agree with everything you say about it, they have aged well, and if you get a looked after one they should be reliable and a good investment. I also agree with you regarding keeping them standard. The only thing I've done to mine is get the gear shifter replaced with the standard 997 one (not GT3) which is slightly shorter, and the previous owner had changed the pipe from the airbox to make it slightly louder, which I'm happy with. Your car looks familiar, I think I saw it for sale whilst I was looking, The carbon is rare and helps to make the interior look modern. Hopfully it features in more of your videos soon

[@karlruditis5615]

This is why we do what we do (detailing/valeting) we are all petrol heads love it 👍

[@Simb-l]

Gotta say this is one of the best honest car reviews. Maybe you should review some more John. That bit of crashy suspension on some of the pot holes might just be the struts getting a bit tired. Lovely car though.

[@leebishop4570]

John, i have a 996 Carrera 2 manual Mine has the 997 shifter and its a good upgrade Mine also has a Dansk exhaust. A modern apple car play stereo is also a worthy upgrade.

[@jonathonwatson9800]

When is the full detail happening we need that video 😊

[@zaink7037]

Looking forward to when you detail it Jon 😉. Hope to buy a Porsche later this year

[@marshprofessionaldetailing9794]

Congratulations on this car. Super nice and I happen to have always liked the headlights 🤣

[@ANDYSTUNEtwo]

Just looking for a 4S cab in black should have one in a week or two , I own a detailing business too 👍

[@stelios.t3559]

Great review! Came upon this video as I am thinking about getting a 4s. I currently have a pristine E46 M3 which has given me 6 great years with no problems whatsoever. I can sell it for good money and have found a high mileage 4s which I am thinking to buy and make it a project. It's got 150k miles, which is a lot, but with the sale of the M3 I will have about 13k dedicated to drop into the 4s. I am getting scared though with all the horror stories about bore scoring and a full engine rebuild will eat my fund away. Should I make the leap or is it too risky? Not many 4s for sale where I live and actually even the others are not any lower than 100k miles with almost double the price of the one I amlooking at.

[@grahammorley3389]

Had a few 996’s Gearbox choice is not necessarily a manual. Most newer super cars are now the opposite! Knowing how to get the best from both is essential, don’t pass up a great condition tiptronic they are easily more practical on todays roads and congestion. Manual will soon be gone for good! Upgrade to PCCM+ on the info, now holds its value in the resale price, so worth adding. Service on time as this is essential maintenance, and use it don’t park them up. Have fun with it.

[@ForensicDetailing]

Yer I drive tiptronic and it was fine.

[@giovannigallo8429]

Nice addition to the channel 👍🏻

[@vintagesteelgarage]

Lovely car John. Great view. Maybe a new slant to your channel. Got t one myself same colour and spec. Have a few vidoes on diy repairs on my channel. . Ps trying my new Das 6 pro v2 tomorrow on my 996. As recommend on one of your vidoes.

[@marmaladebrah]

Fantastic review mate, thank you!

[@D4rkS4v4nt]

Great purchase, welcome to the 996 club 👍👌 enjoy this channel and I've picked up some superb detailing tips from you in the past. Nothing personal but a bit of feedback on the video 😂 booting it whilst holding the steering wheel with one hand and reading a script is not a good idea, a bit later your not even holding the wheel. I'd hate to see what happens if a pheasant runs out and you slam the brakes with no control. Please be safe 🤞

[@massimogaudio2805]

This looks like my garage! I have an M4 f82 and a 996 4S black! Great Cars

[@antonyjames5018]

Just looking for the right one now C4, lot's to choose from. I just need to make sure i get the right car. 👍

[@01123581321341]

Any Porsch-uh! is epic by me. Got to respect the German quality if the porsch-uh! brand. Nice review Jon Clarkson 😂 Got to get the Porsch-uh! clean though, get it polished and use the porsch-uh! for the channel for sure

[@ValetSpecialist]

Timeless design and a quirky car love it😯 👍👍🤘

[@sted101]

Into the 6th year of ownership 996.1 C2 manual and still love the car, always puts a smile on my face. I get major services done at independent specialists every other year for the service record and I do the minors and as much repair work as I can. Get a good car to start with and budget for about £1k a year. Brakes, condensers, engine mounts, exhaust, coil packs, water pump (including low temp thermostat) and suspension parts will need doing if not done recently. If you can't maintain yourself you'll need to budget about 3x more. Value wise prices are on the up and mine is now insurance guaranteed value for £5k more than I paid for it.

[@JoJoJoker]

En new E46 M3 was about half of the price of a 996 C4S. One of these cars is now over priced and it’s not the 911.

[@ForensicDetailing]

yer I dont get why the e46 M3 is so expensive now. like 20-30k. there are many of them as well. I just remember when they were 7k and Ive had one so I struggle to want to pay for one.

[@JoJoJoker]

@@ForensicDetailing yep, a 2004 M3 was $47K USD while a 4S was $83K USD. The M3 is probably less reliable, too!

[@997GURU]

Good Review, maintain it well and it will serve you well

[@rover1374]

You’re not wrong about the Australian market. Any Porsche here is expensive really and not that easy to get. I won’t be in a position to get one for 10-15 years yet and with EVs coming in, I’m seriously worried I’ll never have the chance. I guess it’s a privilege though, so can’t complain.

[@albylive4473]

Ugly duckling to one of the best looking Porsches

[@jamesmcdonald1889]

I almost bought one of these but decided to go with a BMW Z4M Coupe instead, it was a hard decision as I think both cars are stunning but it came down to the playful aspect, as you mentioned the M is very fun to spin the wheels on and I am too childish to live without that! I would love to drive both back to back for comparison as I still find myself looking at examples for sale. You are welcome to do a video on my car if you want, just pop me a message to arrange!

[@ForensicDetailing]

Yer the c4s you can't spin it up and slide the back out when pulling up of a junction or corner. But my e36 does that so well. The Porsche you can drive it harder in the wet though and it really feels like better in some ways to the beemers, like maybe a bit rawer, harder, less body roll. But yer BMW's and Porsche I love both

[@jamesmcdonald1889]

@@ForensicDetailing Interesting, if you would like to meet up and compare I would am very keen!

[@Kissmyapex]

I’m itching to watch you give it a good detail 🙈

[@jondanby3790]

Couple of bits!! I own a turbo and threw the seat for some corbeau rrs recliners, far better. The factory seats nip your kidneys but leave you lacking higher up. Total rubbish! You mention four wheel drive a lot. It’s 95percent rear drive unless the psm kicks the front diff in effectively up to around 35percent to the front. It’s not four wheel drive like a quattro system or alike

[@Br1anuk]

Because this is a 996 doesn't it qualify for Porsche Classic servicing at the main dealer? 996 Carrera 4S is the best looking 996 by far.

[@ForensicDetailing]

Not sure m8 I'd like to know

[@philipkennard6603]

@@ForensicDetailing it does qualify - although Indys in the UK are a good bunch and won't affect value.

[@roadsandrails]

You can also have it added to the Porsche classic register, which is free and you get a nice pack sent through the post and a few free bits from the dealer that you may or may not want

[@jonnybravo3055]

Nice car Jon👍🏻

[@DjNikGnashers]

Dream car for me Jon, I love fried eggs anyway.

[@BarryCoombs1]

In 6 months time Jon will have sold the M3, E36, 996 C4S and traded up to a 991 GT3.

[@mickwhytee4]

Do you know anyone who would recondition the Porsche sport exhaust ? Took mine off as they have some corrosion… but would love them back

[@ForensicDetailing]

I dont mate I would look for a custom zort shop and take it to them to be patched up.

[@paulmcgarry7745]

Excellent car Jon - big fan of your channel. A little of your wisdom if I may - you mentioned you got the car checked over (100 point check). Who did you use for that please mate as I am about to buy a new car and welcome your advice.

[@ForensicDetailing]

Was auto technique in Chichester

[@leventozsavaci7975]

Thank you for your good review after I watch your video now 💯 I make my mind I want ☝️

[@chrsil]

What year is it?

[@olnaj]

Yes the seats are not made for true athletes..... I find this alot...

[@hugohugo2832]

996 turbo isn’t much more

[@ForensicDetailing]

It's not about the grunt m8. Turbo charged engine is all driven and torque but no crescendo or engagement or sense or building up to a peak. 300bhp is fine. Otherwise can just by a random b58 powered f series map it. 500 bho easy

[@MC-gp1zg]

I don’t think I’d wana be in the passenger seat with you driving like that on a public road. Let’s hope it stays in one piece 😂😂

[@brianiswrong]

I would happily hop in and enjoy the ride.

[@shootermcgavin6105]

Second.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Almost 😄😄you got third since Jonny Bravo got second a minute ahead 😄

[@OraEtLabora0]

@@1stfrompuertorico568 do you at least get paid?

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

@@OraEtLabora0 😄oh yes, I get paid plenty!😄

[@Amor1990]

Huge can of worms

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

First!!!

[@jonnybravo3055]

2nd 👍🏻

[@OS993]

the quality of the interior is awful

[@4estfloor]

I haven't known any experience to be a good investment when buying a car... Especially the vehicles I get into...