Porsche 911 996 in-depth review - see why it's the ultimate sports car bargain!

Is the Porsche 911 996 the best value used sports car you can buy? A decent one can be had for around £15,000 and in this video I explain the model range and review my very own 996. This is the car which was built from 1998 until 2004 and was the very first 991 to be water cooled not air cooled.I will be doing another video on problems I've had with my car and things to look out for. But this video is all about what the actual car is like. Please make sure you are subscribed to this channel.... and can you spot the mistake in the video towards the end? I thought I'd leave it in as an easter egg. And it's there because I actually shot and edited this video all on own!
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[@blackfire_x2964]

Even when mat films by himself without a cameraman all the driving camera angles are better than doug demuro

[@MatWatsonCars]

Lols

[@harleyrobertson73]

F ing hate doug demuro camera angles when driving......i HATE all close up head shots when they don't wear sun glasses

[@rimave07]

Doug complains about all the small stuff and I hate the fact that they call cars that have a roof lower then the Ford F150 bonnet a small car. Like all Americans ride around in semi trucks?! Yeah, right.

[@rocketman4315]

Hahahahahah

[@Mockle07]

Not setting the bar very high with that comparison!

[@chistophee]

Road: SLOW Mat: accelerates

[@MatWatsonCars]

That's just bad editing.

[@acchaladka]

Mat Watson Cars Incorrect - that’s all Porsche owners in my experience - but good on you for promoting responsible driving. ;)

[@tyler9703]

@@MatWatsonCars sure it is lol

[@really-._.-]

It was a dare! :D

[@slothymango]

Driving my dad's right now. Feels like he's in here with me. Thank you pops, love you.

[@dhruvjoshi4325]

This is the best comment in this comment section

[@madern7]

Id consider watching top gear again if Matt would join.

[@9996070036]

Very true .

[@tyler9703]

Watch the newest season, it's actually pretty good

[@wilmotown]

I think that if there was a proper rapport between the hosts, it would be pretty interesting. Despite being a good driver, the way I see it, Mat’s prowess from Carwow is mostly about interiors and about design, rather than driving dynamics. I’d certainly watch something with Mat, Chris Harris, and Alex Goy, but Top Gear is very british, and thus no American is really good on it. A Top Gear North America that I would actually watch would probably have TDIB, The StraightPipes, and the guys from Gears & Gasoline, all good presenters who take video quality and creativity seriously. They would certainly make for interesting road trip buddies, and the difference between KZbin and TV in terms of car content for me has always been the fact that on a show you have the opportunity to put a lot of stuff together at once.

[@joshimitsu96]

I'd hope he wouldn't go anywhere near the BBC.

[@bbb12345]

Me too! Always thought he’d be a great presenter there.

[@avirupjana8165]

That exhaust noise is giving me goosebumps. ❤️

[@lucasmoreno5330]

Avirup Jana it’s not stock, I believe he had it changed not long ago.

[@avirupjana8165]

Of course he has, I follow Mat religiously since 2017, I have seen all his reviews in Carwow and Carbuyer. So the mod is not a news for me. Whatever he changed it yeilded well, that's my whole point.

[@SnakeyUk08]

Must admit it does sound marvellous :)

[@sergiupuscasu2496]

Julian potatoe he changed it for what would be the sports exhaust that his car didn’t have from the factory.

[@olafhabers6849]

Me too🥰🥰🥰

[@713vinh]

For those who don't know Matt had this car for a while now, made a few videos of it and then stopped. So glad to see it again, such a wonderful car. Thanks for listening as we never get tired of watching it.

[@dominicrusho]

It’s the old Carbuyer filming location! I was expecting Rebecca to walk on.

[@TjPewter]

dominicrusho RIGHT!? That’s what I thought too haha 💯

[@banjopete]

dominicrusho ,hoping!

[@azaboy2]

she could walk on to my erect CACK

[@rabidsminions2079]

But there is only one doug score.

[@kirillassasin]

But you got Sally

[@nigelvergas6103]

What a great car. It saved the company from financial disaster and introduced water cooling to future models to meet emissions. It’s has its issues, but without it non of us would be driving a new Porsche. Respect.

[@williamegler8771]

I only use the backseat in my 911 for my two German Shepherds. They haven't complained yet...

[@MatWatsonCars]

Ha

[@hansandhismp-4033]

Ahahah, i see what u did there

[@madern7]

I don’t get it ):

[@rabola55]

East or West German shepherds?

[@beauchamphuberville1355]

My Greyhound gets in the back of mine!

[@stevewages]

I just got a 996 for my birthday this summer! Seriously, I have always wanted one ever since visiting the factory in late 80's as a teenager. Found a basic '02 for sale, drove it, loved it, didn't think much more of it. My wife went out and found the exact car and bought it for my decade birthday! Now coming to grips with a bunch of work that needs to be done, but I'm also enjoying the hell out of it! My 2-year old son fits in the back just fine, too! Thanks Mat for your nice overview. Let's hope they start to appreciate!

[@sistew]

My boys used to enjoy going in the back seats too when I had my 3.4 C2. I really want another one now!!

[@alirezasadeghi645]

Thanks Matt.. I think the sound of exhaust tell the whole story ❤️

[@joecool6453]

I absolutely love the part at 12:30, just that focus on the sound is beautiful

[@harrismi7]

I bought my 1999 in July and just got back from a 2500 mile road trip. I love it even more now.

[@nghitran1433]

hows your 911 holding up so far? I got mine last month and the last owner did very good job of keeping the car well maintained. he got the ims done and belts and other regular stuff. the car is at 80k miles now for 2001. you have any suggestions? Thank you in advance

[@harrismi7]

@@nghitran1433 The owner of mine had it 20 years, but it was a bit neglected. The paint is not in great shape and it sat outdoors. I think the flaws give it character and I don't have any guilt about driving it. The IMS has supposedly been changed along with the engine mounts and the expansion tank. The clutch has been changed and I think the transmission has had some work on it in the past. In my opinion it is starting to run better now that it is getting miles on it again. I have 102K on mine.

[@nghitran1433]

@@harrismi7 that sounds awesome, I am glad to hear that, I will probably get it checked out before winter season. I think the 911 is in your good hands now with love and care. I love mine to dead, and anytime I park it in the parking lot, I always turn my head around to give it a 2nd check before I go forward. :-)

[@paulomagalhaes9405]

...Pretty much the same with me , with just two small details ...Mine is 2003 C4 S and drove it for 8.000 km since early July , and I couldn't be happier with it !...👍👌

[@gius4real415]

My dad had one in that exact blue color (grey leather interior tho)! Spent my childhood in those back seats, and it was such an amazing experience. Miss that car...

[@levisanderson6951]

Disappointed that you didn’t film this in the doctor’s car park like your MX-5 video

[@Spartan168]

That old lady yelling at him was the highlight for sure

[@visionist7]

She thinks he's being very rude.

[@timaeby]

🤣🤣🤣 ohhh yes we need a sequel to "the yelling old lady"

[@teinspringz]

Mx5 pulled more ((old cranky)) chicks than the Porsche 😂

[@yeety1208]

She was the one being rude he wasn't

[@gabutman6144]

Your editing and camera angle are way better than Doug video Don't get me wrong I love Doug vid and I subscribed both of his channels

[@ontowiryo4952]

Enth ap yg mrasuki mu, Doug tu mng konsepny d pnjlasn yg supr lngkp, n lbh dtel, klo ni lbh k umumny aj, tpi ya lngkp jga

[@nicksokolis6343]

Doug can’t tell the difference between understeer and oversteer, so don’t even compare them.

[@duncanidaho7494]

Doug is shite mate

[@dildorify]

I cant stand his annoying high pitched voice.

[@hugomurphy6384]

I do like your review, your a bit of a goof but I like you.

[@rohanchauhan8693]

I like the nerdy bit with all of the facts- can we see more of these please Matt?

[@Mr031068]

How many adverts ?

[@ttbalog]

Please NO!!!

[@adamthompson6669]

It’s kinda cool having Matt review his own car. Thank you. Porsche looking good too. Enjoy it and luv the mx5 too, older lady upset is optional :)

[@Acquit808]

Love the 996. I have an 03 996 C2 with aero kit (and quite a few mods / upgrades) that I absolutely love. I also have a 991.2 GT3 6MT which is just mental. Both amazing cars, the best cars I’ve ever owned.

[@MachoMadness69420]

"Go away" "I think you're very rude"

[@MatWatsonCars]

Not this time

[@stichupman]

@@MatWatsonCars I don't care what you think😉

[@yeety1208]

@@stichupman the woman:shoots mat

[@mikezerker6925]

11:36 - you should do this in every car you review!

[@akilghosh]

Yea, 996 was half a Matt

[@Jasongy827]

Good review Matt I love your humor, knowledge, and direct response. What I do like is that your honest you don’t let your enthusiasm run rampant and don’t ignore the negatives of the car. Thank you for this review.

[@robertjay1179]

I’ve watched a lot of videos on this car and yours is the most comprehensive and enjoyable that I have seen. Cheers. Enjoy your 911.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

About time we had another 996 video Matt I wasn’t sure you still had the car ! Since your first videos came out , I’ve bought one too Love it 😍, and it’s been 100% reliable We went to the south of France in it No issues whatsoever Piloting it through the alps was magic 👍🏻

[@Philly5G]

Same here!!

[@Anonymous-lz5bj]

Still works fine. What a lovely car !

[@Kunivaaaa]

I appreciate your videos on this channel even more than on carwow. Especially when you don't just make a review like on carwow but make a different kind of video like about your fiat or the mx-5 for example. I really enjoyed those ones.

[@tirupatisrinivasaatmaraman8454]

Regardless of whether it's a classic 356, or a 911 or a 918, I just LOVE Porsches !!! That's it... You've got yourself a rare gem Matt. The interior is absolutely lovely. I love it. Don't sell it.

[@DigitalvideotoolsOrg]

I love the 996 because everybody hates it.

[@evotermcluj]

me too

[@DigitalvideotoolsOrg]

@Sovereign Soul whatever

[@dhruvjoshi4325]

Keeps the price low when u wanna buy one as well

[@parv2saucy109]

Sooooo tru

[@prodrivebrasil]

Thanks Mat! You do the best car reviews in KZbin. Very honest reviews. ;)

[@cyberpope2137]

I love the camera angles when driving! Great movie Mat, you should review more cars on your channel! 🙂

[@TankRust]

Great review! It goes to show you can have a great time on a back road without needing the latest and greatest car.

[@thecrazeecow1682]

I’ve heard the headlights weren’t inspired by the race car, but they were a design exercise early on to make a different shape from the oval as there was a threat of being bought out. They were used on the race car to showcase the upcoming 996 styling.

[@thomprd]

The clutch feel improves so much when you remove the assist spring from the pedal. It's heavy but you get used to it pretty quickly.

[@andrewpatton2510]

Such an engaging, humourous and fun run through... thanks so much, Matt!

[@AdamAus85]

I remember being in high school when these came out. Always liked the look of them, the headlights too.

[@wasabus2]

This is awesome Mat! Don;'t know how but the review and the filming/editing was good.

[@mrstringerd12132]

Keep up the good work Mat, big fan of all your reviews

[@williamwilliams1831]

Love you videos Matt. Pardon me as I didn't think I would but you are so entertaining, the content is great and I enjoy your point of views. If you see this know that the British car journalism is better now because guys like you.

[@jeezadd]

Nice review Matt. I love the manual gear shifters, it lets you feel you're in full control of your ride, unlike the Auto, where sometimes it struggles searching for the right gear.

[@rv9990]

Dude this review is so much better than most review channels! Because you show the other thing that were available with pictures!

[@93printer]

Another great video, used your guidance when buying my own 2yrs ago and never looked back. I've owned some nice cars over time but nothing comes close to my gen 1 996 narrow body C4. Point to point across country I doubt much could beat it. Had the gundo hack done after seeing your review and that noise is just amazing.

[@drdoolittle5724]

Sold my mint 1999 with steel sunroof - stupidest thing I've ever done. Miss it!

[@sistew]

Yup, I did the same last year with my not quite so mint '98 C2. We now have a range cooker... Starting to look for another 3.4 though, l love them!

[@drdoolittle5724]

@@sistew have to say bought 11 Honda Accord and blown away by engineering, actually better than Ferdinand produces but no soul!

[@blitz380]

great knowledge and advice Matt good video as always love from Stourbridge

[@georgem5589]

A masterclass on how to review a car right here.

[@Sir-Prizse]

As a child of the 90s, 90s cars appeal to me the most, including the 996... I own an 1999 MX-5 NB.

[@oliverdance8642]

Absolutely love the 996 2C, favourite body style. My parents just picked up a 986 Boxster that shares the front end. That era of Porsche is just something out of this world!

[@whygodrums10]

Perfectly said. I just came from a 2017 Focus ST and while I loved the car I got tired of all these soul-less 2.0 turbo 4 engines you see in every new car. Now I have a 986 Boxster S. Sure it isn’t a 911 but I’d say it’s about 85% close enough! I absolutely love the car and would never want that focus back for my Boxster.

[@simontodorov8126]

Keep it up Mat! Amazing as always.

[@ronaldthomas1300]

Best review of the 996 to date. I own a 997 and would love to buy a 996 as a project daily driver. Keep up the good work.. BTW, I like the head lights too.

[@wotrulke5868]

Great review I love this type of video, full of information and interest 👏🏻👏🏻more please!

[@dougvazquez6571]

I just got home after a 2 hour drive along the water front in north Mason county, WA, real early in the morning. NO traffic. What a great time. I have had my 99 996 since August of this year. It IS a great car. Mat’s review are pretty much my thoughts exactly. And love that exhaust note!

[@MrDaymien1]

Looking forward to this Vid after the initial buying and small maintenance video . Thanks for sharing .

[@edward2030]

That is one of the best engine Notes I have ever heard

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Brilliant video Matt, I still prefer my 2009 Cayman for that kind of money. Stone grey leather is also very nice in person. But your 996 still looks like a lot of fun!

[@jeruelleapigo3642]

Thanks Mat, you’ve answered my question!

[@sans6956]

Lovely review Matt. More like this please!

[@jarrodmcdaniel]

During the views out back while driving, I kept waiting for that old lady to come chasing up in an old Triumph shouting and shaking her fist “You are being quite rude on this road today!”😂

[@visionist7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn2tmGCNi9J3nNU

[@albertmanzo9510]

Nice review mat! Excellent car for spirited driving along with the 2003 996 turbo! Cheers!

[@markhendry1]

Great review, I know you’ve had the suspension sorted out and the exhaust mod done, which sounds superb. I also have the same car and in my experience the sports seats make so much difference, I think you kind of sit on the comfort seats as opposed to in them, that is my only real criticism of a great sports car full of character.

[@matthewgraham122]

Great video matt!

[@wmhhealth2018]

I bought a 2000 996 cabriolet. It was a one owner accident free example with only 58,000 miles on it. It was very well maintained and always garaged. It's been a near flawless performer and pretty reliable. I have zero regrets.

[@chrisbutler2636]

Love these cars Matt, very underated! Made my mind up now I want one 😊

[@butt5810]

i thoroughly enjoyed this, thank you

[@AT-sf3wq]

I’m so glad someone else has the same passion for the first generation 996. I absolutely love the shape and their lines 👌 one day I’ll own one ❤️

[@brewwatchco]

Thrilled with this review! Thank you

[@TheUKNZ]

Hey from New Zealand Mat...great video and the series inspired me to buy a 2004 C4S. The silicon spray is my biggest lesson from the video...I need that! Also, I have just fitted the PCCM+ unit and it is excellent to make a true modern classic...worth doing!

[@thejumbo]

I completely agree with this review. I love my 2000 C2 Cab, and cannot recommend getting the 997 shifter assembly enough - it shortens the throw and fits perfectly.

[@lotusmark2]

Great one mate, would love more of these retro reviews! I drive a 3.2 v6 r170 as my toy, so well up my street

[@willewiking98]

Hyped for this video!!

Wow. Timing is perfect! I was looking for a old 9964S

[@shawnbrigance3993]

Completely agree about the light colored interior's, just looks nice, love the cream color.

[@gmyilmaz]

Mat is very gentle with the cars when he is the owner. Great video by the way

[@TheWolvesCurse]

it's the same colour as my 986. love it. downside of the later models cupholder (at least in my experience): they get stuck in colder temperatures, so you have to either turn on your heating, or park in a sunny space for a couple of minutes, so the plastic heats up a bit and the mechanism releases the cupholders. the one you've shown in the picture wasn't fully extended, you can pull it out and have 2 cupholders in that space. usually i use the second one to put my phone when i'm using it as a sat-nav.

[@antongolovan7993]

Excellent review. As always.

[@villaman4818]

Mat....one of the best reviews of the 996 for sure, I've had a number of Porsche's from 986 to my current 981 with a 997 in between. I'm looking for an older 911 to complement my 98 1Boxster Syper and as money is not "no object" i need to try and do this on a budget...your review had been fantastic in making up my mind....996 C2 gen 1 all the way ,,,,,,cheers kid

[@michaelbiniakewitz2329]

I had been debating getting a 996 to tinker with and can honestly say your video swayed me to pull the trigger

[@tyleraguilar2474]

Here 3 years later. Matt went from a 996 to a 992 GT3 RS and he fucking earned it. Thank you Matt for providing so much enjoyment and knowledge to all of us over these years and can’t wait to see you continue to improve

[@sulaymaananverbham1220]

8:18 The cupholder 😄 Thanks for the 996 inspiration mr. Mat Watson 🙌🏼

[@mocar_official]

I really enjoyed this video. I’m sorry for I couldn’t say that glad to meet you at Monte Carlo. Please say hello to Korean audiences someday.

[@MatWatsonCars]

Nice to meet you toom

[@ssd3748]

한용아ㅋㅋ, 니가 낄 곳이 아니다

[@brettneuberger6466]

Great video! Very fun to watch.

[@michaelhelme3575]

Great Video Mat, As an owner of a 3.6 C2 for 12 years and counting, I couldn't agree more with your sentiments for the 996. I enjoy it now, every bit as much as when I first experienced the driving experience that it delivers.

[@porsche911luv9]

love the two photos of the NA eng and the Turbo eng. beautiful!

[@franzwetrfres2116]

Love the Porsche twists!

[@sergioserramusic]

The sound. Man, I was sold when I heard the sound. Damn

[@exoticcarsoffrance287]

Excellent quality video as usual!

[@nishchaiydakhane9846]

Great review Mat👍🏻

[@cabbys]

Brilliant video. Thanks Matt! I really enjoy my 2004 C4S with the X51 Package. Would not trade or sell it. I too like the headlights and the gorgeous back side on this thing. It’s pure joy to drive.

[@stephenlane9127]

Shes a beauty Matt, well done you for getting one. I love the 996.

[@siqhamodana7126]

Mat is the best car reviewer ever.Spot on mate.

[@andrewbooth4618]

Big fan Mat, always thought yourself and Chris H with 1 non(ish) car pro would be the best TG combo. Dude, the first 5-7 mins of this too info filled....imo. Remember the BMW 840/50 vid ? was a great showing of your personality.......just wanted to share. You are a great car journo, keep it up.

[@andyclark3491]

Had to re-read your first line. First time thought it said ‘Big fat Man.’ 😂😆

[@darshi3931]

Mat watson is my favorite car journalist.

[@StuBaileyPhoto]

Love the sound of that 996 engine! 👌🏻

[@stewester]

Love the proper Porsche nerdiness. Excellence was expected, and this video delivered!

[@tomh9326]

Hey Mat, I just subscribed. I have owned a Y2K 996 Carrera coupe for 1 1/2 years. Same color as yours with grey leather and 6-speed manual. I took it cross country for 1200 miles in one day across some back roads including a 400 mile stretch of US 50 (The Loneliest Road in America) through Nevada and she never missed a beat. The car was very comfortable at 4000 rpm in 6th gear on some of those gunbarrel straights. Just felt right at 100mph, just cruising. Don't get many days like that and there aren't many places to safely test yourself and your machine. The more I drive my 911 the more I am amazed what a great car it is and what a bargain! Here's to all our fellow 996 owners......

[@deividasradziunas7090]

Amazing car and amazing video!

[@diontsonidis3033]

Great vid! would love a vid on the og z4 or z4m. Keen to know your thoughts.

[@henryatkinson1479]

I like how you have an aftermarket radio with the tape rack still under it.

[@supermegaunderrateduploade6686]

I’m considering a 996 Tiptronic C4 as a first car! I know about the IMS issues but I’m focused on the 996.1 gen because of the egg lights and the slightly more reliable IMS bearing and reduced chance of bore scoring. A Porsche is a huge stretch to be a first car but I think life is a bit too short to drive standard commuter cars. The Tiptronic will be perfect for daily driving and I’ll still having the option of laggy manual control. I fell in love with the 996 because of Sally Carrera in the Cars movie since I was about 5 years old! Great review Mat, now I want one before it becomes unattainable.

[@The205gtimatt]

Just spent the last part of this video smiling, having just got back from the Scottish Highlands in my 996 it was evoking some great memories 😁 Couldn't agree more with his opinion of the power and grip being right for the road, if ever you get the opportunity to keep your foot in that is!

[@callumrook2427]

Great review , they don’t make cars/ engines as good as this anymore ! And the sound from that exhaust got me all tingly 😂😂

[@blackfire_x2964]

Callumrook24 naturally aspirated engines do sound the best

[@callumrook2427]

Yeah they defo do I wish more of the modern cars were naturally aspirated but most have turbos now