Here's why the Porsche 996 Turbo is a certified performance bargain

[@acmf74]

I was fortunate enough to buy a 996TT eight years ago when the prices were rock bottom. The car is unbelievably comforting to drive and fast. This is a hard combo to have in 1 car.

[@KrustyKlown]

DITTO !!! ... less than ZERO regrets, lol.

[@steve9021oh]

I love my 2004 996 Turbo! Mine has some options that i dont see others have...mainly the Evolution Carrera GT640 Upgrade (makes it 640hp). Upgraded turbos, computer, headers, air filter diverter valves and a sport exhaust. It was on option that was 20k when it was brand new. My 911 does 0-60 in 2.87 seconds, i have 35k original miles (bought at 27k) and bought from the original owner! He collects rare Porsches. Its my Hellcat Killer.

[@Luke-kp1px]

2.87 seconds that's insane

[@julianwinn4502]

I have a manual 996 Turbo with X50 performance pack and only 58K miles. Absolutely agree that it is two cars in one. Still small enough to hustle on real UK roads as you point out in the video. I am a happy man!

[@ericshepard6669]

Cost on the x -50 upgrade and "worth it"?

[@julianwinn4502]

@@ericshepard6669 I would say you don't really need the X50 pack. It was a £10k option in 2002! The standard car is fast enough and has less turbo lag, although lag isn't really a problem with the X50. The car was in great condition which swung the decision for me. They typically sell for £5k more and I managed to negotiate a good deal.

[@nickg2027]

im glad they are gaining popularity, the 996 in general has become more iconic in the last few years!!

[@TheNutshaq]

I’m not, I’d like to be able to afford one!

[@nickg2027]

@@TheNutshaq good things can’t stay cheap forever!! The same thing will happen with Boxsters

[@RoderickVoordouw]

@@TheNutshaq Indeed stop saying it's good. The 996 is the worst car ever. IMS, bore scoring, Fried egg headlights. Not air cooled purity. Poser cars. (Hopefully this will depreciate them some and I can afford it O:)

[@MrGwaldo]

@@RoderickVoordouw the Turbo and GT cars have the stronger Mezger engine.

[@RoderickVoordouw]

@@MrGwaldo Yeah I know, I was being sarcasic. ;-)

[@smiler921]

I love the look of the 996, especially the Turbo and C4S.

[@tanmoymukherjee9714]

had a 993, 996 C4S, 991 . currently (and probably forever) own a 2005 turbo S cab. love every second of driving it. manual, 4 wheel drive, approx 450 HP stick with a convertible top. i cant think of any other car i want to be in. puts a smile on my face all day long. especially with my golf clubs in the back seats

[@avinii]

Do you miss the PSE from the C4S? (If you had it equipped)

[@wilbertmcmaster8025]

Another great video Lee. Great balanced review. Love the 996 in general: own a 996.2 C2. 996 turbo is my ultimate dream car.

[@carbonjimfitzgerald]

Very nice review. It is hard to believe that the 996 Turbo was not accepted during its time. Sadly the headlights were a problem for some? Really, just look at the winning Le Mans car! Best performance bang for the buck. Yes, you need to replace aging rubber etc. but if you work on the car yourself it is not super expensive. So many DIY videos I've watched and followed to do all of my own work. My '04 Atlas Grey Metallic is pristine with a great history and I've done the exhaust, brakes, oil change, coil packs and plugs all from watching You Tube! Next up is an ECU tune to open up the power band and suspension work. Buy the car right and put 10K in it and these super cars will last forever.

[@marklewis910]

Had my 996 turbo x50 convertible for over twelve years ,new plenum,air ducks of the inter coolers ,actuators ,boosts to 1.6,remapp,spoiler .lights last year ,hear the sound of the turbos spooling even on low revs and whith the top down ,the exhaust and air being sucked in when you hit throttle 😜I’m getting buried in it ,put a smile on my face when I really need it LOVE IT

[@Edgar_Randolph]

Can't beat those air ducks...

[@GTSCarLife]

Funny hearing you say what a bargain they are - there is one listed for sale right now in the United States for $120,000.

[@SterlingSands710]

That's insane. I found it, it's from a Porsche dealer too!

[@cucamongaduke3600]

That was likely a car with the X50 package. Those are very in demand

[@adrianhartshorne8779]

I have just purchased a 996 turbo incredible machine 🙌

[@filipdvl6776]

I changed my suspension to Öhlins Road and Track on my manual 2000 Turbo and it drives perfectly. I also did a rear whiper delete 😊. Great fast gocart this underrated apparatus.

[@KrustyKlown]

Rear weight bias is VERY much like a racing kart .. I own a 2003 996TT, and several racing karts .. so much fun!!!!!

[@homefink2235]

Great vid again. Thanks for that. I'm owning a 996 turbo wls. This has a little more power and torque. But the bigger Turbos, gives a real turbo feeling. It takes a second after putting the throttle. But than it punches enormously. The sound is much more aggressive while reaching 5000. And it's also a car for daily use. I always get a smile on my face when driving it.

[@arseneremy]

My first German car purchase in 2008 with a 2003 996TT blkblk manual. Still one of the best daily's I've owned. Perfect all season daily especially in the NE USA.

[@James_Sovereign]

I have a number of cars and they all bring me joy for different reasons. I gotta say though, my 996 Turbo is the best bang for buck. I don't see myself ever selling it.

[@longtailgt]

I'm so happy to see that the 911 generation that I grew up with, and always thought looked beautiful, is getting its long due attention. What a great car, and this one in particular looks amazing in this spec!

[@996Revival]

Great video! Two cars in one, I agree. I’ve comfortably driven mine across the US into the Grand Tetons in a snowstorm to boot. I love it❤

[@joshjeffery3464]

Think you could have covered a bit more here. Obvious thing is tip vs manual, then options to look for and ones to miss, running costs would have been useful and what you get (apart from power) over and above the C2 etc.

[@TobyD]

Another great video Lee - I agree on the performance still being fantastic today, and very addictive too. Just need to get exhaust bit more characterful via after market route for my me. Although I’d still take my lowly 996.1 3.4 C2 for sheer accessible fun factor on our British roads (and much cheaper too).

[@DirtBiker96100]

Best 996 turbo video! Thanks

[@spencerscott7537]

I always enjoy your level of technical knowledge in these videos. I learn something new each time.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad the videos help increase your knowledge.

[@seamusmcfitz913]

Thank you. I have the X-50 version. They are going for around $130k USD.

[@sherparoyale]

Bought an 04 996TT cab a few weeks ago. Am in love and as if on queue - at exactly 1,000 mi in - I received my first ticket going 125 mph. I’m shocked I’m not in jail. Last ticket was in 2007.

[@najuad]

I love my 996 turbo, great little machine. I have a Couple videos on my channel of it going effortless around the nurburgring if anyone's interested.

[@michalviktorin6758]

It aged well I think. I had widowmaker turbo and 356 toys as child so I love the old looks and those classic headlights, so I did not liked looks of this that much for a long time, but now I think the design is spot on.

[@alimyk]

Just discovered 9werks! Some cracking content. Love what you do!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you very much! Enjoy our BIG library of carefully crafted Porsche content.

[@timeservices697]

I owned a 996 Turbo , prices have firmed up , really enjoyed the ownership, however 3 to 4 years ago these cars were cheap, this allowed people that usually couldn’t afford these types of car to buy a 911 turbo , however servicing and maintenance were often over looked , buy very carefully , they are very technical cars and cost a lot when things go wrong 👍

[@sidewayssam]

nearly identical to mine, had it two years, love it, but they can get expensive when they need work.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Great video , still a fantastic looking car Only thing , fenders ? ! , come on Lee , in good old Blighty we call them wings !🙏

[@9WERKSTV]

Hahahaha, well I quoted torque figured in Nm rather than lb/ft, so wanted to balance things out for my UK and US-watching friends!

[@Carrera-gp9od]

@@9WERKSTV I stayed quiet on the nm bit , I still work in Lb/ft. I didn’t want to be overly critical 😂

[@alanwayte432]

Absolutely fantastic car, I sold mine in 2018 for a 997.2 GTS, and would buy another...

[@gregmayled]

Which of the two do you prefer?

[@shorehambeach]

Yet another brilliant informative video. Thanks Lee 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@marklawrence6433]

Great video as usual Lee. Can't wait to get back out in my TT Cabrio ! 😊

[@shanescarlife]

Not that I needed validation for my choice, but I'm glad to see how the 996 is starting to be appreciated

[@9WERKSTV]

I think it's been appreciated for years, certainly on this channel!

[@Airliner1964]

The best classic Porsche value proposition out there.

[@nafnaf0]

The 996 turbos have been going up in value. As long as they don't require too much maintenance work, I think they could be owned and sold for very little loss.

[@aldo1conn]

Just picked one up today

[@HawkMillFarm]

Had a 997 turbo, loved the shove but missed the noise so “downgraded” to a 991 C4S. Would gladly have one of these, especially in that spec in the garage as well but don’t have a spare £40k for a now and again car🙁.

[@hugohugo2832]

I drove mine to the museum. It was a breeze. Rides beautifully. Got 24 mpg too.

[@Edgar_Randolph]

I drove mine to the moon. It was cold. Kept the windows up

[@cristmh]

Great overview! Love my '04 X50 😁

[@9WERKSTV]

X50, very cool!

[@marioremondino9837]

Correction broseph!! The 996 WAS a bargain. Pre covid they were maybe $50k… post covid I’ve seen 75-80k last year or so. No way it’s worth that. The gallardo was mid 70s F360 o was seeing 65k. Idk wtf happened with the exotic car market post covid.

[@craftingmat5425]

Basically I agree... but the pricing below 50k... which equals approx 60k Euros... you need to be really lucky to find one which is not the 10grand behind as the Paragon guy already states. I am checking/ looking for my next Sportscar and after owning a 996 Carrera (FL) and also considering such... I have a weak spot for the turbo as well. To be honest there are also other cars I really find very tempting (F-Type or R8 to name just two). I really like your content (and the little green irish, too - hope there will be content again).

[@RemaiHax]

I was thinking the same thing, a bit triggered by the word "bargain" and 996 Turbo in the same sentence. 60k€ may not seems like a lot for a performance car but you can definitely have better options in that price range or equal for less.

[@Clxiro]

I bought my 996 Turbo for 47k

[@dh64646]

Enjoyed the vid Lee .. you’re right on these they’re wonderful and they move on the road so feel alive vs newer turbos … however you must do a vid on one of these with coilovers up rated brakes and a remapped engine .. makes a standard turbo feel like you’re towing a caravan. 😊

[@9WERKSTV]

Love this! I'll find a suitable example.

[@mattdedasc]

Great video. I feel I just missed the boat on this one. They were insanely cheap just months ago.

[@gregmayled]

I’d say the steering is up there with the best of any car. Perfect combination of rack speed, feedback and weighting. And the guy from Paragon was right, if they’re set up properly they feel so tight and far from lethargic, I think anyone who has that interpretation of them being a soft “GT” hasn’t driven a good example.

[@RichardWarner-df7dz]

Yes sir. I have a 2005 Turbo S manual. It’s the poor man’s 959. Articles written about that. Cheers boys.

[@Nord_Mann]

Good video Lee! I’m actually at the moment seriously looking at trading my 2018 Cayenne for a 2002 Turbo. It’s very fond and owner probably willing to make the trade, keys for keys. Just craving a nice manual box again. Thinking of daily driving it and it will have some BIG shoes to fill after the Cayenne which has been lovely, albeit a bit boring. Just a bit worried making the switch from a PAW certified new Porsche to an old of your on your own Porsche. But who dares wins! Right?

[@9WERKSTV]

Love this! Agreed, it may seem scary, but I'd say that (so long as you buy the right example) a 996 Turbo will cost you less to run than a 2018 Cayenne - and day-to-day driving will be a lot more entertaining. Slightly different, but I haven't looked back since ditching my 957 Cayenne in favour of dailying Little Irish, for the same reasons as above.

[@abagley2334]

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on a 997 Turbo S. Likely?

[@bkeen7013]

Love the bulging fenders on the 996 turbo!! Really gives it a very muscular look, does those fenders.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I think what your trying to say is Those flared wings really give it a muscular look .

[@bkeen7013]

@@Carrera-gp9od Not at all. Planes have wings, cars have fenders.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

@@bkeen7013 I corrected your grammar too . You’re welcome .

[@stephenauty2402]

@@Carrera-gp9od I think you meant “you’re” not your .

[@bkeen7013]

@@Carrera-gp9od HAHA!! "You're" welcome.

[@martinchai3607]

I really enjoy your videos Lee! I test drove a 996 Turbo last year and had the opportunity to buy one, but it wasn't for me. It was very fast, but it wasn't as composed, sharp, and engaging as my 981. While everyone knows about the IMS and RMS issues in the 996 non-turbos, it seems that less attention is given to the potential "big" issue in the 996 Turbos: catastrophic failure of the coolant lines. For me, I didn't need the speed (or status) and didn't want to care for the twin babies, so I picked up a 996.2 C4S instead to add to my 981, which I absolutely love.

[@James_Sovereign]

Coolant line failure is hardly "catastrophic", you just pull over.

[@sutherlacd27]

You can pin all but 1 of the lines with the engine in the car in the 996 turbo

[@hugohugo2832]

Had mine five years. Know other owners. Never heard of the problem. I had an 03 C4S before which cost me more in maintance.

[@hallohalloderzweite]

Has anyone experience with the 996 turbo with the automatic gearbox? Does it ruin the feeling / driving pleasure compare to the Stick?

[@nboy7]

I have a 996 4S Tiptronic, and my friend has the Turbo tiptronic. If you are not using them for track days they are lovely to drive, does not ruin them at all. They are superior for road tripping but only slightly worse when trying to do a lot of gear changing in small twisty roads. The gearbox is quite reliable too. The acceleration is slightly lower due to 1 less gear and longer ratios plus being a Merc sourced gearbox it will usually take off in 2nd. Overall i like it, i prefer it to the PDK in my newer Porsche because of how much smoother it is when taking off from standstill and on inclines.

[@he5946]

2001Turbo owner. "It's a rocket ship". I'll be buried in it!

[@stephenauty2402]

They should kick in at 4k revs , that’s when the boost does its job, below that there’s a strong pull but 4k is when it really starts to get going, then it’s a case of concentrating very hard as everything comes at you very fast…they’re a wonderful car and for me at least a perfect combination of reliability wrapped in what is an old school car with minimal driver assists.

[@bushyboy8376]

I swear I saw this car on auto trader this morning!

[@jonathanwong8206]

I have a tip 996TT Good car but even better when you upgrade suspension brakes intercoolers exhaust ecu - mines much tighter to drive with 550bhp Couple missed faults - suspension bushes brakes agreed - manuals have 2nd gear popout ti check for means gearbox rebuild Coolant pipes are glued need to be pinned engine out job Interior is 996/ Boxster has same faults eg light switch rear view mirror leak window regulator Aircon been good in mine they’re a Japanese pump - but expensive if radiators or condenser goes vs parts labour I wouldn’t say their unreliable but they usually need something once a year and bigger repair every 5 years IMO Maybe you could find a modified one in uk to test it’s completely wakes them car up :)

[@sutherlacd27]

With the engine in the car you can pin all but 1 coolant line

[@MrCaterhamr500]

Fast but not precise on a twisty road, at nearly 1600kg they are too heavy.