The Porsche 996 Has Major Problems As I Found Out

[@markhall9007]

I have a 2004 911 996 cabriolet and the hydraulics on the top started leaking. There is a place in Sarasota Florida called cabriolet hydraulics that does an awesome job of rebuilding your cylinders as well as pump if it needs it. Other than that I have replaced most of the stuff you spoke of and will never let this car go. Porscha is awesome baby.

[@markholubetz]

Thanks for the lead, that could help others so I pinned the comment to the top . Yes I agree, these cars are not perfect but still amazing machines in many ways. Cheers

[@AronRosales10]

Mark, I personal own a 1997 911 Turbo. This is vehicle is awesome but requires routine regular maintenance each year. I think your 996 is a great car no matter what model anyone owns they are will have pros and cons. The best thing for all vehicles is to actually drive them and keep the fluids fresh. Like you always life is to short to drive boring cars. Love your channel and content. 🏁👍

[@markholubetz]

Thank you so very much and I agree, if the car delivers in the fun and satisfaction, nothing else matters. Great car BTW I. That generation of turbo they are without a doubt my fave, proper cooling system and great proportions and true to the model lineage. Hope you are having a great weekend.

[@mikek1681]

2001 C4 6sp, bought new -- replaced the exp tank, water pump, resealed the cam covers, front rotors/pads at 60K, ignition switch, repaired the left spoiler ram. Cars is still tight and quiet. I believe the IMSB was a batch defect -- many unnecessarily replaced. Mine is original. If you're buying used, the history of the car is huge. PPO for sure. Great video -- thanks.

[@markholubetz]

That’s a great write up and thanks so much for sharing. You are right in that staying on top of the issues and these can be reasonable reliable and fun, affordable 911s

[@steverinaldi890]

The non turbo had IMS bearing issues I believe. I had a 2001 twin turbo with the manual and 10k for mileage. Loved the car. Bought in 2014 for $45k, my ex hated the car and I sold it in 2016 for $50. After I kicked that woman out the value was around $80 with that mileage. Killed me! Loved the car.

[@markholubetz]

Those are keepers with the bigger power and better Metzger engine without IMs issues, better cooling and much improved tuning potential

[@steverinaldi890]

@@markholubetz very true. The 996 as you probably know was shunned by Porsche enthusiasts for a long time due to the headlight design. Once that motor got the recognition it deserved the prices jumped. Easy to tune-did it myself. Adjusted the waste gates as well to hold boost longer, installed a Kline exhaust myself as well. Loved the car and of course like many men allowed a woman to talk me into dumping a car that ended up being worth $30k more just a couple years later. They produce 415 hp and 415 tq. Skip the tip and only go with a manual. PDK is a different story.

[@davea4037]

That scrunchee on the gear shifter needs calibration every 1000 miles to improve performance!!!! LOL! Thx for the info Mark!

[@markholubetz]

Haha indeed. It won’t shift right otherwise , lol

[@robertb7336]

You got most of the common issues. Very informative and to the point. The grain of salt is that this is a 20+ year old car. Tires and breaks wear out and need to be checked, so by analogy, other wear and tear items need maintenance too. The IMS was a bad design decision in hindsight, but this is an easy 2-3K fix (retrofit IMS), and I venture to guess that most 996's probably have had this done. So long as you maintain the car, at the end of the day, it is another great Porsche 911.

[@markholubetz]

Thanks a lot and i totally agree, this car has had many of the repairs such as IMS bearing done but that is the big one and a little maintenance will certainly go along way.

[@davepaturno4290]

MX5 (NC) Miatas also have an expansion tank that can crack at the neck threads. That tank is pressurized, so a crack can purge most of the coolant in a very short amount of time. An aluminum tank with sight glass is the common replacement.

[@markholubetz]

A generally poor design by the sounds of it. I will have to look into it

[@davepaturno4290]

@markholubetz To their credit, the tanks typically last more than 10 years. My tank is now at least 15 years old, so I plan to buy the Edelbrock aluminum version, soon.

[@johna4250]

I thought I found an affordable Porsche but I think I'll pass. I have just as much fun with my bullet proof 2002 Miata. Cheap fun and great smiles to the gallon.

[@markholubetz]

Miata is awesome car and if its in good shape, run it. Perfect fun.

[@johna4250]

@markholubetz Thanks, I am happy to say, it's in immaculate condition with 78k miles

[@davepaturno4290]

Which years cover the 996 generation? It looks like the 997 is a better choice.

[@markholubetz]

Yes the 997 is marginally better by design and a few mechanical improvements but not perfect either. The 996 runs from 1999 to 2004.

[@randominternetuser2888]

997.1 generation have the same IMS issues as 996 986

[@zeroceiling]

Price difference not worth it!

[@Rendezvous512]

Aside from IMS issues, how come D-chunk wasn’t mentioned..? The most catastrophic of all problems…..

[@Canadian_Gamer]

I’m a 993 (and 959) man myself. The 993’s have skyrocketed in price.

[@markholubetz]

I totally agree a nice 993 especially turbo are amazing

[@randominternetuser2888]

959 had liquid cooled heads so it's the true predecessor of the 996.

[@Canadian_Gamer]

@@randominternetuser2888 I wish they (Porsche) would bring back the 959, a reimagined version

[@randominternetuser2888]

You didn't mention the AC foam issue 🤔 That is currently the only issue on my 996TT. Also ypu didn't mention the 996 Metzger engines didn't have IMS

[@markholubetz]

Totally right as the Metzger engine is a great unit and true dry sump proper split case much more bulletproof design

[@hawkinsjd11]

If your window doesn't drop it is a window regulator 99% of the time. IMS bearing is overblown. Just inspect your oil filter for debris.

[@JB73691]

IMS bearing is the weak point . 😁 same with Boxster.

[@markholubetz]

Very true up till about 2006

[@JB73691]

@@markholubetz Yes.

[@GT380man]

Resolved at a couple of thousand dollars, much less if you replace the IMS bearing with an uprated bearing while replacing the clutch and RMS. Retrofit improved oil pick up system in the dry sump to counter risk of bore scoring. Enjoy.

[@JB73691]

@@GT380man Awesome !!!

[@zeroceiling]

Replacement ceramic bearings for $2000.. come with a 75,000 mile warranty !!!

[@goodbyecalifornia3567]

I'm just not a Porsche fan. I think you need a Lambo on the channel again or maybe a C8. Still love the content, keep up the great videos.

[@markholubetz]

Fair enough! How about the F Type? There are more cars planned for the channel again too so stay tuned.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

I don't find them to be a great value. The asking price is just too high. Most 996 with 100K miles are now going for $30k+. Seriously??? The interior is bland. The seats are awful with no design effort whatsoever and low grade leather. Plastic cheap buttons everywhere. It doesn't even handle that great either nor does it feel planted on the road. The gas mileage is not good at 16mph. If the asking price were 30% less then it would be a good value. For me, the juice ain't worth the squeeze.

[@markholubetz]

I do t disagree but on the same premise I see a 997 Carrera equally out of its league at 60k for a 2007? That’s a 30k car as well.

[@slickar2752]

What about engine scoring in the 996?

[@markholubetz]

More of an3.8 997 issue but neglect can ruin any of them

[@gwapogreg5837]

You should have bought the Turbo it has a completely different engine designed by one of Porsches best engine builders of all time.

[@markholubetz]

True but prices are out of touch right now on them. 3 Carreras for 1 turbo here in Canada

[@TrueBlueEG8]

The reg plate says Greta🤣

[@markholubetz]

Haha indeed my wife

[@TrueBlueEG8]

@@markholubetz I was thinking it was poking fun at greta thunberg

[@Indecisive7337]

Listening to your voice this must be a sickener for you Mark...I really feel for you but let's face it, any car that appears to be unreliable is a downer.

[@markholubetz]

Thanks for watching and I would generally say a little up’s and downs are simply those little hurdles in life and not bad but there is always a line for everyone and once it’s crossed it’s the. Quickly known. Hope your weekend is going as great as mine. Cheers

[@ChrisFEJackson]

I guess the harder you drive it the more problems arise, the less you drive it too I guess. Hope Greta gets to drive trouble free for a long time.

[@markholubetz]

Haha same here. I will try to keep things going for her. Interestingly enough most of the driving is done by me when we go out for a drive. Hoping and fingers crossed. Lol

[@rf8481]

Sorry - but the 996 is butt ugly compared to a Jaguar F-Type SVR. It is just not a good looking car and that means it does not make one feel special or cause one to look back it for minutes after parking it. Porsches just look like crap compared to a Jaguar or an Aston Martin.

[@markholubetz]

Well I would agree the Aston’s and F types are better looking than any 911

[@randominternetuser2888]

Sure... how many races do those "pretty in your opinion" cars win? For instance how many times have Jaguars or Austin won Le Mans 🤔 ... combined, both have not won anything as much a Porsche has overall won the most grueling races... now let's talk about Jaguar and A.M. rally cars 🙄🤣

[@randominternetuser2888]

Oh, and the 911 GT1 is better looking than any jag or Austin... ever. Also it's based on another race winning porsche. When was the last time the Brits did that 🤔

[@rf8481]

@@randominternetuser2888 Mate, some people just like a homely molting duck. Nothing to be ashamed about mate as to each his own. The Jaguars and AM's are just better looking as is almost any Italian designed car and any Dodge Challenger with a V-8 in it.. That said, some blokes just love Elsie even though she is a a homely cow. Nothing wrong with that so crack on in your AMC Pacer and Gremlins, or your Porsche 996. Afterall not everyone can ride an Akhal-Teke or drive a Jaguar F-Type. Some blokes have to own Ford Pintos and AMC Pacers and, to be honest, Porsches. Ultimately, ask yourself why James Bond never drives a Porsche? Because they just ain't cool enough!!!

[@heyjoe9267]

The 996 has a boatload of issues and is THE least loved 911 ever made. It will offer some good value to those who can stomach it’s looks and mechanical shortcomings but it might never achieve any collectible status, it ended the 993’s run which is seen as the greatest 911 ever maybe.

[@markholubetz]

thanks