Which Is The Best Porsche 996 To Buy? | The Complete Guide To The Porsche 996 Range

[@tserzz]

The 996 A unique way ahead of it's time design. A beautiful car indeed with true grit Porsche character and quality a superb car to drive. A great timeless icon.

[@trails3597]

The 996 is an great opportunity for someone on a budget to get into his first Porsche 911. I would buy the newest model you can afford, in the best condition, with the least amount of options, like a C2, for the most in driving enjoyment.

[@JAYREAD]

100%. Spot on!

[@sgttombailes3380]

Love my '99 996 Gen 1 Cabriolet w/ LN IMS retrofit. 6 SPEED !! Outstanding car. I actually love it more than my previous 1976 and 1980 911's. I live in the South and the COLD A/C is wonderful! The '76 had no A/C, the '80 had A/C that sucked.. Love that water cooled engine. I did install PSE and it sounds AWESOME~~

[@amerigermangarage1537]

Hey Jay! As always, very nicely put together! Love the visuals. :-D Only slight addendum to your note from above is that the 40 Jahre (or any X51 optioned car, including the C4S) have 25 additional HP (I see that you mentioned 20), and this isn't just at peak, it is throughout the power band. There are enough differences with the intake manifold and valvetrain, as well as the engine management, to give it its own engine code - M96.03S. Cheers!

[@cabbys]

Glad to see someone else also thinking about the X51 package. I understand all 40 Jahre cars got the X51 and I own a 2004 C4S with X51. It has excellent horsepower throughout and handling is a joy. Any idea how many 2004 wide bodied 911s got the X51 package? Jay, this is an excellent historical piece. Very enjoyable reading. Thank you.

[@stillnupey02]

This is pound for pound the best model history video out there. And there are quite a few of em out there. thank you and good job.

[@JAYREAD]

Thanks a lot! Really appreciate it! Have a look at my film on the 997 range.

[@rodgraff1782]

I’d only have the Mezger engine cars of that era. They use An air cooled 964 case, oil fed Babbitt plain bearings, for the intermediate shaft, dry sump lubrication, and water cooled heads.

[@buckyes6749]

I have a2003 C4s - same color as yours. Love it

[@Audidude]

Good informative video, Jay. Enjoying following your work. Getting better all the time. You forgot to mention the premium for the manual gearbox. Much rarer than the tip, (which is really just an automatic, not a PDK) and so much more involving to drive.

[@JAYREAD]

Thank you! Yes, good point. Next time!

[@max-qb1yr]

What a very informative video. Second one I have watched. Thank you for them.

[@JAYREAD]

I’m very glad you enjoyed them. There will be more coming like these.

[@garyboag8681]

Great videos...helpful and extremely useful in my search for either a 996 or 997.

[@guavafatha1999]

what did you end up getting?!

[@michaeldrew64]

Just picked up on your video, Jay. Most interesting and enjoyable. I've had a 2003 Carrera manual with factory sports exhaust, for around 10 years and never tire of it. A trip to the shops is an event … how anal is that? I’d always wanted a 911 since working as a Porsche service manager in Brooklyn. Early on we had ‘the IMS incident’ which meant full engine rebuild, of course. Interesting though … when the first ‘pinging’ sounded I thought maybe a stone had got into the bell housing (idiot) as after a few minutes it went away, and there was no drop in oil pressure. From there it took 5000k’s before she gave up (full oil dump in supermarket carpark). Expensive yes … but unlike the supermarket, I was impressed with the engine’s durability! Rebuilt with upgraded IMS and run for 1000k’s, I thought about an engine upgrade, but wanted one t’on the quiet (warranty). Hmm? In the end I went for an EMS adjustment where the engine was tuned to run at peak performance on 98/100 grade fuel … not a ‘chip’. Nothing wrong before of course … fabulous engine, but now producing 359HP and 392NM (Dyno tested) in 1320kg body. A driving transformation, as well as a marked saving on fuel. Effortless when cruising and frightening when pushed! (I’m well past my racing days … and my reactions aren’t what they were!) And she runs perfectly well on 95, if caught short. Now, with Covid having locked us in I’m driven (sic) to driving the thousands of kilometres around the South Island of New Zealand. No tourists of course, just sweeping curves and straights, through snow capped peaks, past clear lakes, through dense bush and forests, with hardly a vehicle in site. Now tell me … what would be your car of choice? How very, very, very fortunate, are we. Drive safe, stay well. MD

[@JAYREAD]

Wow! What a post! Your post is more interesting than my video, Michael! We don’t get fuel of that quality here in the US, I’m afraid. Some states dont even stock 93 let alone 98 or 95! Yes, I’d choose the 996 for the NZ drive! Glad to have you along for the ride. Post often! More to come from me!

[@alexandervanwyk7669]

After owning 48 vehicles, I can tell there is nothing comparable. I wonder what could have been if that was my first brand. Most certainly everything else would have been disappointing at some point in time. Saying that you have to be an enthusiast. Love driving, fast, safe, tough, robust, almost bullet proof, all combined with exceptional reliability and quality. My eldest son, one day made the following remark: (when driving in any of our other cars). "Dad I can feel how I'm aging in this thing" So if aging is your thing, their are great brands out there, not Porsche though.

[@JAYREAD]

AGREED! Great post!

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive resource.

[@JAYREAD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

So, would you recommend pre-emptively replacing the IMS on all models, including the buffed double row (D) IMS from 1999-2000? Also, I would imagine as many do, replace the clutch, belts, RMS, and Water pump as well while youre in there.

[@JAYREAD]

@@user-fo2el6jm7n Have a watch of this. I think it will answer your questions. In short, I’m not terribly afraid of a bad IMS! It’s Time To Talk About The IMS Bearing! My Approach. kzbin.info/www/bejne/favEanuEftljfs0

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

@@JAYREAD I saw this, hadnt watched yet. Thanks for share!

[@racekar80]

Actually the GT3 is the best, all engine, raw, if you can get a GT3RS even better

[@computerhelpcc]

manual base c2 offers a more visceral experience, including the psychology that it’s just you, the mostly tamed chassis,tires, and your shift judgement. I’ve come to savor it. However, it would become tiresome as my only car. I have a Jag sedan which is quite the contrast. A Tiptronic is fine in canyon roads where you are already underway, but from a dead stop the manual outdoes the Tiptronic. A 1999 base manual vs final 2004 S Tiptronic are notably different for enthusiast drivers. Choose accordingly to what really makes the difference to you.

[@JAYREAD]

I love that you have a Jag. I LOVE waftmobiles luxobarges and I totally agree that the base C2 with a manual box is the perfect foil. Mine most definitely is a compromise but for what I need it for, it’s a pretty good one.

[@francisflorez5581]

If a turbo is in your future consider the 997’s. I have driven both 996 and 997.1 turbos and the Mezger engine is similar but the cockpit is updated with more standard leather and less plastic.

[@JAYREAD]

I said MAYBE! Hehehe! I think I’m addicted! Thanks for the steer. Yeah a 997 would be FABULOUS!

[@Audidude]

francis florez ah yes, but the 996 has more unique and characterful headlights, rather than those round ones that are on all other 911s ;)

[@francisflorez5581]

Audidude Can’t argue with that point. Straight from the ‘97 GT1 winner.

[@Audidude]

francis florez The turbo doesn’t, but the 996.1 cars, including the GT3 do :)

[@bobford7366]

The 997 doesn't come in manual transmission though. That's where current and future collectability is.

[@bjbraunlich]

Fantastic video breaking down the models. Well done sir!!!

[@JAYREAD]

Thanks for staying with me, Brandon. I appreciate it.

[@bjbraunlich]

I'm a recent owner of a CPO 2017 991.2. I love anything porsche!!! Keep the videos coming. I now have the bug and want to drive a late version to see the difference. Thanks for providing these videos. It allows me to see the difference in the later versions.

[@JAYREAD]

Brandon Braunlich stay tuned then because two weeks from now you will see just such a film!

[@bjbraunlich]

@@JAYREAD can't wait!!!

[@johnireland1629]

Hello Jay...got my own 996 today...will pick it up tomorrow. A 2001 Carrera 4...got it on BaT this afternoon...the pictures on BaT are stunning.

[@JAYREAD]

You bought a very well sorted car from a seller that couldn’t do enough to help! That must feel good. Congratulations John. Those pictures are indeed lovely. My wheels that my winter tires are on are 17” and I haven’t tried them yet. I’m wondering if the ride will be better. Looks like they will. I hope you enjoy the car. Do you have plans for it or will you leave as is?

[@johnireland1629]

@@JAYREAD My first 996 was an 03 Carrera with manual, and I was thrilled that it came with its original 17" wheels. I'm a big fan of more rubber and less metal. In fact my 95 993 came on its original 16 rims, and like a fool I move up to the 17s, at a loss of comfort and toss-ability. Also Los Angeles roads have some of the most disgusting potholes in history, they love to eat expensive wheels. All a long way of saying I was thrilled to get this car with those wheels. In fact I was looking on eBay for used 17s for any car I bought that had 18s or the dreaded 19s. I think a lot of the big wheel stuff is pure BS. Only a very few cars have brakes large enough to need them. I'm going to keep the new car totally stock. I just need a USB cord so I can charge my cell phone but I don't really use it when I'm driving. I would even get rid of power windows if I could...just more stuff destined to fail. Some technology is great, but there are times and places for everything. The more we use technology instead of our brains or bodies, the weaker we make ourselves.

[@JAYREAD]

My car came with 18s and I’m pretty happy with them. Actually, aside from buying a set of winter wheels and tires, I’m not going to mess with the wheel choice. I think they look just fine and bigger wheels do nothing for me. I’m quite happy with them the way they are. I agree that big wheel stuff is BS. Your car is so well sorted from an IMS perspective etc too. That’s all stuff I’ve got to get to. Sincerely hope you enjoy it. Stay in touch!

[@ktmbilly3963]

Great video . Love ❤️ Porsche Cars

[@WadeinWhiskey]

Turbo S got ceramic brakes also, previous X50 cars did not get ceramics.

[@JAYREAD]

Thank you!

[@MrDjuhasz]

Love your 911 videos Jay!

[@JAYREAD]

Thanks mate!

[@markkeaton8132]

I enjoy your videos and just subscribed to you channel. I have a question, is the 996 convertible cheaper than the coupe? If so, why?

[@JAYREAD]

Hey thanks a lot! It really helps to know that someone likes it! Yes, generally it is cheaper than the coupe because, I guess, the coupe is the classic 911 shape. Who knows though in this market! Stay tuned!

[@markedmondson5364]

I have a 3.6 c4,yet you say they stopped production at 2001 with the 3.4.,mine is a 2002.

[@markblake4425]

Brilliant pal

[@JAYREAD]

Thanks!

[@mastershake9551]

I bought my 996 1 hour ago, ist exactly yours only with gt3 wheels 😁

[@JAYREAD]

Oh well done, that man! CONGRATULATIONS! How are you liking it?

[@mastershake9551]

@@JAYREAD love it :D to bad i had to sell my 987s ^^

[@Andy-Andeee]

I remember back in the day people used to say the MK1/2 VW GTi was the Poor man's Porsche. 996: Am I a joke to you !?

[@JAYREAD]

Hahaha! EXACTLY!

[@KrustyKlown]

7:20 the Sticker Porsche hood badge is always mentioned as a weight savings option .. LOL .. that apparently costs about $50,000 ... Porsche Marketing is genius.

[@JAYREAD]

Hahaha!

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

This is easy for me. the 99 was the last of the throttle by cable.

[@sgttombailes3380]

Jay, if you are ever in the Atlanta/Athens, Ga area.. Please come drive my 1998 October built 996 as a 1999 year model w/ refurbished engine. i.e. New IMS and more.

[@JAYREAD]

Thanks a lot, Tom! I think I’m going to do the Tail of the Dragon this time next year all being well. Let’s do it then!

[@woutererasmus8809]

The GT3 Mk1 Clubsport (1999-2000) with single mass flywheel was the rarest of them all. Try to find real one today!!! Near to impossible and expensive.....

[@JAYREAD]

If only I had the money!

[@INTERNA9]

Wow!!!

[@MrDesmonick]

Also, my C4 is a 2003 model, so they were sold alongside the C4S.

[@JAYREAD]

Nick, interesting. Thanks for letting me know!

[@JAYREAD]

I’ve been doing a bit more research. Is yours a cab? I can’t find any barrow body coupes in the US at least after 2001.

[@MrDesmonick]

@@JAYREAD Ah, I'm in the UK so I guess that's the difference! I didn't realise you'd said this referred to the USA 😉

[@amargari]

The C4 was still available in the US in Cab form only. You could get a Cab as a C4S or C4.

[@JAYREAD]

Anthony Margaritondo yup! I have updated the guide. Email me if you’d like a copy.

[@johncusimano8954]

Thoughts on coupes versus convertible

[@JAYREAD]

I would have quite happily had a cabriolet if I didn’t already have a convertible car (my MG) already. For my first Porsche, though, I wanted the classic shape of the coupe. The cabriolets weight a bit more and with age, their tops can require a bit of looking after. The cables in the them wear and of course the plastic rear window isn’t always in great shape.

[@stevensieja9392]

Your chart is wrong. The 40 Jahre edition had the X51 engine with upgrade HP over the standard Carrera.

[@JAYREAD]

Thank you. I have updated it. Appreciate the correction.

[@GarthLovesTRAVEL]

awesome! love my 4S

[@lordmaster5522]

@JAY READ Umm...8:30 is not true. You mentioned all the GT3, GT3-RS, and GT2 models as the highest performance model but it’s incorrect because you forgot about the 996 GT1. Porsche had to release road versions of the GT1 in very limited numbers in order to qualify for the races. The GT1 is the holy grail of all Porsche GT models.

[@JAYREAD]

Not a 996!

[@lordmaster5522]

@@JAYREAD Yes it is. Facts don’t lie. It’s just heavily modified, but still a 911 GT1. A 996 is a 911, otherwise they would have called it something else instead of a 911. In your other 991 video, you mentioned the 935 that’s based on the 991.2 but Porsche did not officially call it a 911 and nor was it legal, yet you included.

[@JAYREAD]

Not a 996!

[@lordmaster5522]

LOL, yeah right. And Trump won the 2020 election!

[@JAYREAD]

Well, if it’s a 996 then it can’t be a 993?

[@bobbydazzler8620]

Hi Jay There’s a letter from America here for you.

[@JAYREAD]

What’s in it, Bobby?

[@bobbydazzler8620]

@@JAYREAD I'm not sure m8 I'm 500 miles away now

[@JAYREAD]

Hahaha! Did you walk?

[@bobbydazzler8620]

@@JAYREAD 🤣👍🏼

[@bobbydazzler8620]

@@JAYREAD I’m on my way

[@Maria-fv8zg]

Has the 911 been sold yet?

[@JAYREAD]

Alas yes!

[@andreazelli4077]

the best is 996mk2 with manual gear

[@0jiHxx]

😱😱😱

[@gregs8685]

GT3RS GT3 Turbo S Turbo 40th anniversary Carrera C4S C4

[@JAYREAD]

Ooh putting a C4S behind a Carrera. The Porsche massive will go for you for that! RUN AWAY!

[@paulomagalhaes9405]

GT2!...

[@parahertenstein1]

GT2, how is this even a question.

[@JAYREAD]

Lol!

Every 996 has the history of engine failure. 996 SUCKS. And who designed the rear red brake lights? Can it be UGLIER THAN THAT???

[@JAYREAD]

(1) Your Mum and (2) Your Mum.

@@JAYREAD 911's the sports car for poor people

[@JAYREAD]

@ and your Mum.