![[ Auto Express ]](/front_website/images/ae_website_logo.gif){kind=logo}
Auto Express Car Reviews
Porsche 911
Few cars can boast a reputation as legendary as that of the 911. It is and always has been one of the world's most desirable supercars. But in 1997, Porsche gave the model its most thorough revamp to date, in the form of the car codenamed 996.
December 2003
Few cars can boast a reputation as legendary as that of the 911. It is and always has been one of the world's most desirable supercars. But in 1997, Porsche gave the model its most thorough revamp to date, in the form of the car codenamed 996.
Ditching earlier quirks such as ancient interior design and an air-cooled engine, the firm upset purists by turning the 911 into more of a grand tourer. But it is a safer-handling machine that's easier to live with every day.
Choosing a used 911 is not for the faint-hearted, with steep running costs and high prices. We advise a thorough inspection and dealer warranty if available. Nevertheless, a 911 will reward you like nothing else, even when selling on.
Checklist
Ditching earlier quirks such as ancient interior design and an air-cooled engine, the firm upset purists by turning the 911 into more of a grand tourer. But it is a safer-handling machine that's easier to live with every day.
Choosing a used 911 is not for the faint-hearted, with steep running costs and high prices. We advise a thorough inspection and dealer warranty if available. Nevertheless, a 911 will reward you like nothing else, even when selling on.
Checklist
* Trim: pre-'99 cars had dubious build quality, with lots of trim rattles. Belt and airbag warning lights can have dodgy connections, and coolant warnings flicker.
* Suspension: front set-up prone to squeaks, caused by water getting in the ball joints - ultimately requiring a new wishbone at ΂£500. Check steering geometry, too.
* Engine: leaking gaskets on early cars can mean an engine rebuild, but most have been replaced under warranty. Ensure model has the later modified rear main oil seal.
* Gearbox: notchy from cold, but check the clutch on early cars - they often self-destruct. Synchromeshes wear with mileage, and transmissions have been known to fail. A warranty is advisable.
* Specification: the wrong spec can seriously affect resale value - so stick to popular colours, manual box and coupé body. Avoid RHD conversions, which can feel flimsy.
Driving Impressions
The basic 996 is a refined grand tourer, so if you want a full-bodied sports car, you'll be happier with a Turbo or a GT, which offers 0-60mph in four seconds and a 190mph top speed. Having said that, all 911s provide mindblowing performance and sublime handling.
Glass's View
The 911 remains among the most desirable sports cars on the used market today. Stylish design plus excellent handling and build quality all add up to make the Porsche one of the slowest-depreciating models you can buy. Used versions are hard to come by, so be patient until the right one turns up. Targas are less popular than convertibles or coupés, so are cheaper - but not necessarily better. A more desirable tin-top will lose less money in the long run. Jeff Paterson, senior editor, Glass's Guide
Life With A 911
My 996 is far less intimidating to drive fast than the earlier model, although it takes a while to appreciate the car's dynamic abilities. Tweaking the suspension dials out the understeer. Alistair Dawson, Fulwood, Sheffield
My 2000 Carrera 4 was excellent value for money, thanks to recent price drops. It's very comfortable, and the handling is unbelievable. Rob McEwan, Edinburgh
More PORSCHE 911 articles
- Car Reviews
- First Drives: Porsche 911 GT2
- First Drives: Porsche 911 Turbo Cab.
- Car Group Tests: Porsche 911
- Used Car Honours 2007: Best Sporting Car
- New Reviews: Porsche 911 Turbo
- New Reviews: Porsche 911
- Car Group Tests: Porsche 911
- First Drives: Porsche 911 GT3
- First Drives: Ultimate 911 blasts off
- First Drives: Porsche 911 Targa 4
- First Drives: Porsche 911 Turbo
- First Drives: Porsche 911 GT3
- First Drives: Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabrio
- First Drives: Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
- Used Car Tests: Porsche 911 Buying Alternatives
Pictures
- Advertisement -
VERDICT
- The new 911 has changed a great deal, and enthusiasts can argue on and on about whether or not it's better as a result. But the fact is, if the Porsche didn't change, it wouldn't survive in any form beyond the early 21st century. The new car is smoother both to the eye and from the best seat in the house - the driver's. The old model may have been the ultimate sports car, but its replacement, in bowing to compromises, should attract new fans. The magic lives on...
OTHER EXPENSES
Depreciation:5
Running costs (ppm):N/A
Insurance groups:20
HISTORY
- 1997: All-new 911 appears, dubbed 996. Unlike previous generations, features water-cooled 3.4 engine. Carrera coupé has 296bhp, ABS, leather and six-speed manual or Tiptronic gearbox. 1998: Cabrio introduced with electric top. Carrera 4 joins range. Spec as Carrera 2, plus four-wheel drive. 1999: Stripped-out GT3 arrives. Clubsport variant gets a roll cage.
2000: New Carrera 4 Turbo coupé has 420bhp 3.6 engine, manual or Tiptronic. 2001: Facelift includes reshaped front end. Engine enlarged from 3.4 to 3.6 litres. Wild GT2 introduced with RWD and turbocharged 462bhp powerplant. 2002: Targa available with two or four-wheel drive and electric glass roof.
Compare Market
How much will this Porsche 911 cost you to insure?
powered by
Social Bookmarks