2003 Porsche 911

The 2003 996 MK2 (Gen 2 of the 996 embodiment) Carrera 4S was a huge leap in technology and updating when compared to the air cooled 993 model it replaced. I also own a 964 Carrera 4 which is the generation just before the 993. The difference is like night and day. The 964 was an evolution of the Carrera model, with something like 85% updating to the chassis and engine/power-train - yet still feels like a classic 911 - form follows function - spartan in nature. The 996 is updated to feel like a modern sports car - luxurious and powerful - with the ability to accelerate almost uncomfortably, but with road holding ability among the best sports cars ever made. It feels assembly line built compared to the hand built feeling of the 964. Porsche pulled themselves into the new millenium with the 996 design and build - attempting to survive a downturn in business starting in the late 80's. This is the model that sold well and made Porsche a ship-load of cash. The main difference and what gives Porsche purists heartburn is the water cooled boxer motor. The air cooled purists have trouble embracing such a concept. Water cooling adds even more complexity to the vehicle and is a source of additional maintenance items. Leaks at the coolant tank and air water separator are well known. The vario cam 3.6 liter has a wide torque band and the 6-speed transmission is silky yet notches into gear firmly. There are many sad tales of a rear main seal leak or the dreaded intermediate shaft bearing failure - also a problem for the Boxter model, but NOT the Turbo of GT series as they have a different motor design. Both motor problems are well publicized and perhaps lead to over scrutinization of the model. What is never published is the percentage of vehicles affected - it must be very low. However, if the intermediate shaft bearing blows up, the damage and subsequent repairs will quickly reach 5 figures. Other irritations are electrical glitches such as headlight switches, window lift and radio controls. Back to the good news; the fit and finish is above normal - the interior is well designed and comfortable. Response to the road and laying down power are, simply put, in the same class as Ferrari and other much more expensive marks. In Germany where cars are judged critically, the 996 Porsche model is given high marks as a used vehicle. These cars are expensive to maintain, howerver most owners had the ability to take care of them and thus they have survived the ravages of life that a normal car succumbs to. Still the value of a used 996 MK2 is extremely high making it a very tempting purchase for someone looking for above normal value to price, especially when compared to the original sale price and what the buyer gets for the price. These are some of the best values out there for a used Porsche 911 series, with the all wheel drive model comanding a slightly higher asking price and offering up improved performance in all driving conditions. Another small point to keep in mind, this model will push you back in your seat when you tap the long pedal to the floor, not as seriously as a turbo, but at a nice savings in purchase price AND insurance costs.