[mmmmQuattro]

In addition to my M4, I still have my 'old' 2009 335 convertible which I bought new and it now has 16k miles on it - yep that's pretty low.
My daughter drives it mainly.
However, everyone in the family would like to have a manual to drive every now and then.
So we are thinking of changing the 335 for a used 2003 996.2 911 cab.
I know it's a bit older and it will have more miles - about 50-60k or so.
From a reliability point of view, it's likely to be a bit more expensive to run (I have had the pump changed and gearbox leak fixed on the 335) than the 335.
There's just the IMS issue to be careful of.

But, it's probably more of a sports car and will feel quite different to my M4.

Anyone think it's a bad move?

[atxgt3]

I wouldn't get any 996 other than the turbo, and even then I'd hesitate. It's just so cheaply built and doesn't look that great. The turbo is better than the rest of the range, but the interior is still horrid. I'd rather spend a little more an get a 997, it's a much better car in every way.

[davis449]

No way I would trade even an N54 powered 335i for a 996 of any year unless it's a Turbo...and even then...I just hate 996's.

[FriskyDingo]

996's are severely overlooked in today's marketplace. Yeah, sure they have cheap interiors. They're not as sexy as the earlier 993 or the later 997. But in the right color, and with the right wheels, they're still a good looking car. And they drive great. Like a 'proper' 911 if you will. They have that delicate balance and noticeable weight transfer that is absent in 991 cars. Also, the IMS issue is way overblown. Relative to how many were built, there is a very small number of cars affected.

I'd have no qualms owning a 996. I don't even think I'd say it'd be measurably more expensive to own than an N54 335. I say go for it. Maybe consider a coupe or Targa, though.

[FriskyDingo]

Originally Posted by atxgt3

I wouldn't get any 996 other than the turbo, and even then I'd hesitate. It's just so cheaply built and doesn't look that great. The turbo is better than the rest of the range, but the interior is still horrid. I'd rather spend a little more an get a 997, it's a much better car in every way.

While the 997 was a major leap forward design and quality wise, they are NOT just 'a little more'. There is a huge chasm between 996 and 997 prices. Unless you want a ragged out 997. I'd rather have a nice 996 than a trashed 997.

[atxgt3]

Originally Posted by FriskyDingo

While the 997 was a major leap forward design and quality wise, they are NOT just 'a little more'. There is a huge chasm between 996 and 997 prices. Unless you want a ragged out 997. I'd rather have a nice 996 than a trashed 997.

There's a reason for that, the 997 is that much more desirable than the 996. You can get a 997 in good shape pretty darn cheap these days, it just seems like a lot compared to a 996 because they are going for next to nothing. I test drove several 996s and 997s before settling on a 997TT, and the 997 is just better in every way The 991 even better.

I'd rather have an E9x than a 996 any day of the week, and I'm a HUGE Porsche fan.

[Red Bread]

The interior of a 996 is an insult to anything German. Even the bad things. And there are plenty of bad things. Still just awful.

[to_riffic]

Give it another 10 yrs and everyone's opinion in here may end up saying "It's a collectors item" as everyone begins to jump the bandwagon.

[dgoldenz]

Increase your budget and get a 997. The 996 is the red-headed stepchild of P cars.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by ra2fanatic

Give it another 10 yrs and everyone's opinion in here may end up saying "It's a collectors item" as everyone begins to jump the bandwagon.

Meh, it will always be the same thing as a late 964 compared to a 993.

[rymerc]

My 996.2 has been great, in the last 3 years, 10k miles, and 30ish autox events the only thing that has broken was the AOS (air-oil separator).

Out of boredom I've been replacing wear-items as I want to and the plugs/coils, filters, tie rods, and other common parts aren't appreciably more or less than BMW parts and it's very easy to work on.

I went back & forth over trading to a 997 and 996tt many many times, and drove tons of cars and stuck with the 996.2 (and e90 m3). I personally don't like 997.1 interiors (they don't hold up at all compared to a 996) and they still have serious motor issues, and the 997.2 is still high $30s for anything worthwhile and drives only very slightly better.

If you do get a 996, get the alignment fixed and run 245s or 255s up front and the balance will be much better. For $20k you can get a pretty good car and even a base 996 is just a TON of performance for the money unless you go to a c5z.

[mmmmQuattro]

Originally Posted by atxgt3

There's a reason for that, the 997 is that much more desirable than the 996. You can get a 997 in good shape pretty darn cheap these days, it just seems like a lot compared to a 996 because they are going for next to nothing. I test drove several 996s and 997s before settling on a 997TT, and the 997 is just better in every way The 991 even better.

I'd rather have an E9x than a 996 any day of the week, and I'm a HUGE Porsche fan.

I would love the 997, but it's $US20k more than a 996 over here in Australia, so it's out of the question.

The 335 might be a better all round car, but I am really looking for a manual, raw 'sporty' car.

[martin mustang]

Just for the record the 997 pre-facelift i.e. version one was also subject to a number of issues, the 997 is far better looking 911 and big improvement on the 996, especially when you moving from a more recent car like your 335.

So if opting for the 997 make sure you have good check-up done, the early 996 are a higher risk for sure down to the fact Porsche was to go down and was only saved by coming out with the boxer.
The best 911 scenario if not limited in budget is 997 2nd generation.

I am looking for the same, a 991 manual as I and my wife miss the manual gear box, the Porches 911 996 was the one I was going for but after extensive research and a number of magazines and articles I am now more incline to go for a 997, remember the difference in price can be blown away on the amount of issue you may end-up having to spend on a 996.
But of course after few treads too, I am now also considering a fare safer option, cheaper to run and must admit one of the best looking cars, a Z4 M with a manual gear box, will not have the whow factor of the 911, but fare more exclusive car and reliable too. In other words I am still confused, the only down side is 2 seater only, like the 911 4 seats so I can take my kids for rides with me, or down to weekend sports and all.

[chillindrdude]

I think 996 is a perfectly good alternative if 1)IMS has been done and 2) you're after a more engaging, analogue experience.

996 are at the low point of their valuation curve. They are sure to rise as the air-cooled cars become rarer and more expensive. They are a good buy at the moment.

[Dackelone]

I second the 996/986 IMS(engine bearing) issue. I would get a 997.1 if it were me.