DRIVETRIBE GARAGE: Jethro's Porsche 911 

I recently fulfilled a childhood dream and bought an early 996 with no PASM with 106,000 miles. I've put a 1,000 miles on it in less than a month. I am glad these cars are so hated. It allows regular folks like me to experience one of the finest driving machines ever built.

Jethro is one of the few people that can make a basic 996 soooo interesting. My favorite journalist not named Chris Harris.

Still one of the best videos about the 996. The 996 is the only 911, where Porsche dared to do something new in what is now almost 60 years of 911.

My god Jethro is underrated. Amazing videos.

Thanks to Jethro values of 996 increased by 10% overnight. Great review from one of the best motoring journalist.

I love this video so much.... I ended up buying one last week It’s everything Jethro described It’s an analogue driving experience so lacking from modern day super cars Long live the 996! Thanks Jethro

Jethro, really great video. Thanks

Too me the 996 is the best looking 911 of all time (I know that's an unpopular opinion). I especially like that colour. What a car.

best car related youtube channel hands down

Impressed that a humble 996 gets so much praise from some one who has driven so many great cars.

I’m on my fifth one love them and I had a 997 carrera s and I still went back to a 996 carrera best driving 911

Bought my 996.2 Carrera 4 nearly 2 years ago. Love how compact it is. Not the prettiest car but by god it can still deliver an immense driving experience. Use it everyday come rain or shine. Still gets head turning as well. Sounds lovely with the Dansk sports exhaust..Just go out and buy one. Absolute bargain of the century at the moment...

The only people that poopoo on 996's are the ones that have never owned one much less driven one. Of all the 911's I've owned, my former 2003 C4S was by far the most reliable and daily driveable one ever. My ownership experience with it was nothing but utter joy. That wide body and those hips were a sight to behold IMHO, I miss her sometimes. The only precaution on the M96 is to replace the IMS , a mere $2K expense for the peace of mind, and if you really want to make it durable, add the oil pan baffle kit. One day soon the 996 will make sense as one of the most well rounded affordable P cars ,and as far as the MK1 headlights bashing.... never quite understood that as they're the same headlights on the legendary Porsche GT1 race car. Great piece Jethro !

I've never heard a guy speak so passionately about his car since Chris Harris spoke of his beloved 1986 Bmw M5. Great vid! Good to know their are other people out there who love their machines.

Your last line is brilliant, and hits home. I've owned my 993 for 13 years and like you, 10-20 years later I will still be bombing down my favorite roads in my good ol' 911. Same for my father and his 996 that he's owned nice new. Great video, thank you.

This might seem strange, but it is so nice to see someone driving a car that is dialed in to the particular owner, and has some real fight history in it. Some interior vibrations of rattles, the imperfections, some character. Great video.

Nice finally showed us your ride. Dope car

996 is my fave 911, I still remember when I saw a yellow 996 Turbo in the flesh in 2000. Wow!

Great looking car. 996 with GT1 headlights- perfect!

One of the finest 996 videos! Btw - I asked Hans Mezger years ago what he is thinking about the end of „his“ motor at 991 GT3 and if he is sad about it. He just answered: Absolutely not! Things have to move forward, thats what an engineer wants. He is so impressive... Met him last weekend - he is a legend!

996.1 C2; the lightest of all water-cooled 911s, and the very last analogue Porsche. Guaranteed future classic.

I'll never understand how Porsche moved on from these beautiful headlights.

Worst thing you could do is temper your enthusiasm for a car by listening to forum snobs, buy with your heart, be smart, drive the wheels off it. Great vid, kudos.

I watched this video a couple of years ago when I was deliberating on 996 or 997 ownership. I bought a 2001 996 C2 black on black manual straight after and I love it. Never knock a 996 until you have driven one. I will never sell mine. Thanks Jethro....😁👍

Followed you restoring this car in Evo. Great to see a video on it, and shows you can buy an old 911 and it still be bulletproof. Thanks DriveTribe.

I’ve owned Chevelles, Novas, RX-7s, a 300zx, Monte Carlo SS, an E46 m3 and a v10 m5. In 2019 I picked up my first 911. It’s a 2000 996 with ps-10 coil overs, no psm, limited slip diff, 6 speed transaxle and Michelin PS4S tires on the 15 spoke 997 19” rims. Driving this car is more fun than any of the stop light to stop light stompers with 400+ HP cars I’ve owned. A better driver than me once said something like cars are fast in the straights and drivers are fast in the curves. 911’s are unbelievably fast in the turns, it’s instantly addictive.

Absolutely loved watching this. I was never a fan of the 996, but I’ve fell in love with the shape, more so that the 997 now, it’s got a real modern classic feel about it and love that it gives you a real driving experience. I think some people play cars as a trump card but any car that puts a smile on your face is the car for you!

I love the sound it makes...

Amazing love letter to an amazing car. Well done, Jethro!

Thanks Jethro. Brought a 996 c2 and guess what, I absolutely love it. 👍

Jethro is up there with any car journalist in the world. Not sure why people say massively underrated because I think everyone who watches cars loves this guy

Your awesome! I had a 996 for seven years and it was an awesome experience. They were a world class sports car when they came out. Great driving experience, great on the track, they can go at red line all day and they still turn heads. All for the price of a Honda Civic, these days. How great is that! Thanks for the great review.

It's not super wide, it doesn't have any obnoxously "intimidating" grilles or "angry eyes" headlights. The composition is spot on, nothing is out of proporsion. The 996, in my opinion, was the new 911, but designed with the same recognisable aesthetics as the old 911. I love the 996 because of its beautiful but modest looks.

That is what it's all about. To an enthusiast, nothing is better than being in a car you love to drive on a fantastic road. Anyone that looks down on such a car is not an enthusiast.

This is one of the best videos I have watched on RU-vid about cars. Even though the editing, cinematography and the car are amazing, it's the feeling you get when you watch it. This is the best video Jethro has done in a long time and that's saying something. Hats off.

I’ve watched this maybe 6times today! I think I’m ready to take the plunge .......😳

So very well done. My 911 may be a 1987 targa, but you've distilled the 911 thing so succulently. Twenty four years of ownership and it still never fails to excite. Thank you for this well played piece.

rarely see 996's in this colour, best colour by far for this car so cool

One of the best 996 video's on youtube

I love 996s. It helps a lot that they were the current 911 when I really got hooked on Porsches and cars in general; but I love how they restarted the 911 story onto another dozen years of awesomeness (I'm not sold on the 991+ cars...too big and old man for me). I love the classy, restrained narrow body look, and the smooth, flowing design. They are so delightfully compact in person and just SO well made! With my Miata I'm probably set on toy cars, but if I ever get a Porsche it'll most likely be a 996 Carrera (or a GT3 if I can afford one...)

What a great report, perfect. I love my 2000 996.1 / C4, yes I bought it because the aircooled prices got there before me, but now in hindsight the 996 is perhaps a far better car for me. I have done 30,000 miles, it is now on 115,000 is still smooth and alive and I adore it. The drive and the noise is fantastic. When the engine finally dies, that is fine; as I will rebuild it ready for the next 100,000 miles. One tip I would say... here in the uk, watch those brake pipes, they do corrode quite badly! Incidentally I do not find that 4wd is an issue on the steering, it never feels "understeery?", but like you say a feathery lift to come into the corner gives the car a lovely, predictable tighten in. The way I understand it, the front drive only feeds in when extremely necessary, otherwise it behaves like a 2 WD, I guess I have just got used to it if there is an issue. BTW, It is great in the snow and ice.

I have a feeling that these are going to start appreciating soon

Finally the 996 3.4 gen1 is starting to be regarded as the great car that is. Great video Jethro 👍

Oooooh... so true. I also like the 996 (also already had one and now that its gone for 3 years now, I want it back). Great color by the way!

Awesome video, thanks! It's so rewarding to watch someone's opinion about driving, about how a model appeals to you as opposed to everybody else. About how it still is about driving above all else for some people. Massive kudos, thanks again!

So great to see Jethro back. Keep on making all these amazing videos man. It is a real delight for someone like me sitting in Delhi who just loves reading about different cars.

Respect for keeping the original maroon after spray

That is one of the most subtle, yet gorgeous 996's i've seen. Fantastic video with excellent commentary! Thumbs up from me 👍🏼

Best car content on youtube. Thank you for answering our prayers, Please dont ever stop making such videos.

+1. .. A great ode to the 996 range. .. Being a MY98 C2S owner I'd drive in the Porsche Driving Experience 2 day class piloting the then new 996 coupe. .. Base 996 coupes fitted with M030 suspension bits were the class cars. .. Our class room was Road Atlanta and the cars, MY99 996 coupes. .. Hurley Haywood et al were our driving instructors/mentors for the weekend. .. The 996 was a hell-of-a 911 coupe....

That was really refreshing to watch, wish you many continued joyous miles in your 996.

This is a confession of a true car lover. Really enjoy it! Thanks Jethro

996/986 have never been ugly to my eyes. In any case heart and soul matter more than eye candy.

Jethro, have just today bought a 98 3,4 Manual RHD 996 ....Let the fund times roll!!!! Thanks for the inspiration

Love every bit of this. :D Thanks

Jethro! Love your story and how you were "converted" to loving Porsche. I always admired Porsches since I was young, but didn't understand the appeal and outrageous costs. Then 17 years ago I got bit by the bug. It only took 3 or 4 corners in a friends Boxster and I was hooked instantly. All my preconceptions were erased and I saw the light as you did. Now after being a Porsche fanatic and owner for 17 years my collection is up to 4 Porsches and love them all equally. I can totally understand your closing comments, that you will be back in 20 years driving the same roads in the same 911. I still own my 1st Porsche too and it still puts a mega smile on my face! Thanks for the great and honest video. It's great to see and hear your opinion since most of us have great respect for your driving abilities and insight in the car world.

Just amazing work. I started off not caring about this car and after hearing the joy it gives you I love the car.

You are awesome! I also have my first 2003 Porsche 911 996 and I love it!🇺🇸🍻

Jethro and Henry are what make drivetribe so good. Excellent reviews and great personalities. Very personable and really easy to feel connected to the reviewer's experience. These two guys and Harris the best on the web. Just excellent.

This is making me want a 996 !!

I absolutely love this video and it’ll never get one. Speaks from the heart and shows what a vehicle the 996 is. Pardon me while I take my speed yellow ‘99 C2 on a quick jaunt.

This video convinced me to buy a 996c2 , I love it ,milltek back boxes, it sounds magnificent!

I love my little 996. In the city, it's just another boring drive. Take it out of the city and that smile won't leave your face.

Fantastic video! I have a 996 Turbo X50 myself and love it to bits, it's a Aero kit equipped one and I love it's looks. These are as great as every other Porsche, too bad most people who don't even own a car starts flaming them because, that's what the so called "purists" do. Once again, fantastic video Jethro!

I absolute love this 996

Great ride. You did an excellent job standing up for our 996. You car is solid. Thank you

God what an amazing road! That car is perfectly suited for many mikes and smiles. Great video work as well

This has to be one of the most beautiful and understated 911s i've seen, the color simply works wonders for it

I wish I had a friend like you who is as enthusiastic about cars as you are!

Your best one yet Jethro well done. Absolutely murdered this.

I agree with your comments. I'm beginning to like the 996 as well. I seen a few in town recently and was quite surprised at how small it really is. I quite like the smaller 911s. This one has a very nice color.

Glad too see you still have this car Jethro. I would always look for updates on it in EVO magazine 👍🏽👍🏽

Absolutely amazing! Fantastic! I love it!! I get it now, 'some' times the best journalism comes from the heart!

Awesome channel. Thanks for keeping it classy and relevant

I didn't know you still had this. Great to see an update on it since the EVO days. I am truly loving video EVO 😁. Cheers!

I am so happy with my 996 that i decided to supercharge it. Best Porsche I ever had, so much innovation when it was conceived .

Very good video keep up the great work. Thanks for doing a 996 video, its the bargain at the moment in the Porsche marketplace. I have grown to love the 996/986 looks and bought a 986 Boxster S because of there pricepoint right now. Those who put the 996 down have not driven one. They have the classic Porsche feel with a modern look, the 996/986 is a future classic as are all Porsche cars. You see 944's in the mid teens to $20k plus now as proof.

Well said!! Enjoyed every second of this video! Sound, words and scenery! Thanks

Amazing video Jethro! Post more about this 996. I'm invested in it now.

Jethro, your reviews are great. Thank you! From a two-time 997 owner (currently pondering a 991 purchase).

I absolutely love this review of his 911, he's right!

omg! this 996 is really beautiful! It changed my impression of the 996

Jethro is doing an unreal job on these vids. Reminds me of when I first started watching Harris videos!

Thank you very much for this emotional review!!! What a fantastic car!

I love the way the British convey the best of a Porsche 996...

Jethro, your the most descriptive road tester on the web bar none, keep your great videos coming, the force is DEFINETELY with you lol !!!!!

These improve with age,like a good wine, fantastic!

What an amazing video.

yay, at last some love for the 996! I could never understand people who reflexively pooh-pooh them: obviously they have never driven one. It's light, fast and has brilliant steering feel. As Jethro said, a car to be in a relationship with.

Great video! Truly spoken from the heart...

Great video thanks Jethro, I agree with everything you say and love and miss my 996 turbo dearly

Brings back great memories for me, thx. Adam, Tofino CA

beautiful 996.. just keep on!!!

Best car review channel, hands down. Jethro, keep up the incredible work. P.S. Hideous?! Your car is stunning. And it looks even better with such a proud owner in the driver's seat.

Just reinforces my love for my 996tt which is already basically galvanized, I love 996!!! thanks for sharing :)

I love my 996.... So much enjoyment. Great video!

The 996 generation turbo is still by far one of my most desirable cars, the 996 was the gap from when Porsche went to rough around the edges to being clinical in my opinion and no car highlights this like the 996 turbo, it had the turbo lag, the boost threshold, the tiny feel but delivered numbers and performance that put a smile on your face, every time!

Now that's a car review. Lovely. That's what driving is all about.

Fantastic review, so true, it’s all about the driving experience

That's a really nice colour for a 996 ! Plus love the aerokit !