I got a 996 C4S earlier in the year and I completely agree with everything you say about it. It feels special to drive, and nothing like a new car. They are no faster than a modern hot hatch but have so much more character, helped by the amazing sound they make!
This is my current attainable dream car, hopefully I can pick one up before prices keep going up. I think this is one of the best looking 911’s out there
I had a 996 C4S for a couple of years - they've always sounded great to my ears regardless of what speed it was going at. I did, and still do, have a soft spot for it - but I wouldn't say it's my favourite Porsche. Eventually ventured into Cayman territory (albeit only after a gap of 18 years) with a base 981, which was great fun. However my favourite Porsche is the GT4 - specifically the 981 GT4, which I've had for over four years now and is the longest period I've kept a Porsche (probably going to be a 'forever' car). There is just something magically special about it where every single drive still feels like the first.
I have just bought one as always wanted to try it. I agree with your comments. It is about the sensory experience of ownership, the sounds, the smells ,the feel of driving an iconic car that infuses every drive. I also think it is one of the best looking 911's from the rear, only the 993 turbo/C4 looks better. the new cars are too fussy and too big. btw does yours have sports exhaust or not?
I've got one very similar, same year, same color, manual, but tan leather which I prefer. I used to be a car slut and swap every 2-4 years but I can't bring myself to part with this one. The sound, the shift, steering feel, looks, and even the power level (just right) I can't find anything else I think has a better combination.
Great video, James. I appreciate your perspective. Any thoughts on the drive and sound of the 996 C4S versus, say the 997? I own a 3.2 Carrera and am looking to add another car. I must admit, the most modern cars have little interest for me. Thanks, Trevor
Hi Trevor, personally I prefer the look of the 996 in C4S form over a 997 but the 997 is a much better drivers car! Just be careful of bore score! James
Unfortunately as it does few miles is not a positive for IMS ... just change it next Service my C4S engine went at 35.000 miles when it was 16 yrs old, my other C2 had done 90.000 miles when bearing was changed and I was told that regular driving had been positive
The dreaded IMS and associated rear main seal are a 996 issue. Bore scoring does not appear to affect them as much as the later 997. Another issue creeping in is Hydraulic lifter failure, it can start with intermittent EML /drive to dealer light showing. It is an expensive repair, even without removing the engine, ive just had all 12 lifters replaced on one bank.
@@MBZS500 Hi it cost a little under £3000, they had to remove 3 broken inlet manifold studs and retap them, whilst it was half stripped I had new spark plugs fitted and an oil and filter service. It was running so much better once it was repaired. A few weeks later I sold the car. I still have a Porsche, a 2016 Cayenne 4.2 V8 Diesel, a terrific car. The 996 is an old car, between myself and the previous owner, it had cost close to £9000, covering around 10.000 miles in 4 years, not good value. Trouble is I still yearn for an air cooled 911.
I agree with your comment about the feeling that you have when driving it. I tried a cayman 2.7 recently, thought that I would really like it. I never expected to get out of it feeling disappointed, 250 bhp isn't very much apparently 😅 okay its giving away 900 cc but it's a smaller car. It just didn't have the heft of my c4s 😊. Not changing any time soon.
@@KTLaz Replacing an item that only fails on less than 2 percent of all vehicles prior to having a new clutch is not necessary. Warm the car up before "opening up" and all will be well in the garden. I think the whole "IMS" debate is a little over cooked tbh. But sure have the single or dual bearing upgraded with the RMS on the next clutch. Other areas to spend one and a half grand on a vehicle of that year. Enjoy the driving and not the fear.
@Jamie Y I love my 996. Part of the fun of these online groups is to sometimes leave a humorous or “hating” comment that gets a laugh. What fun is it with an echo chamber of people who agree? Don’t take your possessions too seriously, it’s all just stuff in the end. 👍
The c4s is one of the better-looking ones. The 997 didn't age very well. especially on the inside. the 991 is forgettable. The 993 & and 992 are pure gold tho. In summary the 996 c4s has it's moments but the competition is tough :)
It's done 3k miles? In total? You've had it 12 mths? But it's still only done 3k miles? If that's the case, you are not in any position to review how it really drives and give a long term option on using/ownership. You haven't driven it! You can talk spec and options ( which you did) but you're in no position to offer a true perspective on how it really handles and drives 😁 oh and yes, I own a manual coupe C4S and have USED it for 4 years.
Porsche should just face the facts of physics and convert the future 911s to mid-engine, lose the useless back seats, gain a 2nd small trunk, and thereby fix the 911’s only performance flaw.
