The Cheapest Porsche 911 in 2023 | 996 Porsche 911 Carrera 

It is a very good looking car for sure!

I had the same budget in my head for the 993, but I went online and did actually find a couple in the 30’s. But I agree, I wouldn’t buy a 996 for 10k, but finding a good condition 996 for 30k isn’t uncommon, finding a good condition of any other gen will surely cost double? Maybe more? I don’t recommend going cheap on a 911, but if you want a 911, and don’t have much of a budget. The 996 is the way to go

This guy has absolutely no clue what he's talking about. Good 993's sell regularly for over 100K. There's no way in hell anyone could find a 993 coupe for 30-35 thousand dollars. The cheapest coupe that I've seen was 60K and it was a tiptronic. 30-35K is the stupidest thing I've heard in years. Absolute and utter nonsense. PS: Where did you find 993 for 30K? Maybe you were looking for some 2007 adverts?

I agree with some of the other posts--you can't touch a decently maintained 996 for less than 30k. Also, they were built from '98-'04. I bought a '00 Carrera which was sold for 80k new, and it did have a few upgrades--but still the base 3.4L engine. I actually prefer the 996. The air-cooled 911's--and all the other air cooled Porsches for that matter--did not take the desert heat very well. I live in the Phoenix metro area and welcomed the switch to water cooled engines. Also, the 996 was the fastest 911 to date; each generation getting progressively faster. The top speed on mine is 174mph. When looking for a 911, I actually limited my search to the 996's and 997's ('05-2012). They are the last of the true "driving" 911s. A flat six that you are 100% in control of. No computerized overrides etc. A purists race car. Who gives a crap what the headlamps look like. And, given its performance, it has become an iconic feature; more of admiration than scorn. The only reason that they are relatively inexpensive compared to other 911s, is that there were a very large number (for Porsche) produced, 185,000. The IMS bearing problem was never endemic and can be proactively managed by having the car checked regularly. The problem will manifest in the oil long before the more severe damage occurs. As their numbers decrease, I predict this model's price will rise exponentially, given their stellar performance, and the reasons mentioned above.

$10K for a working 996? Where?

@@alonsobueno4761 I didn't say it was working but here in the UK you can get a working one for that but it'll need a lot of money spending on it immediately , there are plenty sub £15k with high miles.

Thanks for watching mate. A 911 as your first car would be epic, just do you research before you pick one up, and make sure that every time you see your car you say 'Holy Porsche....' (Cars reference)

Do it. I've had mine for just short of 8 years and I don't regret a moment of it. It's been an absolutely fantastic car.

You're right! Awesome car, at a "real World" price. And almost anything is better than a 2014 --> BMW 3 Series ( F80 gen ) with that numb, artificial electric steering and bad chassis dynamics.

@@1970borntorun I wouldn’t mind an F80 3 series as a first car but they are just about everywhere in South Africa! A 996 would be amazing, not only because it’s different from other “luxury” first car offerings but because it’s the special “ugly duckling” 911.

Yup I just got mine for 18k @ 130k miles . Fixing it up and enjoying it ! ❤❤❤❤

@@inaj27 congrats! Enjoy the car. I love mine!

I'm inclined to agree. If you picked up a 911 for 10 large, it's going to be a rebuild or a basketcase and cost you a fortune in the long run.

It’s true…though 15 years ago you could pick up a nice reasonably low mileage 1980’s 911 SC for right around $10 - $12K….and I passed on so many of them, that my heart hurts just thinking about it..

@@zeroceiling I'm so with you on the 911SC pricing. Kicking myself too!

That’s a good point, settling with a sports car is rarely a good idea. You need to love it, because they inherently come with compromise. Thanks for watching band sharing mate!

😂 30k

Differed maintenance will kill the value first.

@@Huh-jx8kdnope more like $60K. Good luck finding a $10K 996 that works

It really does, I think with time 996's are going to be looked at the way we look at 993's today.

@@carcaveofficial i wouldn't go that far.. dem headlights.. 911 headlights should be round/ovalish.. there's a reason why they only did that once, lol.

@@dre32pittthe headlights on the 996 is still an oval shape just extends 🙄. Jeez these purists I just can’t 😒

@@C4S911 Not a purest.. it's just ugly to me lol

I agree, it is blown way out of proportion. Thanks for watching!

But then there's bore scoring...

Assuming you catch it before it fails. Then, it's catastrophic.

@@cllistings5914…well that’s the whole point…this is a video for those looking to buy it as a used car. If the car is running fine…and the owner hasn’t done the IMS already (unlikely)…then you get the car on a flatbed and get it to the nearest Porsche mechanic available..and just get it done!

@@kszendinot that common in the 996. Bore scoring is more common on the 997 a lot more common

Correct, I believe that in the 996.2 the IMS went to a dual row design with smaller bearings that were more prone to failure than the previous, single row larger bearings. Thanks for watching!

The Elise has a better steering feel for sure, but it's harder to live with an Elise on a daily basis. I had one for a year and have had my 996 for about that long too and the Porsche delivers about 90% of the driving experience of the Elise, but much more in pretty much every other measurable except retention of value. Trouble is, you can't generally use the Elise everyday to the point that you get the benefit of that extra 10% of driving experience. May as well have a 911!

Appreciate the sub mate, your C2 sounds great, and that’s a crazy good price! Enjoy it!

I know the feeling mate, they are out there for sure, but its going to be a challenge to find a good condition example with decent mileage. But if you do, snatch it up because they wont last on the market!

Congratulations on the purchase! This car is absolutely stunning, you made an excellent choice.

@@carcaveofficial Thank you!

@goatmj23, great car! How has your experience been so far?

@@kurtkrienitz3759thank you! I couldn’t be happier! I have a macan s as my daily so on the weekends this car gives me the thrills and driving experience that I cant get out of an SUV. I’ve done a lot of mods to my other cars in the past but I’ve left this stock. If I make any changes it’s going to be at the touch points. Seats, steering wheel and shift knob. If you have an opportunity to buy one and it has a clean ownership, don’t hesitate to purchase it!

Congratulations! Welcome to the speed yellow family!

A speed yellow 996 C4S is a very sexy car! Congrats!!

I agree mate, they are great cars that don't get the recognition they deserve.

I had my IMS replaced about two weeks ago. It was a single row from a 996.1 and although working, after it was removed it was showing signs of heat discoloration and I kept it to keep an eye on it and it does seep lubricant sitting on my desk. If that is what it appears to be, and a sign of seal failure, I am of the opinion that I dodged a bullet.

Yeah..when you least expect it…expect it! Do the IMS without thinking twice. If you take 10 cars…5 will have the problem..5..like yours won’t. You will not know until the disaster strikes…and it just might..at the worst moment possible.

Your 1998 996.1 was built on the same line as the 993, using the same hand-built process.. the 997 wasnt.. early 996 (MY1999 or older) dont have onboard computers or eGas.. Has an actual throttle cable.. the 997 has both the OBC and eGas.. Your early 996 doesn;t have traction control either, unless it was optioned with it (which means it may have a factory diff, which was optional).. The 996.2+ all have PSM.. early 996s were the last ones to use Connelly leather (lasts way longer and doesnt have that plasticy feel) and the granite dashboard (significantly less squeaks and rattles than cars before and after it).. Early 996s were built before the engine plant fire that destroyed a TON of engine blocks.. to the point Porsche had to use defective blocks to keep production up.. unfortunately, this lead to a lot of early 986 failures as those blocks failed rather quickly.. In short, if you want the most (and last) analog 911 (no OBC, TC, throttle cable, narrow body), you get an early 996.. Also.. they're the lightest 911 you can get from 1988 to present.. 2901lbs.. under 2900lbs with the Turbo Tech hollow wheels (optional)... 997 cant say any of that.. the only issue is hte headlights, imo.. but I'd prolly sacrifice that for a clean early 996

Such a great daily…thanks for watching and sharing!

Is buying a used one from a dealer the road to ruin? How do the good buys get marketed? Is there any witht the IMS bearing already replaced?

I had actually forgotten I even said that, that's a pretty good one lol

I think they also give it a more 'classic' appeal as well

They already are coming up actually, at least from what I have noticed. They are a great investment, any 911 is!

Tiptronic isn't too bad though! You got it up to 104K miles, at the end of the day its still a 911, and I would reckon a good amount better than most other automatic transmissions of the time

That’s the beauty of Porsche’s. You probably won’t lose money on it, and you can still drive it. Thanks for watching!

I would hope so

Wide bodies do looks amazing. The narrow body has a nice retro appeal though!

I think every generation has its positives and negatives, and I agree with you. I have noticed that the reputation of the 996 is shifting, and it is a pleasant shift. Thanks for watching!

Go into a rennlist forum, lol.. there's still venom for the 996.. Id rock either a metzger 996 or a real early 996 (better build quality, dual row imsb, throttle cable, no obc)

The market is for sure changing, especially on these old Porsches

Thanks for sharing and watching mate, sounds like it was a great find!

Does a 911 function as a conversation piece at all?

They are unique, and with time they just keep getting better

@@carcaveofficial 😃

I’ve actually been wanting to do a Gallardo, but it’s hard to find a first generation…

Not a bad thought!

Best of luck mate! Keep us posted if you end up buying it!

I would love to be able to say I have the gusto to buy a wrecked Porsche, and fix it with oily, manly, muscular hands, so that it works. Then drive it with pride, and confidence that if anything goes wrong, I can handle it. The reality is I would panic, call the dealer, spend loads of money, regret the purchase and inevitably re-think my life several times over the course of ownership. So well done to you!

Rethinking your life is all part of the process lol

I don't think it would be hard to find a car with even superior performance at the price point. The thing with Porsche is, as silly as it may seem, the performance isn't the main selling point, especially with a 911. They are great performance cars, but for the money, if your only criteria is performance, there are better values out there.

I don't think there will ever be a 'perfect' car, but what I like about Porsche especially is that with every generation they continue to improve. The 996 wasn't perfect, but it was great

Thanks for watching mate!

I wouldn’t sell it either!

Yes, that is a major benefit. It feels good to be part of the Porsche family

Only time will tell, but I think the 997 will hold value very well. There were not many of them made, and it was the last of the properly mechanical 911. But, I could be completely wrong...

I wouldn’t hold my breath on 997s ever being cheaper than 996s, too many people prefer the looks including interior of the 997.

Thanks for sharing, and watching mate!

The pricing numbers are changing so rapidly....there have been several comments challenging the price points I mentioned in this video, the reality is, price will always change. But I may have been a bit....optimistic on the price point. Either way, glad you enjoyed the content, thank you for taking the time to comment and for watching!

Agreed! Buy a car you are going to enjoy!

That red reflector bar is such a great looking design! Thanks for sharing mate!

@@carcaveofficial and thank you for making a video about the 996 and sharing your knowledge 🫡. I look forward to more of your videos.

Appreciate you taking the time to watch mate!

Idk about that....I mean they aren't 'track' cars, but they are made to be driven.

Cut this blokes arms off and he wouldn’t be able to talk.

I think you only need to remove the engine on a 996 to do the IMS if your car is a tiptronic. My manual was done with just the transmission dropped.

Not a bad price man! Congrats, and thanks for watching!

‘Holy Porsche’

We will never grow up, what is the point? A 911 Targa would be timeless! Thank you for sharing and keep us posted if you end up getting the 911!

Very kind of you to say mate! Thanks for watching!

Very beautiful, thank you for watching!

What about an air cooled Porsche is most attractive to you? Having the 996, I am curious as to your insight

​@@carcaveofficialnostalgia, looks, size. Do a youtube search on Chris Harris drives the Tuthill Porsche 911k and maybe you understand bettter.

🤙

Thanks mate 🤙 Glad you enjoyed it!

Absolutely! I’ll add it to the list!

It is the best!

Your snob is showing

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching and commenting!

That’s low mileage! Thanks for sharing 🤙

I concur Doctor

Thanks mate! Glad you enjoyed it!

I believe with the 996.2 they went to a dual row IMS bearing which was more prone to failure than the original, larger single bearing. But thank you for clarifying the fried egg issue. Hope you enjoyed the rest of the video!

Most bizarre comment ever 🎉

Not a bad price...congrats!

First watercooled 911***** sorry, I may not have made that distinction

@@carcaveofficial The 959 which is essentially a 911 was part water cooled also 🙂

They do! Like the old 911 GT1 Raceacr