Porsche 911 (1999 - 2004) Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The IMS Bearing failures are killing the market. It may be overblown. Also water leaks in the engine add to the problems, Lastly two other arears: Turn signal failure and passenger window noises. The market appears to be $25K to 32K. That is totally unacceptable as an owner and seller. Porsche should have made efforts to correct the problems and not having court findings.Apr 12, 2024

The 996 Turbo is the perfect blend of the older more engaging driving experience mixed with modern safety, comfortable drivability and reliability. The newer 911s are too interrupted by technology to be raw drivers. Additionally, the newer, 2005 going forward, 911s dont offer as much pure feedback from the road. The car is rocket ship in terms of power and although the design cues of the interior are very early 2000s, the material are of very high quality and gorgeous (minus the turn indicator and wiper stalk). Very much a performance 911. Highly recommended! Feb 02, 2021

This is a driving machine like no other. It will handle far better then any thing you have driving. However, family machine it is not. The trunk in the front of the car is OK, but your not going to even get two beach chairs and towels. Only consider as a 2nd car and driving in the winter can get expensive as the tires typically need to be changed out for rubber that will not freeze solid. Oct 31, 2020

You will read lots about this model of the 911 (called the 996) and see that it has a IMS bearing that fails and destroys the engine. And that is possible. About 5% 1999-2004 have failed. If you shop for a car that has maintenance records and you have the oil changed and check the filter for metal bits you should be ok. I chose this car carefully, then I took the car in and had the IMS bearing replaced with an aftermarket one with a warranty. This will cost an additional $3k, but it is worth it as a new engine will cost $10k+. The 911 model before the 996 is the 993, and one will run you 45 to 80k. The 911 model after the 996 is the 997 and one of those will run you 35 to 50k. That makes this model a bargain, and a very fun car to own.Mar 19, 2015

the 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera is very fun to drive attention getter, also the convertible is the best on a summer day. Since I owned my first Porsche being the 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera has been the best car I have ever owned not only the handling of car and smooth ride, the best thing I love of my Porsche is that its very fast and holds its title. The car has not given me no problem's. the only thing I have to say if you can afford to buy a Porsche buy one you will love it just one thing maintenance like oil changes can be high priced. Or service for Porsche. Other then that just fun lots of fun . Dec 15, 2014

These cars are probably the best bang for the buck going in the sports car world. A car that had an original sticker price of $145K that you can buy today for the high 30's and low 40's. A car with the same engine as the GT2RS. A car that can be reliable moddified up to 600 HP without having to change internal engine components. A car you can drive very very hard and it will take it all day long. A car with brakes that feel like the arresting wire on an aircraft carrier. A sports car with the best visibility around. A sports car that if driven conservatively can get high 20's mpg but if pushed can reach 200 MPH. Loved this car!Feb 28, 2013

Always wanted a 911 and this automobile exceeds my hopes and dreams! Water cooling has made them easier to maintain along with hydraulic lifters eliminating the constant valve adjustments for previous models. Owned one MBZ in the past and I am equally pleased with the beautiful way things are finished and well thought out. Power band, via double overhead cams with infinitely variable cam timing, is basically from idle to it's 7,200 RPM red line. Take it for a spin around the block and a bad mood isn't even a memory afterwards. Probably will add K&N cold air intake which is supposed to make it sound even better! Back seat is small but it is a sports car so it is amazing to even have a back seat. Can hardly wait to run Hwy 1 from Morro Bay to Monterey, my favorite road! Have only owned her for a couple of months so ratings are premature however I plan on doing all repair and maintenance myself so hopefully won't be out of control. Couple of years should help with overall views and I am looking forward to them!Dec 16, 2012

Some people complain about the water-cooled engines that came out in 1998, and since it was a new engine this car may have had problems. This car (mine at over 111,000 miles now) is still running great, shifting well, and looks just as hot as any of the newer models. We havent had engine problems (yet) and the car has been tot he same dealer since it was born and it's history is squeaky, so I dont think it ever had any engine problems, despite the hoopla about the engines in these. It gets a lot of reaction (and it's not just because I'm a girl). I hear people walk by the house when it's parked out front and comment on it all the time, or when I'm in a coffee shop and people stop to check it out outside. The backseats really are tiny. I have a picture on here where my brother is in the backdseat - he's not much taller than me (I'm 5'2") and he looks like a against back there (and he barely fits - only because he's sitting behind me and my seat is up). When my husband drives the car the front seat is back so far there is no leg room for a backseat passenger on the driver's side. Trunk space is ok - it's enough to fit a 12-pack of toilet paper or two cases of beer with a little room to spare. It could also potentially fit a small rollerbag or a gym duffel bag. Any of these things will fit with a little room to spare on top (maybe 12 inches). Larger suitcases will not fit. If you must, you can put a larger suitcase in the backseat with the top down. Really, this car is a wet dream, despite being 1999.Oct 06, 2011

I drove this car at Thruxton - it is incredibly easy to get in and drive quickly on a track. With my limited talent, I probably went faster in this car than either the Ferrari F430 or Lamborghini LP640. Of the supercars I drove, this would also be the easiest to live with daily - I would happy (delirious) driving this around London. The handling, due to the 4WD, was very flattering and did not have any of the legendary 911 pendulum effect in evidence. Very quick, obviously, and with huge traction out of corners.Dec 29, 2008