Why The Most HATED Porsche 911 Is Quickly Becoming The Most LOVED... 996 C4S Review

The 996 generation Porsche 911 was once the most hated Porsche 911 generation to ever grace this earth. However, in recent years the model appears to be having somewhat of a rennaisance and is receiving new found appreciation. Values are starting to reflect this change, and supposedly the Carrera 4S is the pick of the bunch. Lets find out why...

#itsjoel #porsche911 #carrera4s

[itsjoel]

Do you love or hate the 996 generation Porsche 911?

[autobahn-engineering]

Lovely 996! As a 996 owner myself I can say that the problem you mentioned at 8:38 about the PCCM+ box blocking phone storage is very real.
That’s why I started to make an OEM-looking replacement cubby to put your phone there that supports fast wireless charging. (adding wireless CarPlay to PCCM+ is very easy to do so you will end up with a fully wireless solution)

[fredrichnicecar]

Bought a 996 Carrera 2 in 1998 and still have it, Put sports suspension and cats on it from Gemballa in 2000, A fantastic car with fried egg headlights that I would not change for the world.

[Ash-kyjo]

Just bought one. Very happy! 996.2 aero with 43k miles.

[nandopelusi]

I've had a 2003 996.2 six-speed for a few months and getting more enjoyment from it every day. The connection to it is unlike any car I've owned.

[mattias]

If you love driving - get the C2 instead. Much lighter, better steering a la more classical 911 and more nimble. My 996.2 C2 manual on Ohlins is sublime.

[iainmcglynn]

My fave
After 9 years of Boxster S ownership I’ve never thought the headlights an issue as I knew they were the lights off a Porsche GT1
Google that rarity

[Ev]

I just bought my first Porsche... 2003 996 w/ 31k miles. Can't wait

[kriskalpa]

Agree with your comments. I have a black one and you're right, it feels extremely solid and safe on the road. much more stable than a boxster. Mine does have cruise but I don't use it. One downside I found is people trying to race you on the road, it is an attention magnet.

[ifyouarefeelingsinister]

You know what…I reckon I could get over having headlights that look like eggs if I was driving a Porsche

[FlynnBellamyCars]

I’ve had a ride in the 997 C4S and the noise it makes isn’t nearly as good as the 996! Fantastic review as always. 😄

[lindenblvd]

The 996 used to be cheap to purchase now they are expensive due to YouTube, just like the C6 Corvette. You are lucky you can find one now especially a 4S.

[wozmac]

I think its getting love because very few can afford to buy a 993, or 997, or 991 or 992.

[ianmason]

Always loved them - its a modern classic, and the switchgear doesn't go all sticky like a 997 👍, get one while you can before the prices go through the roof

[timskelton]

Have a 996.1 C2 with aero kit. 3.4 has the higher revving engine and a bit more of a drivers car. They are just superb. You need to let the engine warm up and the gearbox plus tyres and then you have the most fantastic car to drive

[stuartclarke]

Good video Joel!
I too upgraded to a 996 C4S (seal grey) last year after 5 years owning my black Z4 3.0, similar to your old one.
Definitely a step up from Z4 both in capability but also running costs!
I missed the snappy gear change of the Z4 so put a short shift on the 996 which like you say, transforms it. Mine is on 80k miles so I have spent about £3-4k replacing the majority of the suspension, but it feels brand new now and i'm loving it!
I can also fit the wife and 2 young boys in it!
I plan to keep mine for a few years but I also have an itch for an M4 or F-Type 5.0 like the one you reviewed last week.
Keep up the good work!

[detonator]

The earlier cars look much better today than the facelift version, imho. The front will never become "the most loved" but it's ok.

But the 4S traditional Porsche rear reflector makes it the best looking water cooled from the rear. Looks a bit like the 993 from the rear. SO good looking. Why oh why Porsche got rid of the big reflector?

[ASG_]

I own a 996.2 c4s with aero kit.
Done around 62k miles and used nearly every day.

Great cars, great engine for the road and the chassis is great.

Reliable car so far but I would recommend getting a warranty in place, I paid £600 for the year and have had the front rads, ac condensers and alternator replaced. Saved me a lot of money!

[stephenmitchell]

Had mine years, Carrera 2 .2 over 100k mileage no issues at all, original IMS and rear oil seal with no problems
Awesome cars, iconic and will be a true classic going by other models that were disliked 928, 924, 944….
Try buying a mint one of those and you will realise.
Get a 996 while you can.

[SkepticMedic]

Great review as always. I actually think the 996 is the best Porsche 911. The first of the water-cooled generation but still retains lots of analogue feel and not obese like the new generations. I personally love the v1 GT3 and it would be my ideal spec. I was looking for 986 Boxster S but I keep coming across 996 C2 cabs for only slightly more money. Still not sure which way I'll go but I'm leaving towards to the 911 C2 cabriolet as the area I live in is ideal for top down driving all summer.