DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

As James says depends when and how long.
Over reving is becoming the IMS of the Turbo world...

I agree with the comment about considering a 996.1 C2 over a turbo. They are very different cars though, the turbo has the power and feels planted, whereas the 996.1 C2 feels light on its feet, Rev happy and therefore hugely engaging on country roads, but equally great on the motorway.

I’m on my 5th 996 now. Some of the common issues to check that are NOT cheap to fix:

- All suspension arms as you can’t just change the bushings. So it’s a pricey job for parts but often requires hours of getting the old ones off. The whole lot start to really go around the 100k mile mark or one or two arms might have been replaced before then.

- Rads/Condensors are often corroded out from leaves sitting on them. Not hugely expensive.

- Aircon seals/pipes. The joints to the rear often have coolant leaks visible from green stains. Sometimes you can just replace the seals but too often the pipes are crushed in that area from dodgy past jacking or resealing, so often need to replace the pipes themselves. Again not cheap.

- Break Lines. Often called out on MOTs as rusted out. These typically are an issue on cars over 100k miles and are not cheap as they require an engine/box drop unless you use a flexi hose over the gearbox. Either way a £2.5-4.5k job.

- Engine Mounts again are often shot around the 100k miles and you see and feel the engine sag and swing. They can also cause shifting issues when the engine sits out of position. £500 supply and fit but my first upgrade on any 996.

- Coolant reservoir often crack and require an engine drop to change so not cheap. If the current one looks a bit yellow likely to be old and might be on way out.

- Headlights fogged up or yellow. Easy DIY or £100 to get done.

- Rust in the arches might have had filler and paint so inspect closely for signs of filler in them.

- Jacking points can be in a terrible state and require metalwork.

- Factory seals in the trunk and engine bay.


Sure there are more, but all key things I’d look for. Good luck in buying a 996, they are my favourite water cooled model.

P.S I had a tiptronic 996 amongst the manuals. They are so boring for a manual driver. Don’t get a tip.


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Thank you for this info. Great to know !

just a quick thank you to you all for your advice. - I plan to pick up a 996 turbo S ( manual, GT silver ) this week. it seems to have everything I'm looking for except reversing sensors, but I'm looking to either get them fitted or go down the reversing camera route - if the new PCCM plus head unit will allow.

I'll post some pictures up on here as soon as I get the keys..

thanks again all. - good to be getting back into a 911 again. A turbo has always been a bucket list item for me, so am really pleased it has all come together.

Nice purchase.

Hell of a car for the money if you get a good one.

If you fancy some rather nice but different wheels in the perfect sizes/ offsets for a widebodied 996 I have these OZ Superlegerra III for sale in unmarked condition.