Carrera or Turbo: choose your side

The 996 range covers a wide spectrum.

The base Carrera features a 3.4-liter engine with 300 hp (Phase 1), increased to 3.6 liters and 320 hp from the 2002 model year (recognizable by its crystal turn signals and redesigned bumpers).

The Carrera 4 adds all-wheel drive, the Targa its characteristic glass roof, and the convertible... does without a roof.

For those who want to go further, the 2001 Turbo completely changes the proposition: Mezger biturbo engine, 420 hp, all-wheel drive as standard. Another car, for another budget.

And for the more radical, the GT3 offers a definitely track-oriented approach. Lower, more aerodynamic, and especially lighter, it is obviously less comfortable but also more demanding to drive.

What to check

The main point of attention on the Carreras concerns the intermediate bearing, known as IMS. This component can show fatigue on high-mileage M96 engines, so checking if preventive replacement has been done is a good reflex. If it hasn’t been done, it’s not necessarily dramatic.

Although the IMS problem is largely exaggerated by many "Porsche enthusiasts," it would be a shame to break an engine over such a small part. Indeed, its replacement is billed between €1,500 and €2,500 (depending on the engine and gearbox) by specialists. This intervention does not require an engine drop, and one can also take the opportunity to change the clutch at the same time, which will be accessible, along with a good service for automatic models. After 25 years of faithful service, your 911 will appreciate this relatively affordable care (given its value) and will repay you.

On the early models from 1998-2001, the interior shows its age more quickly: fragile plastics, lower quality finishes. Post-2002 examples offer significantly superior perceived quality.

The Turbo, with its Mezger engine, escapes these issues thanks to its M64 engine. Maybe it’s the smart purchase after all?

There's no need to remind you that a car with a clear history is definitely more reassuring and will resell more easily later. Obviously, this will have an impact on the price. If you have a more limited budget and the seller can justify relevant recent expenses, without presenting you with the invoice for the left front bulb replacement in 2002, don't let the opportunity pass. What matters is good follow-up, but especially significant recent expenses. Otherwise, negotiate the price and anticipate by budgeting for repairs and maintenance to come.

A few examples of past ads on Benzin

In 2021, a 1998 Carrera 3.4 was sold for €21,550 (link to the ad).

The same year, a 2002 996 Turbo was negotiated at €40,000 (link to the ad).

In 2023, a 2002 C4 was sold for €28,750 (link to the ad).

And more recently, a completely customized "Backdate" model sold for €42,000. This shows that it’s not just 100% original models that attract buyers (link to the ad) !

The team's word

The 996 is undergoing its rehabilitation. Purists who shunned it are starting to admit what drivers already knew: it’s a real 911, with all that implies in terms of driving pleasure. Prices remain interesting, without reaching the levels of the 993 or 997.

On the technical side, either you opt for a model whose IMS is to be expected in the medium/short term (which will give you a significant leverage on the price), or you choose an example that has benefited from many recent expenses.

Finally, don't necessarily shy away from high mileage, as long as the seller can justify good maintenance!