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Review: Porsche 911 (996) (1997 – 2004)

Rating:

Porsche driving pleasure with precise, mechanical feel. Fierce performance yet docile enough for daily use. Solidly built.

Ugly. Understeer. Very expensive problems with oil/water contamination and Nickasil bore liners. Noisy drivetrain on four-wheel-drive versions. Iron discs rust.

Porsche 911 (996) (1997 – 2004): At A Glance

What does a Porsche 911 (996) (1997 – 2004) cost?

What have we been asked about the Porsche 911 (996) (1997 – 2004)?

Every day we're asked hundreds of questions from car buyers and owners through Ask Honest John. Our team of experts, including the nation's favourite motoring agony uncle - Honest John himself - answer queries and conudrums ranging from what car to buy to how to care for it as an owner. If you could do with a spot of friendly advice before buying you're next car, get in touch and we'll do what we can to help.

Ask HJ

I'm looking for a fun convertible for £14,000 - what do you advise?

I've got £10,000 - £14,000 to buy a car that's a bit of fun. It won't be driven over huge mileages - I've got a diesel Skoda Superb for that. But I've never had a vehicle that's been genuinely exciting. It has to have four seats and my son is keen for it to be a convertible. I was thinking maybe an Audi S4.
I'd be tempted to invest in a classic (or future classic) that's bottomed out in value. Something like a Porsche 996 911 or Mercedes-Benz R129 SL will be a lot of fun, while also being very different to your Skoda Superb. They'll take a bit more maintenance and you'll need to do your research before buying one, but buy well and you won't lose a penny in depreciation. Combine this with cheap classic insurance and you could be onto a winner.
Answered by Andrew Brady
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What Cars Are Similar To The Porsche 911 (996) (1997 – 2004)?

Key attributes of the this model are: Performance car and Coupe.

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