hot take, 996s aren't ugly. The rear 3/4 view is one of the best Porsche has on offer, and if you have the xenon headlamps instead of the should-have-tried-harder version with the yellow turn signal lenses, then there is nothing with the front either. Get rid of the yellow lens and the turbo twist wheels and it is a very good looking car. Now... the interior is another story.
When I was a kid I was really sick often and I had a great Doctor and a great relationship with my doctor at the time. And when I saw him on my birthday he owned a Porsche 911 slant nose in bright red and he took me for a drive. It was awesome and I'll never forget it, he even did a little burnout in the parking lot of his medical practice. He was just an all around awesome dude that was a duel citizen here and South Africa. Thanks for your time and the memories you gave me Dr.Michael Halliday.
The 996 is the model that made me fall in love with Porsche. The headlights are probably the main reason, as they to me seemed more modern and aerodynamic compared to the 993. 996 Turbo, GT3, and GT2 are all dream cars.
As a former owner of a 731 awhp 996 turbo, I could not agree more with this review. You captured everything. And I also grew up in the early 2000s and was into tuner cars, this was a no brainer decision and still the best car I've ever owned in my life. I WILL own another one someday, or maybe buy mine back.
My friend let me keep his 500hp 996 911 gt2 for a few months and it was an absolute dream. Car is crazy fast and hurt a lot of feelings. War super comfortable, had tons of extremely expensive, tasteful mods like roll cage, cobra bucket seats and 5 point harness, a bunch of techart goodies, 325 wide bbs wheels and meaty toyo r888s. From grocery shopping to giving tons of ride alongs to cruising around Houston and hitting up car meets. My ultimate dream car
I bought a 996 Turbo 6spd 2 months ago and absolutely love it. It has Tune Exhaust and Headers and the sound it makes is amazing. Amazing driving experience.
my father has sworn by 996 911’s as he could never afford a air cooled and didn’t quite like how refined the 997’s got and i never understood until i drove his 911. they make you feel some type of way and the way they drive is so different and odd feeling but so rewarding and enjoyable
The 996 Turbo S was one of the cars I would always get after in Most Wanted 2005. The car handled great in the game and was IDIOTICALLY. FAST. Like, STOOPID FAST.
Doc Browns Delorean sound when it backed out of the van for the first time was a Porsche V8 5.0l with Flowmaster style exhaust. 928 from the early 80s, I believe.
The headlights are beautiful just like the GT1 and they don’t make the 996tt anymore. Manual cars are so much better. The 996tt is so analog and raw which makes it a real drivers car.
The headlights aren't so bad, but the dash design looks like something out of a Ford Ranger. Anyhoo, a good value if you can get past the fashion faux pas.
Porsche 996 Turbo the sexiest beautiful urban Icon ! The Le Mans racing lights take are awesome whilst maintaining the old raw design essences with modern tech to improve the driving experience and tank like build with the famous Mezger engine is a sublime artform ! The designer was a genius and way ahead of many. A great vid...!
I've had air cooled Porsches and Loved them. However, I LOVE my '99 911 996 gen 1 w/ COLD A/C here in the South. BTW, it is well sorted w/ LN IMS etal w/ engine out service. Only 57K on the clock. 5K w/new components. Love It !!
even though the headlights on this car look kind of weird, i think they just fit super well, it makes the car so soft looking, and that just fits with how it is to drive. porsche has to be one of my favorite brands (if not actual favorite), and it stings a bit to see them go the automatic transmission route. though still, i think they'll stay in the automotive scene for a good while, their consistency is just really good, and they fill a really nice mid-high level sports car role that other companies struggle to perfect as they do, thats probably why i like the brand so much.
I've had a modded one since 2012. Turbos and a built motor. Great drivers car, love mine. I see it sort of like a Supra with better track capabilities. I will note that I felt mine was lacking in stock form. They really need an exhaust, tune, coilovers, and supporting suspension mods to be good.
Of all the many 911 variants, there is something about the front of the 996 turbo that I really like. The bumper and grilles are elegant yet sporting/purposeful. The headlamps are of course, not to everyone’s tastes, but to me, they just signify someone got themselves a good deal on a 911! 😉
@@Eidrian111 yeah true lol , a gated shifter if it was NA with a nice throttle body (itb maybe?) Just with such a quick gearbox the shifts would always be consistent and wouldn’t allow for any power lag.
I’ve owned my 996 Turbo for 5 years now and absolutely love it! Yes, it is the ugly duckling as people claim but at one point so was the 964 and look how that turned out!
Funny to think that maybe 5 years ago you could get 996TTs for under 30,000 they've been steadily increasing ever since. But honestly to anyone who hasn't driven a 911 it's worth trying cause they're really as good as they say
I'm starting to think you're sniping my internet history because this is the third time I started looking at a car and then you come out with a video about it the next few days. I'm really hoping I can find a 996 before it gets the tax
I think what you were trying to describe with this car is the perception of speed it gives you. I drive a stage 2 focus st (slow) and last summer I was invited to drive a friend’s 2017 911 carrera S. The car was quick, pulled hard, shifted unbelievably fast BUT it was so well refined that it was almost entirely effortless and muted in its speed. Yeah we were going fast but it didn’t FEEL fast or rowdy. When I got back in my focus st and did a pull I literally found myself feeling just as excited driving the angry egg focus as I was in the 911. I had to think about that and I think the newer 911s are just TOO good for someone like me who loves to slam gears and actually drive the car instead of just putting my foot down and letting the car do all the work.
If you are going to go for bigger power and track performance though then that refinement really helps. You don't get so exhausted while pushing hard for long periods of time
All 911 is the meaning of a driver's sports car! The family tree of 911 is so awesome. Each one has earned its own special respect. And sure each will continue to earn its own generation of respect. They are their own special family that are loved from many people all over this world. EARNED!
I never understood all the hype around the 911’s until I drove a naturally aspired 997. The 3.6 is super impressive for being a naturally aspirated engine they really make good power but it’s manageable and a ton of fun. They remind of of Vtec hitting in a Honda lol
I remember asking you if you ever were going to review a 911 back in 2014 (not as an owner btw) and I was so happy I got a response. And now here we are xD
When I drove my turbo for the first time I didn't have the seat set properly and when I floored it getting on the highway I literally flew back and lost grip of the wheel. Its got some serious g-force.
Back in November i believe i heard TDIB say something to the effect of " i should build a foxbody Coyote swapped mustang drag build". Still waiting for your " i bought a foxbody" video. ⌚⌛⏰📺⌚⏰⌛
I have owned every 911 since I was 18 (52 yrs ago) until I bought this 03 X50996 TT. I have driven it everyday since because after letting it breathe with larger headers and free flow exhaust and intake. Nothing newer could touch it so I continue to drive it everyday still today.
I don't know how you think the 996 Turbo is a sleeper. It has massive vents on the sides and huge intercooler vents in the front, with a wing that sprouts over 60mph. A sleeper if you took an Ambien before hitting the highway probably.
This has been my dream since 20 years, unfortunately i recently bought a 2013 Boss 302. Because i love it so much i unlikely will ever have a 996. Unless i do…
I'm not sure how everyone else feels, but the headlight shape is finally growing on me. I would love one as a daily driver, but $60K for a clean one? Is it really worth C7 Z06 money?
2003-05 doesnt have the 2nd gear popout. My biggest complaint with my 2003 is small, the steering wheel doesn't drop down, only telescopes. I also have a twin turbo lambo and understand where the owner is coming from. Happy to have both, completely different experiences.
I was never really into Porsches in the early 2000s the time when Need For Speed Most Wanted came out. I always think they look too fat and funky. But growing up as an adult and going back playing NFS MW now, I seriously love the old Porsches. The 996 is one of those examples ❤️
I just own a 996.2 C2 I actually think it's the best 911 ever made the more time I spend with it. I did do the suspension and lower it. But the car is just amazing. The new cars don't have the same feel to them. And I did the full Aero kit and the lights make it look like an exotic car.
Great vid of a great car. My second porsche. Had an 85 Cab n sold it when the bubble was just getting going. My 996 TT with similar mods are this 1 is an amazing driving experience. Prices are going up but I’ll keep it n prob get buried in it.
Agreed. Porsche manuals are fantastic. You have to drive one to understand. Best in the business. Long live the manual!!! Also wait till those PDKs are 15+ years old…electric nightmare. RIP
Porsche Turbo 996:
*insert catchy quote here*
"Those pesky runny egg headlights" 😂😂😂
“May not be a looker but will take you to gapplebees”
Drew peacock maybe
Bro I always loves Porsche but only own BMWs but is the handling better than an M??..Im really thinking of a Porsche but man I love that M handling
hot take, 996s aren't ugly. The rear 3/4 view is one of the best Porsche has on offer, and if you have the xenon headlamps instead of the should-have-tried-harder version with the yellow turn signal lenses, then there is nothing with the front either. Get rid of the yellow lens and the turbo twist wheels and it is a very good looking car. Now... the interior is another story.
Subaru EZ30R : HOLD MY BEER
When I was a kid I was really sick often and I had a great Doctor and a great relationship with my doctor at the time. And when I saw him on my birthday he owned a Porsche 911 slant nose in bright red and he took me for a drive. It was awesome and I'll never forget it, he even did a little burnout in the parking lot of his medical practice. He was just an all around awesome dude that was a duel citizen here and South Africa. Thanks for your time and the memories you gave me Dr.Michael Halliday.
The best doctors are the ones who truly care about their patients and have a real personal relationship not just professional
👊🏾💪🏾✊🏾😎✊🏾🤟
Glad you fought well and are now older brother
Lol I'm also from SA and thought that a doctor doing a burnout sounded like something a South African would do
That’s cool. my doctor sell hardcore opioids
i L O V E the 996 generation, a seriously under-appreciated platform, and i love the headlights because of the GT1
The older the 996 got the more I somehow like its headlights
@@atragerlspezi9500 it has a cute bubbly like design, I love it
I prefer the 997
It’s crazy how much these have jumped in price even before the Covid tax
@@Michael-tm6vs Meh the 997 looks like every other 911 design besides the 996
Never understood the hate for this car just cause of some headlights
Porsche purists
Porsche snobs
Because porsche changed 1 thing and everyone lost it since it’s been the same damn design since it’s inception…
I like them 😂
It’s also due to the fact it became water cooled instead of air cooled but water is more efficient
The 996 is the model that made me fall in love with Porsche. The headlights are probably the main reason, as they to me seemed more modern and aerodynamic compared to the 993.
996 Turbo, GT3, and GT2 are all dream cars.
As a former owner of a 731 awhp 996 turbo, I could not agree more with this review. You captured everything. And I also grew up in the early 2000s and was into tuner cars, this was a no brainer decision and still the best car I've ever owned in my life. I WILL own another one someday, or maybe buy mine back.
I knew you'd miss it! I won't be selling mine.
@@bernardthefourth worst decision ever! But really, I knew it would be. (Sigh). Glad to hear you still have yours, NEVER SELL!
These cars are so underated and amazing. I have a 997 Turbo and it's my favorite. Owned z06's, gt500's, sti and evos. The 997 turbo Is the best by far
Porsche’s hit differnt overall.
@@mike88g1 completely different companies
@@aaronmcconkey1062 tf u talking about
My friend let me keep his 500hp 996 911 gt2 for a few months and it was an absolute dream. Car is crazy fast and hurt a lot of feelings. War super comfortable, had tons of extremely expensive, tasteful mods like roll cage, cobra bucket seats and 5 point harness, a bunch of techart goodies, 325 wide bbs wheels and meaty toyo r888s. From grocery shopping to giving tons of ride alongs to cruising around Houston and hitting up car meets. My ultimate dream car
Glad people are loving these. Picked one up this past November, headlights are underrated
As a 996 Turbo owner, this video made me really happy to watch. Great video!
I bought a 996 Turbo 6spd 2 months ago and absolutely love it. It has Tune Exhaust and Headers and the sound it makes is amazing. Amazing driving experience.
Hope you put some deep dish rims in the back😎
Yo how has the 996 Turbo treated you so far? I’m strongly considering buying one
my father has sworn by 996 911’s as he could never afford a air cooled and didn’t quite like how refined the 997’s got and i never understood until i drove his 911. they make you feel some type of way and the way they drive is so different and odd feeling but so rewarding and enjoyable
@@caralho5237 exactly. because of that car i now own another car that tries to kill you haha
The 996 Turbo S was one of the cars I would always get after in Most Wanted 2005. The car handled great in the game and was IDIOTICALLY. FAST. Like, STOOPID FAST.
Dude Same
@@justinhedrick2906 yessir. 996 Turbo S.
I've owned 3 996's since 2009, my current one is tuned, and you are spot on. Great review.
I’ve loved every Porsche I’ve driven. They’re simply elegant and wonderful works of art
Doc Browns Delorean sound when it backed out of the van for the first time was a Porsche V8 5.0l with Flowmaster style exhaust. 928 from the early 80s, I believe.
The headlights are beautiful just like the GT1 and they don’t make the 996tt anymore. Manual cars are so much better. The 996tt is so analog and raw which makes it a real drivers car.
Gt1 heights are similar to 996.1, not turbo and 996.2
I was on the fence if I would sell my 996 Turbo S manual. Now, I'm keeping it. Great vid.
I have a base 996 Carerra and sounds so refined with a Billy boat exhaust Porsche forever!
I've been preaching about 996 turbos for years. Glad to see exactly what I would do to one if I ever get one.
The noises from this car are awesome. It sounds so bloody good. Love the completely standard look. Beautiful cars. Great review. Thanks.
The headlights aren't so bad, but the dash design looks like something out of a Ford Ranger. Anyhoo, a good value if you can get past the fashion faux pas.
Late 90’s early 2000’s cars… Smh
It’s not as bad as it looks. It’s built very solid just looks meh. I happen to like the design though.
Toyota helped with interior. That's why interior looks bad.
only only Toyota interiors are some of the worst in the auto industry so that makes sense
@@S58985 i only have a couple interior complaints in my lexus. otherwise it’s better than most other cars in my experience
I think true car enthusiasts love this car. The hate it gets is from people who just don't know.
Porsche 996 Turbo the sexiest beautiful urban Icon ! The Le Mans racing lights take are awesome whilst maintaining the old raw design essences with modern tech to improve the driving experience and tank like build with the famous Mezger engine is a sublime artform ! The designer was a genius and way ahead of many. A great vid...!
Reserved Ridiculous is how I'd best describe the 996. Also that noise is sooo beautiful!
I've had air cooled Porsches and Loved them. However, I LOVE my '99 911 996 gen 1 w/ COLD A/C here in the South. BTW, it is well sorted w/ LN IMS etal w/ engine out service. Only 57K on the clock. 5K w/new components. Love It !!
Love the wheel color choice on this car
Yes!
As a 996 owner i can just agree, its a great underestimated car :)
even though the headlights on this car look kind of weird, i think they just fit super well, it makes the car so soft looking, and that just fits with how it is to drive. porsche has to be one of my favorite brands (if not actual favorite), and it stings a bit to see them go the automatic transmission route.
though still, i think they'll stay in the automotive scene for a good while, their consistency is just really good, and they fill a really nice mid-high level sports car role that other companies struggle to perfect as they do, thats probably why i like the brand so much.
The headlights are awesome Le Mans GT1 racing take, super sleek and sexy !
As a 986S owner, I approve of this review. Loved it
Honestly one of the sickest gen Porsche's. Glad they're under valued I'm going to buy one.
I had a 2001 Turbo.
Loved it!
I wish I still had it.
Absolutely killed it on the video, great job, made me subscribe. Thanks for posting. I also have this car tuned my Markski and I love it.
Mark is the bomb, I've built a few 996 tt using his tunes. Super friendly and years of experience.
One of my dream cars ever since i worked for a independent dealership and my boss had one and let me drive for a few days
I've had a modded one since 2012. Turbos and a built motor. Great drivers car, love mine. I see it sort of like a Supra with better track capabilities. I will note that I felt mine was lacking in stock form. They really need an exhaust, tune, coilovers, and supporting suspension mods to be good.
Of all the many 911 variants, there is something about the front of the 996 turbo that I really like. The bumper and grilles are elegant yet sporting/purposeful. The headlamps are of course, not to everyone’s tastes, but to me, they just signify someone got themselves a good deal on a 911! 😉
My goal in life is to own one of these or maybe a 997 turbo
Same here
Maybe a model with the PDK, because those things are bloody quick
@@tony_5156 if you want to spend the same money upgrading the gearbox then yeah, otherwise manual is the way.
@@Eidrian111 yeah true lol , a gated shifter if it was NA with a nice throttle body (itb maybe?)
Just with such a quick gearbox the shifts would always be consistent and wouldn’t allow for any power lag.
Word
997's are jumping up in price, so I'll probably only ever be able to get a 996
That is my old car! It is so great to see the review of the car
Yeah I agree with you about manual transmissions. I don't care if the dual clutch/auto trans are faster. They're not as fun to me.
I’ve owned my 996 Turbo for 5 years now and absolutely love it! Yes, it is the ugly duckling as people claim but at one point so was the 964 and look how that turned out!
996s are the most unique and beautiful Porsches and you need to appreciate them for what they are. Otherwise why Own one!
That’s it. I found my dream car! Thank you 🙏🏻
A lot of Porsche people don’t like the 996 because of the headlights. But it’s my favorite 911.
Funny to think that maybe 5 years ago you could get 996TTs for under 30,000 they've been steadily increasing ever since. But honestly to anyone who hasn't driven a 911 it's worth trying cause they're really as good as they say
those cars are undescribably perfect, difficult to say it theyre just that good.
Just recently serviced one of those. It was a bone stock but those things are so fast!!! Those are the best models in my opinion. Everlasting style
This car is a bargain even though prices are going up. Always had a soft spot for the 996 due to playing NFS HP2 back in the day.
Bought my 996 turbo this year.. it is wonderful
I don't have a 996, but I do love my 997. The best thing about the 997 is, it's the last 911 with hydraulic steering.
I'm starting to think you're sniping my internet history because this is the third time I started looking at a car and then you come out with a video about it the next few days.
I'm really hoping I can find a 996 before it gets the tax
I think what you were trying to describe with this car is the perception of speed it gives you.
I drive a stage 2 focus st (slow) and last summer I was invited to drive a friend’s 2017 911 carrera S. The car was quick, pulled hard, shifted unbelievably fast BUT it was so well refined that it was almost entirely effortless and muted in its speed. Yeah we were going fast but it didn’t FEEL fast or rowdy.
When I got back in my focus st and did a pull I literally found myself feeling just as excited driving the angry egg focus as I was in the 911.
I had to think about that and I think the newer 911s are just TOO good for someone like me who loves to slam gears and actually drive the car instead of just putting my foot down and letting the car do all the work.
Perception is absolutely everything.
If you are going to go for bigger power and track performance though then that refinement really helps. You don't get so exhausted while pushing hard for long periods of time
@@sutherlacd27 of course! they don't build them to survive 24hrs of le mans for no reason.
All 911 is the meaning of a driver's sports car!
The family tree of 911 is so awesome.
Each one has earned its own special respect.
And sure each will continue to earn its own generation of respect.
They are their own special family that are loved from many people all over this world.
EARNED!
I never understood all the hype around the 911’s until I drove a naturally aspired 997. The 3.6 is super impressive for being a naturally aspirated engine they really make good power but it’s manageable and a ton of fun. They remind of of Vtec hitting in a Honda lol
I remember asking you if you ever were going to review a 911 back in 2014 (not as an owner btw) and I was so happy I got a response. And now here we are xD
I have one modified by Champion... and everything he said is true.... I look for reasons to drive that Porsche.
I’m glad the 996 is starting to get some love
"It's like all your childhood tuner dreams, but grown up" - this is exactly how I describe mine to people
I love the flat 6's unique sound 😙👌
The car creates emotion, all the sounds it makes and feedback it gives you.
Great review man! This is a dope car and it’s a long long time friend of mines 🤘🏻killing the game my man 👊🏻
Driving a 996.2 GT3 Clubsport for a year now. What a joy 👌🙌😎
When I drove my turbo for the first time I didn't have the seat set properly and when I floored it getting on the highway I literally flew back and lost grip of the wheel. Its got some serious g-force.
Sick car… very well done review David, very descriptive very in-depth.
Back in November i believe i heard TDIB say something to the effect of " i should build a foxbody Coyote swapped mustang drag build". Still waiting for your " i bought a foxbody" video. ⌚⌛⏰📺⌚⏰⌛
Or sn95 coyote swap would be cool
Love this car and more so the review, makes me want to own one
God damn it these prices are going to start skyrocketing on these cars lol
too late
Yeah should have picked one up 8 years ago when they were cheap and thought as the ugly red headed stepchild of the 911 family
Still 125k minimum in my country lmao never went down
I have owned every 911 since I was 18 (52 yrs ago) until I bought this 03 X50996 TT. I have driven it everyday since because after letting it breathe with larger headers and free flow exhaust and intake. Nothing newer could touch it so I continue to drive it everyday still today.
Dream car since day 1 perfect Porsche imo manual 700whp perfection
i like the jazz over the ear rape dubstep tbh
quality change i can get behind
Oh man i remember this from nfs prostreet and nfs in general. Love porches! they look cute but can go AAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Is it me you’re referencing?
Prostreet had the 997 Turbo with the 997 GT2.
What you're thinking of is Porsche Unleashed & Most Wanted had the final year 996 GT2.
Based 996er
Well it put a smile on your face consistently...
I don't know how you think the 996 Turbo is a sleeper. It has massive vents on the sides and huge intercooler vents in the front, with a wing that sprouts over 60mph.
A sleeper if you took an Ambien before hitting the highway probably.
my all time favorite Porsche the 996 platform
Hi David. Nice vid. Liked before watching because I knew it was going to be good
Great vid. I have a 996 Turbo S Ti x pipe Cobb stage 2. 550hp. Cheers boys. Oh manual of course.
The 996 has always been my favorite 911. It’s the only generation that took a risk.
This has been my dream since 20 years, unfortunately i recently bought a 2013 Boss 302. Because i love it so much i unlikely will ever have a 996. Unless i do…
I'm not sure how everyone else feels, but the headlight shape is finally growing on me. I would love one as a daily driver, but $60K for a clean one? Is it really worth C7 Z06 money?
This is my car, I paid 52k , hard to beat it for the money and it would walk a z06
My cousin has a 996 RUF R Turbo 550. That thing is freakin scary at 550 whp. 700 whp sounds like an absolute monster.
I feel like they look pretty good 🤷🏼♂️
2003-05 doesnt have the 2nd gear popout. My biggest complaint with my 2003 is small, the steering wheel doesn't drop down, only telescopes.
I also have a twin turbo lambo and understand where the owner is coming from. Happy to have both, completely different experiences.
David never gets to drive the cars turned up all the way 🥺
Oddly enough the 996 has probably the nicest ass of any generation Porsche they ever made and the most hated face.
I've always loved the looks of these...
The 996 Turbo has to be one of the best performance bargains on the used market right now
It could become the next classic
Quickly becoming the best Porsche to buy for regular non super rich people who actually want to use them all the time.
They're expensive AF to fix still but mostly true.
BEST super car value on the planet! 959 capability for the price of a mid range suburban!
The 996 Turbo is insane a must have raw and racing sexy !
Hellcat must sleep a lot cuz it has a lot of bad dreams
This car cat-less with a tune is an amazing car by itself. Way more torque than I ever expected.
Serious sleeper (if a Porsche can ever be a sleeper)
I was never really into Porsches in the early 2000s the time when Need For Speed Most Wanted came out. I always think they look too fat and funky. But growing up as an adult and going back playing NFS MW now, I seriously love the old Porsches. The 996 is one of those examples ❤️
Dj Markski in the mix 😂
If you know, you know lol
My favorite 911 no joke
I just own a 996.2 C2 I actually think it's the best 911 ever made the more time I spend with it. I did do the suspension and lower it. But the car is just amazing. The new cars don't have the same feel to them. And I did the full Aero kit and the lights make it look like an exotic car.
Always wanted to daily a Porsche.
The 996tt feels so good because it’s so refined! 9 9 6 R E V I V A L 🙂
964 is my fave body shape but the 996 is the 1st and only porsche ive driven, so it holds a special place 👍
Great vid of a great car. My second porsche. Had an 85 Cab n sold it when the bubble was just getting going. My 996 TT with similar mods are this 1 is an amazing driving experience. Prices are going up but I’ll keep it n prob get buried in it.
Agreed. Porsche manuals are fantastic. You have to drive one to understand. Best in the business. Long live the manual!!!
Also wait till those PDKs are 15+ years old…electric nightmare. RIP
The manual 997 turbo is the only Porsche I would consider buying, factory wide body & circle headlights 👌🏼