Buying my First Porsche 911? 996 C4S Full Review & First Ever Drive (Dream Come True!)
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- Опубликовано: 6 янв 2025
- I spent the morning at eporsch quite literally drooling over their stock. I took out the 911 996 C4S for a test drive and wow has this made me want one even more! The hunt is now on to find my dream car...
Where I went: www.eporsch.co...
John's email: sales@eporsch.co.uk
Follow my Instagram: @lucyoncars and @lucydagostino_
Contact me: hello@lucyoncars.com
Bought an L322 (40K miles) in the summer - epic. Continues to blow me away. Great family wagon. Just bought my first 996 C2 as well yesterday. Drives just like you'd hope and I think suspension is setup well for UK roads.
Welcome to the Porsche club. I currently own a few 911s, but the 996 was my first one many years ago and still have it til this day. Great car and still love it.
Do you have a 964? I love it, what do you think of it?
A few months ago I aquired a 996 Carrera 2 and interesting thing is I experienced exactly the same driving impressions, or better to say, driving pleasure you both celebrate here in this wonderful little video… what a great sportscar such a 996 is. Enjoy every mile ❤
Porsche 928.. always loved them.. I’m a mechanic and in the 80’s I used to work for a independent Porsche garage and always loved the 928 shape
as you know 80s is best time for Porsche quality...hand built. I owned my first 944 in 1988....were more special and exclusive back then
I bought into water cooled 80’s P cars back in the day, arguably better than equivalent 911’s as that’s where the development went. 928’s were super cars when sorted, and 944 Turbos were great performers as well.
I’m my gosh!!! I just picked up my first Porsche too! A 37k mi 6sp 996tt!!!!!! Seal grey with black interior, with the turbo twists still :) Blew my coolant line within a few days and just got it back after having all the lines pinned… YAY! I get so much attention as a girl driving it, I’m sure you do too. eeeeeeek. Congrats girlfriend
It really does feel special. I just picked up a 996 4s 1 month ago as my first ever weekend car. I was mainly between this or a F80 M2 Comp. Very glad I chose the c4s. It may not be as fast or rowdy as the M2, but it's got a certain composure and character that just cannot be beaten! I absolutely love mine and I think you'll love yours too if you jump on it.
My favourite in that showroom, apart from that C4S, is the white 928… love that! Have looked into the C4S before, they are great. I used to really dislike the 996… particularly those ‘fried egg’ headlights but in the last few years for some reason I’ve grown to love the 996 and it’s headlights… particularly the C4S and turbo with their wide body. Big fan now. Off to ‘Simply Porsche’ event at Beaulieu Motor Museum this Sunday so hoping to spot a few C4S’s there. Top vid!
This guy comes across very well, no lying on the common issues. Would happily buy my next car there.
I wouldn’t trust a guy like this clearly only sells cars would love to see how much he knows about them mechanically or tear one of the engines apart. I’m sure if I went there to buy one I would humble him as he only knows about the car once I check it and find things he don’t even know about I’m sure he would look a tool
@@RossWhite-u5s they’re quite popular as a place to service Porsches. I wanted to bring mine there but it was too far. The cars he sells are all pretty straightforward mechanically, all of the common issues are well covered online at this point! If you’re tearing apart one of these engines you’ve made a big mistake somewhere..
Lucy, George - so happy for you both!
Enjoy the search & share when you do find the one
I've owned my C4S manual for over 4 years now. I love it. It's not a daily as it's a 3rd car but when I do drive it, I love every minute. Bore scoring isn't super common, but it can happen even on low mileage cars. My car was a Garage queen with just over 50k miles and I ended up doing a complete engine rebuild.
I've always like the "Runny Egg" headlight of the 996. At worst it was distinctive. Honestly, the C4S would be really tempting because it was the perfect middle-ground 911; fast and looked awesome with the Turbo-bodykit but not so fast my license would be at extreme risk. The 997 with black paint on red trim does look fabulous, but money-no-object, the 996 GT3 would probably get my pick.
Always have a soft spot for the 996 4s.Great car! If you find it uncomfortable to drive on long distances, get a pair of 997 seats fitted. They are a world of difference.
I had a new 997 S but had to have a 996 instead because they are so raw yet with the best of the old and new in one. 996s have great character and look stunning.
I have been seeing more Porsche 911 996 vids lately on RUclips. From the first Porsche 911 996 turbo video I saw last year, I have been wanting one of these. The 996 C4S you test drove was a beautiful car and I hope you get it. You looked great in the automobile and the engine sounded amazing. My interest level in the car has gone up quite substantially from this video, you talk about the car and show it off. I loved it the one you might get and hope you do. I want one alot more now myself.
Ideally unless you are an expert, get a pre purchase inspection done by an independent Porsche specialist (for £350) when buying any 911. The 996 4S is one of the better/more reliable 996 variants but IMS are still a remote possibility (4-8% chance of failure) and (more remotely, say 2-4%) potential for bore scoring. Scoring is more only an issue on the 997.1 and 987.1.
Common weak spots of the 996 today are bump stops/top mounts, corroded front radiators and crossover pipes, corroded brake lines, corroded rear exhaust mounts/bolts.
The 4S is the most desirable Carrera model(only behind the GT and turbo cars in desirability) due to its wide body, better looks and s better IMS over earlier cars, so expect to pay mid £20s for a clean car. I would avoid garage queens and buy a car that has been regularly driven and regularly serviced (ideally with annual oil changes). These cars will be cheaper to buy and more reliable than under used and under serviced garage queens.
The 997.2 (3.8 Carrera S) offers the current sweet spot in the entire 911 range, but only if it’s significantly cheaper than the 991.1 (Carrera S). Some sellers try and price them the 997.2 the same as the 991 but the 991.1 is a much more developed and sorted car, especially for daily driving or longer journeys.
I would love a 928 but they have a lot more age related issues today, in particular electrical and general wear. So only buy one that is sorted, or if you are handy with the spanner’s.
Good luck!
Thanks for your comment, appreciate it!
Paying for inspections is way of making some one rich every car will have age problems and you will end up pay for inspection after inspection and the money would have went a long way on restoring
@@dannsmcshane1233having done so myself, even as a mechanically experienced individual, I would always get a PPI done. Anyone who has owned one will tell you that buying a 911 is an option expensive endeavour and is significantly more expensive than other premium marquee that I have and own (predominantly BMW and Audi). £350 is a fraction of the cost of buying a bad one. You will not be able to fix one on Audi/BMW money, that’s for sure.
A good inspection will not only tell the buyer what is wrong now, but also what is likely to go wrong in the next 6-12 months and possibly within 2 years, as well as the likely cost. Even with a good car, budget £1-2k per year for servicing and small repairs. A bad (but not terminal 996 or 997.1 aka without IMS or scoring issue) can easily suck up £3-7k on suspension and age related work. They will also do a OBD and Rev scan which will give the buyer a good idea of hidden issues and how it has been driven (and/or tracked). This is a specially relevant for a manual.
Don’t bother with the Porsche OPC 108 point inspection. They are very basic and cost almost as much as a fully inspection by an independent Porsche specialist.
@@LucyOnCarsyou are very welcome. If you are looking to get a 911 then a 996 4S would be my recommendation with a sub £25k budget. If you could stretch to £30-35k I would definitely recommend a 996 turbo and so avoid the IMS and scoring issues of the carerra 996s. As they have the metzger engines they are also a much better financial investment so you WILL get that money back and then some when you eventually sell.
If £25k is your hard maximum, I would recommend a 981 cayman/boxster (ideally an S if the budget allows).if your budget is £20k, go for a 987.2 Boxster/Cayman. They have the same dfi engines as the 981 but in the older chassis of the 986/987.
An alternative to the 996 turbo (but still a solid investment) would be a 997.2 S (the 3.8) which will still appreciate in value although maybe not as much as a 996 turbo.
The transaxle cars (928/968/944/924) are great cars but I wouldn’t recommend one unless your budget is tight and you are happy to accept the higher maintenance costs (or are handy with a set of spanners!).
Good luck!
it has a warranty
L322+996 is the perfect combination. The 996 is a wonderfully analogue sports car. Uncomplicated, great chassis, great engine, doesn't scream "look at me", but if you know, you know.
Seal grey is the best colour too (same as mine!)
Not entirely sure what a psychologist would say about your obsession with the gear stick Lucy, but let's gloss over that.
Sorry, grey is just dull.
@@EvoraGT430What colour is yours?
Not sure what her proctologist would think either 😅 good.comnination of cars love the 996 and enjoying the channel!
996 Awesome Car!!
It’s nice how she has a genuine appreciation for this. I have the ‘04 C4S black on black. I absolutely love it, too…
Great video, I have just bought a Porsche 996, they are amazing cars and you will not be disappointed
Great dealer, seems honest to me. When I am older (OAP) and can afford it I am getting myself a Porsche!
I have a 996 C4S. The only child seat I could get in there was a Britax Romer 2 way elite for my 3 year old. Ring the In Car Safety Centre in Milton Keynes - they seem very used to people ringing them up about child seats for the 911. Also, remove the seat base from the back seat before putting the child seat in.
Very nice choice, my favourite would be the targa, however a very close second to the 928. For some years I owned a 928 gt manual, previously owned by Porsche GB. I wish I'd never sold. I have a 987.2 3.4s cayman purchased on a whim a 987.1 3.2s boxster yesterday !!! Both of which are great budget porsche's
Hi, great vid. Although I do not have a burning desire to own a Porsche 911, I did by my first Porsche 4 years ago, it was the cayman 987, and before even getting to the end of the street, I knew I wanted it. I recently just upgraded to yellow Porsche Boxster 981 and loving it. Personally I feel the Porsche 911 997 is a better option as inside it’s just more upto date and still within your budget if you buy privately or a dealer that’s competitive like eporsche
Anyway good luck on your journey and enjoy it
Great cars the 996. I had a 996 GT3 for many years, a club sport model in Speed Yellow and was by far the best car I've owned. The 996 C4S is my second favourite model in the 996 range after the GT3. I don't get all the hate for the 996 headlights which i think is a load of bollocks.
As a proud member of the Fried Egg Club, welcome. My first was also a 996 4S. The 4's corner like they were on velcro, amazing.
You got good taste, I never liked the 996 before and was always inlove with Caymans but recently I realized how awesome the 996 are. Now the 996 C4s is also my dreamcar along with cayman 987.2.
C4S my fave
Love the wide body rear end
Pilot sport 5 Michelins and Mobil 1 you’ll never go wrong
Go for it
Thankyou Lucy for sharing that ,not in market for Porsche but always admired them do like the 911 if going to buy one and good place to start from the man who knows all about them .
I had this exact car new in 2004.
For me, the orange G series car, just because it's the model type I fell in love with. I have a 996.2 C4S! I couldn't afford anything older!
I'd buy the white 928 hands down. Looks stunning, and always been my dream car 👌
Just found my first Porsche, 2018 Boxster S , Love it only 13500 kms🙂
I've driven older Porsche and newer , they're like a precision mechanical watch.
Absolutely my dream car - stunning car Carrera 4S
Perfect timing as, being almost 50 years further alone life's motorway, I'm thinking of a 996 as my last car. This one seems a really good one and good money. I will be v interested in what you decide.
Having just got rid of my MX5 ( wife couldn't get out easily due to hip probs), I still have my Golf GT mk7, had from new and always thought its a keeper. But life really is too short and Porsche are v special.
Just stumbled on your site and enjoying it.
I use to own a c4s I've now got a turbo s absolutely love my turbo and no bad dreams of ims bearing like on the c4s and the hanz mezgar engine is so sweet and a real everyday supercar but don't get me wrong the 996 c4s is still a nice car but money permits go for either the turbo or gt3
You hit the nail on the head
It’s a car for treating yourself. Every other make just pales into insignificance ❤
Just go for it! 996 is sooo great to drive!
I went from 996 4S to 996 Turbo then 992 Carrera T. I still think about the 996 4S since it's the only one of the three that can be driven at high rpm on the streets, but alas it developed bore scoring.
iv had 3 porsches, still got one now 718s, buy them to drive them, enjoy the time.
I absolutely love that 996 C4S. I have a second generation 996 C4 Cabrio in black which is a wonderful machine (same 3.6L flat 6 engine as this C4S of course). I live in Portugal where a C4S in good condition with 40 to 60,000 miles will go for €65k (£55k) which is bonkers. Deflates me every time I hear the prices in the UK!
The E in Porsche is not silent, and the Name Porsche origiates from the Porsche family wich can be trace back to a Heinrich Porsche mentioned in documents in 1432. The name occured in different familiy trees over the centuries with variations of Porsche, Porschke, Borsche. The Porsche family of Ferdinand Porsche still owns 31,9% of VW wich is the largest (53,3%) shareholder of Porsche, but the Porsche family also owns 25% of Porsche.
For those who are interested in the complicated power shifting between Porsche and VW: (enable subtatitle translation)
ruclips.net/video/vGrv2U_d6k4/видео.html
Congrats. Great car, but I have to admit when I upgraded from the 996 to a 997 S it was a big upgrade.
I love the fact that your hand is only on the shifter when you shift. Good on you!
Morning Lucy, i personally love the boxster and the old 911 is just iconic 😊The 911 range is stunning they all are gorgeous 😊. There are 2 on my road at home a 911 and a cayman. Love the the shape of the 911 similar size to a Audi tt which is another classic sports car. 😊😊😊😊great video 😊😊
I’d have the 996 GT3 - but it may be a little too hardcore if it’s one’s first Porsche.
However, I had a 996 4S and a well sorted one is an excellent choice as a first Porsche to have. Back then, mine was utterly reliable - although quite tail happy if you’re not used to RWD (especially rear engine) cars. The 4S is a very capable weekend or daily car that can just go on for miles. The ICE is crap, but that can be remedied.
A distinctive thing to notice is the ‘Porsche smell’ after a long/spirited drive.
EDIT: oh, and it sounds fantastic whether idling or at full chat.
Loved my 996 C4S. Great fun and stunning to look at too! Requires a lot of care especially if you plan on driving it year round like I did, with a good look over every spring once the worst of the winter weather gone. Get it you won’t regret it! Also had a few L322s and love those too. Get ‘em both 😉
Working with Porsche in Germany and America…. And from someone who speaks German… Porsche is a 2 syllable word… the “e” in German is not silent on the end of words. I trust the Porsche executives in Stuttgart pronounce it correctly 😊
My coworker told me he used to work at a porsche dealer and they would constantly correct him every time he mispronounced Porsche 😂
Nobody really cares mate.
@@darumagenki6271 Everybody except english speakers care.
@@handznetyeah we really don’t care
@@handznet Why would we pronounce it as if we were German, have you ever heard a German say Jaguar with a perfect English accent?
Hi Lucy & George, what a beautiful car, its suits you both. Hope you end up with one. btw there is nothing wrong with buying an "older" car, my Lexus LS430 Is 22yrs old and in amazing condition. All the very best from Nick in Wolsingham.
I have had 3 911's and 1 boxster. The Boxster was the best, by a country mile ,for me.
Ooohhh, the g series car (the whale tail one you pointed out in the corner) is really nice. I’d take that for sure. My dad had one with the late4 gearbox, leather sports seats, decent stereo and a sunroof. Used every day in summer and nice days in winter except if roads were salty. It really sang!
I’d get something a bit newer now to use regularly, I think the 997 was nice.
Great choice of car to test drive, I have a 2003 C4S manual coupe in the same seal grey colour but with a black interior, probably the nicest colour, combination, but I may be biased! I have owned it for over 10 years and keep thinking I should sell it but just can’t do it. It is my reasonably priced dream car.
In Norway they are now average tipping 300.000 NOK (+26-27k EUR). Good examples pass 400.000NOK (+35k EUR)
Enjoy! Out of 8 porsches (three of them 911s) I REALLY enjoy my 996 the most. (they were all fantastic, but the 996 is a really nice blend)
Glad you did your research! Yeah only the IMS, then he admits yeah Bore Scoring can be an issue, pls pls folks heed the warnings and do your homework b4 looking at any used Euro. GT3 is the one for moi, different engine to the 996 C2 etc. The Turbos also had the Metzger.
The 996 GT3 for sure! It’s a modern classic with the legendary metzger engine. I’ve got the Carrera 996 6mt now which is a great car. I’ve driven a 996 GT3 as well. I thought I would be ruined but I actually appreciate the Carrera even more!
Sports seats are a big improvement over the coffin seats fitted.
Great choice, Lucy! Enjoy!
Congrats ! One thing to remember - Porsches are always better than you think. You have some great surprises coming with your 996, just don't be afraid to get it out on the track and push it. Remember you have track/race car that wants to run and not a commuter vehicle.
Also show a little thigh, in the barn is because it rains (mist) in the UK all the time, wettest like Seatle, Wa, algae grows on anything porous
the 928 and the orange one and the convertible.
Nice, go for it guys! The 4S gets my vote!
Try a Boxster/cayman, 987.2 for £15k or 981 for £25k. Really practical, look amazing (981) PDK is great and no show stopping issues.
I'll choose the Targa. Its a very unique car.
Lucy, for sure that is your car! Really ticks all the boxes for a car enthusiasts ownership model. Daily driver, performance, investment, young family run around and if you need to carry a lot of stuff on occasion go and hire something for a day...
It took me about 30 years to finally appreciate Porsche. It’s definitely a car that you mature into :P
I owned a beautiful 2003 silver 996 Carrara. It drove beautifully. But it was the biggest money pit, and I did some work on it myself. I was so happy I sold it. That car was a nightmare.
If you are dead set on getting one. Go for an air cooled 911, they are worth fixing and putting money into. They appreciate in value way more than a 996. If you have the money, the Orange one is my first choice and the 80’s 911 next. 👍🏻👍🏻
This is definitely changing ….. 996 c4s is appreciating
IMS - worthwhile doing; if you don't it probably won't make any difference but if it happens to you, that's a £20k bill. It's a risk but a risk with a big expense.
The 928 every time!
Indeed but only a manual one fond memories met green RSi 776 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇬🇧🇮🇪
Hell no
Sometimes the camera spots things that the naked eye doesn’t, notice a colour shading difference between the drivers door and the front wing
My dad's got a 2001 996 991 Carrera 4 and I hate how cheap it would be for me to insure. Almost half the price as my Leon cupra to insure. 27 and got quoted around £500 for a years insurance. Shame I need something that would be good for long journeys to work.
I’ll go with the 997 Targa and the 996 4S.
Which one would I have? I spotted a 987.2 Cayman in there.
928 love love them
Do the IMS bearing. If it hasn't been done, failure is imminent. Do it well with a modern version and you won't ever need to worry again. These Porsches have been shunned and devalued by this problem but it is an easy and not so expensive fix that will give you one of the best 911 varients that will last a lifetime.
Well done Lucy!
Black cocktail dress and New Balance sneakers?
You were born to be driving a Porsche.
How weird, a 996 911 C4s, I had as a company car back in the day. I now have a 2015 F82 M4 (bought from new) and a 2012 L322 Overfinch (bought last year). I was looking for a L322 Range Rover but once I saw the Overfinch, that was it for me. Happy with both and would not sell either.
Why’s that weird ?
@@ianmitchell9102 First video I've ever watched on this site and the only Porsche I've ever driven, in the same colour and spec. Perhaps I should have said what a coincidence instead.
@@samr2332ok I get you now !!
Maybe it’s a sign
Get one 😂
996 4S is the boss. Great looking 911
As a Porsche restorer of 20+ years / 50 cars, I can confirm in UK people generally just say 'Porsh' rather than 'Porsha'.
In the same way we say 'Parris' rather than 'Parree.'
Of all of the specialists I know and customers I have, not one says 'Porsha.'
Which 996 was the biggest guys? I am 6'2 and I do not know what I would fit in. Still on the lookout.
George is 6'2.5 and he fit absolutely fine in this!
Just found your channel. Lovely video here. Subscribed to keep up with your adventures.
Without a doubt, the white 928 in the corner! That's the one to have.
Re. correct pronunciation of the name Porsche, just keep in mind Shakespeare's Merchant Of Venice character " PORTIA " and you won't go wrong! :-)
Was going to say either that or the orange one.
The taxes in belgium are crazy. 2700euro for getting plates and papers (taxes for first use) and 2400 yearly.
So 5100euro the first time :s
996.2 C4S is a good looking 911, and great value 👍🏼
Buy the 911 C4S. You want one, get one!
Also take the Boxsters (986 and 987)for a test drive and see what you think of the handling compared to the 911.
Regarding your question, I would take a look at the GT3.
im interested in finding out what your insurance cost are.
Love the 996 4S.
❤😂😢😮😅😊😊😊😊😊😊 you smart lady that know a lot about porches. I wish there was more ladies like you know a lot
Good video, hope you had a great day. Just a couple of Porsche owner related issues to consider…. Yes get the IMS done but if the engine is prone to bore score I’d walk. (IE it has the alusil liners in the bores). It’s not a matter of how well it’s been serviced or driven. It will suffer from bore score. It’s not mileage or use. It’s time. The alusil will break down over time and sadly it will occur. They eventually ditched the alusil as ze Germans realised the error. Buy one - but not with the bore score hanging over your head. It will happen!….it is just a matter of when. It was a terrible design with the benefit of hindsight…. Of course they are out there with the issue sorted but it’s a new block or rebore it out to get rid.
Good shout with the normally aspirated…. At higher mileages (over 100k or so) N/A is the way to go…. 4wd is also a nice way to begin your Porsche ownership…..Less chance of entering hedgerows. 😊
The turbo variant of these had the Mezger engine, which is known to be far more reliable.
George. Who happens to drive me around. Lol. Father and partner. Porsche just the best. From a beaten up beater ( US speak ) to a GT3. They're all special.
Best skirt to drive any car
Lucy have you and George folded Forensic Detail RUclips channel. His 996 is getting engine work. He took it to the track about a month ago and the engine blew up. Jon in the UK and is a professional car Detailer. He’s wonderful 👍👀
I've never understood why people come down so hard on the looks of the 996. I think they look fantastic.
You look great in the black dress!! I have to say the “New Balance” shoes are better suited in a Corvette 😂 I had to say it!
I would take home that beautiful 928
Not sure which one to buy, but one aspect I would recommend is, a manual box.
100%!
Lucy…..you could perhaps look at 991’s for your top budget. Just a thought xx Good luck. Xx
Loving your dress code for going to buy a Porsche... side split dress but with trainers! lol
When you go to a main dealer to buy a new car, please wear trainers just to piss off the snobs! 😁
Haha got to do both 😆 I used to drive in heels all day every day when I worked at BMW but those days are past me now 🤣
I have a 996 C4S in this colour. So for what it’s worth my experience. I use mine as a weekender normally for driving between London & Wales and boy does this 911 get a lot of attention. Everyone from Dad’s in their family SUV’s to boy racers in their Audi S3’s wants a piece of the action.. and you know the best thing? You don’t have to give them anything ! Just cruise on and crush their ego’s by being too cool to give them any attention.
On the downside, its not super modern, its crap around town especially over speed bumps, things stop working, my rear wiper, AC, driver side window and fuel gauge all not working at the moment.
Upside the smile you have inside every time you walk towards it.
Floor it in any gear over 3,500 revs and it takes off the engine sounds great and that annoying white van man tail-gating vanishes into your rear views distance like an insignificant wannabe in, well in a van.
Buy one you won’t regret it, but for £15-20k you probably looking at a tiptronic.. £25k for a decent manual.. don’t buy any car that is above 80k miles and hasn’t had an engine rebuild and significant suspension work
What stopped u from buying it?
C4S is a good choice😊 My buddy just got a silver C4 cab with a Metropol interior just like that one. I’d definitely have that 928 of all those cars in there🙃