2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 3.6

Summary:

Always a classic, but it's just been discovered... things do get better with age

Faults:

Voltage regulator.

Window regulator.

Starter motor.

Replaced clutch.

General Comments:

I wrote a review a few years ago about my 993. It was awesome. However as life goes, sometimes you are up and sometimes you can't have a toy any more.

Several years later, back on the up, it was time to get another 911.

So a 993 was out of my budget... gutted.

So a 996 was the choice, and fortunately I landed on a low mileage 4S which has been a thrill every time I get in it. With every option including a switchable sports exhaust, it makes a different sound to the 993, but louder and it really does roar when getting close to the red line. Turbo wide body/suspension and brakes gives it a hard ride, but it just comes alive once you get going, and with technology included and 4 wheel drive, for me it's a far better ride than the 993. I love the look of it, and from behind it really does look the part.

Just come back from a major service today and cost me £500. That really was everything done, and potentially that's it for 2 years, although it will be pampered again in 12 months.

Went to Bruges a couple of months ago, and didn't miss a beat, and I'm off to tour France next month and can't wait.

For me the 996 4S isn't the sweet cute 993, but now with a few years under her belt she has turned into a real beauty, rare, a head turner and user friendly, so no hidden surprises. Going up in value, this will be a classic to hold onto.

I would highly recommend, and the manual is superb if you get the choice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th March, 2016

2003 Porsche 911 GT3 3.6

Summary:

Absolutely amazing

Faults:

The only fault with the car is that it has a small battery to make the car lighter and this battery does not last long without it being charged. Other than that though it is very reliable.

General Comments:

The car is a pure super car, there are no luxury accessories, only air conditioning and a radio. The regular Porsche seats are replaced with Porsche bucket seats and a roll cage is also factory fitted. The car sticks to the road like no one would believe and is just so fast. 0-60 is in 4.3 seconds and the car will do 8000rpm! It is crazy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2004

13th Jun 2007, 09:00

Good write up. Having recently driven a friend's Porsche GT3 (an even quicker 2007, 997 model no less), I can identify with comments about how crazy it is compared to a "base" 911. Sure, there is also the 911 Turbo, but somehow the Turbo does not convey the sheer excitement (sound, handling, agility, sense of speed) that the N/A GT3 does.

The only problem ironically for the GT3 is that perhaps it is a little too quick for road use. A standard 911 will probably be more practical for day to day use. But if you're after a car for the track, then look no further.

30th Nov 2007, 04:06

I've also been lucky enough to drive the latest model, and I can summarise it in one word. Addictive.

The noise in particular should be bottled and sold as an antidote to depression. It's just fabulous.

A very raw car though which may prove tiring for road use. I agree with the comment above - it's really a track tool first and foremost. However, I reckon I could force myself to live with it as a commuter. ;-)