Faults:

142000 km - Tie rod $200 (M+L).

148800 km - Battery $190 (M).

149000 km - IMS, oil pan seals, torque converter seal, driveshaft seal, transmission mount, air oil separator, ignition coil, spark plugs (6) and tubes, heater valve $5,780 (M+L).

150100 km - A/C condenser, cabin air filter $660 (M+L).

IMS replacement was done as a precaution only; was not necessary.

General Comments:

I had no previous experience with this type of car. Prior to the purchase it was inspected by the independent Porsche mechanic. I would rather spend $200 and walk away than save it and learn after spending a few, or more grand what needs to be done including costs. The vehicle was not abused or damaged, but rather neglected by the previous user. Within the first few months from the purchase, all needed repairs were done. After all, it was an almost 20 year old car. The vehicle was stored during the winter thus no rust on the body. Spring to the late Fall it is my daily driver.

Observations:

Interior of the car is rather spartan. No glove compartment or cup holders!

Dashboard has all the gauges you need.

Double analog and digital speed display is a great feature.

Visibility is excellent.

Engine sounds great, especially over 4000 RPM.

Putting the top down is quick (just press the button) and also drops the windows down.

The car sits low; getting in and out requires some initial learning/effort. You can get used to it.

When inside, the seats are comfortable and hold your body snug.

I found driving longer distances (>400km) could be tiring a bit. It is a small sports car not a sedan.

On the highway, the car "delivers" when pressed.

Fuel mileage (Premium gas): 100 km/h with cruise control is 8.5 L/100km, regular traffic 120 km/h is 10L/100km, city around 11L/100km.

Option of gear selection (stick or buttons on the steering wheel) is great.

I still can’t get used to brakes. Sometimes, I think that car does not have power brakes. Same thing goes with the steering. Perhaps it is the nature of the beast.

Other than that, I am very happy with this car.

Faults:

Nothing as of yet. The bonnet latch was stuck one morning, but that was fixed with a little oil. No problems since.

General Comments:

Great handling car without all the quirks of the 993 series. I have driven the 993 series and understand the nostalgia of the sound and feel. But unfortunatly, as charming as that old technology is, the 996 engine and suspension put it to shame when it comes time to take a turn at 60mph or you turn to hard on wet pavement.

My favorite points of the car:

1) The interior. I have the fully optioned leather interior and it is very nice. Without 3 to 6K interior option it will look cheap, so make sure you find one with it. Seats are comfortable and the quaility is high (again, full leather option only).

2) Handling. I am not the greatest driver and have gone beyond my limits with the car. The PSM saved me from going into a ditch when I slid the back end on a wet surface. It sticks to the road without giving a bone rattling ride for every day driving. The 993 had a stiffer ride, but it is all for naught since it gets eaten on the turns.

3)Sound. I'm not trying to draw the attention of every cop when taking off at a stop light, so I appreciate the more subtle sound of the exhaust. After 4K (RPM) it is quite gorgeous. I know the purists will hate me for this comment. But I always thought the air cooled sound made it sound like a modded VW bug. I prefer smooth and throaty; or the banshee sound of my Ferrari.

Dislikes:

Options: My car has nearly 30K dollars of options on it. I find that amount of money absurd for an already expensive base. The fully optioned leather interior should be standard. But, without the options the car would not be worth owning.

Stereo: I have the Nav System and the stereo is average. For a $98K car you would expect much better.

Nav System: Kind of cool to make it speak German. But the detail of roads in Northern Ohio is not so great. I'd expect more from a $4K option.