MadCow

I was told by my dealer Manhattan Motor Cars, that they don't have OEM rubber mats for the 996. Did I get the wrong info?

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I would say you got the right information. I've never seen rubber mats listed as an OEM option either at a dealer or on the PCNA website.

MadCow,

We have a 40th and love it.  The only issue I had with the car was the suspension.  Its harsh and its detached.  Tried messing with tire pressures which helped quite a bit but we finally ended up replacing it with X74 and the car now qualifies as a Porsche.  If ride height is a concern, ROW MO30 is also nice.

If you enjoy driving, I think swapping out the suspension is a must.  With X74, there's actually less harshness.  Tire pressures are 35F/40R.

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Well, I've had the car for about 2 weeks now and couldn't be happier. The extra power when you put your foot in it is exhilarating, brakes are great (duh, it's a Porsche :D ), the interior is very comfortable and gives me (6'4") lots of leg room, stereo is 1st rate, and the nav system is intuitive, accurate, and flexible. I wasn't really taken with the polished wheels when I first saw them but they perfectly compliment the GT silver paint and wouldn't trade them for a more traditional satin finish. I really think Porsche nailed the design, performance package and creature comforts for this car!

You may be right about the suspension - I think I'll give it some more time behind the wheel and then decide on whether to replace it with X74.

Cheers!

Found the video - finally.......on the Porsche UK website........

http://www3.uk.porsche.com/english/gbr/911...rs/on-track.htm

Nice link! Thanks.

Many on this forum swear by the 3M film application - almost all stipulate it is only as good as the installer's skills - so make sure you seek out an installer who has done a number of 996's - with satisfied customer references..........

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Thanks geza. The Porsche dealer is doing the install and I have a lot of confidence in their ability!

Well, the car arrived at the dealer and I spent some time driving and looking at it on Saturday.

This car pulls hard and rides beautifully. On sloping curves I was able to retain a nice fluid line at speed. Although it 'felt' heavier than my Boxster, I was very impressed with the acceleration and handling.

With the sunroof open and at city street speed, I did get a noticeable reverberation inside the cabin which disappeared if a side window was cracked open.

At highway speed I was amazed at the amount of torque from the 6th gear. Braking was good but didn't feel they performed as well as the Boxster, again probably due more to the respective weight difference.

The interior and exterior were in excellent condition with a little bit of tarnish at the exhaust which the dealer will clean up. To seal the deal they are giving me a an additional 2 years/50000 mi Porsche warranty.

I'm sold and will be be picking it up on Friday - Yippeee!

I am considering adding 3M StoneGuard (transparent urethane film) to the front. I didn't have this on my Boxster. Are there any opinions on whether this is worth putting on?

Very cool - thanks!

Excellent navigation system. I am a longtime Garmin user in my other vehicle and the Porsche system is better. Very easy to use, program en route, and accurate. The 08/2005 nav maps will be or have just been released so you will be able to have the most up-to-date information available. 

The wheels are purely a question of taste. They are easy to maintain and they go well with the paint. I use Mothers after I wash the car and then wax the rims as with any other Porsche wheel. Simple really.

The loss of the rear trunk is an interesting point in comparing your Boxster. Putting golf clubs in the rear seat is less obvious than the ease of the Boxster.

I think you would enjoy the car.

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Thanks - All the helpful comments and that picture from geza have really stoked my interest! I'm still waiting for the car to arrive at the dealer but I should get a chance to spend some time with it (her?) by the weekend.

I purchased a 40th Anniversary Edition in April 05 with 7K miles. I traded in my MY2K Boxster S and think it was a great step up. The car is very complete and the power is addictive. It sounds great and has every reasonable option incluing Navigation. I am always big on mods but have been frustrated at how complete this car is and how little opportunity I have had to mess with it. I added the usual spacers and carbon fiber shifter but that was about it. Purely cosmetic really.

The ride is stiff and I would suggest you and any likely frequent passenger get a feel for your comfort zone. The supension and the 18" wheels are somewhat unforgiving. You'll want to take your time on the test drive just for this.

I paid $68K at a non-Porsche dealership and the car had been traded in on a new Viper. Go figure that personality.

Regards

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The 40th anniversary 996 I am interested in has the navigation package as well. I have yet to see a Porsche nav package in operation. How do you like it?

I personally like the 40th for the following:

1.) The color is beautiful in person. Personally, I'd replace the wheels, though. Or trade them for the normal Carrera II wheels.

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I was wondering about the polished wheels as well, although I have yet to see them up close. Does anyone know what "shot blasted" wheels are?

Cheers!

Well, I would take a 996 Turbo or GT2/3 but other than that, they are my favorite 996 by far.  I think the whole asthetic package is really attractive and the extra bit of power is pretty noticable over a regular 996.

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Thanks PTEC - I'll probabably get a chance to drive it on Monday or Tuesday. The dealer is shipping it in from an estate sale not too far from them. They are giving me first right of refusal after they have had a good look at it and finalize an asking price.

The 996 turbo or GT2/3 would be nice - just not in play for me at this time ($$).

Anybody have advice on what to keep my eyes open for on this model year (2004 996 anniversary model)?

I have an opportunity to purchase a pre-owned 04 996 anniversary model with 7000 miles on the odometer, nav system, 6 CD changer, and Bose HiFi. 

I'm currently driving an 03 Boxster.  Any comments on what to look for or specfic questions to ask the Porsche dealer?

Thanks for the input!

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My opinion is biased, since my wife and I bought a 40th Anniversary 911 last year - we also happend to both turn 40, so there was an extra incentive. It has the special leather interior, X51 Power Kit, slightly lower suspension, unique wheels, limited slip differential, PSM, Turbo front, third radiator and a host of other options that made the car attractive to us.........the fact that only 1963 of them were made world wide may or may not mean something to you......but if you plan on keeping the car, and in excellent condition, you may have an asset someone will share your passion for if and when you decide to trade up or whatever in the future. They do stand out from the regular 996 cars - maybe that is a desirable characteristic. Drive it and see for yourself - and try a used Turbo as well to be objective about your final assessment.

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Thanks geza. I'm really not that interested in the perceived exclusivity of being 1 in 1963 but I liked the whole package and the paint. I choose my cars because I like to drive and enjoy them. Comparing to a TT might not be a fair comparison but I wonder how it might be relative to a base Carerra or an S? As a pre-owned vehicle it's listed $C 37k cheaper than as a new car and seemed like a good deal for me.

Will probably give a test drive next week and let you know what I think.

Thanks again for the input!

I have an opportunity to purchase a pre-owned 04 996 anniversary model with 7000 miles on the odometer, nav system, 6 CD changer, and Bose HiFi.

I'm currently driving an 03 Boxster. Any comments on what to look for or specfic questions to ask the Porsche dealer?

Thanks for the input!