Porsche 996 Buying Guide: Every Submodel Ranked

Rankings

1. 1
   996 CarreraAvg $28,109 12-mo -0.1%

   n=704 sold

   The entry point to 996 ownership at under $25K — a genuine 911 experience for Boxster money

   The sweet spot is a 2002-2004 (996.2) manual Carrera with IMS upgrade already completed. Expect $22K-$35K. Check for bore scoring on high-mileage examples.

   Sep 14, '261999 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet$46k

   Sep 12, '262000 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet$25k

   Sep 12, '261999 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet$19k
2. 2
   996 Carrera 4SAvg $39,698 12-mo +9.8%

   n=198 sold

   The wide-body Carrera with AWD grip, arguably the best-looking 996 variant

   Sep 14, '262003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Tiptronic$30k

   Sep 8, '262003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S$50k

   Sep 7, '262004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet$45k
3. 3
   996 TurboAvg $75,460 12-mo +24.7%

   n=318 sold

   Mezger-powered, no IMS risk, and devastatingly fast — the 996's best-kept secret

   Both 996.1 and 996.2 Turbos use the Mezger engine — buy either with confidence. Manual Turbos are the collector pick and command $55K-$80K vs $40K-$55K for Tiptronic. The X50 power kit (450hp) adds $5K-$10K to values.

   Sep 11, '262002 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 6-Speed$84k

   Sep 10, '262005 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet$134k

   Sep 8, '262003 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe$70k
4. 4
   996 GT3Avg $111,198 12-mo +48.5%

   n=69 sold

   Track-focused Mezger power in a lightweight package, one of the best driver's 911s ever made

   All Mezger, all manual, no IMS worry. The 996 GT3 is the most undervalued GT3 generation at $70K-$100K. The 996.2 GT3 (2004) has 381hp vs the 996.1's 360hp.

   Sep 9, '262004 Porsche 911 GT3$134k

   Aug 31, '262004 Porsche 911 GT3$85k

   Aug 27, '262005 Porsche 911 (996) GT3 Clubsport$131k
5. 5
   996 Carrera 4Avg $29,633 12-mo -14.2%

   n=125 sold

   All-wheel-drive confidence in the narrow body, a great year-round daily driver

   Sep 14, '262003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet$37k

   Sep 12, '262001 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet$38k

   Sep 11, '262003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet$22k
6. 6
   996 GT2Avg $198,725 12-mo +31.9%

   n=29 sold

   The turbocharged rear-drive monster — brutal power, no traction control, not for the faint of heart

   Aug 27, '262003 Porsche 911 GT2$263k

   Aug 8, '262003 Porsche 911 Type 996 GT2 Coupé$198k

   Aug 5, '262002 Porsche 911 GT2$267k
7. 7
   996 TargaAvg $29,501 12-mo +29.3%

   n=27 sold

   The glass-roof 996, offering open-air motoring without the compromises of a full convertible

   Sep 4, '262004 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa$38k

   Jun 30, '262002 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa$33k

   Jun 22, '262003 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa 6-Speed$34k
8. 8
   996 GT3 RSAvg $239,732

   n=8 sold

   The rarest and most focused 996, a genuine homologation special and emerging collector car

   Aug 31, '262004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS$231k

   Jun 27, '262001 Porsche 996 GT3 RS Race Car$61k

   Jun 17, '262004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS$194k

Comparison

How to Choose

• The IMS bearing is the elephant in the room. Budget $2K-$3K for a preventive upgrade on any Carrera model — the peace of mind is worth it.
• 996 Turbo and GT3 models use the Mezger engine (no IMS bearing) and are the safest mechanical buys in the lineup.
• The 996.2 (2002-2004) brought the 3.6L engine and updated styling — but its single-row IMS bearing actually reports HIGHER failure rates than the 996.1's early dual-row design. Buy it for the better car, not the bearing.
• Manual cars command significant premiums over Tiptronic — roughly 25-60% depending on submodel in our data. The Tiptronic in the 996 is competent but unremarkable.
• The interior quality is the weakest point of any 996. Budget for a steering wheel and shift knob upgrade if it bothers you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 996 IMS bearing really that bad?

The failure rate is estimated at 1-5% depending on who you ask. It's not a guaranteed failure, but the consequences (engine destruction) are severe enough that preventive replacement ($2K-$3K) is strongly recommended. The 996 Turbo and GT3 use a different engine (Mezger) with no IMS concern.

Why is the Porsche 996 so cheap?

Two reasons: the IMS bearing concern scares buyers, and the 996's headlight design (nicknamed 'fried eggs') was controversial when new. Both factors have depressed prices below comparable 997s and 993s, creating genuine value for informed buyers.

What's the difference between 996.1 and 996.2?

The 996.2 (2002-2004) brought the single-row IMS design, updated headlights with clear turn signals, a slightly revised interior, and a Turbo power bump. Early 996.1 cars (through 1999, with 2000-2001 transitional) carry the more durable dual-row IMS and 'fried egg' headlights.

Should I buy a 996 or a 997?

The 996 is 40-50% cheaper than a comparable 997. If you're comfortable with the IMS risk (or plan the preventive fix), the 996 offers extraordinary value. The 997 has a better interior and no IMS concern on 997.2 models.