Models · Porsche
Porsche 911 Carrera 996 buying guide
The first water-cooled 911, built from 1997 to 2005, with a 3.4 flat six until 2001 and a 3.6 from 2002, when the facelift brought new headlights. It came as the Carrera and Carrera 4, the wide-bodied Carrera 4S, a Targa with a sliding glass roof, and a cabriolet.
The versions
- Carrera and Carrera 4 (1998 to 2001): 3.4 flat six (M96), 300PS
- Carrera, Carrera 4 and Targa (2002 to 2005): 3.6 flat six (M96/03), 320PS
- Carrera 4S (2002 to 2005): 3.6, 320PS, with the Turbo's wide body and brakes
- Coupé, cabriolet and Targa bodies; four-wheel drive on Carrera 4 and 4S
- 6-speed manual, or 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic
What to check on a 996 Carrera
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The IMS bearing
What to look for: Ask for the engine number before you travel, and look for paperwork showing whether the intermediate shaft bearing has been upgraded, and when.
Why it matters: The original bearing is the best known 996 weakness. On the 3.4, engines up to number 661 14164 have the stronger double-row bearing and later ones the single-row type; 3.6 engines all have the single-row type. Many cars have had an upgraded bearing fitted, usually with the clutch, and paperwork showing it is a plus.
Tailpipe soot and a cold-start tick
What to look for: Before starting, wipe inside each tailpipe with a white cloth: both should be a similar dry grey. Then start from cold and listen at the back. A light tick that clears within a minute or two is normal. A knock that carries on, or one tailpipe noticeably blacker and oilier, is the thing to note.
Why it matters: These are signs of cylinder bore scoring, which affects a minority of engines and is reported mostly on the 3.6, often on cylinder 6. A borescope inspection by a specialist settles it.
The air oil separator
What to look for: Watch for a cloud of smoke on start-up, a hunting or uneven idle, and an oil filler cap that's hard to pull off because of suction.
Why it matters: A failed air oil separator lets the engine draw oil into the intake. It's a common 996 replacement and not a serious one if caught, but it can mimic other faults, so it's worth ruling in or out.
Also in the full guide
- Coolant expansion tank
- Front radiators and condensers
- Oil where the engine meets the gearbox
- Carrera 4 front drive on tight turns
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 996 Carrera
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Porsche.