Models · Porsche
Porsche 911 GT2 996 buying guide
The 996 GT2 pairs the twin-turbo 3.6 Mezger flat six with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual, without the Turbo's four-wheel drive or stability control. It's a specialist's car, and a full specialist history is the thing to look for.
The versions
- 3.6 twin-turbo flat six (Mezger), a tuned version of the 996 Turbo engine, 462PS, later raised to 483PS
- Six-speed manual only, rear-wheel drive, no stability control
- 0 to 60mph in about 4.0 seconds, top speed close to 196mph
- Carbon ceramic brakes
What to check on a 996 GT2
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Coolant pipe fittings
What to look for: Ask whether the engine's coolant pipe fittings have been pinned or welded, and look for the invoice. Check the coolant level and look under the back of the car for coolant residue.
Why it matters: On the water-cooled Mezger engine, the tubes that carry the coolant hoses were glued into the coolant housings. Heat cycling softens the glue over time and a tube can let go, losing coolant quickly. Securing them needs the engine out, so paperwork showing it's done is a real plus.
Front radiators and condensers
What to look for: Shine a torch through the openings in the front bumper. Look for packed leaves, stone damage and corroded fins on the radiators and air conditioning condensers. Check the air conditioning blows cold.
Why it matters: Debris coming through the front air intakes chips and corrodes the radiators and condensers on 996s. Damaged units need replacing to avoid overheating or losing the air conditioning.
Carbon ceramic brakes, if fitted
What to look for: Look at each disc face and edge with a torch for chips, cracks or a heavily pitted surface. Ask about track use and when the discs were last assessed by a specialist.
Why it matters: Carbon ceramic discs last well on the road but wear faster with hard track use, and replacement is a major expense. Check they aren't near the end of their life before agreeing a price.
Also in the full guide
- The nose and underside
- Modifications and who has serviced it
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 996 GT2
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.
Other generations
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.