Owning a Porsche is often a dream that feels out of reach. For years, I thought the same—admiring the brand from a distance, believing that one day, maybe, I’d own one. Growing up, my dad was an active Porsche Club of America (PCA) member, and I had the privilege of tagging along to events and rallies. Those experiences planted the seed, giving me a deep appreciation for Porsche’s craftsmanship, legacy, and culture.
When I was ready to start looking seriously, the 996 and 997-generation 911s were my focus. The 997’s more modern design was tempting, but the 996’s character felt more distinct. As the first water-cooled 911, the 996 represents a pivotal moment in Porsche’s history. A simpler, more analog driving experience appealed to me as someone who wanted to connect deeply with the car.
Background
The 996 is a very polarizing design. Some people love it, and some people love to hate it. It marked a departure from the traditional styling of the 993s and 964s, creating a divide among enthusiasts. The 997, while built on the same basic framework, lacks that same groundbreaking distinction. For me, the 996’s polarizing nature and historical significance made it the clear choice. Adding to its appeal, I’ve always preferred the 996’s dash cluster and steering wheel design over the 997’s. The 996’s interior feels cohesive and distinct, adding to its charm.
I was also interested in older models like the 964 and 993-gen 911s. The air-cooled Porsches hold a unique charm, and I definitely see one in my future. However, the practicality, performance, and availability of 996s made them my primary focus for this purchase.
What sealed the deal for me was fate—being in the right place at the right time. I had been searching for months for a fun car to drive, considering everything from a Mercedes G-Wagen to an Audi S6 Avant, but nothing felt right. Then, my friend and car-confidant Jordan sent me the listing for this 996 at a Porsche dealer in Ohio. With its Lapis Blue exterior, manual transmission, and Carrera badge, it was everything I wanted, even if learning to drive stick would be an adventure in itself.
When I called the dealer in Ohio, Shane, the salesperson at Porsche North Olmsted, was both responsive and polite. After our initial phone call, he sent me walk-around videos and photos of the car. Something felt right about this one. The pre-purchase inspection (PPI) revealed some paint chips but otherwise showed that the car was in excellent condition. The dealer even mentioned that it would have qualified for Porsche Certification if not for its age. Seeing the listing on Sunday, July 7th, the car was in my driveway by Thursday, July 18th.
This was a full-circle moment for me. My dad, a major mentor in my car journey, brought home his first Porsche—another 996 Carrera—20 years ago. Having him by my side as I picked up the car felt incredibly special. We flew out to Ohio, and he drove it back with me—an eight-hour journey through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and finally to Connecticut.
The 996 Carrera was, of course, a departure from the air-cooled models that had defined the 911 lineage up until then. It was controversial at launch in 1997, with purists lamenting its departure from tradition. But today, the 996 has earned a reputation as a fantastic driver’s car—less about nostalgia and more about delivering pure, unfiltered performance. What stood out to me most was the 996’s simplicity. A rear-wheel-drive Carrera with a manual transmission is as quintessentially Porsche as it gets. While some of the later 996 models had more power or all-wheel-drive configurations, this one stayed true to the original spirit of the 911.
When I saw the car in person, my nerves were high. I knew there were some nicks on the hood, as the PPI had revealed, and the gray interior wasn’t my first choice. But when the dealer unveiled it, the Lapis Blue paint immediately stole the show. It’s a color that changes with the light—sometimes deep and rich, other times almost electric. And the interior? Flawless. The supple leather had been so well cared for that people often assume the car has 30,000 miles, not over 90,000.
The Drive
Getting behind the wheel, I quickly learned that driving a 996 Carrera is nothing short of transformative. The sound of the flat-six engine behind you is intoxicating. Once you hear it, you can’t get enough. It feels like a milestone in my car ownership trajectory—a gateway to more Porsches in my future. It’s the kind of car that adapts to your mood. On spirited backroads, the flat-six delivers a throaty roar, urging you to push harder. On longer drives, it’s composed and refined, offering the comfort of a grand tourer.
Learning to drive a manual was an experience in itself. I’d dabbled with manuals before but had never fully committed. The day I picked up the car, my dad and I drove it eight hours straight from Ohio to Connecticut. I remember sitting in the driver’s seat in the dealership parking lot, saying, “Can I do this? Is this a good decision to buy a manual and not really feel comfortable driving it, let alone 250-plus miles out the gate?” Dad took the wheel, but the excitement and nervousness I felt knowing I’d have to master the skill quickly was unforgettable.
By the end of the first week, I had thrown myself into the deep end. I decided to drive to a cars & coffee event in lower Manhattan—a trial by fire. Navigating stoplights on the West Side Highway and crossing into New Jersey via the Lincoln Tunnel in bumper-to-bumper traffic felt like a baptism of sorts. That day marked a turning point. I realized I could trust myself and the car, and each subsequent drive became more natural.
Now, with thousands of miles under my belt, driving a manual feels second nature. I still want to refine my skills with professional lessons—heel-toe downshifting and proper rev-matching are on my list—but the joy of rowing through gears on backroads is unparalleled.
What I love most about the 996 Carrera is its ability to make me smile every time I see it. There’s an emotion tied to this car that’s hard to put into words. It’s a reminder of why I fell in love with cars in the first place—pure, unfiltered joy. That’s not to say it’s without quirks. Early on, the speedometer decided to pin itself at 180 mph, leading to endless jokes and the nickname “Life at 180”. The tachometer and voltage meter have also taken a sabbatical, leaving me to rely on the sounds and feel of the car—a challenge that’s only deepened my connection with it.
Compared to more modern sports cars, the 996 is refreshingly simple. There are no distracting screens or overcomplicated electronics. It’s just you, the car, and the road—a combination that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s world of tech-heavy vehicles.
Being part of the Porsche community adds another layer to the ownership experience. The Porsche community has been instrumental in my understanding of Porsche culture, and connecting with other 996 owners has been particularly rewarding. We’re the underdogs of the 911 world, often overlooked but fiercely proud of what our cars represent.
The 996 Carrera has become my passport to adventure. From early morning cars & coffee meets in New Jersey to spirited drives across Connecticut backroads, this car has been my companion through some incredible experiences.
One of my favorite drives was a rally that took us through the twistiest roads in the Hudson Valley. The car felt perfectly at home; its steering was sharp and responsive, and its brakes were confidence-inspiring. These drives remind me why the 996 is such a joy—it’s capable, engaging, and always eager for more.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand my events calendar. There are so many rallies, road trips, and meets I want to experience, especially ones that take me to new places. Whether it’s exploring the winding roads out West or tackling iconic routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway, the journey is just beginning.
The Verdict
Would I recommend a 996 Carrera to other enthusiasts? Without hesitation, yes! It’s a car that embodies everything great about Porsche—timeless design, thrilling performance, and a connection to the road that’s increasingly rare.
As for the future, I have a few plans. The clutch will eventually need attention, and I’ll likely replace the rear-view mirror to address some wear. I’ll also keep a close eye on the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing. Beyond that, my focus is on driving—exploring new roads, attending more events, and creating memories. This car is more than just a vehicle; it’s a gateway to a lifestyle. The miles I’ve put on it so far are just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
