Used 1996 Porsche 911 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 911, so we've included reviews for other years of the 911 since its last redesign.
There really is no other
chas, 04/20/2010
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
My first Porsche, hopefully not my last. I'm not sure I can describe just how powerful an experience it is to drive a car like this every day. This is my regular driver, 3-4 days a week to work and back. I dropped a fair amount of money on it in my first year of ownership, but nothing I had to fix or upgrade was especially unreasonable. The Porsche 911 requires careful attention in its maintenance, but the rewards are very great: no other car makes you a part of the machine the way the 993 911 does. It's an experience every driver should have. My car has 112K miles on it, and it's running like a watch now. I just cross my fingers that no more expensive trolls show up soon
The Porsche 993 (the 911s from 1995 to 1998) Rock!
jewbaca, 04/20/2011
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Having owned many a Porsche, I have to say my 993 remains my favorite Porsche. I have both a Cayenne and a 997 turbo model 911, and none compare to the feel or raw driving pleasure of the 993 models, especially the S or Turbo. Despite the power and performance (still better than 99% of the sports cars produced), it can be a daily driver --- definately a rough, bumpy, sports car, ride, though. The TMV purchase price is highly unrealistic. As the last "real" Porsche, 993s have become collector items. I would expect to pay high $50K or mid $60K for a 993S in great condition. The coupes are more expensive than the convertibles.
1996 Porsche 911 for sale near you
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- Carrera 4S CoupeMSRP: $139,991228 mi away
- 1996 Porsche 911MSRP: $64,900750 mi away
- CabrioletMSRP: $51,900761 mi away
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The Reliable Alternative To Ferrari 328
Sportscarnut, 04/01/2002
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth, and favorite 911. You don't really notice the lack of Varioram unless you are passing. Edmunds' estimate of $34K for one in nice condition is pretty low. One with average mileage (4K - 7K /year) and maintained will cost more. Porsche ownership is not for everyone. This model has hydraulic lifters (no valve adjustments), but the exhaust manifold must be disassembled to access the lower spark plugs, and it eats 17" rear tires every 7500 miles. If you drive very gingerly, you can possibly coax 15K miles out of the fronts. Also, oil changes take about 10 quarts of Mobil One and an arm with two elbows.
Best 911 model hnds down
Big Ed, 08/31/2010
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2dr Coupe AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Buy one now before the price goes up and don't worry about the mileage if serviced properly. A lot of folks will recommend buying the "newest 911" you can afford. Don't believe it. My car has 180,000 miles and the only service has been oil changes. Keep the revs over 3,000 rpms. My local Porsche dealership manager drives one. This is last of the air-cooled 911's and this car has evolved to perfection with over 20-years of continuous engineering improvements that came from Porsche's racing engineering history. The new 911's (997 series) are made to look like these. Why? Because it is a mobile Object D'art. My car is 14yo and still folks jaws drop at the gas pump and heads turn.
Awesome Car
andyboy46, 12/14/2011
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa 2dr Coupe
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I test drove dozens of Porsche's & read a lot about all models, from early 993's, 996's, Turbo 996's and a couple of 997's. There is nothing that compares to the style, sound, power, build quality of the amazing 993 car. It is practical and fun to drive. In my opinion the last of the air cooled Porsche was and still is the best, most stylish all round sports car on the road. Every time I get behind the wheel I am glad I bought the "old school" model, it has a style and personality that will never be manufactured again. It took me 6 months to get used to it but I just love this car.
One of the Best Porsches ever made
Juan Pequeno, 03/03/2003
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Porsche 993 is one of the best looking and best made Porsches ever made. It is the Last of the true air- cooled porsches. Couldn't be happier with this car.
Lasting Contemporary Design
dicktoth, 12/12/2005
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The 1995 Porsche 911 has one of the best car designs in the world. It is fun to drive. I have had it for eight years and it is still an exciting car to drive. I have a 6 speed and Polar SIlver is the color. It is hard to tell what year the car was designed. The exhaust sounds fantastic. The power vs. car body is balanced. Most importantly this is an exciting car to drive!
1995 Porsche C2 CAB
Jim McDonald, 09/04/2002
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purely fun to drive and extremely reliable.
Love it!
Bob Dennis, 10/22/2003
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Amazing performance, extremely fun to drive, and a true work of art with 40 years of history. These cars are meant to be driven and will provide many miles of grins. Great local clubs for track and driving skill events so you can take advantage of this car's true performance capabilities. I'll never sell this car.
Got Speed
jamesd, 08/20/2003
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Porsche There is no substitute. This car is absolutely amazing. Especially when you consider it's age. Good god I wish I could afford a Turbo. The way this car moves so fast and smooth puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. It's what personifies the terms sports car. Don't expect the comfort of a lincoln but expect the fun of a rollercoaster. "GET U ONE!"
Porsche got it right w/ the 993
mikeB, 05/28/2002
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had several Porsche cars, but the 993 is by far the most complete. It is a 100% sports car, with stellar resale value to boot. Hard to equal this car, impossible to beat. This car may not be something for everyone, but it is everything to someone.
Best Sports Car
Randy Leroy, 03/29/2010
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's a 15 year old sports car and still beats newer sports cars for styling. I get a hard-on every time I see another one on the road. I've driven the 996 and 997 and they feel like 'cars', while this 993 feels like a toy/sports car, complete with a true 911 feel.
Best Porsche Ever
Armand, 04/29/2002
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth Porsche and first convertible. It is everything that I had thought it would be. It goes where you think it to go, it's that quick. Great sound system, seats and handling.
Amazing
Joor, 12/12/2003
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Ultimate sports car.... Looks as well as performance. You can never get it wrong by buying this car
Pure Joy
pajot, 02/15/2004
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Convertible AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Waited a long time efore finally buy this 993, one of the last "real" Porsche. Got lucky enough to get a '95 with only 22000 miles, a beautfull color and in perfect condition all around
Nirvana
Fred Reiner, 01/04/2005
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera is simply an amazing car. Its fast, handles beautifully, is sexy, basically bullet proof. Others will pay you to wash your car! Understand that this car requires upkeep (largely oil changes). Remember this car's engine is not only air cooled, its "oil cooled" too. it has a cozy cockpit, but its not that small, I'm 6'1", 215# and I fit in just fine. My kids fit in the back too.
C4S, the Turbo without the 400 HP engine
Duane C., 05/10/2002
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 993 is the last of the air-cooled, handmade Porsches. Not only a beautiful car to look at, but with all-wheel drive and "big red" brakes, it goes like stink at the track. Don't buy this car if all you want to do is parade down main street. You'll regret it and sell it within a year. It's primitive, noisy, has a lousy stereo. Like an F-16 fighter, its designed to do one thing and do it better than any thing else and that is to get from point A to point B fast. With the 993 series, the 15K manual valve adjustment requirement is gone and they have no bad habits. If you want a REAL sports car, this is one of the top contenders. And if it rains, you'll look like Micheal Schumacher.
Finest car EVER
tuckersmith, 03/09/2011
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By far the very best car I've ever owned. Absolutely bullet-proof and a blast to drive.
1996 Carrera 2 Coupe
jtrane, 08/26/2011
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had several sports cars but this one was my dream from the age of 16. No car I can afford is as fun to drive and look at as a typee 993 coupe in silver finish. Fast, great handling and pretty trouble free to operate, though there are a few issues with these cars. To my eye, the 95-98 coke bottle shaped car is better looking than anything earlier and later, and the engine is fairly bullet-proof, with correct maintenance. Buy one of these if you can!
My awd 95 cabrio
peter willner, 12/27/2009
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Convertible AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bullet proof car with great style and a company that has stood behind it's product even out of warranty. It has retained a good portion of it's 15 year old value.
My 1995 911 C4
leon camerlengo, 02/05/2016
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Let me begin by saying this isn't a typical sports car. When I first purchased it I wanted to drive it all year long in Columbus, Ohio and purchased snow tires for it. This thing handles incredibly well in the snow. My brother owns an AWD Subaru WRX and with the 1st snow we tested both vehicles in about 2-3 inches of snow in a big empty parking lot. We both agreed the Porsche handled better and more predictably. One of my favorite things is letting a friend who hasn't driven a Porsche before take it out on a test run and experience the Porsche driving experience. The look in their eye's when they push on that accelerator is noteworthy. This AWD 911 holds the road like no other car I've driven. I always tell them don't worry this car will not let you down, and so far it has been true. It really is an incredible experience. The sound is great so don't even think about the radio. I love how it clicks after placing it in the garage after a good run. This car is incredibly reliable and very solid and the look will compete with any car even today. The downside is you do go through rear tires usually around 7500 miles. Also, I'm on my 4th battery in 20 years. I have had many cars but let me say the 993 C4 Porsche is special. Very special.....
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The best 911........ever!
Tr, 12/27/2003
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a blast to drive, and by far and away, the best looking Porsche ever built. Everyone should own one!
Fantastic Car
Fantastic Car, 09/30/2007
1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my C4 for five years now and have to say that it's virtually trouble free and 100% reliable. I've test driven newer Porsches with a view towards trading up but have resisted mainly because I'm not so sure it truely is a step up. For now, she's a keeper.
cool ride
Johnnybgoode, 05/13/2002
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car! I waited far too long to buy it. I love the 4th gear as it has a great pickup and a lot of range when you step on it. Handling is great as well!
WOW!
CA Gold Coast, 06/11/2002
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a great car! This car is enjoyable to drive at all times, even stuck in traffic. The 993 is a beautiful no nonsense execution of the all time German speed appliance. Add a strut brace for better handleing. Repairs and observations: Brakes are expensive-plan on $500 for pads if you se good ones. Tires-rears last 14K if you are lucky. A/C is not the best Oil change is $200
cool car for us grey heads
2525ken, 05/13/2010
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have never had a real sports car until now but drove the boxster and they was no kick at all. I said I just want a nice convertible and so I drove the masda miata and for the same money got a good used 96 911. I have never been sorry, this is fun to drive if I can stay alive long enought. It hits 105 from 4th to 5th and still has plenty to go. This is the lady of my dreams. My wife loves it to.
Porsche Turbo 1996
Duane Lyons, 12/17/2002
1996 Porsche 911 Turbo 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome car. Still a rocketship with great handling. Excellent German quality.
1996 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
John Lyon, 01/25/2003
1996 Porsche 911 Turbo 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
None better for DRIVING, handling. Handmade and reliable. Much more romance and performance than the watercooled production models of today. An incredible feel that gets better everytime you drive. This car grows on you, and makes anything else you might drive seem silly and mundane. It truly is like a fine pair of gloves or boots, getting better with every wear. Better than sex. Perhaps just a bit cheaper in the long run.
1996 Porsche Carrera-Great Car
romdobe, 02/17/2003
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth Porsche in fifteen years. It is the best looking and best handling of the bunch. The air conditioning is much better than Porsche ever offered in the past. This is the best of the aircooled cars.
Instant Air-Cooled Classic
914und993, 07/30/2003
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic vehicle, although like most of these 1995-1998 911s, the factory Monroe built shock absorbers were marginal by 28,000 miles and merited replacement with Bilstein units. Beyond that, the car has required only routine maintenance and performs reliably and without complaint. These cars seem to be holding their value very, very well - better than the new water-cooled 911s.
My C4S
Forrest, 10/02/2003
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The interior could use a cup holder. There is a fair amount of wind noise through the sunroof at low speeds. The handling is phenominal. I drive this car 43.6 miles each way to work. I average slightly under 22 mpg. I have put over 23,000 miles on it already, and have had ZERO problems. It is simple to maintain; my long time family mechanic takes care of it, with laudatory comments on its simplicity of design (He is NOT a Porsche specialist) The front bumper cover takes a fair amount of abuse from all the highway miles, as do the rear quarter panels. In my opinion it represents all of the best things 'Porsche'.
Uber Car
maui owner, 12/06/2003
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning a 88 911 I found a 8500 car in showroom condition. The car I dreamed to own is now in my garage. Drives better than any car I have driven. Pinnacle of sports car ownership, the last of the aircooled 911's. If you ever get a chance to drive one you will see why some swear by this marque.
a great weekend car
docteeth, 12/11/2003
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for one year. It is an absolute blast to drive. I've found the A/C works great in the south Florida summer. Go to TireRack for tires (love the Continentals). The ultimate iteration of the original 911 concept. An instant classic, looks like it's brand new. My 2 daughters love to ride in the back seat - plenty of room.
Best of the Porsches
ny owner, 02/22/2004
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car to drive - great pick- up at every gear. Very forgiving drive train. I prefer its styling to that of the latest models. This is my second Porsche, and I am still waiting for improvements in styling and reliability of the new models to replace this one.
It just doesn't get any better.
pc, 06/07/2006
1996 Porsche 911 Turbo 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First, the prices listed on this site are ridiculously low...expect to pay about $65-70k for one 30-50k miles range, and premium for lower mileage. This is one of, if not the highest rated sports cars of all time...but who cares about them, if you like the look, the craftmanship, performance and drive will not disappoint. My friend with an NSX said he felt embarrassed with his Nissan next to the 911 TT. The styling is classic - why do you think Porsche ran back to it for the 997. This car is quick, fast, smooth, unbelievably stable, yet utilitarian enough to be my daily driver. What's the point of having a great car you never drive...otherwise it's just a really expensive piece of art.
Get a leak down test!
digdoug, 07/10/2006
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great sports car, but buyer BEWARE! Get a leakdown test and compression test before buying. There are tricks that can be done to these cars to make the engine appear to be in good shape when the are clearly not. These cars are know to burn oil as the engine expands and contracts, but they also are known to have issues related to inferior metals used. A top end rebuild will set you back $6,000 or more! My car is definitely burning a little oil but it runs well. The biggest problem is the car will not pass emissions because of the burning oil. Eventually I will get the top-end rebuild. Do yourself a favor and RESEARCH these cars. They are fun but can be very costly if you get a bad one.
What a treat!
Sarahfink, 10/17/2004
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Last of the air cooled 911's ('95-'98). The sound and ride are "priceless" as the ad says. Looks, handling, comfort, speed - what else do you need? No cup holders... get over it!
Ulitmate Beast
Beaste Master, 10/18/2005
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've driven a lot of sports cars from every day Ford Mustangs to unique TVR's and I never quite understood the Porsche hype until I drove a 993 Carrera 4. It is awsome beyond belief, so much so that I choose my 9 year old 911 with 90,000 miles over a three year old Porsche Boxster with 25,000 miles and the only thing I believe to be a better choice would be a '96 turbo. I am going through a rough divorce, and driving my Porsche is hands down better than any therapy, an exotic mistress, or spiritual enlightment could ever be as it combines all three into one amazing experience that is available everytime I go for a drive. To think I almost wasted 30 grand on a 350Z or a new Mustang.
Original and Still Happy Owner
Gerry in So Cal, 12/21/2005
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 993 is able to turn a really bad day into something fine in about 15 minutes. There are some great freeways and mountain roads nearby and I sometimes "race" motorcycles on the twisty bends (but I lose to most of them). This is the last of the air-cooled 911s and seems to be a perfect, rugged little tank of a car. It DOES require full attention when driving at higher speeds as it has few computer overrides to save one's butt--but that is OK. It is a third car and I drive it only on evenings or weekends-but once in a while I use as a daily driver when the other cars are in for repairs, and it seems fine for that kind of use. The local dealer's service techs say that this is the best model.
How to wipe that smile off?
ben993, 08/06/2007
1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th in the 911 range in my 12 years. By far the most reliable (save for the CEL issue which was resolved under warranty in my case) and beautiful of the air cooled series. It's a 4th car in the family, so gets limited use these days. Nonetheless, 15 mins in this thing, feeling every nook and cranny of the road, and feathering the throttle to keep the tail in check really, really turns a bad day around. Yes, the folks at the office know what I spend my lunch hour if I return in a better mood. Values are holidng well, and it'll remain a cult classic. I'll add a 5th car soon - a 1997 Twin Turbo and this old workhorse will become my track buddy.
Choices, choices!!!!!
Jim, 02/15/2022
1996 Porsche 911 Turbo 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In my mind the ultimate Porsche. Air-Cooled, all wheel drive, 6-speed, powerful, limited production, and more important, dependable enough to be a daily driver. However with the current prices you may just want to enjoy its artistic beauty.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value