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Used 1999 Porsche 911 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
31 reviews

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4.5 out of 5 stars

1999 Carrera

David, 12/02/2008
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
53 of 54 people found this review helpful

I have owned many Porsches, including a factory Slant-nose turbo and a 930. I have also owned 3 Ferraris (a 250 GT, a Lusso, a 330GTC). I have driven many other fine and classic sports cars including XK-Es, Alfas,Maseratis. I have owned my 1999 Carrera convertible since new. For many years it was a third car, but since the kids are older and I don't need to drive them all over town as much any more it has been my daily driver for the last two years. While newer Carreras are prettier and slightly faster, this Porsche has been the best and most reliable sports car that I've ever owned. While Ferraris are great, they are a maintenance headache; they break! (don't let anybody tell you differently

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4 out of 5 stars

Lovely sports car with a major engineering fault

george morrissette, 01/06/2018
updated 07/10/2019
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
28 of 28 people found this review helpful

The Achilles Heel of this great car (1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 cabriolet . 6 speed manual and black on black) is the IMS problem coupled with leakage of the rear main seal .. I f the IMS has been retro-fitted with an aftermarket kit (barrel rollers and an oil conduit instead of the original poorly wearing and poorly lubricated ball bearings which can cause a timing problem and catastrophic engine failure). the timing chains and timing chain adjusters are in good working order and rear main seal is not leaking or has been recently changed ,you should have a virtually trouble free car and probably at a greatly discounted price..I recommend this car but with those reservations . This car performs , steers and handles like a dream since I addressed those problems ( it wasn't cheap to do but worth it ). Happy shopping! ...George Update July 2018...No new problems ..The car performs 100%. Love It !! George Update July 2019 ..so far no new problems as the car runs like a charm on 93 Octane. Resale value remains poor but makes this model a real bargain. Got rid of the fried egg headlight look with black 3 M "eyelid" appliques that makes it look like a 997. You can find them on Amazon. George

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

1999 911C2 Cab

JD, 01/13/2007
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
21 of 22 people found this review helpful

Overall my 1999 911 C2 cab is awesome. It is a second car for me. I just drive it on nice days. This is the best overall performing sports car I have ever driven when you factor, handling, speed, performance, and not to mention style. You can buy a warranty form your local Porsche dealer for about $2,500 for four years / 48,000 miles. It is well worth the money as the dealer is not cheap and don't trust local mechanics to work on this machine.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Where do I go from here?

Ed Yates, 02/02/2004
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Longtime owner of an E36 M3, which I love and had worked on so it had about 300 hp. Always wanted a 911 tho, and found the perfect one, which i bought at a pretty good price (good enough so i could keep the M3). WOW. What a car. The driving experience is SO different from the M3, what with the 50/50 weight of the Bimmer and the much more tail heavy nature of the 911.Not quite as easy to drive fast as the M3 (the Bimmer being damn near impossible to break lose) but much more rewarding when you really dial it in.Cant think of another car I would rather have, and I've driven Ferrari 360's, 355's,M5's, E46 M3's, etc. If you can afford it...Buy it!

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5 out of 5 stars

Love This Car

First Porsche, 11/02/2010
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
17 of 18 people found this review helpful

This was the first Porsche that I have owned and would buy another one in a second. I have have had no issues with the Porsche and found it to be extremely reliable and problem free.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Be careful, the engines are not reliable

bnewport, 12/12/2009
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Coupe AWD
25 of 29 people found this review helpful

I bought my car in 2003 just as the original warranty ran out. It had 17000 miles, cost 45k and I bought a 2.5k extended warranty. It was lucky I did. I used the car daily, summer and winter. I also did maybe 12 PCA drivers education events in the car. The car's engine was the main issue. It would check engine at high steady RPMs with a misfire code. The dealer changed the lifters (4k) but the car had the same issue afterwards and the dealer then changed the computer (2k). The CEL remained. The car later had an engine failure where the cylinder wall failed. It was new engine time. 13.5k from the dealer with a 2 year warranty. The tiptronic transmission also failed and cost 10k to replace.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Dependable Daily Driver - That's Sexy

PorscheGuy, 11/15/2009
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Convertible AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

All sports cars offer some degree of fun, often coming with a high Cost of maintenance. The Porsche company has refined the 911 over so many years that no other sports car can match the dependability of the 911. Turn the key and it goes every time and Oh yeah the fun factor is off the chart not to mention the head turning from those wanting to be you. I have had eight Porsches mostly air cooled but starting with the 996 Porsche raised the bar. If you want a true sports car you can drive every day get a Porsche - because it really stinks when the mechanic spends more time with your ride then you do!

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5 out of 5 stars

1999 C4 Cabriolet

Aslan 996, 12/28/2005
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Convertible AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

This has been my dream car for many years and now that I own her, she has NOT disappointed. She is a dream to drive. I have never felt more in control of any automobile than I do in this exquisite automobile. Short drives, long drives, it does not matter; she is a dream to drive.

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5 out of 5 stars

I'm in heaven!

Kenny G, 11/26/2008
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is my first Porsche. Never even considered buying one until I saw this black on black one looking brand new at the dealership. This car is 10 years old but doesn't look or drive more than a year old. It is fast, sleek,eye catching, and I love it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Wow, what a fun car!

Casketman, 06/21/2005
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is my 3rd 911. After driving for a few days, I am truly amazed. I didn't think Porsche could build a decent water-cooled 911. Boy, was I wrong. This car is fast, tight and really fun to drive. Car handles like its wearing sneakers instead of tires. Interior is still on the cheap side, but this ride is as close to F-18 fighter jet as I'll ever get.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Carrera 2

sjp3003, 05/10/2003
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought this car with 25K miles. Immediate changes: I swapped out the steering wheel, emergency brake lever, shifter, door pulls & driver seat bolster. These items wore more than I would have expected for a 25K mile car, especially the leather. The new items are Porsche carbon fiber & hopefully will hold up better in the long run. I also added the sports exhaust which provides a much more satisfying sound & a B&M short throw shifter. In terms of driving- this car is easy to drive around town- it almost feels like an econobox. It shines on fast winding roads, and the flat six sound from 4000 rpm onwards is magically refined.

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5 out of 5 stars

Get this car, save stacks of cash and look great 2

Roger S Clarke, 03/08/2017
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is a totally unloved car (except by the folks who own one that is). Hated mostly by the Porsche aficionados who are stuck with their air cooled bangers. Don't get me wrong, those pre 1998 cars are terrific and my respect for them is immense but cut us some slack here people. Porsche would have continued to build AC's if they could but the little issue of heat transfer and subsequence limitation of performance, lead Porsche down the only possible avenue, a water cooled flat six. I live in hope though, that one day the AC's will realize their folly and love the WC's as much as we love them. The 996 and onwards is a Porsche, is a Porsche is a Porsche. Ask yourself one question. Would Ferdinand have objected? I don't think so.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

XTC on Wheels!

xtcapple, 07/07/2006
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

OK, to start off I have always been a true fanatic of German enginering. Before I could even see over the steering wheel, I drooled on the wheels of them. I always dreamed of owning a Porsche 911 someday. Hard work and fate came together and here we are. I have a 1999 Porsche 911 996, and it's mine all mine. I didn't stop driving for three days straight. Getting lost in the grassy knolls above and around Bakersfeild, CA. for an entire day from sun up to sundown.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Exotic and Drivability!

Dr. W T, 11/17/2008
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Owned similar cars and brands, but NEVER liked a car more than this one. It has the best combination of a daily driver, exotic car, looks, and best of all reliability. It's looks are ageless. I got more compliments on this one than any other cars I owned (though the classic Benz came close). The best thing is it leaves me with a great smile every time I drive it.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

It is a sweet machine

riverrock, 11/06/2010
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

No problem to date. The car is fun to drive, and it is a true everyday performance car.

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5 out of 5 stars

996 Porsche Rocks

a356ser, 02/20/2003
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

The car is a true sports care, fast, reliable, stable.Porsche has combined the comfort of expensive cars, the speed/power of a true sports car, and the handling/control you expect.The car is my dialy driver,I arrive at work with a smile and arrive home at the end of the day with a smile.Mine is a coupe, the noise is very low, but the exhaust sounds just like you would expect, a true musical symphony sports machine.It even handles well in wet weather and light snow. Maintenance has been normal, no major problems, I now have 41000 miles and it is going strong. Try it, you will never go back.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Loads of Fun, Very Little Downside

TS911, 07/26/2003
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought my '99 coupe with 19,000 miles and have enjoyed it very much. I am a little surprised at how quickly parts of the interior seem to be showing wear, but I like the overall interior design. I love the exterior. The tire wear has been a problem, but I have been told it was even worse (uggg!) on the previous model. The car is loads of fun to drive and almost universally liked. It is easy around town, but a little bit tricky from a standing start. It is absolutely horrible in the snow, even a very light dusting, bordering on dangerous. All in all, I have greatly enjoyed it. Regards.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

My Search Ended With This Car

Bigditchdigger, 08/27/2003
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I am 50 years old and have driven sports cars since I was 15.From MG to Ferrari.I always looked upon Porsche as a big volkswagon,boy was I wrong.This is the sports car they can bury me in.The only thing wrong with it is you can't help but drive it fast.It is adrivers car,not a luxury coffee cup cell phone talking cruiser.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best used Porsche value going.

steve barnhorst, 08/30/2018
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

After 12 years of owning my Porsche and adding about 42k miles I'd have to say this car has been more reliable than all my other vehicles. If you want to own a Porsche, the 996 is quite a bargain. I never get tired of driving my 19 year old Porsche 911. I am the third owner. Many repairs and routine maintenance is easily accomplished by myself.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car, Fun to Drive, Head-Turner

Carrera 4, 01/15/2004
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Convertible AWD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Great Quality, excellent drivability, steady and sure-footed.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

'99 Carrera 4

bcocar, 08/23/2006
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Coupe AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This is an amazing car. Its acceleration, braking and cornering are phenomenal, yet I get 20 mpg around town and 28 highway. It is big enough to fit the kids with me. Its storage space is a bit tight due to the smaller trunk on the C4. My ownership costs have been modest - just gas, oil and coolant change. The Litronic lights are a must - they make a huge difference in visibility at night.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Car I've Owned

William T, 01/29/2007
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This is my first Porsche, having owned Mercedes and Japanese luxury cars previously. It is very fun to drive and extremely reliable. The handling is superb. I understand why Porsche 911's are legendary. I love the interior and exterior design. Every inch of interior space is utilized and I can actually carry a third passenger occasionally on short trips. This car is great for LA driving. It can be used for joy drives or everyday use.

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4 out of 5 stars

1999 PORSCHE 996

KBRN01, 02/20/2004
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

ALOT OF FUN TO DRIVE. ZERO PROBLEMS TO DATE.

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4 out of 5 stars

World Class Sports Car

rh888888, 08/06/2006
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have always thought Porsches were ugly and never got what the hype was about, until I drove my buddy's. It only took 15 miles and I was hooked. I "GET IT" now and will never own any other brand of sports car. I suggest getting a warranty though. Minimal problems are expensive. Also buy one with good tires they are $250 each for the rear.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

99 911 is sweeet

hindu, 05/28/2003
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

i had a 2002 m3 and this is a true sports car and everything pales in comparison

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4 out of 5 stars

First Repair

Louis Lopilato, 10/30/2018
updated 10/31/2019
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Factor in to your price a reserve of $2,000-$3,000 to replace the IMS bearing and rear main seal. And, change the bearing as soon as you get the car. Although most 996s do not experience IMS problems, the relatively small cost of the bearing vs the costs of a new engine (~$30,000) makes the repair a worthy investment. Then for a reasonable price you will drive a splendid, highly efficient Porsche with peace of mind. After driving this wonderful sportscar 4,000 miles I can say with some authority: buy one. The "996" is a reliable and efficient vechile.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Just bought my second 996.1

MH-911, 10/24/2021
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I drove a pre-owned 2000 996 Cabriolet for 3 1/2 years, and recently sold it for 140% of what I paid for it. It was a sublime, reliable, inexpensive sports car, but it was approaching 100k miles, and I no longer wanted the UV sunlight exposure of a convertible. Within days I found ‘99 996.1 coupe to replace it, and wow!! If you’re on the fence about getting a coupe or a convertible, I strongly suggest you drive both and be sure to consider the pros and cons of each. The coupe is more rigid, quieter, about 200 pounds lighter, arguably safer, and more reliable. The hydraulics, motors, and materials of a ragtop come with more maintenance risks. In the last year or so the stigma of the headlight designs on the 996 have evaporated, and the 1999 with the amber headlight, signal lights, and taillights are now one of the most distinctive elements that are unique to the first year 996. The “early” ‘99 also has the advantage of being hand built along side the last of the 993s, and was built with a higher quality dashboard material that is easily identified by its “pebble grain,” and almost indestructible composition. Finally, the ‘99 is the last of the throttle cable equipped 911. It’s the last of the purely analog Porsches. I probably don’t need to tack on the details about the IMS issue, but just find a 996 that has a documented fix already done, and you never have to think about it again. Prices are on the rise, but if you’re patient you can still find decent deals on 996s. I won’t call this an investment decision but it’s realistic to think you can buy one, enjoy it for as long as you want, and sell it for as least as much as you paid for it down the road. These cars are now considered classics, and we all know what has happened to the values of literally every other Porsche classic; including the 914s.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car - Sick for 7 seven years

Torresdale, 10/02/2004
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Porche 911 bright yellow was a dream come true.My oldest sun talked me into purchasing this car even though he drove most of the miles. MY son pulled into the garage(always garaged,no just rust) scratched lower bumper guard. Michael Peleberg,mgr.of service at Bryan Mawr is so detail oriented and a terrific person One critical comment is the car required the original set and 2 other sets of tires and this was not right.Car had required maintainces,so misaligned or balanced tires wasn't cause. I don't think you'll find a 99 Porsche Carrera with 13,500 miles. I'm getting better(finally) and will probably get another porsche.My wife doesn't like yellow. Sorry cordially To

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Sports car standard!

XCAP, 09/15/2007
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Coupe AWD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

For performance, comfort, reliability, looks and fun this car has no peer! I've never owned an auto so enjoyable to drive. And so stable in really awful driving conditions!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

accept no subtitute!!!

zoom20, 12/24/2010
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 2dr Convertible AWD
14 of 50 people found this review helpful

this is my first porsche,power,looks,braking,wow.just awesome,have owned the car for a year and i just love it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best car on the road.

Russell Stockton, 06/06/2002
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It is a fantastic car but replacing back tires every 10,000 miles and front every 20,000 is not cheap and is a pain. I have spent more time replacing tires than I have at the dealership.

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