1998 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA (996)

ENGINE 3600cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 281bhp@6100rpm TORQUE 251lb ft@3400rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 171mph 0-60MPH 5.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, six-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 88,500 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This may be the bottom of the rung in terms of 911 ownership, and viewed by some as not being ‘proper’, but this 996 911 represents fantastic value for money. It’s quick too, delivering a lot of performance for less than the price of a new Ford Ka, together with perfectly weighted steering and a positive six-speed gearshift. The suspension is a little firm (but not uncomfortable) and there are no peculiar noises or vibrations through the drivetrain or suspension. The brakes are strong and predictable, there are no dead zones in the steering and the aftermarket exhaust system elicits a satisfyingly enthusiastic bark.

BODYWORK CHECK

The paint is very good for a Porsche of this age and mileage. There are the customary swirl marks from polishing and the odd stonechip here and there on the front, but the body and paint are largely as Porsche intended. There is minor discolouration to the headlamps and minor kerb damage to the offside front alloy wheel, though the others are in excellent nick. The only blot in this 911’s copy book is a piece of rubber lifting on the window surround.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The grey leather upholstery has survived 88,500 miles of use rather well. There’s some creasing, as is only to be expected, but no rips, and while there is some discolouration and rubbing on the driver’s seat bolster, there are no threads showing. There are also a few minor marks to the dashboard, particularly near the glovebox. On the whole, however, most of the surfaces have survived well. All the electronic items work as they should, and even the airconditioning blows icy cold. The headlining is largely unmarked.

UNDER THE BONNET

Typically of a Porsche 911, there’s not much to see in the tight engine bay. It may not be concours-clean, but it looks like it’s been used regularly, with no signs of corrosion. All the fluids are up to the maximum mark and there is no sign of any of them leaking. A look at the service history reveals regular visits to official Porsche dealers and specialists up to 2007, and evidence that it’s had all of its belts replaced at German car specialist, TWG Sport, earlier this year. There are a few past receipts, including one for major mechanical work in 2004 totalling around £4000.

THE CCW VIEW

Air-cooled 911 aficionados continue to sneer at the watercooled 996. That’s good for the rest of us, because it means that the prospect of buying a 911 is still an achievable dream. This 996 represents a good way into the 911 club; the service history is perhaps a bit patchy, but it has just received a good fettling from a marque specialist. At this sort of price, it’s definitely worth further investigation.