I own a 1999 996 6 speed cabriolet with 60,000 miles. The IMS has been upgraded it has an OHLINS racing suspension and it has been supercharged and has a ;large front end intercooler . Bought it at a fair price in 2009 with 36,000 miles here in New England and then came the IMS upgrade and all the other improvements ....It is just awesome !

You have a stunning 996, Matt. I had a 997.2 C2S, it was my childhood dream to own a 911..... unfortunately I entrusted a so called porsche specialist in Wellingborough to do some modifications on it and to cut a very long painful story short, they ruined my car. The owner fobbed me and other customers off with excesses and lies while he got his friend to set up another limited company with virtually the same name and then transferred all the assets over. About time myself and others realised what was going on it was to late, my solicitor told me that the company is worth nothing now, its disgusting what he's done to you but I see this a lot with limited companies. They now carry on in the same location using the same Facebook and Google pages from the Liquidated company giving everyone the illusion it's still the same company but in a court of law they are classed as a completely different company. He's been disqualified from trading but he's on there website as the owner/technician. If you use a specialist make sure you check companys house as Google and Facebook pages can be very misleading. I'm a big believer in a leopard never changes his spots, he's done this to me and other customers and he will do it again........ I have a post on the Porsche UK maintenance and servicing group on Facebook showing the damage and going though all the lies he said to me, you are more than welcome to read it. I'm ten's of thousands out of pocket and my health has been badly affected from the hell he put me through, I wouldn't wish this on any porsche enthusiast out there, do your due diligence before leaving someone near your pride and joy.

@richardclegg5853

2 ай бұрын

Sad to hear, I have a gen 1 997, the .2 being my dream car. Easy for me to say, it's just a car and it's just money, both can be replaced. I've put more $ into my 996 than I'd ever get back were I ever chosing to sell it... What could go wrong, has... But I still love the car. U even got to laugh at some of me experience with the car. Recently, debris fell off a truck in front of me doing almost $5000 worth of damage, the VERY SAME DAY I was bringing the car home, a woman who'd had a few too many rear ended me... THE SAME DAY!!! And I still love this car, maybe even more than my 997 which has half the miles and zero issues (knock on wood)

He’s really good on camera, I think he should get involved with more videos please? I rate your 23 yr old Porsche a solid 8/10, I think the mods have helped, and I’m tempted to get similar on mine now.

@kevinyarleque6739

2 жыл бұрын

Same! The well reviewed mods are giving me bad financial ideas for my 40th 😅

I think a solid 8.5/10. I always like the Dark Blue Metallic with a Tan interior combo. Also driving a 997.1 I can confirm that the way these things drive is something you gotta experience yourself. Especially in their base form, Carrera 2.

@jessiemurkin3936

25 күн бұрын

Are they reliable?

@grivoc

24 күн бұрын

@@jessiemurkin3936 I've had mine (2006 911) for about 5 years now. So far I've done a battery cable, a hood strut, shifter linkages, water pump, rear tires and oil changes. Honestly it's been very good.

@jessiemurkin3936

24 күн бұрын

@@grivoc oh wow, what mileage?

@grivoc

24 күн бұрын

@@jessiemurkin3936 it's currently 130000 KMs or 80778 miles

@jessiemurkin3936

24 күн бұрын

@@grivoc oh where you based then? Must me some sort of conditions for it to be that reliable for that long? Surely?

Hey Matt, I like what you've done. I had my engine rebuilt by Flat 6 Innovations, and installed Elephant Racing GT3 adjustable lower control and castor arms on all four corners and it is so precise and has much more power. Looks like a stock C2, but runs like a GT3.

Looks nice! And good job on the maintenance. Did you do IMS yet? How many miles on it now?

Nice one matt! The color wouldn’t be my first choice but i love that you love it. the stereo upgrade is wicked. Value for money can be disputed tho. It‘s really hard to estimate the suspension upgrade via video. I‘d be curious to know how you would describe it vs. the original and vs. the kw coilovers. Also love the exhaust upgrade. I wish we had a guy who does that in berlin as the boxes are quite hefty priced.

I'm all over your mods! Well done. I have a 2000 C2 Cabriolet, and I love it. I've already gone completely off the rails with audio upgrades, and I also did the bypass mufflers (D-Fister), which are great. I'd love to hear about your diff setup? Thanks!

11/10! I really like the colour, interior, and your passion for driving it!

When he just ripped the protective cover off had me creasing! 👀🤣🤣👊

I’m giving you a very solid 8/10. Very well thought out mods to what is a super and (previously) very underrated 911. I am getting a 996 2004 C4 Cabrio tomorrow and I am beyond excited.

Great vid Matt and really enjoying the love for the 996 now. I remember you getting it and it was a big purchase for you at the time and the mods have enhanced that 👏🏼 I’ve gone down a similar route in my 99 Artic silver with metropole trim. Im on 18’s but still have a great ride and just had a 997 GT3 shifter assembly fitted with the RSS mounts. Bloody fantastic 👌🏼 If also fitted the wider EP4110 tequipment exhaust tips they look miles better at the back with PSE on and blasting 😁👌🏼 just also fitted some sports seats from the standard comfort ones. Looks and performance especially in a long trip are brilliant, so get looking for a set. Keep up the great work Matt 👏🏼😎

Great video- Thanks for sharing it. Now I know what some of the hood upgrades are which I can do for my ‘99 996 Cab Carrera.

The problem with that generation is that the one before it was the best looking 911 ever made (imo) and the ones that came after it did away with the 'egg yolk' headlights, thankfully! But, in isolation, it's a pretty good looking car and Matt has kept it in an awesome condition.

@markdrewitt8368

2 жыл бұрын

agreed, and the roar of the old air cooled flat 6 is hard to beat.

@johndoe920

2 жыл бұрын

@@markdrewitt8368 the 996 isn't aircooled though, it's the first watercooled one.

@sammyt3514

2 жыл бұрын

@@johndoe920 I think he's referring to the generation that came before it, which was the last one with an air cooled flat six.

7/10 really don't like the Werther's Original interior, but I do like your mods.

@CessGreen208

2 жыл бұрын

I laughed way to hard at this

@spicynoodles11

2 жыл бұрын

How good are werthers originals tho 👌 Absolute stupendous confectionary.

@Andrew-wf6fi

2 жыл бұрын

Not Werther's original. More like vomit

@churchyandfriends

2 жыл бұрын

@@spicynoodles11 facts!

@chrisduran3007

2 жыл бұрын

It’s called delicious butter candy, not horrible fart sweets so I don’t see your problem Edit: I’d say it’s more baby poop than werthers but it’s acceptable imo

Always loved the headlight style on these

@Derpderpson123

2 жыл бұрын

EGG

@screwge84

2 жыл бұрын

Said no one ever 😂

@MonicaHolly143

2 жыл бұрын

That's actually the reason why this is the least desirable 911

@thommes07

2 жыл бұрын

these are the ugliest porsches for years...

@maverick4177

2 жыл бұрын

The price of them allows people with no taste to own a Porsche 👍🏻

Nice looking car for the price. Wouldn’t be so fussy about the tan interior.

I love when Mat gives us updates on his 996! I drove my '99 today and always arrive with a smile.

@robertbonnette9729

Жыл бұрын

Same here. Just bought my 99 996. Smiling a lot

I rate it a solid 8/10. It could be the best 996 in the country outside of a collection of Concours cars. Address the few body/paint issues and it'd be a 9, but I think I'd leave it well alone, and only address issues if another issue develops in the same area. You see so many cars that have even gone to the extant of a bare metal respray only to see bubbling within circa five years. Whatever you do, avoid that route! Localized repairs is the way to go, IMO. Lastly, all of the mods have, somewhat surprisingly, seemingly worked out well. Well done, Mat!!! But, I know you've spent thousands to keep it nice and get it the way it is. You also had issues to deal with early on. The car is a credit to you.

Really liking the 996 videos Mat. Kinda half looking at early 996s and this one ticks loads of boxes - perfect spec.

My dad watched the video you did on the gundo hack and had it done to his 997.2 c4s a few years ago and it was a big improvement. Now got an s8 plus and he had the same guy modify the s8 exhaust and again it was a massive improvement.

I would say interior = 7 Exterior = 7 Drive = 9 I nearly bought a 996 4S in the same exterior color, but with the brick red interior (can’t remember the name of the color). It was a beautiful combination in my opinion. But I would be perfectly happy with your interior. I was watching when you bought the car, and was so excited for you. Great job Mat, and I’m so glad you’ve kept it these years.

I would of rate the exterior same as Richie and the interior as well, BUT; I would of rate the driving 10/10. Those mods you did to it, well done.

Hi Mat With the mods to the suspension, diff and exhaust, it seems like it drives, dampens and sounds better than when it was new. That means a 10/10 sounds more accurate for the driving experience rating.

Love it Mat..great vid and review. We've had a few Porsches in the family (986 / 987 / 997 / 996 TT) and are lucky to currently have an R8 V8, 981 BS and 2003 996 C2 Cab and my favourite one to drive is the 996 C2. ..in fact..after watching your vid i think i'll get it out this BH and give it a clay bar..... Its a marmite colour (silver and terracotta leather) but we love it and don't ever think we'll ever sell. Its the bridge to the old air cooler and modern 911's. 👌👍

Loved your video and your pal couldn't stop smiling when driving your car! A very solid 8.5. Love your car.

You must be very proud of that erm interior Matt, exterior looks awesome!

Good video, nice car. I seem to remember when you bought the car, you put a new clutch in, but didn't bother with the IMS bearing. Why was that?

9 all day. Love your videos. Just bought my very first Porsche. My dream car since my early teens. Got a ‘99. 996. It needs TLC and your videos are assisting me in that. Thank you.

Absolutely love it Matt. I have a 10.97 built 996 3.4 manual in Australia. Have added the GT3 shifter, and 993 RS engine mounts. I will go the Ohlins too, but retain rubber bushes and standard sway bar to see how that goes, I agree with you, the 996 is a heck of a lot of car for the money and today looks svelte and athletic compared to modern day 911 monsters!!!!

Cracking car and colour combo. Also the type of 'clubman' sport type mods you've done, sound just about right for a very useable, 'spritely', road car - I've always done similar on my car's/hobby cars. Synthetic/poly bushes can go either way, but you've sourced a good brand. If it were mine, I'd get some of the paint defects sorted (sorry to hear about the roof a twat did similar to one of my motors once, took a dent removal team two days to sort mine, almost unnoticeable but a slight stretch in the metal and one wally put the OS sun-visor on back to front), I'd also swap (but put away in a box for refitting at resale) the steering wheel, handbrake handle, gear knob to black (to match the black accents in the dash and dial back the baby poopness of the interior). I think that those three items in black would add a touch more class. Doing that and paintwork? Would take your Porche from a 7.5/7.9 to a 8.9-9.5 rating imho👍😊😉

Hi Matt. You mentioned you had a limited slip diff fitted to your car. Wavetrack if I remember correctly. Is this the brand name or type of diff ??

I am thinking about buy this Pigi but after Lift 996 ;) Could u tell what to look at when I gonna test to don't buy crap ?

Great mods if pricey but it is a Porche. Infotainment is a brilliant upgrade as is the suspension improvements. I doubt I would pay for the LSD no matter how good. Most impressed you didn't ruin it all by swapping out the 17Inch wheels and fit crazy low profile tyres. In fact if it's your only set of wheels and you drive it in all weathers I would fit All Season tyres.

Man's made him a great sports car for pretty cheap. I'm in Arkansas USA and it's the most rural place in America overall and we rarely ever see lambos, mcClarens, Ferrari but Porsches are everywhere here. They are as fast as the others but able to withstand our horrible roads and extreme summer and winter weather. It's the only car of this type that I wld ever consider having where I live. Love these cars.

He reminds me of the guy from DIY sos. Loved this

A nice car, I have a 996 C2 -02 myself. But if I had the founds I would have bought a GT3 for the engine sound. A flat 6 at 9k is highly addictive. =)

@Sasori.OfTheRedSand

2 жыл бұрын

I own one 💪 thats true

Hay Richard 👍was our tech at Silverstone back in the day

Great video. Thx. My concern is the actual costs of running one. The risks of something serious (hence prohibitively expensive) are scary to me. Any tips on how to avoid those risks? Or is that just not possible?

@computerhelpcc

Жыл бұрын

In first 4 years of ownership, I spent as much as the initial price of acquiring it. Base model, few extras, 2 owners and Porsche dealer gave it best pre purchase inspection ever. I was warned $3k/yr, I doubted it based on owning a Boxster that was much lower mileage. Porsches cost to maintain.

Mat was so excited about the Porsche head unit he was almost sitting on his lap

A great advert for the most underrated sports car of all time. As a fellow owner (40Jahre) the 996 combination of size, weight, power is spot on. Couple that with precision steering, gear change and brakes and it’s one hell of a driver’s car. Amazingly, my wife says it’s very comfortable too!

@marsmellow1589

2 жыл бұрын

The only thing that is wrong with is are the headlights.

As an 02’ Carrera 2 owner (also lapis blue), I totally rate your a 9.5/10. And i would love to reapply your suspension parts list based on this video! Aesthetically, the 18”ers would honestly make this a 10/10. Gorgeous and thank you for this. Please come attend a cars & coffee if you are ever in the Boston USA area… there are about a dozen of us 996 enthusiasts here.

@jaycordeiro905

2 жыл бұрын

I have to agree with 18"ers. It is the only non stock item on my 996. I do like the blue but I am quite content with my green, it really stands out with my satin black 18" wheels.

The mustard yellow interior is a bit marmite, condition looks great though.

@mac2540

2 жыл бұрын

The video doesn’t do it justice. It looks lovely in real life

@ianross225

2 жыл бұрын

We reckon Caramac.

Great to see Mat smiling like s cheshire cat when the Porsche tech is praising how his car drives!

You did well to get one for that sort of money. Lovely car, I was never a Porsche fan when I was younger but it’s the only 4 seater practical sports car I can get kids in but prices are crazy at the minute.

All we are forgetting the he mentioned he had a daughter congrats Matt

Subtle changes very nice very sorted car 👍top🍌.. Great vid cheers

wow we need more review videos of him!

Thanks for the video - good to see one of your own cars. Looks pretty good and has to be a 9 out of 10?

WHAT NO WAY I DIDNT KNOW YOU COULD GET A PORSCHE FACTOR INFOTAINMENT UPGRADE AHHH I WAS LOOKING AT NEWER MODELS BC I WANTED CARPLAY BUT THIS JUST OPENED UP A WHOLE NEW WORLD FOR ME

Matt's got a new car, hooptie too! Welcome to the club 🥲👍

Immidiately noticed the danish lift in the background (a fan, proud to be danish )

You got better Android audio than my Tacan has 😅👌

You still have it! I thought you sold that. Mods are tastefully done. 8-10.....Plz feature on the drag race show.

Colour of inside is nice and it does go well with colour of outside I had an exhaust in a Subaru that was different each side and it did my head in

Looking to replace my 996 headlights, so many out there, if available, please share the ones you've installed, definite improvement over OEM's Car looks terrific!

I’ve owned a Zenith Blue 996 C4 for a few years now and love it. Mines has the hard shell colour coded seat backs and centre console. I also upgraded the nasty standard head unit to a double din Pioneer unit and moved the heater controls lower down. The rest of the car is standard. Poo coloured interior on your car isn’t for me but the rest of the car I think is great. 👍

@MrCaterhamr500

Ай бұрын

It’s called Savannah and looks great, far better than boring black!

What case you using on your galaxy fold?

Both my Mercedes are insured by Admiral hopefully I'll never have to claim , I had a similar issue though in 2018 with Esure with their so called recommended Bodyshop who did a horrendous repair job on another car i owned at the time , The Bodyshop in your story needs a rocket up its backside !

Great Vid and on some of my favourites roads too

Particularly the parcel shelf!

pree how excited Mat is about his new infotainment system 😂 😂 😂 😂

It has to be 20 out of 10. The way u sorted out the upgrades that add value and driving pleasure make it a way better solution than 80% of the 996s on the European market. Well done Matt!!!

Who makes the roll bars and drop links? I didn't quite hear which ones you used.

mat I think you should get a small sized wing, small diffuser, canards, splitter and bbs wheels I think that you can transform your car overall your car is 9/10 so far it sounds great as well.

Just missing Hartech’s 3.4 - 3.7 oversized conversion now :)

Fantastic video really enjoyed that. Matt I know you probably read all the comments, but you should've asked them to knock up a set of Porsche UK number plates and fit them correctly for you. Those Halfords ones are letting the car down.

Hi, do you have a link for the Apple car play tech by any chance? At 7:08

There are some supercharger kits to fit on a 996, maybe a bit extreme but if you want yours to be as much fun than a gt3 then it may be a good choice

I also love the 996 Owners of 991.2 imprest about my 996.1. Cable, lim dif, SOUND, lightness, steering, and is so beauty

I miss my 997 Carrera and your car reminds me a lot of it. Your 996 is a sleeper car. Loved that you kept the look 100% original. The interior color does look like baby poo but who cares! Your car is a 10 out of 10 my friend. Congratulations 🎉

Stunning interior 👌🏼

Very nice example of 996. I give it a 9/10. The mods you have done are very tasteful and make the car better, not worse. Very classy. I would be proud to own that 996. Well done chap.

@agk152

2 жыл бұрын

Ok

That OEM stereo upgrade is awesome. Hats off to Porsche for making that available.

Hiya Mat. I am a huge fan of yours. Whilst the interior colour of your Porsche 996 is a bit on the bright side, I think your interior is immaculate, clean, solid and beautifully looked after. 9/10. The exterior I would give a 9/10. The drive definitely 10/10, because the 996 is a bit of a split personality when it comes to what can go wrong, but your 996 sounds fantastic! Keep up the great videos, always enjoy watching them and your reviews on Carwow.

congrats on the kids matt!! time to get a wrx sti s209 or type RA safest and funnest cars to exist

You did some great mods. Love it

Are you driving through Hampton in Arden ?

Beautiful car, 996 is my favorite 911, maybe not in blue but I've always loved 996's

How are the Ohlïns Matt? I have Bilstein shocks with lowered springs, and I have heavily considered the upgrade. I love seeing his reaction to driving it. The early 3.4L cars are a hidden gem!

996 GTS. I think this gem could be more accurately described as that rather than a "cheap man's 996 GT3." Great vid and car Mat!

Well done with the score ! Never a fan of the 996, the 997 looks so much better but you are happy with your car it's a nice tidy example !

Is there an update head unit available for a 987 Baxter?

Excellent that Porsche offer a modern head unit for their older cars - a bit steep, but you'd have to go for it - brilliant

Couple of Porsche geeks living it up. Love it.

I really like it Mat. You have kept imperfect the bits impossible to keep perfect in a car that is not a garage queen, but a fun machine and you have improved what could be improved thanks to the technological progress of the last 20+ years, yet without giving it any fast and furious vibe. I definitely agree with that 9/10.

Bought mine after he bought his due to his reviews. Even landed in the same place to buy it. 9/10!

So want this version 996. Eager to watch the vid. And it definitely not changed my mind. Nice mods nice car

Love your car Mat (but not a fan, generically, of the ‘90’s ‘fried egg’ fronted 911s.) Mid ‘80’s 930 Turbo my favourite 911 ( if money was no object, so totally hypothetical !!!! 😆😆). Great Channel and a good watch. Thanks.

the smile on his face opening her up should say everything you need to. no comment on the interior... no comment on the headlights... no ims fear. just plain ol 911 bliss! i love the 9x6 platform. brilliant and highly maintainable while being every molecule a Porsche! (except the headlight switch... that's an Audi part 🤣😂) kidding aside. great car! enjoy.

What about underneath the car? Hows it looking under there ?

Matt, never sell this car! Colour combo is cool - and way better than a boring black interior. This is the true Porsche experience without the exorbitant Porsche price.

I actually just bought in the last 1 year, two of your favourite cars… 996 and e39 m5!! Thanks for the great reviews!

Mat, it's a great car. Looks like a joy to drive!

Mine's in about the same shape. (Red with black interior.) I do have one rim that is showing some kind of primer, so it may have been repaired at some point. (so I'm thinking about getting them blasted and powder coated black) It's my eighth Porsche, but is my absolute favorite. The people that don't like the 996 remind me of audiophiles. If the shape of the lights is the worst thing that you can complain about, then... :D No mods on mine currently, though I just replaced the struts.

Hey Mat. Would you consider posting a list with some specifics on what your upgrades were. I am on my 2nd 996 and would like to replicate what you have done suspension wise. Everybody I speak to gives me different advice and I have yet to find an example I can drive to compare with mine. Yours seems well sorted So I suspect the products you have used would be a great start for my 996.

@MatWatsonCars

2 жыл бұрын

Ohlins Road and track coilovers, tarret anti roll bars and drop links, full powerflex poly bushings, semi solid engine mounts and wavetrac lsd

@chrisfinch8212

2 жыл бұрын

@@MatWatsonCars I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to respond. Thank you. I'm a fan and subscriber who will always hit that like button! My Daughter Remi is also a great fan and plays your videos with her friends at school on their lunch break.

Highly underrated car, wished I snagged one when I had the chance.

Would love to see a review on the Corvette C6 Z06 as its one of the best sports cars bang for buck

Excellent video 👏

SOLID 8. I HAVE A COBBLED TOGETHER 2000 996 CAB. 2002 ENGINE (IMS WENT ON FIRST ONE). IT'S A GREAT DRIVER. INTERIOR ROUGH, CONVERTED TOP TO MANUAL OP (WORK IN PROGRESS ) BUT MECHCANICALS SOLID. INSTALLED BYPASS PIPES!! WOW!! WONDERFUL SOUND. ALSO HAVE 03 MASER SPYDER. LOTS OF FUN. OBVIOUSLY I'M NOT A PUREST.