It seems like every video or review I see where the 996 is mentioned, it’s talked about poorly. I also see hilariously low prices on them everywhere: teens into mid 20s USD. What made that Era of water-cooled 911 so disliked?
I’ve heard people like the exterior styling, but I once heard something about the engine was a problem. It’s never really been explained to me though.
the looks. the egg yolk headlights were shared with the boxster and that made the 911 range look ‘cheap’ to most aficionados. driving wise they are fine.
the only one that looks good imo is the 996 gt2.
Cons Esthetics: headlights and Honda-esque dashboard.
M96 (and M97 in 997s) IMSB and bore scoring issues.
It’s the first entirely water cooled Porsche.
Pros Relative affordability now
Said by many to be the best combination of the size and balance of the air cooled models and the modern era performance of later gens.
The 996 & 997 Turbo and GT3 models have the bullet proof Mezger engine and offer a lot of value for the money.
Here’s a nice comparison of 993 & 996.