Hi Mat here. Check if your car was damaged with a 10% discount with Car Vertical here: www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/inf/watson?a=watson&b=38b26e3a&voucher=watson Or just head to Car Vertical at a later date and use the Watson10 discount code!
MAN.....YOU HAVE THIS 911....YOU ARE A ARTIST////////////// THATS PURE MECANIC EMOTION WITH THOSE////OLDE///// MODELS. I LOVE THE CLASSIC PORCHES ....THEY ARE TIMELESS MACHINES. MAT......YOU ARE THE BEST THANK YOU///////
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.
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)
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.
@@Jjm2024-u3t 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 Believe in JESUS today, confess and repent of your sins. No one goes to heaven for doing good but by believing in JESUS who died for our sins. Hell isn't fun. GOD loves you soo much unconditional❤😇❤️😋❤️
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!!!!
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 996 with manual transmison is my absolute dream car! Following you for a long time and really glad to hear that you are not gonna sell your car. In where I live it is very hard to get one of these cars as they are so rare in numbers and price tags are so high. Kinda makes me sad but it brings me joy to see you loving and enjoying this car and giving her a good treatment she deserves. Thanks for the good content.
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.
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.
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
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!
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 👏🏼😎
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!
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 !
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 🎉
Matt's face at 12:50: I know the feeling! So many moron's are quick to judge the 996 harshly, they don't know the feeling of owning a good one. That face means validation, no way I would sell my 99 either! 996's in many ways are more pure than almost all other 911's.
@@wiganfan3373 I refer to the original 996 ie pre facelift as opposed to the post facelift car. I thought that would have been clear. The 964 is one of my personal favourites.
@@resnonverba137 If you mean the turbo you have a point. If you mean the 2nd Gen 996 non-turbo, or C4s I disagree. They started getting cheaper plastics, thin single row IMSB bearings, more weight, and an options list to cater to the dentists wife. Not as pure IMO. Plus the headlights don't quite work, they were a lame attempt to differentiate from Boxster, but look weird imo. Porsche should have kept them only for the Turbo but they wimped out. It was the first step to what we have now the huge Panamera Coupe.
You can get aftermarket units that match manufacturer styling. I know they exist for VW and Audi. Talk to your local car audio experts, if they are good they should know
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.
One thing you can do is thoroughly clean the front seats and dash wherever you soon the yellow baby waste colour. The reason it looks like that is because it’s dirty and needs to be professionally cleaned or steam cleaned. If you look at your back seats they are brand new and the original colour. You can get the front part of your car to look that good also just by cleaning it correctly
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👍😊😉
You’ve done things to that car in exactly the way I’d have done them - totally discreet, nothing too extreme, everything lightly turned up to 11 but nothing detracting from the car’s usability. The infotainment update blew my tiny mind… nice one, Porsche. I had one of the first 996s in the UK when they came out - a ‘98 996 C2 manual in Ocean Blue with the same toxic waste colour interior as yours, so I can’t complain about that. Your car is lush - I’d give it a 9+.
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.
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 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.
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. 👍
The car obviously works well for you! Interior 9 for me ( except I would have preffed light blue), exterior I am less hung up on so 9 too; mods are probably a step too far for my 996 and its likely use, but from the video sounds like its a 9.5.
I’d suggest anyone getting one of these drive it as the factory delivered first. Then decide if Porsche didn’t get it right. If your local roads are not the best it’s usually best to maintain it along factory lines. Completely stock these are great driving cars that you won’t have to worry about scraping the bottom off. The radio upgrade is a no brainer.
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.
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.
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.
Believe in JESUS today, confess and repent of your sins. No one goes to heaven for doing good but by believing in JESUS who died for our sins. Hell isn't fun. GOD loves you soo much unconditional❤😇❤️😋❤️
Believe in JESUS today, confess and repent of your sins. No one goes to heaven for doing good but by believing in JESUS who died for our sins. Hell isn't fun. GOD loves you soo much unconditional❤😇❤️😋❤️
Was really expecting to see a mechanical inspection during this video, Engine bay, Under carriage, Suspension. Feels more important than the stuff that was covered.
@@mattyboy999 In which case not encouraging people to get a full mechanical inspection when buying something this expensive I would say is poor buyers advice and doesnt offer the correct advice, or shine light on the correct process for the viewers. Either way you buy a car like this you have a mechanical inspection. Assuming that this isnt your first car and your not brand new to hobby ofcourse. In which case you'd probably omit the inspection, pay for it later and chock it down to experience.
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.
The gasket under the bonnet badge shrinks with age, so if the badge is removed and refitted for any reason you will have to replace the gasket. On mine someone had tightened the badge down over the shrunken gasket and bent the badge as well, but thankfully I was able to bend it back into shape.
Variants of the 996 won EVO car of the year in 1998,99,2000 and 2003. The 992 hasn’t even managed one win yet !! People knock them but they are bloody great cars.
So true, the 996 is one of the great 911s. Obviously the engine is fragile but once the IMSB get replaced you should be good. I have owned 964, 993, 996, 997.1. Driving wise the 996 is the best. The air cooled cars look great and have loads of character but the engines don’t like to rev. It’s not exciting to wind out a 964 or 993. The 997 got heavier than the 996. the 997 PASM and variable steering make it much less pure and involving to drive. 991 is too big, 7 speed manual box is terrible as is the steering feel. 996 is the best as EVO’s period testing showed.
@@gregs8685 "991 is too big". My words. The size of the 991 and 992 strive away from the initial thought and feeling behind the 911 as a car. Not to say that they arent incredible and beautiful cars... they are. And they still are perfect 911 for the generations they resemble. Yet I like the smaller size of the old models better. Which is the reason why I'm looking into the 718 4.0 gts instead of a 992 (and looking into old 911 aswell obv)... Idk it just gives bit more of porsche 911 driving spirit.
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.
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. 👌👍
Hi Mat here. Check if your car was damaged with a 10% discount with Car Vertical here:
www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/inf/watson?a=watson&b=38b26e3a&voucher=watson
Or just head to Car Vertical at a later date and use the Watson10 discount code!
I love all your videos and effort mat. Your are doing great man.
good vid mat
Were you too afraid to have your car forensically inspected for body fluids and stuff? 😜
MAN.....YOU HAVE THIS 911....YOU ARE A ARTIST////////////// THATS PURE MECANIC EMOTION WITH THOSE////OLDE///// MODELS. I LOVE THE CLASSIC PORCHES ....THEY ARE TIMELESS MACHINES. MAT......YOU ARE THE BEST THANK YOU///////
come on Mat, it’s PORSCHE, not pooOOsh
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 !
Sounds amazing. Did you have any issues with it?
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.
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)
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.
Are they reliable?
@@Jjm2024-u3t 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.
@@grivoc oh wow, what mileage?
@@Jjm2024-u3t it's currently 130000 KMs or 80778 miles
@@grivoc oh where you based then? Must me some sort of conditions for it to be that reliable for that long? Surely?
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.
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.
7/10 really don't like the Werther's Original interior, but I do like your mods.
I laughed way to hard at this
How good are werthers originals tho 👌 Absolute stupendous confectionary.
Not Werther's original. More like vomit
@@spicynoodles11 facts!
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
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.
Save your money and get something else. They are overpriced and are not that great to drive. Don't believe the hype.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 .. +1 agreed. .. This '98 993 C2S owner would agreed. .. Take a pass on the 996,,, unless you're stealing $ it...
@@bigmacdaddy1234 Believe in JESUS today, confess and repent of your sins. No one goes to heaven for doing good but by believing in JESUS who died for our sins. Hell isn't fun. GOD loves you soo much unconditional❤😇❤️😋❤️
@@alunesh12345 If God loves me so much unconditionally then why are there so many conditions?
@@alunesh12345 if you was born in India 500 years ago would you be a Christian?
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.
agreed, and the roar of the old air cooled flat 6 is hard to beat.
@@marcosd999 the 996 isn't aircooled though, it's the first watercooled one.
@@johndoe920 I think he's referring to the generation that came before it, which was the last one with an air cooled flat six.
Always loved the headlight style on these
EGG
Said no one ever 😂
That's actually the reason why this is the least desirable 911
these are the ugliest porsches for years...
The price of them allows people with no taste to own a Porsche 👍🏻
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.
11/10!
I really like the colour, interior, and your passion for driving it!
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.
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!
The only thing that is wrong with is are the headlights.
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!!!!
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.
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!!!
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.
When he just ripped the protective cover off had me creasing! 👀🤣🤣👊
I love when Mat gives us updates on his 996! I drove my '99 today and always arrive with a smile.
Same here. Just bought my 99 996. Smiling a lot
Mat was so excited about the Porsche head unit he was almost sitting on his lap
“Theres a wall!” Window down is literally me everytime i drive my 911 hahahahahhah love Watson!
Nice looking car for the price. Wouldn’t be so fussy about the tan interior.
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.
The mustard yellow interior is a bit marmite, condition looks great though.
The video doesn’t do it justice. It looks lovely in real life
We reckon Caramac.
Mat getting afraid and holding the door every time that Richie accelerated the car was priceless HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 996 with manual transmison is my absolute dream car! Following you for a long time and really glad to hear that you are not gonna sell your car. In where I live it is very hard to get one of these cars as they are so rare in numbers and price tags are so high. Kinda makes me sad but it brings me joy to see you loving and enjoying this car and giving her a good treatment she deserves. Thanks for the good content.
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.
Great to see Mat smiling like s cheshire cat when the Porsche tech is praising how his car drives!
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. =)
I own one 💪 thats true
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.
Ok
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
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!
The smile of Richie while driving is the best advertising for Porsche.
Really liking the 996 videos Mat. Kinda half looking at early 996s and this one ticks loads of boxes - perfect spec.
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 👏🏼😎
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!
You still have it! I thought you sold that. Mods are tastefully done. 8-10.....Plz feature on the drag race show.
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!
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 !
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 🎉
pree how excited Mat is about his new infotainment system 😂 😂 😂 😂
Matt's face at 12:50: I know the feeling! So many moron's are quick to judge the 996 harshly, they don't know the feeling of owning a good one. That face means validation, no way I would sell my 99 either! 996's in many ways are more pure than almost all other 911's.
What a clown
The facelifted 996 is considerably better than the original, in my opinion.
@@resnonverba137 Obviously you are wrong the 964 was the last sexy awesome 911, every model since then just doesn't look right
@@wiganfan3373 I refer to the original 996 ie pre facelift as opposed to the post facelift car. I thought that would have been clear. The 964 is one of my personal favourites.
@@resnonverba137 If you mean the turbo you have a point. If you mean the 2nd Gen 996 non-turbo, or C4s I disagree. They started getting cheaper plastics, thin single row IMSB bearings, more weight, and an options list to cater to the dentists wife. Not as pure IMO. Plus the headlights don't quite work, they were a lame attempt to differentiate from Boxster, but look weird imo. Porsche should have kept them only for the Turbo but they wimped out. It was the first step to what we have now the huge Panamera Coupe.
That OEM stereo upgrade is awesome. Hats off to Porsche for making that available.
The head unit upgrade is so cool! I wish all manufacturers would offer upgrades like that
You can get aftermarket units that match manufacturer styling. I know they exist for VW and Audi. Talk to your local car audio experts, if they are good they should know
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.
He reminds me of the guy from DIY sos. Loved this
One thing you can do is thoroughly clean the front seats and dash wherever you soon the yellow baby waste colour. The reason it looks like that is because it’s dirty and needs to be professionally cleaned or steam cleaned. If you look at your back seats they are brand new and the original colour. You can get the front part of your car to look that good also just by cleaning it correctly
All we are forgetting the he mentioned he had a daughter congrats Matt
Being an unbiased 996 owner myself I obviously give you a 10/10 🤗✌🏻🏁🏎😍
11:44 - the nervousness in a car owners face when someone else boots their car
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👍😊😉
Loved your video and your pal couldn't stop smiling when driving your car! A very solid 8.5. Love your car.
You’ve done things to that car in exactly the way I’d have done them - totally discreet, nothing too extreme, everything lightly turned up to 11 but nothing detracting from the car’s usability. The infotainment update blew my tiny mind… nice one, Porsche. I had one of the first 996s in the UK when they came out - a ‘98 996 C2 manual in Ocean Blue with the same toxic waste colour interior as yours, so I can’t complain about that. Your car is lush - I’d give it a 9+.
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.
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.
Ohlins Road and track coilovers, tarret anti roll bars and drop links, full powerflex poly bushings, semi solid engine mounts and wavetrac lsd
@@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.
You must be very proud of that erm interior Matt, exterior looks awesome!
Immidiately noticed the danish lift in the background (a fan, proud to be danish )
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. 👍
It’s called Savannah and looks great, far better than boring black!
The car obviously works well for you! Interior 9 for me ( except I would have preffed light blue), exterior I am less hung up on so 9 too; mods are probably a step too far for my 996 and its likely use, but from the video sounds like its a 9.5.
Yeah the interior would take some getting used to, but great mods, maybe some wheel spacers would make the wheels look better
💯
agreed
Lets's take a 996 with 9/10 driving and change it's suspension geometry to look nice..
I’d suggest anyone getting one of these drive it as the factory delivered first. Then decide if Porsche didn’t get it right. If your local roads are not the best it’s usually best to maintain it along factory lines. Completely stock these are great driving cars that you won’t have to worry about scraping the bottom off. The radio upgrade is a no brainer.
Big up to the biggest bromance on CarTube! Can't wait for the dreamy behind the scenes footage :'D
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.
Bought mine after he bought his due to his reviews. Even landed in the same place to buy it. 9/10!
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.
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.
Wonderful to see a man who loves his car. Well done.
Believe in JESUS today, confess and repent of your sins. No one goes to heaven for doing good but by believing in JESUS who died for our sins. Hell isn't fun. GOD loves you soo much unconditional❤😇❤️😋❤️
@@alunesh12345 - the fuck does this have to do with anything? You a christian bot?
Can you get that infotainment on a 981?
Mat! If you don’t mind to share your Spotify account.. wanna see what kinda music that’s you’re listening 🥳🙏🏾
Excellent that Porsche offer a modern head unit for their older cars - a bit steep, but you'd have to go for it - brilliant
Hi Mat,
Matt here. Its a nice car. Take care, Mat.
-Matt
That head unit!!!! Well done Porsche and well done Mat for getting it!!!
Believe in JESUS today, confess and repent of your sins. No one goes to heaven for doing good but by believing in JESUS who died for our sins. Hell isn't fun. GOD loves you soo much unconditional❤😇❤️😋❤️
Matt's got a new car, hooptie too! Welcome to the club 🥲👍
Was really expecting to see a mechanical inspection during this video, Engine bay, Under carriage, Suspension. Feels more important than the stuff that was covered.
This isn’t a mechanics channel it’s entertainment for people that cars and DRIVING them not fixing them.
@@mattyboy999 In which case not encouraging people to get a full mechanical inspection when buying something this expensive I would say is poor buyers advice and doesnt offer the correct advice, or shine light on the correct process for the viewers.
Either way you buy a car like this you have a mechanical inspection. Assuming that this isnt your first car and your not brand new to hobby ofcourse. In which case you'd probably omit the inspection, pay for it later and chock it down to experience.
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.
The gasket under the bonnet badge shrinks with age, so if the badge is removed and refitted for any reason you will have to replace the gasket. On mine someone had tightened the badge down over the shrunken gasket and bent the badge as well, but thankfully I was able to bend it back into shape.
Far out the two of you go together so well. Great chemistry, the humour is just uncanny! Please tell me too have him on more videos in the future?
I also love the 996
Owners of 991.2 imprest about my 996.1. Cable, lim dif, SOUND, lightness, steering, and is so beauty
Just watch out for the IMS bearing and make sure that the oil filter gets cut open to look for material when you service the car
From memory Mat has already done the ims
Hay Richard 👍was our tech at Silverstone back in the day
congrats on the kids matt!! time to get a wrx sti s209 or type RA safest and funnest cars to exist
Just missing Hartech’s 3.4 - 3.7 oversized conversion now :)
What about underneath the car? Hows it looking under there ?
You got better Android audio than my Tacan has 😅👌
I knew a couple of lads on my estate that would go around stealing Porsche badges in my village 😂
Variants of the 996 won EVO car of the year in 1998,99,2000 and 2003. The 992 hasn’t even managed one win yet !! People knock them but they are bloody great cars.
So true, the 996 is one of the great 911s. Obviously the engine is fragile but once the IMSB get replaced you should be good. I have owned 964, 993, 996, 997.1. Driving wise the 996 is the best. The air cooled cars look great and have loads of character but the engines don’t like to rev. It’s not exciting to wind out a 964 or 993. The 997 got heavier than the 996. the 997 PASM and variable steering make it much less pure and involving to drive. 991 is too big, 7 speed manual box is terrible as is the steering feel. 996 is the best as EVO’s period testing showed.
@@gregs8685 "991 is too big". My words. The size of the 991 and 992 strive away from the initial thought and feeling behind the 911 as a car. Not to say that they arent incredible and beautiful cars... they are. And they still are perfect 911 for the generations they resemble. Yet I like the smaller size of the old models better. Which is the reason why I'm looking into the 718 4.0 gts instead of a 992 (and looking into old 911 aswell obv)... Idk it just gives bit more of porsche 911 driving spirit.
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?
I actually just bought in the last 1 year, two of your favourite cars… 996 and e39 m5!! Thanks for the great reviews!
Experience with PDI? Is that a real in depth knowledge?
Couple of Porsche geeks living it up. Love it.
That interior reminds of the food I used to eat as a baby, and the colour of the contents of my nappies 😂
that center console media is pretty great from Porsche offering this for older cars.
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.
Looks nice! And good job on the maintenance. Did you do IMS yet? How many miles on it now?
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. 👌👍
The title made me think it was a Hoovie video. "I was like wow he got another 911?!"