Worst? I Think the new 992 is the worst. first its way to exspensive. Second, they still have the old 911 headlights from the 60s. Thirth, no one buys it.
@@EdgasketGarage way to talk sh*t on it though. IMS bearing usually takes effect early on. Every ACTUAL porsche mechanic will tell you how rare IMS issues are this many years later. Also 996.2 headlights are clean and not the same as these. atleast give a fair response. 996s are the last of the drivers' 911s. Now they're all digital assistance. FOH
@@thefreedomguyuk You're "The Freedom Guy" criticizing this guy for enjoying the freedom he has to do whatever he wants with his purchase? Should change your name to the TheJackassHyprocrite Guy maybe.
I bought my first Porsche, a 986, at the end of 2003 precisely to get the original Boxster as the model change was announced at that time. 996 and 986 are the cars that saved Porsche from bankruptcy. The lights in particular were modelled after the Le Mans racers and look fantastic. I still have the car today and I enjoy it just as much and so do my sons. It never let us down.
There is no way in hell I would put plastic on my 996 to pretend it looks better... lol. Im not one to follow the crowd ever. I bought my 996 turbo because its different from the average VW beetle head lights look on Porsche. I actually think its the best looking Porsche ever designed. I will probably buy this classic version of the 996. My Turbo version has the updated fried eggs look... but I want the first edition of the fried eggs headlights. Porsche can continue to make the same old headlights for years to come, but my 996 will stand alone from the crowd.
The headlights are iconic and (now) look fantastic. Those covers, however, are f*cking disgusting and anyone fitting them should have their keys taken off them.
Ed, I am the original owner of a 1999 C2. When this car came out it was heralded by the automotive magazines as one of the best 911's ever made. It tracked faster, had a better coefficient of drag, wasn't spin crazy, had a real air conditioning and smoked corvettes. In fact it was so good that it sold more copies than any other 911 model in history. Nobody, and I mean nobody hated the headlights. There is understandable resentment that it shared the front end with the Boxster. But again, nobody hated the Boxster headlights either. That all being said, I've had mine for 25 years, it steel runs, pulls and handles great. Interior while plasticky has in held up very well. I think the switch from air cooled to water and sanitizing of the car over previous generations were the biggest complaints (understandably). If you are a real fan of Porsche's, the Boxster and 911 of the late 90's saved the auto company and for that we should be thankful.
Uhhhh. I definitely hated these headlights when it came out, and yes I was an adult in 1999 and a sports car fanatic. IMO, this was a massive step backwards from the 993 in terms of looks. I was OK with the switch to water, that made sense, but visually it was garbage, and eventually looked just like an ugly Boxster. When 2005 rolled around and they fixed the headlights, that was when I felt Porsche was truly back in the game. Just like when Jeep ditched those hideous square headlights. Dude's not wrong. The 996, especially THAT 996, are the worst Porsche's ever made. As for smoking a corvette. Come on, dude. 4.6 vs 4.7 isn't exactly gapping anyone. Also, be careful with those industry rags. This was the era where new vehicles (PT cruiser, anyone?) were given car of the year because they were bought and paid for, and that's not even accounting for the tweaked testers that were built to perform for editors. Glad you like(d) your car, though.
@@negotiatewithleverage4763 I actually like them more than the 993 headlights. I think those look bad. never liked how they tilted the original. But TBH, I still love the original upright circles the best.
Other 911’s have had their issues, my old 77 911S was prone to head studs cracking. I think my 03 C4S is a fine looking car, the wide body 996’s look great from all angles. One thing all generations share is the sheer fun of driving them.
@@EdgasketGarage - Funny that french Porsche specialized since 1990 magazine "Flat 6", doesn’t share that same opinion on which the 996, is the least desirable 911!… Actually, just by chance I’ve short ago driven a 964, and…How happy I felt by having chosen a 996 C4S five years ago over any of the "so desirable" air-cooled 911s, with that driving position, floor hinged pedals, splited side window and their A/C that couldn’t even really "acclimatize" the car (exactly because it was air-colled), designed in 1963?… Not for me, thank you!
funny nobody ever says that the 911 GT1 (996 lights) is ugly even thou exact same lights.. i have a 996 with gt3 body kit and looks killer.. if you want to improve the interior of those monocromatic interiors get some color accents, i swapped out alot of my grey interior for black (steering wheel, center console .. etc) if anything is bad about this gen 911 are the seats 100% uncomfortable ,,, some aftermarket Recaros and away we go!!!
The 996 has aged beautifully, the basic 996 Carrera has an elegance and purity of the original early air cooled 911. Yes, the cars have their issues, and build quality is not the 996’s strong point, however it carries the 911 DNA and was the basis for all the later water cooled cars that followed. The simplicity of design of this era 911 and indeed the 986 Boxster (with which it shares the front end - and headlights) has come into its own now when compared to todays over exaggerated and complex variants, proving that in many ways, less is indeed more. And as for the 996’s (and 986’s) headlights, though controversial at the time, they have become one of its defining features, and now look better than ever. Anyone who can’t see past the 996’s headlights is missing a trick, and although the 997 is indeed a better built 911 and has many of the purists design features reinstated, drive and early 3.4 996 and 997.1 back to back, and tell me which is the purer and more driver focused car?! - It’s the 996.
Modifying a 911 immediately prior to sale when it's universally known that unmodified examples sell for the most money, regardless of generation. By any chance do you have an 'ugly' and modded GT3 to sell me too?
One rule I've learned in looking into buying a 911 is to keep it as original as possible. For the 996, there will be about as many who will like this as who will hate that it isn't in the original state. This objectively looks better to me than stock, though.
Great and fun video! Former 996 owner here. I strongly believe that the ONLY reason people (and when I say "people" I really mean Porsche fanatics because regular people couldn't care less about the headlights) is because the Boxster used the same headlights. While I do prefer the looks of the round headlights, the 996 lights aren't bad. I guarantee, if the Boxster front end was different than the 996, very few people would complain about them. Also, beside the head crack and the IMS, there is the RMS, bore score, AOS intermix, and a bunch of other issues with the M96 engine. Wonderful car but bad engine.
@@thefreedomguyuk-Wrong! 996 is descendant from 356 (after several 911 iterations), which was there since 1948!… 986 (Boxter) is descendant from 550 Spyder, RS 60, RS 61 and RSK, all them from the 50’s!… In other words, 996 DNA is there "before" 986’s to tell his story!…
Bore score not at all a big issue on the 996…. 997 on the other hand!… Also..just watched a TH-cam video of a large Porsche repair shop that works on a couple of hundred Porsches a year… has so far come across 2 IMS 996 / Boxter issues in 5 years at the same location. What with that said, there are reasonable IMS preventative replacement solutions available everywhere now. It seems like you are generalizing more than a little in calling this a “bad engine”…
You know you can buy just the little triangle piece to fix those headlights instead of covering them. Which by the way, will cause more heat retention and kill bulbs faster. Lot of 996 haters just because of the headlights 🙄 that were designed to mimic the Le Mans LMP1 cars like the 957, 917K and 911GT1.
Yes I have the triangle pieces. Took mine out because of the headlight washers not working correctly. I’m far less of a 996 fan because of the engine. The headlights are not cool (IMO) but they are certainly a piece if 911 history.
@@EdgasketGarage my daughters 986S washers are also not working. I was going to remove then plug the pump lines and just get those covers. How do you feel about the mezger engines of different porsche generations? The turbo and GT 996's have mezger designed engines. I assume it's the M96 engines that you don't like.
This video is hilarious, I love it. Good luck with all the Porsche purists in the comments, they tend to take things very seriously for pedantic reasons. Just don’t take them as seriously as they take their cars
I don‘t say this lightly: Time was kind towards the 996s optics and reputation. These covers on the other hand… They existed for ages and even Porsche themselves offered headlight covers… they did not sell that many. Looks like a highlighting afterthought imho. Edit: The fit towards the bumpers ruin it
Every time you said it was the worst 911 was like a dagger in my shriveled little 996.1 owner’s heart😭I don’t care what anyone says I love my runny egg car and it’s the only one I could afford so I have learned to love it, warts and all.
Thank you sir for making this video. Hopefully it has convinced many people to just not buy the "worst 911". To everyone who stumbles upon this video, yes the 996 is in fact a terrible car, that will look terrible, drive terrible and whose engine will explode right after you purchase it. Do not buy them.
Am I angry you did this and called the 996 the worst 911? Yes! You have offended me and my honour! I am not happy. (I'm kidding btw, okish content here, at least you painted it so it blends in, but I do like the originals!)
@@EdgasketGarage I'm only messing mate, enjoy your channel a lot and followed your builds. Looking forward to the 996 turbo. I love the 996, but do have a 991 so not too fussed with the bad points of the car, I still have my cassettes for the 996! Lol
Great fix and a friend of mine fixed his headlight issue about 15 years ago by prepping the existing light covers and taped them off and sprayed them body color they still look great. Porsche did drop the ball on styling the lights.
@@EdgasketGarage Still it is not the worst 911. If it real was the worst 911 then no one would've bought it. Also many people liked the car (aka the headlights)!
@@EdgasketGarage He is not alone Ed. 996 is a great looking car, and the GT1 headlights look great. I also prefer the interior to later model 911s including the 997.
I did the same mod a few years back. But, I really started to like the "fried eggs" and removed them. It takes a while, bit the "fried eggs" grow on you! Maybe they were just ahead of their time?
Wrong in so many ways, 996.2 , C4S Cab has the best looking ass of all the Porsche’s. IMS is a cheap easy fix, haven’t had a single problem, as far as the headlights..... loved them on the GT1, love them on my car....... in 10 years, Everyone is going to want one!
I probably agree they are the least pretty of all 911 headlights……but original still looks far better any aftermarket “solution”. Those things you fitted scream aftermarket Chinese tat.
I was going to write how much I like my headlights on my '03 the way they are, but seems I'm late to that party. Aside from your crrazy dislike for a car youve owned two of, I like your video. Do more. Thanks!
Hi, I see you that you installed the cover on the car, would it be easier to secure the cover on the headlight off the car? Just wondering. Great video, thanks.
By faar it loook woorse with those add ons, 996 is not that bad perhaps if it has ambar turn signals , just made them clear and thats it..... a stock 996 looks better than a conversion or else
Great video. Currently own 2 over at Johnny's car care and reviews. Mostly love with a little hate. I will be dropping in the black headlight replacements once I figure out if I will put them on the black or red 911
Years back I prepared the plastic head light covers pin stripped and masked off the same areas as your aftermarket covers and with the correct primer and top coat they have held up great and look 100% better probably 70 bucks invested.
If you don’t like the headlights, why did you buy a 996? It’s a great car-embrace the fried eggs…they’re a descendant of Porsche racing heritage. This is a mod that screams wannabe!
996 is a great car, so enjoy your 996. I own my 996 for 9 years, love every mile I drove it and I'm never gonna sell it. Ok that was a lie... If I can afford a Mk1 996 GT3 I'll buy the GT3 996 😅
2:45 TBH I don't think the headlights are the main issue. a 2008 cayman and a 2009 cayman have a $20,000 difference, that's because of a the IMS bearing issue, and that issue plagues these cars too. Some people have grown to really like the fried egg look, if it was truly the case then we could easily find 15k models with under 80k miles in the market. I've still seen 996's going for $25k 30k and even 35k for that much.
In fact, the 996 is one of the best cars ever made. It is effectively made by Toyota. The IMS will NEVER fail if you keep the revs up, and the gear low, when climbing hills. On top of this, the 996 Carerra is the prettiest and cleanest 911 of all time. It is a future classic, and prices are rising already.
It’s not a bad car but it is the worst of the 911 line. You can’t find any running/driving 911’s for 15-20 grand - (other than 996’s). It will be nice if the value does start to close the gap on the 997.
What are you talking about? You are over opinionated and in my OPINION shouldn't be allowed to own one. 996s are great 911s...in Australia they are $70k and continue to up in value fried egg headlights or not! IMS bearing happened over 20 years ago - who hasn't repaired this issue by now. Interior was much better than the 993 just check it out Mr.
The previous owner of my 996.1 Cabriolet had added these light covers to make the headlights look round. I recently pulled them off, and, well, I think it looks better. I think the “fried eggs” have aged way better than anyone might have anticipated. The engine? Well, I’ve recently crossed 165,000km and the engine is running great. But I am vigilant and as soon as I see anything developing, I’m going to weigh my options carefully.
MASSIVE improvement....great info and great job on sharing an extremely helpful bit of info that really resolves the aesthetic issue of that front end. Calling the stock headlights "Iconic" is the coward's way of avoiding the reality that they're simply ugly...and actually...no, they're not "iconic" when every other model of the car is round headlights....the round headlight is what's "iconic" as the ugly lights are and will never be an "icon" representation of the company. The silhouette of the bathtub shape of a 911 is iconic....but again...the adolescents will try and ascribe "glory" to ugly by using a fancy term that is wrongly applied. That's this era of idiots....over and over....instead of growing up they choose to live in a fantasy since it's just always easier and the easy life is what this generation is all about....not character, no growth, not hard work, not ethics, not love, not helping others, not serving others...just taking the easy way and denying simple obvious things as simple as "yes....the headlights that are ugly are actually ugly".
Typically, only uptight 911 purists find them ugly. Every time I explain to a non-Porschetard why my car is hated by the purists they wonder how those people became so retarded as to think that a pair of bug eyes sticking out of the fenders are better than sleekly molded lights. I do acknowledge that the yellow is kinda ugly, fortunately mine are de-yolked.
@@DonziGT230 Grow up bud....your entire thread reeks of immature whining with your identity wrapped up in having a Porsche. No one cares sincerely, and it's never ever going to mean anything whether you have a Porsche or not, whether it's attractive, or not. ....and no, it's not purists that have taste....I happened to show my own father not long ago these headlight and it was a simple "no those are ugly". Why? Because they're not a sleek, sultry, artistic line...they are that shape without a reason...except...we actually DO know the reason....and it was simply that they already had them laying around, already designed, and so they got slapped onto that model just like Lamborghini uses the headlights from a Nissan 300Z except those actually look good.
I also agree that the current trajectory of society isn't exactly positive and that we are facing some serious problems but the shape of a 20 year old car's headlights and what some people say about them seems really low on that list...
@@d-phoenix2198 Do you mean like commenting on a stranger's opinion on a global platform called the internet might ALSO be pretty low on the "list" you mention, (when there is no list?) regarding sharing opinions in contrast to greater life issues? So exactly what is your point other than inane hypocrisy? And bud...no matter how good or how bad life is or gets, people will always have opinions and personalities and express both....so may want to do some adapting. And...it's not "what some people say about them"....the point made was about maturity, and how it's lacking....and the EVIDENCE of that and the frustration of THAT is people getting their identity associated with their car when a car has nothing to do with who a person is....what defines a person is their character.....not what design of what vehicle they chose to spend their money on. We all spend money, and we all have different abilities to be responsible or irresponsible in how that money is spent, also a function of maturity in many cases.
All this rot to sell a pair of headlight covers???? What super car doesnt have issues? Only 1 percent of very early 996s had engine failure. From seeing your 996 on here it looks fairly good for a near 25 year old car. Funny your plastic head light covers look worse!
Is this for sale on Facebook?
yes come get it!
@@EdgasketGarage😂
when the 911 is so good that the worst one is still a good car
100%
Couldn’t agree more sentient 1985 Honda CR-X Si
Worst? I Think the new 992 is the worst. first its way to exspensive. Second, they still have the old 911 headlights from the 60s. Thirth, no one buys it.
@@EdgasketGarage way to talk sh*t on it though. IMS bearing usually takes effect early on. Every ACTUAL porsche mechanic will tell you how rare IMS issues are this many years later. Also 996.2 headlights are clean and not the same as these. atleast give a fair response. 996s are the last of the drivers' 911s. Now they're all digital assistance. FOH
@@madskillet money talks. Its the cheapest 911 for a reason.
“I’m ….an idiot” Only sensible thing you said this entire video.
Love you too ❤️
Headlight covers on a 996 are like a mesh baseball cap on an otherwise handsome-ish dude.
Hahahaha
The headlights are iconic, one of the reasons i love the 996
It’s a fun, cheap 911!
@@EdgasketGarage So, let's buy some expensive aftermarket plastic, to make the cheap car look less than a priceless GT1 ??
@@thefreedomguyuk you can do whatever you like with yours!
@@thefreedomguyuk You're "The Freedom Guy" criticizing this guy for enjoying the freedom he has to do whatever he wants with his purchase? Should change your name to the TheJackassHyprocrite Guy maybe.
I bought my first Porsche, a 986, at the end of 2003 precisely to get the original Boxster as the model change was announced at that time. 996 and 986 are the cars that saved Porsche from bankruptcy. The lights in particular were modelled after the Le Mans racers and look fantastic. I still have the car today and I enjoy it just as much and so do my sons. It never let us down.
Stock headlights looked much better
Sometimes I ALMOST feel that way.
@EdgasketGarage 💯 it's only other people's opinions that make us feel there wrong, they look great in reality
Not sure how covering up your own fog lights and front reflectors is an "upgrade."
Visual upgrade, perhaps. Performance upgrade, not so much.
trying to upgrade the followers numbers by posting a video... :))))
@@EdgasketGarage Why not stay with the stock 996?
@@EdgasketGarage As good as adding extra aero 😂
@@Vyltax because it looks hideous
Thanks Ed for doing your part in keeping the 996 affordable 😆
Favorite comment of the day!
We need 11 likes for the 996
Working on it.
There is no way in hell I would put plastic on my 996 to pretend it looks better... lol. Im not one to follow the crowd ever.
I bought my 996 turbo because its different from the average VW beetle head lights look on Porsche. I actually think its the best looking Porsche ever designed.
I will probably buy this classic version of the 996. My Turbo version has the updated fried eggs look... but I want the first edition of the fried eggs headlights. Porsche can continue to make the same old headlights for years to come, but my 996 will stand alone from the crowd.
The 911 turbo can do whatever it wants. Thats a car in its own category. 🔥
Why change a porche design? It's unique and desirable
Easily removed if the regret were to set in
996 is amazing. The headlights are some of the most beautiful headlights ever made. What are you tallking about.
That’s your opinion. And this is my opinion. Nothing more.
@@EdgasketGarage You're goddamn right :D
@Mr. Albatross especially the headlights of the 996.2. Those are particularly beautiful!
1997 air cooled 993, $100,000- $430,000. 1998 water cooled 996, $19,000. Throwing quality out the window, priceless.
money talks
In South Africa a 996 goes for $14000, sometimes a little less depending on the condition
The headlights are iconic and (now) look fantastic. Those covers, however, are f*cking disgusting and anyone fitting them should have their keys taken off them.
Nice!
fantastic is a pretty generous stretch of the imagination
I'd never trade my amber lights for anything. They're what make the 996 so appealing!
Amber is a vibe!
Ed, I am the original owner of a 1999 C2. When this car came out it was heralded by the automotive magazines as one of the best 911's ever made. It tracked faster, had a better coefficient of drag, wasn't spin crazy, had a real air conditioning and smoked corvettes. In fact it was so good that it sold more copies than any other 911 model in history. Nobody, and I mean nobody hated the headlights. There is understandable resentment that it shared the front end with the Boxster. But again, nobody hated the Boxster headlights either. That all being said, I've had mine for 25 years, it steel runs, pulls and handles great. Interior while plasticky has in held up very well. I think the switch from air cooled to water and sanitizing of the car over previous generations were the biggest complaints (understandably). If you are a real fan of Porsche's, the Boxster and 911 of the late 90's saved the auto company and for that we should be thankful.
We shall also tip our hat to the Cayenne for saving Porsche.
@@EdgasketGarageyou might tip the Macan as well, they sell boatloads of them.
Uhhhh. I definitely hated these headlights when it came out, and yes I was an adult in 1999 and a sports car fanatic. IMO, this was a massive step backwards from the 993 in terms of looks. I was OK with the switch to water, that made sense, but visually it was garbage, and eventually looked just like an ugly Boxster. When 2005 rolled around and they fixed the headlights, that was when I felt Porsche was truly back in the game. Just like when Jeep ditched those hideous square headlights.
Dude's not wrong. The 996, especially THAT 996, are the worst Porsche's ever made. As for smoking a corvette. Come on, dude. 4.6 vs 4.7 isn't exactly gapping anyone. Also, be careful with those industry rags. This was the era where new vehicles (PT cruiser, anyone?) were given car of the year because they were bought and paid for, and that's not even accounting for the tweaked testers that were built to perform for editors.
Glad you like(d) your car, though.
@@negotiatewithleverage4763 I actually like them more than the 993 headlights. I think those look bad. never liked how they tilted the original. But TBH, I still love the original upright circles the best.
I like the stock early 996 headlights.
No problem with that.
W opinion
Funny thing is nobody knows the headlights are off of the GT1 that will smoke the Carrera GT.
@@barryshaw7304 the earlier models (the one with the amber) is from a Boxster tho
Nice work and video. Got on with it and dealt with the naysayers eloquently at the same time.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I made this video lol
Actually in Uk & Eu the 996 is very sought after even more so than a 997 :( Which i have :)
You can have them all haha!
Other 911’s have had their issues, my old 77 911S was prone to head studs cracking. I think my 03 C4S is a fine looking car, the wide body 996’s look great from all angles. One thing all generations share is the sheer fun of driving them.
Agree! My 2 favorite driving cars are 911 and R8
I can't tell if you are spoofing us or not. I appreciate that.
Still trying to figure that out myself.
Hilarious video! Still love the headlights on my 986 though!
Thanks for the positivity!
My motor isn’t junk. My interior is just fine. I love my $18,000 911 Carerra C4 Cabriolet 996.2.
They are cool cars. They are the least desirable 911.
@@EdgasketGarage - Funny that french Porsche specialized since 1990 magazine "Flat 6", doesn’t share that same opinion on which the 996, is the least desirable 911!…
Actually, just by chance I’ve short ago driven a 964, and…How happy I felt by having chosen a 996 C4S five years ago over any of the "so desirable" air-cooled 911s, with that driving position, floor hinged pedals, splited side window and their A/C that couldn’t even really "acclimatize" the car (exactly because it was air-colled), designed in 1963?…
Not for me, thank you!
The 996 is not the worst 911. Love the gen 1 headlights. Haters be damned...
Fortunately there are many round headlight options for the haters. (All more expensive)
Looks worse. The 996.1 headlights may be ugly to some, but for some of us it looks great and gives it character. The covers make it look ricey.
I don't think the next owner kept the covers.
Its not the worst 911 by any means. Its a actually one of the best ❤️
which one is the worst?
@@EdgasketGaragethe own you owned and thrashed. Thats the worst 911 by far
funny nobody ever says that the 911 GT1 (996 lights) is ugly even thou exact same lights.. i have a 996 with gt3 body kit and looks killer.. if you want to improve the interior of those monocromatic interiors get some color accents, i swapped out alot of my grey interior for black (steering wheel, center console .. etc) if anything is bad about this gen 911 are the seats 100% uncomfortable ,,, some aftermarket Recaros and away we go!!!
100% gotta break up that grey interior!
go with the elephant ears
Lens covers on a 996 are akin to spinner hubcaps. Yuck. AND the 996 is NOT the worst 911, your the worst owner.
^The only people who say these things are 996 owners.
What a waste of effort, looks rubbish and definitely devalues the car
Good morning, Stew!
LOVE my fried eggs!!!
It’s all good brother!
I love my egg headlights!
That's fine too!
The 996 has aged beautifully, the basic 996 Carrera has an elegance and purity of the original early air cooled 911. Yes, the cars have their issues, and build quality is not the 996’s strong point, however it carries the 911 DNA and was the basis for all the later water cooled cars that followed. The simplicity of design of this era 911 and indeed the 986 Boxster (with which it shares the front end - and headlights) has come into its own now when compared to todays over exaggerated and complex variants, proving that in many ways, less is indeed more. And as for the 996’s (and 986’s) headlights, though controversial at the time, they have become one of its defining features, and now look better than ever. Anyone who can’t see past the 996’s headlights is missing a trick, and although the 997 is indeed a better built 911 and has many of the purists design features reinstated, drive and early 3.4 996 and 997.1 back to back, and tell me which is the purer and more driver focused car?! - It’s the 996.
Thank you for sharing. Nothing to debate. Well said. In the end it’s a drivers car
Modifying a 911 immediately prior to sale when it's universally known that unmodified examples sell for the most money, regardless of generation. By any chance do you have an 'ugly' and modded GT3 to sell me too?
My cars are all salvage. All bets are off on value. Better to just enjoy these examples and never look back!
One rule I've learned in looking into buying a 911 is to keep it as original as possible. For the 996, there will be about as many who will like this as who will hate that it isn't in the original state. This objectively looks better to me than stock, though.
Excellent point. Factory is always best for resale. I never feel back about alterations to salvage title cars. They’re lucky to still be alive! 😂
Great and fun video!
Former 996 owner here. I strongly believe that the ONLY reason people (and when I say "people" I really mean Porsche fanatics because regular people couldn't care less about the headlights) is because the Boxster used the same headlights. While I do prefer the looks of the round headlights, the 996 lights aren't bad. I guarantee, if the Boxster front end was different than the 996, very few people would complain about them.
Also, beside the head crack and the IMS, there is the RMS, bore score, AOS intermix, and a bunch of other issues with the M96 engine. Wonderful car but bad engine.
I agree MM
The 996 is nothing but a 986 with upset handling due to the engine having moved away from the perfect spot...
@@thefreedomguyuk-Wrong!
996 is descendant from 356 (after several 911 iterations), which was there since 1948!…
986 (Boxter) is descendant from 550 Spyder, RS 60, RS 61 and RSK, all them from the 50’s!…
In other words, 996 DNA is there "before" 986’s to tell his story!…
Bore score not at all a big issue on the 996…. 997 on the other hand!… Also..just watched a TH-cam video of a large Porsche repair shop that works on a couple of hundred Porsches a year… has so far come across 2 IMS 996 / Boxter issues in 5 years at the same location. What with that said, there are reasonable IMS preventative replacement solutions available everywhere now. It seems like you are generalizing more than a little in calling this a “bad engine”…
You know you can buy just the little triangle piece to fix those headlights instead of covering them. Which by the way, will cause more heat retention and kill bulbs faster.
Lot of 996 haters just because of the headlights 🙄 that were designed to mimic the Le Mans LMP1 cars like the 957, 917K and 911GT1.
Yes I have the triangle pieces. Took mine out because of the headlight washers not working correctly. I’m far less of a 996 fan because of the engine. The headlights are not cool (IMO) but they are certainly a piece if 911 history.
@@EdgasketGarage my daughters 986S washers are also not working. I was going to remove then plug the pump lines and just get those covers.
How do you feel about the mezger engines of different porsche generations? The turbo and GT 996's have mezger designed engines. I assume it's the M96 engines that you don't like.
@@randominternetuser2888 LOVE the Mezger 996 motor
The 996 is nowhere near as bad as your video quality. 3:02
Roasted!
Nah. The original lights look better. The gaps don't look great here at the end.
Don’t forget my 996 had front end damage lol
I like my fried egg headlights as they are.
Enjoy them!
The looked pretty good on the 911 GT1 www.revogarage.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Porsche-911-GT1-Strassenversion-69012-pieter-melissen.jpg
This video is hilarious, I love it. Good luck with all the Porsche purists in the comments, they tend to take things very seriously for pedantic reasons. Just don’t take them as seriously as they take their cars
Well said
GT1 headlights look fine on 996.1 and 986. The tragedy is the 996 turbo and 996.2 ones.
I would keep a 996 turbo as part of a 911 collection but would never own a 996 as my only Porsche. The circle lights are too iconic!
When pinky lai sees this video he’ll have a heart attack
He can take it up with the manufacturer lol
The 996 looks fine! As a 911S & 996 C4 owner remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
They are great cars. I personally like the round headlight but here I am, an owner of 2 996 lol.
I don‘t say this lightly: Time was kind towards the 996s optics and reputation. These covers on the other hand…
They existed for ages and even Porsche themselves offered headlight covers… they did not sell that many. Looks like a highlighting afterthought imho. Edit: The fit towards the bumpers ruin it
there is no good solution aside from an entire front end conversion. But that's just absurd.
Every time you said it was the worst 911 was like a dagger in my shriveled little 996.1 owner’s heart😭I don’t care what anyone says I love my runny egg car and it’s the only one I could afford so I have learned to love it, warts and all.
The affordability can’t be beat!
Probably the best 996 video on TH-cam
I’ll take that!
Thank you sir for making this video. Hopefully it has convinced many people to just not buy the "worst 911". To everyone who stumbles upon this video, yes the 996 is in fact a terrible car, that will look terrible, drive terrible and whose engine will explode right after you purchase it. Do not buy them.
The market has known these things long before my video but it was fun to make! Cheers Sam.
Am I angry you did this and called the 996 the worst 911? Yes! You have offended me and my honour! I am not happy. (I'm kidding btw, okish content here, at least you painted it so it blends in, but I do like the originals!)
I hope people at least understand that I own 2 996’s and am looking to acquire 996 turbo! Great cars. Questionable headlights lol.
@@EdgasketGarage I'm only messing mate, enjoy your channel a lot and followed your builds. Looking forward to the 996 turbo. I love the 996, but do have a 991 so not too fussed with the bad points of the car, I still have my cassettes for the 996! Lol
that car being the worst 911 is like complaining that you live in an apartment in heaven lmao
Fair
Great fix and a friend of mine fixed his headlight issue about 15 years ago by prepping the existing light covers and taped them off and sprayed them body color they still look great. Porsche did drop the ball on styling the lights.
They recovered well!
I don't call it a issue. If it really was a issue then why was it the best sold 911?!
@@Vyltax the most sold 911 at the time it was produced. Porsche has since had many years exceed the 996. Still, a fun car!
@@EdgasketGarage Still it is not the worst 911. If it real was the worst 911 then no one would've bought it. Also many people liked the car (aka the headlights)!
Fried egg baby!!
Fried cylinder bores too!
@@EdgasketGarage 😆 🤣 And that's why I'd do a LS conversion. Cheaper than a porsche motor and a little lighter.
Those headlights were good enough for the GT1!
and the turbo!
0:05 that is correct, the 996 is hideous in comparison to other porsche variants that came before it and after...
Agree the headlights are terrible, but the 996 has analogue technology, and that makes it the best modern 911. Also there a bargain
Definitely a bargain but I’d rather pay the premium for the 997! All opinions respected
Embrace the egg 🫠
Been there!
Those headlights are actually awesome. It’s the best looking generation of 911 for me.
Wow bold statement!
@@EdgasketGarage He is not alone Ed. 996 is a great looking car, and the GT1 headlights look great. I also prefer the interior to later model 911s including the 997.
You’re totally. Utterly. Completely wrong about the investment side.
I might be wrong but only the future will tell.
I did the same mod a few years back. But, I really started to like the "fried eggs" and removed them. It takes a while, bit the "fried eggs" grow on you! Maybe they were just ahead of their time?
Must have been a nice feeling when you took the covers off!
My very first 911 was a 1999 996 Cabrio in Arctic Silver with Red Leath. It will always have a special place in my heart.
Sharp car. I also had a 1999 as my first 911. Although mine had a cracked cylinder head.
Guys I dont think the creator of this video is a big fan of the 996..
Im eager for a Turbo S, though.
"This is the worst 911 ever made..."
You can't stress that enough can you? Lol!!
The headlights are fine as they are IMO. They just aren't round. So what?
They are less desirable than round.
Wrong in so many ways, 996.2 , C4S Cab has the best looking ass of all the Porsche’s. IMS is a cheap easy fix, haven’t had a single problem, as far as the headlights..... loved them on the GT1, love them on my car....... in 10 years, Everyone is going to want one!
If there are any left on the road!
@@EdgasketGarage you will be amazed at what these headlights will bring
I probably agree they are the least pretty of all 911 headlights……but original still looks far better any aftermarket “solution”. Those things you fitted scream aftermarket Chinese tat.
Agree.
I was going to write how much I like my headlights on my '03 the way they are, but seems I'm late to that party. Aside from your crrazy dislike for a car youve owned two of, I like your video. Do more. Thanks!
Nothing drives like a 911
your human is hilarious I find it very funny and charming 😂
This isn't it man. it looks so unnatural. Love the OEM 996 Headlights by the way,
It’s an option, if nothing else! Cheers
Hi, I see you that you installed the cover on the car, would it be easier to secure the cover on the headlight off the car? Just wondering. Great video, thanks.
How to ruin your Porsche in 6 minutes.
Just drive it the cylinder head will take care of the rest!
The only thing that sucks about that model is that people that don't appreciate it for what it is buy it.
The 911 doesn’t typically require you to look past undesirable features to see the good. Only this one!
Big improvement! Thanks for the fun and informative video 😅
Thanks IGM. Fun project!
By faar it loook woorse with those add ons, 996 is not that bad perhaps if it has ambar turn signals , just made them clear and thats it..... a stock 996 looks better than a conversion or else
With so many 911s to choose from, the 996 is certainly not high on the list. Thats all.
Love the 996 - not a bad add on ! Top video
Fun car to drive for sure!
BULLCRAP !!! NO ONE gives away the car cheaper "because of the headlights"
BTW - i LOVE them in stock look....
Its not about giving the car away cheaper. Its about the market value. The 996 has the lowest market value of all 911.
Great video. Currently own 2 over at Johnny's car care and reviews. Mostly love with a little hate. I will be dropping in the black headlight replacements once I figure out if I will put them on the black or red 911
Good cars for sure
Horrible mod - love the original 996.
It’s grown on me. (Both the 996 and the Mod)
Literally the most honest insights ever about the 996 😂
I hurt many people, though.
Years back I prepared the plastic head light covers pin stripped and masked off the same areas as your aftermarket covers and with the correct primer and top coat they have held up great and look 100% better probably 70 bucks invested.
Wow nice does everyone tell you they look dumb like mine!?
If you don’t like the headlights, why did you buy a 996? It’s a great car-embrace the fried eggs…they’re a descendant of Porsche racing heritage. This is a mod that screams wannabe!
Great drivers car.
the old 997 all models are far worse than 996 imo
997 has fewer issues than the 996.
I have had 4 996's.
Why is it the worse 911?
How are the 996 headligts ugly?
Finished article?
Ugly? Aftermarket look?
The market value is best at explaining desirability.
I'd wrap entire car with that brick wallpaper hanging on the garage door, and go deliver pizzas with it.
Probably crack a cylinder head before the first delivery.
@@EdgasketGarage ouch! 😂😂😂
I kinda like the 996 headlights.
I’d love them on a turbo!
I have a 2000 996 cab. And as a 34 years old man the "real" 911 is the 996.
The one I've been dreaming of when I was a teenager.
They drive great!
996 is a great car, so enjoy your 996. I own my 996 for 9 years, love every mile I drove it and I'm never gonna sell it.
Ok that was a lie... If I can afford a Mk1 996 GT3 I'll buy the GT3 996 😅
2:45 TBH I don't think the headlights are the main issue. a 2008 cayman and a 2009 cayman have a $20,000 difference, that's because of a the IMS bearing issue, and that issue plagues these cars too. Some people have grown to really like the fried egg look, if it was truly the case then we could easily find 15k models with under 80k miles in the market. I've still seen 996's going for $25k 30k and even 35k for that much.
Update them modern bearings cash cow this not Honda
The first gen headlights of the 996 are my favorite of all 911's. They were good enough for the GT1.
It works out for you then because they’re the cheapest 911 out there.
complaining about interior while previous models are equally as bare and simplistic
True maybe it is JUST the headlights lol
In fact, the 996 is one of the best cars ever made. It is effectively made by Toyota.
The IMS will NEVER fail if you keep the revs up, and the gear low, when climbing hills.
On top of this, the 996 Carerra is the prettiest and cleanest 911 of all time.
It is a future classic, and prices are rising already.
I'd buy a 996 without worrying about IMS but I'd instead be thinking about the cylinder heads.
"It is effectively made by Toyota." tell us please.
lol, those covers are hideous.
let me live
I’ve had the pleasure of driving a 996 and it is great 10/10
There is no better driver car in the $20-25k range!
@@EdgasketGarage it’s £13-£30k for me but Yh
you're telling me these can't be 3d printed?
Hmm if its such a bad car why is it increasing in value faster than other models?
It’s not a bad car but it is the worst of the 911 line. You can’t find any running/driving 911’s for 15-20 grand - (other than 996’s). It will be nice if the value does start to close the gap on the 997.
What are you talking about? You are over opinionated and in my OPINION shouldn't be allowed to own one. 996s are great 911s...in Australia they are $70k and continue to up in value fried egg headlights or not! IMS bearing happened over 20 years ago - who hasn't repaired this issue by now. Interior was much better than the 993 just check it out Mr.
I’ll take your 993 and you can have my 996.
The previous owner of my 996.1 Cabriolet had added these light covers to make the headlights look round.
I recently pulled them off, and, well, I think it looks better. I think the “fried eggs” have aged way better than anyone might have anticipated.
The engine? Well, I’ve recently crossed 165,000km and the engine is running great. But I am vigilant and as soon as I see anything developing, I’m going to weigh my options carefully.
Sounds like you really enjoy the car. Win!
I liked the look of the cover at first to make the headlight round, but looking more I HATE the shape and look of the cut out for the indicator.
Yes 996.2 fixed this.
Anything you do to ‘improve’ the 996 headlights only makes it worse. They are fine from factory. Those headlight additions look horrible.
Can’t polish a turd!
MASSIVE improvement....great info and great job on sharing an extremely helpful bit of info that really resolves the aesthetic issue of that front end. Calling the stock headlights "Iconic" is the coward's way of avoiding the reality that they're simply ugly...and actually...no, they're not "iconic" when every other model of the car is round headlights....the round headlight is what's "iconic" as the ugly lights are and will never be an "icon" representation of the company. The silhouette of the bathtub shape of a 911 is iconic....but again...the adolescents will try and ascribe "glory" to ugly by using a fancy term that is wrongly applied. That's this era of idiots....over and over....instead of growing up they choose to live in a fantasy since it's just always easier and the easy life is what this generation is all about....not character, no growth, not hard work, not ethics, not love, not helping others, not serving others...just taking the easy way and denying simple obvious things as simple as "yes....the headlights that are ugly are actually ugly".
Agree. Porsche round headlight = iconic.
Typically, only uptight 911 purists find them ugly. Every time I explain to a non-Porschetard why my car is hated by the purists they wonder how those people became so retarded as to think that a pair of bug eyes sticking out of the fenders are better than sleekly molded lights. I do acknowledge that the yellow is kinda ugly, fortunately mine are de-yolked.
@@DonziGT230 Grow up bud....your entire thread reeks of immature whining with your identity wrapped up in having a Porsche. No one cares sincerely, and it's never ever going to mean anything whether you have a Porsche or not, whether it's attractive, or not. ....and no, it's not purists that have taste....I happened to show my own father not long ago these headlight and it was a simple "no those are ugly". Why? Because they're not a sleek, sultry, artistic line...they are that shape without a reason...except...we actually DO know the reason....and it was simply that they already had them laying around, already designed, and so they got slapped onto that model just like Lamborghini uses the headlights from a Nissan 300Z except those actually look good.
I also agree that the current trajectory of society isn't exactly positive and that we are facing some serious problems but the shape of a 20 year old car's headlights and what some people say about them seems really low on that list...
@@d-phoenix2198 Do you mean like commenting on a stranger's opinion on a global platform called the internet might ALSO be pretty low on the "list" you mention, (when there is no list?) regarding sharing opinions in contrast to greater life issues? So exactly what is your point other than inane hypocrisy?
And bud...no matter how good or how bad life is or gets, people will always have opinions and personalities and express both....so may want to do some adapting.
And...it's not "what some people say about them"....the point made was about maturity, and how it's lacking....and the EVIDENCE of that and the frustration of THAT is people getting their identity associated with their car when a car has nothing to do with who a person is....what defines a person is their character.....not what design of what vehicle they chose to spend their money on. We all spend money, and we all have different abilities to be responsible or irresponsible in how that money is spent, also a function of maturity in many cases.
All this rot to sell a pair of headlight covers???? What super car doesnt have issues? Only 1 percent of very early 996s had engine failure. From seeing your 996 on here it looks fairly good for a near 25 year old car. Funny your plastic head light covers look worse!
The cracked head is a major issue too. Mine did seem like a strong car.
how much?
It might be just me, but I feel like we went from fried eggs to bags under the eyes, not sure what’s better.
Fair!