I’ve been saying 996 hate is largely unfounded for years. My dad bought a 1999 Carrera back in 2007, and here we are 10 years later, over 100,000 miles on it, and it’s still great. He did the IMS bearing when he did the clutch within a year of buying the car, and he hasn’t had to do anything but basic maintenance since.

It’s a phenomenal car to drive as well, a real pure 911 experience. 300hp, 2,900lbs, a crisp six speed manual, sharp steering, and rear wheel drive with a limited slip differential, what’s not to love about that? If you’re a hater you either haven’t driven a 996, or you’re a car snob with far more access to fine cars than the average person could ever hope for. Sure, if you’re accustomed to driving a 997 GT3 RS all the time, then a 996 Carrera is a few steps backward. But for most drivers the basic 996s are a phenomenal sports car experience, and I think they should be recognized as such.

-Nick