The fact that Tyler Hoover picked up another 996 after a painful foray into the range speaks to the value of the car. He first grabbed a first-generation 996 with a 3.4-liter M96, which promptly grenaded. He then swapped in a Chevrolet V8—an LS2, to be specific—for $17,000. What was once the cheapest 996 with a manual transmission was turning into a costly and time-consuming project.
To make matters worse, the American motor let go shortly thereafter—at the very same track the previous engine gave up the ghost. Rather than fuss around with another swap, he decided to buy a 996 Turbo. Logical, right?
The car was mint and had only been driven 76,000 miles. Also, with Bilstein lowering springs, a GT2-style clutch, and BBS SR wheels, $36,000 was a steal—especially after considering the prices of 993 and 997 Turbos.
Of course, the Turbo’s Mezger motor is also robust, and the typical 996 IMS-related concerns don’t apply. Combine that added reliability with 4WD and 415 horsepower, and there’s plenty to like about the Turbo. What other supercars can be bought for that sort of money, and driven without fuss, unwanted attention, or kid gloves?
“It’s the best mistake I ever made,” Hoover concludes. Though the looks are divisive, there is plenty to like about the unloved 911—though going for the slightly spiffier Turbo model makes much more sense. It was a logical purchase, after all.
With 420 horsepower and 415 lb-ft, the Mezger makes Hoover grin on every onramp.