2004 Porsche 911
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2004 Porsche 911.
What to watch for on the 2004 Porsche 911
IMS Bearing Failure (M96)
Single-row IMS bearing (1999-2001) can fail without warning, destroying the engine. Dual-row (2002-2004) is more reliable but not immune. Aftermarket IMS Solution retrofit is the permanent fix. The Mezger engine (Turbo/GT3) does not have this issue.
Bore Scoring (3.6L M96)
The 3.6L M96 (2002-2004) can develop bore scoring on cylinders 4-6, especially in cold climates. A borescope inspection before purchase is strongly recommended.
2 more known problems on the 2004 911
Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
2004 Porsche 911 price ranges
The Turbo and GT3 with Mezger engines are the collector picks. The Carrera has bottomed out and is now appreciating. A well-maintained 996 with IMS Solution is a remarkable value.
2004 Porsche 911 at a glance
- Trims
- CarreraCarrera 4Carrera 4SGT3TargaTurbo
- Engine
- 3.6L Flat-6, 3.6L Flat-6 Turbo
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd, Automatic 5-spd
- Drivetrain
- RWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Coupe
Porsche 911 (996) Buyer's Guide
The Water-Cooled Value
The 996 (1999-2004) was the 911 that purists love to hate — the first water-cooled 911, the first with the controversial fried-egg headlights, and an interior shared with the Boxster. But it's also the 911 that saved Porsche and represents incredible value today.
Powertrain: The 3.4L M96 flat-six (296 hp, 1999-2001) or 3.6L M96 (320 hp, 2002-2004) with 6-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic. The 996 Turbo (2001-2004, 415 hp) uses the Mezger engine — a completely different, dry-sump, bulletproof unit. The GT3 (2004, 380 hp) also uses the Mezger. The 996 Carrera 4 introduced AWD to the standard 911.
What to look for: The M96 engine has the IMS bearing issue — the single-row bearing (1999-2001) is the failure risk; the dual-row (2002-2004) is safer. Bore scoring affects 3.6L cars, especially in cold climates. The Mezger engine in Turbo/GT3 has neither issue. The interior is cheap by 911 standards. Prices have bottomed out — they're rising now.
About the 996
The 1999-2004 Porsche 911, known internally as the 996 generation, marked a watershed moment for the model line as the first water-cooled 911. It replaced the air-cooled 993 and introduced a new platform with a more modern, rounded design and a controversial headlight treatment. Body styles included the classic coupe, a convertible, and the Targa with its sliding glass roof. The Carrera models initially used a 3.4-liter flat-six, upgraded to a 3.6-liter in 2002. The Turbo arrived with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter and standard all-wheel drive, while the GT3 offered a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter focused on track capability. A six-speed manual was standard across the range, with a five-speed Tiptronic automatic optional on Carrera and Turbo variants. Rear-wheel drive was standard on the Carrera and GT3, while the Carrera 4 and Turbo added all-wheel drive.
This generation is often viewed as the most accessible modern 911 on the used market, offering strong performance and everyday usability. Its reputation is tempered by known concerns with the IMS bearing and RMS leaks, particularly in early years, but well-maintained examples are rewarding. The 996 suits buyers seeking a genuine 911 experience without the premium of later generations, and it represents a clear break from the air-cooled era in both engineering and character.
In-depth generation guide
We've written a detailed buyer's guide covering this generation's known issues, engine variants, and what to inspect.
Porsche 911 (996) Buyer's Guide: IMS Bearing, Bore Scoring, and Known Issues (1999-2004)→Other Porsche 911 years
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 996 a good first 911?
The best value in the 911 lineup. A 996 Carrera with the IMS Solution done is $20,000-30,000 — that's a proper 911 for the price of a new Civic. The Turbo is even better value.
Should I buy a 996 or a 997?
The 997 has a better interior, better headlights, and the IMS is less of a concern. But the 996 costs $15,000-25,000 less. If budget allows, the 997 is nicer. If you want the best value, the 996 is the answer.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.