1998 Porsche 911 Carrera (996)

Few sports cars balance performance, practicality and pedigree quite like the Porsche 911.

Paint

Showing well in a smart finish of Arctic Silver Metallic (Paint code: L92U) with even across the car, with no noted imperfections to colour.

We didn't note any real concerns with the paint apart from a couple of stone chips to the front bumper edge. There were a few minor marks to the rear section - a slight scratch was observed above the rear tail light and a small scuff on the rear panel.

Overall though, the car presented exceptionally well, with its low mileage clearly reflected in the condition and presentation throughout.

Images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

Bodywork

The bodywork of the Carrera showed in lovely overall condition. Looking over the exterior, the panel lines appeared straight and well-aligned and no major dings were spotted when looking around the car.

Both doors and boot sections all opened and closed well, exactly as you would expect. The only item requiring attention is the engine bay support strut, which is in need of replacement.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Dashboard

The dashboard looks to be free from any splits and cracks and showed well on our visit. The white numbered clocks and dials showed nicely with ~38,002 miles recorded at the time of our visit.

The display on these sections presented really well, are all functional, and showed no obvious scratching to the facings.

Our interior gallery section takes you over some closer images of the Porsche dashboard, head over and see the car's interior in finer detail.

The drive

The Carrera delivers the sort of driving experience that has made the 911 a benchmark among sports cars for decades. Combining a responsive flat-six engine, precise steering, and exceptional balance, it feels equally at home on a twisting B-road as it does covering long distances in comfort.

Comfortable enough to use regularly, yet capable of providing genuine excitement when the road opens up, the 996 remains a superb all-round sports car and a thoroughly rewarding driver's machine.

Glass and trim

The glass and trim on the Porsche showed very well with no major cause for concern. The windscreen, side windows, and rear screen all show really well, with no significant scratching or marks. Headlights were good, although there was a slight sign of fade to the front.

The seals look good around the outside and in line with the rest of the condition of the car. Badges and emblems are present and look very smart. The headlining to the interior showed without concern.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

Wheels and tyres

The car is fitted with 18" 993 5-spoke alloy wheels with silver Porsche centre emblems. All appeared to be in lovely condition, with barely a mark noted to the finish.

The front end is fitted with Falken tyres - 225/40, dated from 2007. To the rear, the car is fitted with Avon's, showing a spec of 265/35 and coded from 2021.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Seats and carpets

Both front seats feature 8-way electrical adjustment and are finished in black with pleated leather centres. These show in excellent condition with barely a mark noted on them. Behind the seats, the small rear section shows very little signs of use.

Porsche-branded carpets showed in great condition through the interior. Equally, the front boot space was clean and raised no concerns.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Engine and gearbox

Starting up from cold, we noted no concerns at all. The car idled smoothly and its engine was easily capable of taking the driver up to speed in no time at all once it was warm.

The Tiptronic gearbox changes smoothly with no issues, and the Carrera pulls strongly through the range. We took the car out around some local roads with the owner to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about.

A really minor note, the gas strut on the engine bay support will need to be replaced as it no longer holds the lid open.

On the drive, we ran through the motions and got an overview from Mark's perspective on how the car performs. Take a look over the review video for yourselves to hear the Porsche start up from cold and take in the lovely sounds of the engine.

Electrics and other

During our time with the car we noticed no electrical faults. All dashboard lights turned off when out on the road as expected, and all dials and gauges were functioning without issue.

The Carrera benefits from a well placed spec, including Tiptronic transmission with steering wheel-mounted controls, 18" Turbo-look alloy wheels, and both ASR traction control and Automatic Braking Differential (ABD) systems for enhanced stability and driver confidence.

Further features include a Porsche stereo, electrically adjustable front seats with driver's memory function, and leather upholstery to the front and rear seats.

The typical 'sticky buttons' were noted on the centre section; a fairly common observation on these cars.

According to Mark, all electrical functions are operating as intended, with no known faults reported during his ownership. The only item requiring attention is the engine bay support strut.

History and paperwork

The Porsche has clearly been well cared for throughout its life, benefiting from long-term ownership over ~28 years, low mileage, and a documented service history. Accompanying the car are its original service booklets, which contain four Porsche main dealer service stamps - further supporting its maintenance record.

Most recently, the car was serviced in June 2025, when routine maintenance included an oil and filter change. Consequently, it's now all ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

Equipped with a desirable specification, this 911 benefits from the smooth Tiptronic transmission with steering wheel-mounted controls, 18" Turbo-look alloy wheels, and both ASR traction control and Automatic Braking Differential (ABD) systems for enhanced stability and driver confidence.

Further features include electrically adjustable front seats with driver's memory function, pleated leather upholstery to the front and rear seats, and Porsche's renowned blend of comfort and usability, making it a well-appointed example of the iconic 996-generation Carrera.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Suspension and brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs, or issues from the suspension when we were on the road in the car, and it gave us no concerns at all as far as its performance or handling went.

With drilled discs on each side, the brakes felt great and had no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when on the journey. They brought the car easily to a stop.

Overall the car performed as to be expected with no observed issues.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

Steering wheel gear stick

A classic Porsche 4-spoke steering wheel finished in black leather - with Tiptronic buttons - puts the driver firmly in control. This section is in great condition and has maintained its looks as well as the rest of the interior.

The gear selector also shows the same levels of quality: both straight forward in design and presenting smartly with only minor levels of use noted.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and check over the condition of the interior in our gallery section.