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Porsche 911 996 (5th Generation)

1998–2005 · 996 · coupe

First water-cooled 911. 3.4L (early) and 3.6L (post-2002 facelift) flat-six. Shared Boxster front fenders and headlights — controversial then, accepted now. Notorious IMS bearing issue 1998-2005 means inspection or LN Engineering retrofit before purchase. Currently the cheapest way into modern 911 ownership.

Watch out: IMS bearing failure on the single-row intermediate shaft bearing (1998-2005 cars). Catastrophic engine destruction when it lets go. LN Engineering's IMS Retrofit kit is the standard preventive fix; budget $2,500-$4,000 installed.