Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 4 Tiptronic S

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“If you can't afford a 996 Series Porsche 911, don't drive one. Resist the temptation. Just say no. As one of the best driver's machines around, it will transform you into a motoring malcontent, cursing your previous car's flabby steering and gutless throttle response.”

As this RAC review made clear, the 996 version of the legendary 911 was every bit as addictive as its forebears. Around in one form or another for over half a century, the 911 had carved a reputation as a brilliant but slightly malevolent, air-cooled rear-engined beast.

In 1997, with the launch of the 996 series, the 911 had 'malevolent' and 'air-cooled' struck from its vocabulary. These water-cooled Porsches were a huge step forward, their dynamic excellence silencing most of the critics who felt it heretic to liquid-cool a 911. The handling was transformed as well, giving the 911 a more mature, benign personality.

Initially powered by a 296bhp 3.4-litre engine, this was soon replaced by an even stronger 3.6-litre unit with 320bhp and 273lb/ft. It weighed just 1,320kg, was slippery as a bar of soap, and could sprint to 60mph in 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 178mph. And all this to a spine tingling soundtrack from the howling flat-six; and 25mpg economy.

Dating from 2003, this Carrera 4 offers the security and grip of four-wheel drive together with Porsche’s sophisticated Tiptronic S transmission which can be used as a full automatic for town driving and general cruising or shifted manually using the gearstick or buttons mounted on the steering wheel – although the full auto mode is so responsive it is doubtful whether you could go as fast in manual mode...

Looking moody in Basalt Black with black leather, it has covered less than 53,000 miles with an excellent service history comprising six stamps to date, the last less than 100 miles ago. Most importantly, it has recently had an upgraded IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing kit fitted, thus eliminating one of the few weaknesses of the 996 which could suffer catastrophic engine damage if the factory-fitted IMS bearing failed, which it was sometimes prone to do.

It has also just been fitted with four new Pirelli P Zero tyres (another major expense which need not concern the new owner for a long time yet) and perhaps best of all it is fitted with the sports exhaust option which is guaranteed to stiffen the hairs on the back of your neck whenever you hit the loud pedal (in fact merely starting the engine produces such a menacing bark it could stiffen any petrolhead’s anatomy...).

The original purchase invoice from August 2003 confirms that it was fitted from new with several extras including Tiptronic S transmission; Litronic lights; sports exhaust system; Porsche sound system; sports suspension; 18" Carrera wheels; rear parking assistance; electric sunroof and a Tracker system which added over £6,500 to the £51,180 list price. In excellent condition throughout and said to drive beautifully with an MOT until September, it comes with all its original handbooks in the original leather wallet and is ready to enjoy right away.

Any 996 model is sensational to drive but the 3.6-litre C4 is particularly good with phenomenal all-weather pace. Amazingly though, all are currently being completely overlooked in the stampede to buy older air-cooled models – hence their otherwise inexplicable drop in value.

Like the RAC man said, this is one seriously addictive machine that will render every other car you have experienced ditchwater by comparison. You can’t buy any other 911 for this kind of money, a ridiculous situation that surely cannot continue. So what are you waiting for, take advantage while you can!