Are turbos less reliable than GTS?
07-29-2015, 01:24 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Are turbos less reliable than GTS?
I'm planning a purchase of a 08-11 truck within the next year and doing my homework. I am willing to spend more for a CTT, but not if it means a less-reliable vehicle or a vehicle with significantly increased maintenance/repair costs. I like to perform my own maintenance and I perform most of my own repairs if I can accomplish them in the garage in a couple hours; bigger stuff gets farmed out as I get older and find myself with more money and less free time. That said, I prefer a truck that won't ruin the ownership experience with high maintenance needs and/or catastrophic repair bills.
So are CTTs less reliable than GTS models? Are maintenance needs greater? Are repairs more expensive? Obviously the turbos represent an expense not found on the GTS, but are there other engine/drivetrain components unique to CTTs (and thus more expensive)?
Thanx!
So are CTTs less reliable than GTS models? Are maintenance needs greater? Are repairs more expensive? Obviously the turbos represent an expense not found on the GTS, but are there other engine/drivetrain components unique to CTTs (and thus more expensive)?
Thanx!
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07-30-2015, 09:55 AM
#11
Rennlist Member
I just purchased a 2005 CTT with 67,000 miles. I know that 2005 is out of your year range. But, I spent a lot of time (a few months) reading the forums, including threads in backwards chronological order going back a few years, assembling lists of chronic problems, talked with owners, talking with my local Porsche Indie shop, etc. After all of this research I got very comfortable that CTT are generally very reliable. The common problems on CTTs are the same as on GTS or S. There are many CTTS with very high mileage. So, just another comment in addition to the longer term owners who provided previous input.
07-30-2015, 08:38 PM
#13
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I own an 08 GTS and an 09 CTTS... for me reliability between the two has been no difference - they've both been great and no problems with either. From a maintenance standpoint the CTTS is heavier; so it will use tires and brakes faster. I don't really see much difference with fuel consumption between the two. The GTS is lighter and drives more nimble, but it's also geared lower and requires more throttle to get up to speed. But being lighter its the better handling car. The CTTS is far more throttle responsive and absolutely thrilling if you like to stomp the gas. Both cars have PDCC.
07-31-2015, 01:02 PM
#14
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I was in your shoes recently shopping for an 08-10 Cayenne. First off you have to be at peace that everyone's opinion will be based on anecdotal evidence rather than hard fact. I ended up with a used GTS because A) advice I received from my SA and techs at local dealer B) sheer number of turbo-specific issues I've seen well documented and not. How many motor out threads have you seen for a GTS? I'm not denying the coolness or superiority of the turbo, I just didn't want the added headache.
07-31-2015, 01:27 PM
#15
Drifting
As many have said before me, if you enjoy driving, it is not about the money.
Just about anything that breaks on all models of these cars is expensive.
What is a 2003 base model worth these days?
the Bottom currently seems to be about 10k, no matter what I promise if it is not a well cared for car, you will spend 5k in the next couple years fixing things.
I have more money now than I did when I was young, and less time to fix things. On my 2009 Turbo S, I have probably spent that with fix and maintenance in the last 2.5 years or so.
Spend just as much on my 1993 968 too I imagine chasing down a few leaks, and preventative maintenance, no turbo.
Un or fortunately there are so many of these trucks out there compared to all the other Porsche cars, they will never be a collectors car, they are mass produced, but the labor and parts will be collector car level.
I think my Turbo S is losing about 10k a year in value, but you know what? I think it is the bet practical as well as handling SUV on the planet, and I enjoy it everytime I am in it, for different reasons then my low slung 968.
As many have said before me, if you enjoy driving, it is not about the money.
This is a eating at mcdonalds for food, vs spending the $$$ at a nice restaurant because you enjoy the quality of the food, preparation, atmosphere etc.
So many people I meet can not understand why I don't just get a reliable Japanese/Korean. You have to know to get it
Just about anything that breaks on all models of these cars is expensive.
What is a 2003 base model worth these days?
the Bottom currently seems to be about 10k, no matter what I promise if it is not a well cared for car, you will spend 5k in the next couple years fixing things.
I have more money now than I did when I was young, and less time to fix things. On my 2009 Turbo S, I have probably spent that with fix and maintenance in the last 2.5 years or so.
Spend just as much on my 1993 968 too I imagine chasing down a few leaks, and preventative maintenance, no turbo.
Un or fortunately there are so many of these trucks out there compared to all the other Porsche cars, they will never be a collectors car, they are mass produced, but the labor and parts will be collector car level.
I think my Turbo S is losing about 10k a year in value, but you know what? I think it is the bet practical as well as handling SUV on the planet, and I enjoy it everytime I am in it, for different reasons then my low slung 968.
As many have said before me, if you enjoy driving, it is not about the money.
This is a eating at mcdonalds for food, vs spending the $$$ at a nice restaurant because you enjoy the quality of the food, preparation, atmosphere etc.
So many people I meet can not understand why I don't just get a reliable Japanese/Korean. You have to know to get it