Chris L/FL

Anyways, follow your heart and get what makes you happy (which sounds like a 993tt from reading your posts). After all, this is an emotional decision.


Sounds like the right answer in the end.

Acropora

I think you should get a car with a warranty. Both models can bite you hard unexpectedly. Try pricing out replacement engines.

jimhsu

That's another point I've not thought about for the 993TT. Aftermarket warranty....also available for that the same as one could buy for the 996TT?

TT Surgeon

Kevin is telling it like it is, listen to him. My heart said 993TT, my head won out with the 997TT. I personally know of three that recently had topends done...at dealers no less, $$$. The shocks/struts are usually gone by 40k miles on those cars based on the experience of folks on the board. I think the 993TT is the best turbo porsche ever made, but the reality is that it is pricey to maintain, esp as a DD, jmo guys.

jimhsu

Do you think the time will also come when 996TT will be seeing the kind of repairs and bills that 993TT are seeing around now, or do you think the way 996 onward are made (different philosophy, more automation and more volume) means fewer and less expensive major repairs than the 993TT?

Kevin

The 996TT parts are cheaper as a whole. You can buy a 996TT 4 valve double overhead cam cylinder head for $2400.00. That is one entire bank (3 cylinders) One 993TT cylinder head is $1,800.00 I can sell you a complete "NEW" in crate X50 engine for $17K. And at the same time the average 993TT motor used is $18 to 25K..

Body panels are also cheaper on the 996TT..

PierreTT

My car is still covered with an extended warranty for a year+. I paid a premium because of this warranty when I bought the car in May 06... More than a year later, I have'nt claimed anything...

I honestly think the 993TT might be a little more costly to maintain. Parts are more expensive due to the rarity. It is still very affordable compared to other brand of cars (Fcars as an example).

I also think that the 993TT will loose its value slower than the 996TT in the future, just because the car is a real jem and its rarer than the 996TT... This is helping the Total Cost of Ownership to me... You need the cashflow to repair it but you'll get a part of it back when you will sell your car (I you ever want to do it)

996TT is faster, more efficient and cheaper to maintain but I admire my car and have a big smile when I'm driving it... The love affair with your car have a price I guess.

My 0.02
Pierre

Bill (NC)

I have to agree with Pierre. My car now has 42k miles. I have been through all the expensive repairs being discussed, top end overhaul, new suspension, steering rack, and more. Still my car is worth at or above what I paid for it 4 years ago. These 996TT's that are now selling for 60-70K$ started at 120-150k$ !!!! Folks, that $60-80 grand in 4-5 years! There's a local dealer with an 02' with X50 (17k option) that is asking $72k...I'll spend my money on maintenance anytime. Plus the 996TT will start showing their age in regard to preventive maintenance shortly.

Kevin

I think that this topic is about the cost of ownership in terms of dollars spent to keep the car running. We can lose sight of this when we start to compare models.. For the record my 965 is the cheapest to maintain and drive.

If I was going to start to look at investment dollars, I'd go and find that Yellow 993 GT2 that was 4sale a few months back.. That's the car that I'd sell a few turbochargers for to get.. Wonder where it's at today??

bb993tt

I didn't think GT2's could be legally imported into the US (?).

Bill (NC)

Kevin, assuming two cars are purchased used for $70 k and the 10 year items have been addressed in the 993TT, as mine have, I would expect the yearly cost of maintenance to be comparable, and maybe wishful thinking, lol, maybe a little in the 993TT's favor in the short term because the 996tt wear items will start appearing.

Kevin

Bill the replacement parts are more expensive for the 993TT as a whole vs the 996TT. Rotors, pads, struts, pistons, heads, zenon lights, airbags. Another point that hasn't been brought up is "labor costs" being that the 993TT require special maintnance, the qualified techs that know these cars a fewer. I'm not saying that there aren't any.. But they are scattered across the US.

jimhsu

Kevin,

where are you located in the Northwest? I am in Seattle, and I would feel OK with getting a 993TT if you are within range....

Quadcammer

I wanted a 993TT so badly, but i knew that I just couldn't afford to drop 5k a year on maintenance.

And if something big happens.

yikes.

One day, it will happen, but right now, Id be pleased with a 993 C4s

cesar

I think the only difference is turbos as far as the C4S is concerned, everything else in maintenance is probably equal.