993 770

Well, I've been putting this post off for over a week. My 97 TT caught fire last Friday, after the long weekend I had it towed and checked out by my mechanic. The insurance company wanted to wait until it sent the investigator to check out the damage before authorizing an engine drop to assess the damage. A short week turned into a really long one and on friday I finally heard that the initial estimates are over 30k, that's before body work. Apparently the fuel line had developed a leak, and according to the shop, it could have exploded with me in the car at any moment.

Luckily I was a few blocks from home when I saw some smoke. Pulled over, and saw nothing when popping the engine lid so I continued on home, and saw embers hitting the pavement when I got out of the car, open up the back and there were flames everywhere. It couldn't have been more than a minute by the time I got a hose from the backyard and put the fire out. I've played it out in my head hundreds of times, but I still don't think I would have done anything different.

So now I wait for the insurance company to do its thing while I gather market data for the subsequent negotiations. I highly doubt they repair the car, and I'm not sure I really want it anymore. My wife is over "old" cars, but it's only been a week and I miss driving it...a lot.

It could have been much worse. For those that don't keep extinguishers in the car, you might want to reconsider even though Ive been assured this was a freak accident.

Enjoy every mile while you can.

Robert993TT

The main thing is you're all right. A friend of mine was involved in a fire in his brand new BMW. There are simply no guarantees.

ronnie993tt

Very sad about your car but lucky you got out in time. Because of the high value of the 933tt's I've seen a $70,000 fix paid out up here.

Mike J

Have not heard of many fuel fires in the 993 series - so its is rare. Lot of very high asking prices for TT's these days, it will be interesting to see what the insurance guys think its worth.

Best of luck!

chsu74

That is a total bummer. If I recall correctly, yours have a rare sunroof delete option.

Knight

Wow sorry to hear the bad news, like someone stated good thing no harm to yourself.

TT Surgeon

I'd probably get rid of it too. Glad you're ok.

DM993tt

Oil leak onto hot turbos is a fast way to burn these things.

mickfluff

This is exactly what my tech told me, and why I have the engine out fixing everything, had a few small leaks on timing chain cases etc. ahd was told hot areas around turbos and exhaust can start fires...

To OP very happy to hear your safe... don't take what they offer if its low and fight all you can to get what your entitled to... Good luck and sorry to hear this news.

Based on the OP's recommendation to have fire surpress on board can I ask what many are using/suggest, I know Rennline sells etc

Turbodan

sorry for your damage, glad you are ok. the problem with the fire extingushers is they only last about 30 seconds, and only really good if trapped in the car otherwise I am running away, car can be replaced, health can't.
my insurance has a set amount for payout in case of total loss.
re Ronnie's comment; in that case the insurance company admitted they made a mistake. up here if repair exceeds 70% value they will write it off.

993 770

Thanks for all the kind words. I'm still waiting on confirmation that they will be writing the car off, but it seems inevitable. Im looking forward to the hunt again, but don't think i can find another TT exactly how i would have ordered it. Sunroof Delete, Rear wiper delete, Painted HB seats with red deviated stitching...

As Quad always say, "IT'S JUST A CAR"and he has never been more right.

There is nothing else to do but move on...Speaking of moving on... another 993TT? 997.2 GT3?

mickfluff

there you go!

"There is nothing else to do but move on...Speaking of moving on... another 993TT? 997.2 GT3?"

doublecabmel

Sorry to hear about your loss. Where in LA do you live? I have several picts of my cars with the hollywood sign in the background. I've been in Hollywood over 20 years and don't think I've ever seen your car. At any rate, glad you're ok! I heard that opening the engine lid only allows more oxygen to the fire thus making it worse and the hose will spread the oil and fluids. For spur of the moment I would have done the same thing. The fire extinguisher is always the best- I just need to have more of them around

ECS Tuning

Sorry to hear that about your the car but glad your okay. I will keep a look out around here and let you know if anything pops up. I vote for GT3 but a very tough decision.

allegretto

I can say that a .2 GT3 is the "right car" if you're going more modern. Otherwise you're gonna be disappointed in the experience