dannysf

Hi everyone, I've been reading Rennlist for months now, while looking for my first 911. I'm coming from an SLK55 AMG. I want to spend 40K-ish. I was initially after a 997, but after reading about scored cylinders and IMS bearing that still isn't perfect on 06+, and PDK issues with 09+, I decided to look at 996TT tiptronic. It seems the powertrain is as bulletproof as modern P cars can be.

I wanted to get people's opinions about buying an 01, 60-80K miles. I am only looking at cars that have a solid service history at the dealer, confirmed by carfax. However, I read that things will need attention due to the age alone. 996TT owners, can you chime in and give me an idea of what I should expect in my coming years of ownership? What would likely need replacement due to age and any potentially major issues that are still quite common on these? I want to make sure I'm making the right choice and not opening up a can of worms by buying a 15 year old P car.

Thank you for your help. Hope to be hanging around here for years to come.

FRUNKenstein

Hi danny. Plenty of 996tt guys here on the NA 996 forum, so you'll get info here. But, I would also suggest that you spend some time over on the 996tt forum. There is a lot of info there on exactly the questions you have.
One question I have is why are you limiting yourself to just 2001 models? There were a few upgrades in 2002, but really not much of a price differential between 2001 and the 2002-2004 cars. The 2005 Turbo S models see a significant price jump from the others, though.
Like any 15 year old sports car, the 996tt will not be immune from repair bills. Bottom line, if the thought of a $3,000 repair bill keeps you awake at night, then it might not be the car for you. Being a bit of a DIY guy will help keep maintenance and repair costs down.

ZuffenZeus

Hi Danny! Think about this... many people run to the 996TT just because they're fearful of the "IMS catastrophic failure" mantra associated with the M96 motor and the 996/997 Carreras. Yet, they'll go spend $40,000+ on these 996TT cars when they could have bought a nice 996 Carrera for a 1/3 of that price, have the IMS solution installed, and still be way under $30K... but instead, they run away from these cars thinking they're buying a white elephant. No doubt, the IMS issue is something that must NOT be ignored, but running to the TT cars because of it, is not the answer either. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the 996TT, but you'll have a lot more $$ involved in different ways.

Read Jake Raby's opinion on the 996 turbo motor at post #44 on this thread:

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post13577804

All the best!!!

ejdoherty911

Dannysf, like many people you're reading about "problems," then looking for confirmation there is a problem free affordable Porsche 911 out there. In your case you've found the 2001 996TT I'm here to tell you that a high mileage problem free 911 does not exist. The turbo will require costly maintenance too. 80K miles? That suspension might need to be replaced soon so that's gonna run you at least $4,000. Exhaust? That's another $5,000. I think the turbo would be an excellent choice, go for it. Just be prepared to address various issues, each car will be unique and may have different needs. Great service records in my opinion are very valuable. At least you know what's been done and equally important what has not been done and you may need to throw big piles of money at.

Slakker

Buy the cheapest Porsche you can love. Then you will have plenty left over for repairs and mods.

TT are good for straight line torque. They are fun for awhile but once you adjust to it, it's just another car. You can make some mistakes and still knock down some pretty decent times in Autocross as well with it.

The C2 is an amazing vehicle on the track. With a few tasteful modifications you will be amazed at what it can do. This is the part that has hooked me. It's the 6th fastest car I've owned but by far the most fun.

So bottom line is, it all depends on what you want to do with it.

alpine003

Lol, Slakker strikes again.

WalterRohrl

Re: "Tasteful modifications" - I hear that phrase bandied about all over the place... Someone really needs to start a sticky with the official list of what exactly constitutes a "tasteful" modification vs. what doesn't. I know the side-spatulas someone was hawking a while back wouldn't make the list but what makes a modification that makes a car more track-able in an owner's mind more or less "tasteful" than another?

VivG

Depends, but there's a simple rule of thumb. If it's on Slakker's car, it's tasteful. But if it isn't a '99 C2, all bets are off...

Slakker

Hey, I own a '00 C4 now. So blow me.

Besides, he came to the NA forum asking for our opinion. WTF else would my opinion be other than get an NA? If my opinion was that he should get a TT, then I would probably be in the TT forum. Duh.

As for tasteful track mods, IMHOF, a decent set of coilovers, sways, track pads, Motul600 brake fluid, X51 baffle, and NT01 tires, and a more aggressive alignment make for a very predictable experience. Stock suspension with 0 camber and street tires feels like utter ****e to me.

Slakker

Hey Alps, the FF thread is to the top. Hurry over to and pitch how great their $250 pieces of rubber are.

VivG

A 996TT Tip sounds like it'd be an absolute rocket, if not necessarily the most raw/pure/engaging 996 experience. Basically what you said earlier.

It isn't a bad choice, I think - TT Tip prices are pretty low, it's a very potent car for the money. If you want something faster than a 996 NA (and coming from an SLK55, which are damn quick on their own right, as the OP is), it makes sense as the logical jump.

FWIW, I know it's high mileage, but there's a well optioned 996TT Tip for $32.9k in Burlingame with 102.5k miles. Parking sensors and everything. Might be worth a look if you're in the Bay Area.

dannysf

Thanks everyone for your opinion. I guess the consensus is that every car will have it's issues. The newer ones will likely have less issues, but you're gonna pay through depreciation. Bottom line we have to pay to play. I'll think about it some more. Thanks everyone, and sorry for posting on the wrong forum. I didn't realize there was a dedicated turbo forum. Hope to pick up my first P car soon and join you guys!

docmirror

My best advice is this:

Look - you're buying a 911 Porsche. Get whatever the hell you want. Wait, shop, learn, drive and get exactly what you want. Don't let me or anyone sway you from what gives you pleasure(ahem - not too much there). If you have yourself set on a 996TT, then get that. I sure won't talk you out of it. In fact, I just posted this last week and I gotta say, it spins all my nipples.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...00830720&Log=0

Tip

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...34799300&Log=0

m3driver

I've ignored the IMS issue and so far I haven't lost any sleep or a single penny because of it.

911 carrera blue

Go to the Turbo forum, please and thank you