Notices
996 Turbo Forum 1999-2005
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

certified or not?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-06-2006 | 03:15 AM
  #1  
BMo's Avatar
BMo
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
Default certified or not?

I'm gearing up to get a 996 TT and was wondering what people thought about spending the extra $ for a CPO vehicle versus buying a private party car and having a reputable mechanic take a look at it. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!
Old 06-06-2006 | 04:54 AM
  #2  
wbvega's Avatar
wbvega
2nd Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Reno/Sparks/Tahoe, Nevada, USA
Default

My experience was that it really wasnt that big of a deal. Whether you buy from a dealer or private party, having the car checked out is a good idea. A lot of porsche dealerships dont run used inventory through the CPO program because its expensive and doesnt really offer financing or extended warranty benefits like a BMW or Lexus pre-owned program does.

You are better off having it checked out, do a full carfax, and then if you are still worried...buy an extended warranty.

Hope that helps.

WBVega

----------------------------------
2002 996 TT
1998 Dodge Viper GTS
1962 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Kustom
2000 GMC Extra Cab 4x4
2002 Tony Kart Formula 125 Shifter Kart
Attached Files
File Type: txt
signature.txt (267 Bytes, 43 views)
Old 06-07-2006 | 01:22 AM
  #3  
BMo's Avatar
BMo
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
Default

Thanks for the info wb!
Old 06-07-2006 | 03:56 PM
  #4  
twk63's Avatar
twk63
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 633
Likes: 137
From: Phoenixville, PA
Default

I don't know what price range you are looking for but you can check out my listing in the for sale section.

I am a private seller of a 2004 996TT Cab. I have all service records available and the work on the car has been done only by Porsche mechanics, Porsche of Santa Barbara and Princeton Porsche. I still have the balance of the factory warranty. I am very confident that I am asking ess than a similar vehicle form a dealership.

The CPO is nice but may not be worth the premium if you can find a well-cared for vehicle like mine. If you llok around, I am sure there are plenty of private sellers who are as diligent about maintaining their vehicles as I am. Best of luck!
Old 06-08-2006 | 01:41 AM
  #5  
mike_la_jolla's Avatar
mike_la_jolla
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 89
Likes: 4
From: La Jolla, California
Default Porsche Certification is useless, maybe worse ...

Originally Posted by BMo
I'm gearing up to get a 996 TT and was wondering what people thought about spending the extra $ for a CPO vehicle versus buying a private party car and having a reputable mechanic take a look at it. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!
The Porsche Certification thing for me was useless, maybe worse. You might check the archives as we have had long discussion about buying used 996TT’s. The value is higher if the transmission has been replaced. Make sure the ECU codes have been read out, and if there are any REV2’s violations or higher, get’em cleared or don’t buy the car. Porsche disowns any car with REV2 violations.

Other than the transmission, the 996TT’s seem to be holding up quite well. Be aware that the price will start dropping more as the 997TT starts to gain traction.
Old 06-08-2006 | 12:52 PM
  #6  
tkerrmd's Avatar
tkerrmd
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,975
Likes: 4
From: tampa florida
Default

If the car was abused you still wont know. You can have them check for type 2 over revs and then I wouldnt buy it. But the tranny on be on the edge and you wont know till it goes. Trust me had mine rebuilt at 9k cause of "abuse" and it wasnt anything I had done so it still goes buyer be ware.
Old 06-10-2006 | 04:40 PM
  #7  
BMo's Avatar
BMo
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
Default

Good info fellas.
twk63, your car sounds nice but I'm looking for a coupe, man. trans. As for price, I haven't yet entirely firmed that up with the wife yet but I'm guessing my limit will be around 90k

mike/tkerrmd - I assume the REV2 violation is the over rev issue and that the 996 TT ECU keeps track? I also assume that the dealer reviews the ECU for such, which is what you mean by disowning them, and will not certufy such a car? So I need to find a shop that has the software to read the ECU for such violations if not choosing a CPO vehicle. As for the tranny, I hate the unknown. tkerrmd, how much did the tranny replacement cost? In light of the tranny issue might you argue the CPO program is worth the premium?

Thanks again fellas!
Old 06-10-2006 | 10:54 PM
  #8  
mike_la_jolla's Avatar
mike_la_jolla
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 89
Likes: 4
From: La Jolla, California
Default

The ECU keeps track of REV violations. Porsche is using any REV2 violations as an excuse to void the warranty. In my case, the transmission failed by refusing to go into third. When I shifted to second during a DE, I caused some REV2 violations. Porsche refused to cover the transmission replacement under warranty, claiming this was ‘abusive’ driving, and made the situation worse by insulting me: 'Learn how to drive!' I also, stupidly, admitted that I track my car, something that Porsche does not allow under any circumstances.

I bought my car used, and it WAS ‘Porsche Certified’. You are confused about the ‘Porsche Certified’ thing. It isn’t very meaningful. Two people in this thread alone have had complete transmission replacements. The transmissions on these things are very weak: either under designed, or incorrectly manufactured. ‘Porsche Certification’ does not check the inside of the transmission. If you buy a used 996TT, you risk inheriting this problem, ‘Porsche Certified’ or not. Assume it will cost $12-$15k to fix if it happens. Note that this does not necessarily kill any deal you might make, merely increases your risk. Life in the Turbo world would be better if Porsche stood behind their product, as they used to, but that was a different company, long ago.

You might search the archives for ‘popping out of second’.

Last edited by mike_la_jolla; 06-10-2006 at 11:55 PM.
Old 06-11-2006 | 02:21 AM
  #9  
arrowax's Avatar
arrowax
Advanced
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Default

I too am looking for an 01/02 TT. One thing i don't understand, if we can get Porsche to certify that the car has no REV2 violation, and we get an extended warranty, will they not cover any transmission damage?
Old 06-11-2006 | 03:36 PM
  #10  
BMo's Avatar
BMo
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
Default

Mike, I searched and found your original thread form February. I just read it (all 18 pages). Damn! I am very sorry for what you've had to deal with and, frankly, it is making me think twice about dropping 80 or 90K for a used 996TT. I think right now I'm in shock more than anything else. I don't want to buy a money pit though.
Old 06-11-2006 | 10:28 PM
  #11  
mike_la_jolla's Avatar
mike_la_jolla
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 89
Likes: 4
From: La Jolla, California
Default

Originally Posted by arrowax
I too am looking for an 01/02 TT. One thing i don't understand, if we can get Porsche to certify that the car has no REV2 violation, and we get an extended warranty, will they not cover any transmission damage?
This is hit or miss. If you get a used 996TT with the ‘Porsche Certification’, my understanding is that is does not have any REV2 violations in the ECU. You are assuming the warranty, or extended warranty covers the transmission. In some cases, the dealer has fixed the transmission at no charge if no REV2 violations have occurred. In other cases, like mine, Porsche pissed in my face and insulted me (“Learn how to drive!”). I am in southern California and the Porsche representative here is, ummm, not friendly, to enthusiasts.

You have, incorrectly, assumed that the warranty covers transmission damage. Since you are buying a used Turbo, I will assume that you do not have any sort of relationship with an authorized Porsche dealer. If the transmission fails, I would assume you have a 25% chance or less of getting a new transmission without paying.

Also, if you track the car, take it to ANY autocross (even Porsche sponsored), or mod the ECU for more boost, Porsche is denying all warranty claims since you have ‘abused’ the car. One missed downshift also voids the warranty.

PS – My Turbo is in the shop, again, this time for (more) electrical problems.



Quick Reply: certified or not?



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 03:29 PM.