rocknrollprof

I am new to Porsche - had a 356b and 928s.
I used to drive an M3 until the 5 came along. Although I love the 5, its acceleration and it comfort, I miss the agility of the 3. I think that I would like the 996TT as it is 4-wheel drive - good in ice and snow I presume, and a bit faster than my 5. Am looking at several 01 or 02 TT from ebay. Most with about 45k miles. I have 3 questions.

Question 1 - Do you think I will like the TT having driven my M5 for the past few years? I used to race SCCA pro solo in mr2 turbo and formula ford.

Question 2 - What are specific things to look for in a TT with mid 40s.

Question 3 - Tip vs. 6?

BTW, the 01 is a 6spd with 45k for $53,000 and the 02 is a tip with 42k for $56,500. Do they seem like good prices?

Thanks

Stephen in Colorado

tkerrmd

The TT and the M3 are more similar than the M5. Comparing apples and oranges so not sure what you want or how to answer. The TT is a great sports car as are your two M cars. I guess you could ask yourself what you thought about the 3 vs the 5??
Cant imagine not liking the TT you obviously have good car sense.
Have a good PPO done on the car before you buy and also make sure the car had no type 2 over revs. The cars are solid and reliable if no problems to 40k. May need new clutch soon, so good chance to upgrade!
You have a stick, you decide on the tip, personal preference, still cant go wrong.
Prices seem reasonable.

Good luck and welcome

tom

Fred R. C4S

I don't feel that the TT is a good autocross car. It's like trying to fly an F-16 in the restricted airspace above the airport. Very frustrating. This car is all about torque, power, and stretching its legs. An autocross becomes a series of first or second gear bursts followed by trying to coax a 3500 under steering sled around a sharp corner. Now put the car at Road America, and whoa boy is it a lot of fun. If you looking to autocross, you need a much nimbler handler than an AWD Porsche. A Cayman S, Boxster S, or GT3 would be better choices. However, if you looking for a very fast, high torque car capable on long tracks and comfortable for cross country trips, you can't beat it. It's every bit as comfortable as your M5. Me previous garage mate to my TT was a 540i. The TT was just as comfortable on long trips.

Cheers,

JP Schnitzer

I went from a 2001 E39 M5 to my 2002 X50 TT w/6 speed....The real answer is.....I love my TT, it gives a thrill like no other, but I still miss that M5. The TT is the ulitimate car for transporting 2 people (and not much else) through the mountains...it is a superhero.....the M5 was a far more luxurious, usable sedan, way way more practical...and on public roads...not very far behind the TT....as for track work/autocross etc.....I have a stripped out race-prepped 1996 M3 that can beat the pants off the Turbo....it all comes down to weight. For me....though, that Turbo is a real lust object...it does everything well, but is not a specialist in any category.....if you can only have one sports car, it is a great choice. Get a PPI on the car first before falling in love.

live2shift

I owned an M5 and I always referred to it as a Freight Train, it just pulled with gobs of torque. I actually liked My 540i/6 Speed better as it didn't seem quite so "overweight". That said the 996tt is a rocket ship, but it also doesn't isolate noise or bumps like the M5. Both thes cars suffer from being too powerful to fully enjoy on backroad cruises when shifting is half the fun. In both cars 3 gears is all you can possibly use on a backroad blast. For local driving a Mini S or Miata is actually more fun (well sorta...)

Quicksilver01

I owned a 540i/6 speed and I have nothing but great things to say about the car. It was an awesome interstate cruiser. It was comfortable, fast, good looking and never gave me a moment of trouble in 6 years. I was all set to replace it with an E39 M5 ( I went as far as ordering one ) until I drove a 996TT. I was blown away. Don't get me wrong, the M5 is a special car, but the 996TT is pure automotive euphoria. Everytime I turn the key, I get just as excited as the first time I ever drove it. You can't compare the feeling. It's visceral. I could ,however, see owning both if you have the garage space....

MPS

I had both the e-39 M5 and the TT at the same time and sold them to get e-60 M5 (maybe looking for 993tt to join).

If you will do mostly short trips daily commute, drive in lots of rain and snow get the tt. It is a real sports car that can be enjoyed daily. I even took it to the long ski trips. However, if you have to take long daily trips, need lo listen to the radio, or you feel that you are going to be tired while driving after a long day, the M5 is the answer. Over the same time period I put 34k mi on the tt while I put only 17k mi on the M5 (mostly driven by my wife and trips with kids): that is the clear answer.

The e-60 M5 is a an amazing car, but you need to drive it at least 4-5k miles to appreciate all its qualities and to fall in love with the SMG. No replacement for long trips, period. The 993 or GT3 can compliment it the best.

rocknrollprof

Boy,
Thaniks guys. Very to the point with no digression nor boasting. Think I will keep the 5 and add a tt, shedding the 3. Now, to make sure I get the one I fall in love with. BTW, how is maintenace on 01 or 02 tt? Any significant trouble spots I should be on the lookout for? Are they really much faster than a C4?

shakazulu12

I struggle with this one all the time. I have loved my M5 for 100k miles. Has no problems, and with a few mods, there isn't much that can match me on the streets (suspension, headers, etc). But, I often think I'm missing out by not getting the TT. I spend all day in my car for work, and so far the M5 has been perfect. However, since I rarely have anyone in the car, and drive another vehicle for snowboard trips/trips to home depot. I wonder if I have 2 extra doors and 500 pounds more weight for no reason.

I like your solution rocknrollprof, get both.....I wish I could pull that one.

MPS

1) The 996tt is a bulletproof. Much, much better quality than the M5. Even you can easily get one with 60k miles that has been tracked and you will be OK. I never had a better quality car. After lots of use (and abuse) it ran like new after 34k miles. I even considered purchasing it at the end of lease.

2) I traded the one year old C4 for tt. The C4 is slightly more fun at lower speeds due to less weight and is better in snow. Biggest problem: too good of a chasis for a underpowered engine. In every other aspect the tt is better: in particular speed, confidence in driving it and quality.

Just get the 2001-2004 (any year) tt. The best car/money ratio you can get.

930chas

Stephen, I am dealing with the same question as you. Currently have a Dinan S2 M5, and am thinking of upgrading/downgrading?? (j/k) to the 911 turbo. From the research I've done, those seem to be exceptional prices. Unfortuately, I am not in the position to own both, unless I want to live in one of them. I sold my 930 and bought the M5 to use for enjoyment/family trips. Lots and lots of enjoyment, only one family trip. The M5 is such an incredible vehicle, especially in S2 guise, but the 996 turbo is just...words can't really describe it. Mmmm decisions, decisions.