I am thinking of getting either an 02/03 996TT, which I intend to keep for a long time. I would like your opinions on keeping this car for 10 to 15 years and up to 200K miles.
I was originally looking at a 997C4S, but drove an 03'996TT and wow... I loved the car and a turbo has been my dream since I have been 7 years old. But I am concerned that I will end up with huge repair bills due to it being a turbo.

This is my first post here, but I have been reading the forum for the last few weeks and really appreciate the knowledge of the members.

Ronan

 

Whatever you decide to get maintenance is key. These are not your typical Subaru that you can drive into the ground and will still keep going. If you do the necessary upkeep there is no reason these cars can't go 200K miles or more.

 

ronanw- did you drive the 997c4s yet?

 

IIRC, rennlist member "T2" has an X50 996TT that he drives year round here in NE and should have 100K miles by now.
Probably the most important issues for longevity (and likely most discussed) is oil and turbo cooldown.

 

I saw T2 this weekend - he has 141,000 miles now. I don't think he has had many issues. I have 68,000 and the car drives and looks like it's new (one owner and well cared for).

 

I thought his Cayenne Turbo had more miles than the 996TT.....had it backwards.

Mine has ~6K miles on it, so at that rate, I should catch up to T2 in ............

 

Glad to hear it - not too surprising Can you elaborate on those issues, if you know them? A long shot, I know, but I have the same curiosity.

 

it really is the Honda of supercars

 

T2 has posted his experience in a prior threads. A search under T2 will most likely bring up some of the information you are looking for...

 

Search for our buddy in Switzerland, who runs wild with his TT! He might be at 200k km's...

 

Turbo cooldown has NOTHING to do with long term longevity of anything other than the turbo itself, which is a fairly inexpensive wear item.

For any piece of machinery, the key components for long life are:

1. Proper lubrication - Don't go by the 15,000 mile oil change recommendation, use 7,500 miles and get in at least 2 oil changes per year

2. Proper cooling - Check the overflow tank often, never use just water, keep the crap away from the radiators (clean out behind the grills). Also, in heavy traffic, don't tailgate......you want the airflow

3. Proper speed regulation - If at all possible, get a manual transmission to avoid all the hunting automatics do, and USE 6th gear for highway cruising. Watch the number of shifts above 5,000 rpm.

As a heavy machinery Engineer, I see a tremendous difference betweens machines run to death and those properly cared for.

 

Could you please elaborate.....

 

Its really a 2 part statement. Shifting at higher rpms is harder on clutches and transmissions.

The bigger point is that engines exhibit more durability running at lower speeds within their design envelope. For example, I talk with many owners who never cruise under 3000 rpms, so that they minimize their lag time should they put the hammer down.

These aren't fragile cars, but if you have the opportunity to cruise at 2200 rpm, take it.

 

Isn't cruising at lower RPM one of the causes of carbon buildup that can plague the 993? Or was it driving at very low RPMs like 1000-1500?

I can certainly understand that lower RPM is better for the moving parts, but perhaps too low an RPM can cause other problems?

Interested to know your thoughts as you are the heavy machinery engineer....

 

great line! What other supercar can be driven by your wife to a National Charity League meeting (when you need her SUV) ? These are amazing cars, absolutely timid and quiet around town without overheating, fouled plugs etc. Mine has about 60,000 miles and actually burns almost no oil now
When I see a Lambo all I can think of is the $3,000 tune-up and the 3 month transit time for an alternator or relay. The HONDA of supercars......