mrsullivan

Sadly, I sold my pristine 1998 993 C2S recently. I loved that car and if I had the money I would keep it and many others. Alas, I am a 1-Porsche budget guy, and it was time for something a bit more modern. I have an allocation on a 2008 GT3 that is to be built this month, delivered next month.

In the back of my mind, I have always thought that a 996tt with the X50 pkg in pristine condition would be nice. Sure, very different car than the GT3 (although both sharing the GT1-derived bottom end)...however, equally fast with much more torque, etc. AND --- a back seat! At about $40k less than the new GT3, seems like a decent value for performance.

Anyway, to make a long story short, there is a car for sale nearby that has caused me to think twice about the GT3. It is a 2003 996tt X50 certified car with 1800 (not a typo) miles on it. Beautiful car...cosmetically perfect. A few options, but nothing much (supple leather, silver gauges, Bose, etc). I could probably buy it for $80k.

I may or may not switch up from the GT3 (I am the worlds greatest flake when it comes to Porsches, I wish I could have 20 different types), but just curious...for this car, is the price pretty reasonable? Seems like a lot for an 03 car, when you figure that an almost new 997 S could be had for the same $ with almost similar performance.

Thoughts?

THANKS!

toddabrams69

great price. it will probably depreciate less. i kids love my back seat.

C DeVito

You haven't described how you use the car. It depends if you are into tracking days or strictly street use. Each has a better compromise for one versus the other. The TT is a great modding platform, while the GT3 can be turned into an awesome full time track car.

That was an easy decision for me. Although my 10 year old daughter loves GT3s; she and a friend can ride in my TT. Beyond the short throw shifter, it's a hard car to improve (although many do...). I would like to sample a GT3 sometime but I will keep the TT for street use. It is an excellent all rounder.

jimq

A 03 X50 even bone stock is a great car to drive.

mrsullivan

I intend to use this car 80% for street, with occasional DE/track time. I have been drawn to the 997 GT3 because it is supposed to be much more compliant for the street than the 996 GT3. I know that it sounds like a strange comparison, but I see the 996tt as the closest comparison point to the 997GT3 for someone on my situation (prefer the tried/true engine platform vs. other 997 or 996 cars). If the 997 GT3 had back seats and/or the 996 tt were similar in price, the nod would go to the 997 GT3. However, coming across a warrantied car like this with such low mileage, backseat AND $30k+ difference has got me thinking...

Dock

Only 1800 miles in four years?

Is there a point where so few miles in so many years starts to impact the mechanics of the car? How long does a car like that sit without being started?

mrsullivan

asked my mechanic exactly that question...

he said that on this particular engine, 500 miles per year doesnt worry him.... also considering the warranty through 2010, I am a bit less worried, but agree that mileage this low is not always ideal

slant911

Jonathan,

I believe I remember you from the 993 area of the forum. I sold my Arctic Silver 98 C2s about 9 months ago and went to a TT. I can honestly say I have never looked back. Don't get me wrong the 993 was an awesome car but there is not one thing I miss about it other than the nicer body styling.

Anyway to me the TT is a better decision than the GT3. Especially with kids. No matter what the GT3 is primarliy a track oriented car and will be a harsher ride. Now I have not driven in a 997 variant of the GT3 but have spent some time in the 996 version and there is no way in the world I would have one of those for a street car. Very lethal track toy but that's about it. Way too harsh of a ride.

Plus with the added $30K you can go VERY FAST in a TT with that kind of mod money.

Land Jet

I agree with Slant, who, BTW, guided me while I was shopping for my 996TT. I just sold my supercharged 993 and am glad it's gone. The 996TT is in a whole other league. Whatever you do, don't go for the 997S, you will kick yourself for missing out on the intoxicating power of the turbo. And for a couple thousand bucks, you can chip it and really be getting a kick in the pants. My 993 was low and had a stiff suspension and I much prefer the 996TT on the road. I've never driven a GT3 so I can't comment on that.

Mikelly

I think the 996TT is a much better compromise, and the factt hat more power is easy to achieve, where as the GT3 is pretty much at its limits from the factory, says a lot about not getting bored with the car.

As for tracking the 996TT, I for one have not been sorry with my choice. It's been a wonderful track car that I drive "almost" daily.

Mike

mrsullivan

thanks for all the feedback

Mikelly, I think I cant go wrong either way, but I very much doubt that I would get "bored" with a 997 GT3 ....highest NA production engine from Porsche

Back to my key question here (didnt really mean to turn it into a 996tt vs. 997 GT3 discussion).... is this car priced well for its year, mileage, etc....?

thanks!

Land Jet

With that kind of mileage it's basically a brand new car, how can you go wrong with it. Scoop it up if you like the color and all.

TT Gasman

I think it's a good price for a low mile X 50 car, maybe you can get them down to $75K. 996TTs are the best buy going in the Porsche world right now. Sometimes I wished I would have just picked up a slightly used 996TT instead of the 997TT, I could have saved a lot of money.

slant911

Agree with the above. It is "market price" for what is a brand new car. You probably could get them into the mid to high 70's. Have it looked over by a shop and if it's what you want do it.

C DeVito

I agree with Land Jet; it is a new car. The price is pretty good, if you like the color and options, so just make sure to get a PPI done.