What would be better production year to buy in terms of factory changes and improvements? On the other hand dont want to spend a lot of $$$. Also, what is the deal with different exhaust tips and navigation units?

 

There is an option package that added a boost in power due to larger turbos - it also had the same intercoolers as the GT2...that was the "X50" option. If you are looking at cars - ask them to list the Options found under the "Frunk" hood. It is literally X50.

The exhaust tips are cosmetic only and do nothing for the car's performance.

In 2003 and later models - the navigation system was improved - also known as PCM 2.0 , search this forum about the differences in PCM 1.0, 2.0, etc. 2002 and earlier use PCM 1.0 - which is pretty much useless for navigation nowadays (can't find updated map disks). You may have better luck updating maps on newer PCM 2.0 systems. I don't know - I don't have one. I thought I wanted a nav unit since I drive so much around Atlanta - but in hindsight - it is a waste because they are so outdated. Either get the 1 DIN normal unit - or swap it for a aftermarket system. But I would put NO value on it at all for a 996.

Another change was the sound system. 2002 and earlier uses normal copper wiring between the head unit (stereo), amp and speakers...which makes it easy and cheap to change to aftermarket system (like i did). I have a kenwood DNX-9960. 2003 and later use the "MOST" system which is a fiber optic system and can present challenges for swapping into an aftermarket system. People often add a Dension system into the amp to add features like iPod, etc into the factory system.

Later models add the Turbo "S" version - which is the X50 package PLUS ceramic brakes (PCCB). These brakes can go a LOOOOONG time before being replaced - but will cost you a ton of money when you do.

Other options are interiors, colors, wheels, body kits, aftermarket accessories.

So - 2002 Turbo's will be available in the high 30's to mid 40's depending on mileage and options. I got mine from a local ebay seller for $40k even but it had the X50 and 60k miles on it. 2003's will go up from there. The biggest factor in price tends to be "big upgrades" and mileage.

Whatever you do - get a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) from a dealer when you think you found one you want..they are pretty cheap and can spot some hidden problems. Don't take that as nothing will go wrong - but it is totally worth the money.

Good Luck.



from wikipedia

996 Turbo (2000–2004)


996 Turbo X50
In 2000, Porsche launched the Turbo version of the Type 996. Like the GT3, the new Turbo engine derived from the 911 GT1 engine and, like its predecessor, featured twin-turbos and now developed 420 PS[16] (309 kW). Also like its predecessor the new Turbo was only available with all wheel drive. A US$17,000 factory option, the X50 package, was available that boosted the engine output to 450 PS (331 kW) with 620 N·m (457 ft·lbff) of torque across a wide section of the power band. With the X50 package in place the car could make 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.8 seconds. This package is named as Turbo S in Europe. Later on toward the end of the 996 life cycle, a 996 Turbo S coupe also returned to the US along with a new debut of the Turbo S Cabriolet boasting even more power— 450 PS (331 kW) and 620 N·m (457 ft·lbff)— than the regular Turbo. The Turbo can reach a top speed of 189 mph (304 km/h).[16]
Styling-wise(coefficient of drag:0.32), the car was more individual than previous Turbos. Along with the traditional wider rear wings, the 996 Turbo had different front lights and bumpers when compared to the Carrera and Carrera 4. The rear bumper had air vents that were reminiscent of those on the Porsche 959 and there were large vents on the front bumper, which have been copied on the Carrera 4S and Cayenne Turbo.

 

thanks a lot for this info.

 

I think the 2002 and later models have a glove box. 2001 and earlier do not. I belive I have the correct years.

 

Someone told me that 2002's-on have stronger body. Is this correct?

 

Stronger body...never heard that and don't see how that is possible. But I do have cupholders!

I think an 02 is the better option on the earlier models due to the cosmetic upgrades inside and out. 03 and higher for the better stereo, pcm and nav. That also means that you can get better prices on the early models. The important parts like handling, engine, etc are the same.

You can also look at newer non turbo's for about the same price. Like 05 C4S or C2S and maybe even some 997 models for the same $ as an older turbo.

 

Although I generally agree with everything posted here, I have a 2001...

Things I wish mine had:
Better cup holders
Glove box

That's it. Everything else a 2002 does, mine does as well, maybe better with the mods done to the car. If you're buying a 996TT with any interest in modifying it, I'd think hard about the X50. Why devalue it? The market on these cars is soft enough without costing yourself more if you ever decide to sell it. If you decide to buy an X50 car, I'd keep the original parts when you remove them, so you can put them back before resale...

Mike

 

Suggested reading (from the stuck thread at the top of forum):

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-turb...96tt-help.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-turb...heck-list.html

 

Take your time and do not settle because it's a long process to find what you're looking for.

 

Yes. Body was stiffened in '02.

My guess to coincide with the higher output X50 package availability.

BD

 

I think the stiffer body was just for the non-turbo 911's. Someone did a breakdown on here of parts and they are all the same from 01->.

 

According to Excellence magazine, yes the 2002 turbo and on had a more rigid frame, less body flex.
Just to let you know, I just paid 47K for a 2002 @23K miles, with full carbon fiber intererior and shifter, full leather with light stitching, sport seats, heated seats, crest on the seats, monochromatic rear view, rain sensor, Bose stereo, sport pedals, built in Escort radar detector, and laser jammer, rear wiper, painted wheel crests, upgraded lightweight wheels, white guage faces. That's all I can think of at this point.

 

Guys, what about front lip, side skirts and rear bottom piece painted in same color as the whole car. Was it a factory option, or something that people do?

 

There was a factory aero kit. It also included a fixed rear wing.

 

The once Im talking about are the standard lip and other parts. Difference from the original is only the color, instead of black, they are painted in car's color