Lost

Hi guys
I know that this topic was probably covered many times and I did my fair share of google searches but just in case I missed something.

I am looking at a 01 TT Triptonic with 42 k miles on it in my area. The car is annually serviced at the local dealer and looks in good condition. I did manage to test drive it. So far I liked it (it doesnt have the punch that a manual transmission has) but it is an awesome machine. I do need some time to adjust to it since I am used only driving stick.

any major issues that I might need to look for? also any other reasons why I should go with a manual in terms of reliability of the car?

I will also do a PPI if the sellers agrees on my offer.

Thank you for your feedback.

Dock

Is there a reason why you want a Tip instead a six speed manual?

Dans996tt

I've only had my X50 TIP for a couple of weeks but so far I have no complaints. I have a good friend with a 6 speed X50 and they seem to be the same speed. I am getting old and would have never even considered an auto until recently, I can drive around in traffic talking on the phone and drinking coffee and it behaves like a grandma car upshifting at 2000 rpm.

Dan

Lost

Dock, the reason for the tip is because is the only TT I can find in DC area and I could test drive. No manuals at this point.

Another P

I've had my tip, and took the compromise for similar reasons. I live in traffic, and spends a lot of time well below the design of the car. So when I do get to open up and play, it isn't quite the same, but I'm very very happy with mine. Mine is lightly modded with e EVoMS tune on both engine and trans, and still excites me when I get to the DE events. I am not sorry of my choice. And the trans is designed/built by MBZ and can take a lot of abuse and HP without having to upgrade clutches etc, so that's a nice win.
Please...all you lucky 6 spd folks, don't beat on me for the last comment!

Dock

If you like the involvement that a manual brings to the game, I'd suggest you wait for one and not compromise on what can be a big enjoyment factor in driving a Turbo.

mgsward996

I've had my tip for over a year and it is my daily driver and it never ceases to put a smile on my face when I get a chance to open it up. Although I know many folks prefer the manual versions, for me the tip just works better as I often times find myself in city traffic. If you like the tip and it checks out nicely, I say go for it!

nigelhenry

I am in the process of buying a Tip.
Other than allowing the wife to drive it (is that a good thing? She did fully endorse the purchase...only seems fair), one side benefit of a Tip is the reduced maintence costs of not having to replace the clutch as well as the reduced risk over over revs.
The Tip gear box is designed to disallow a downshift that would over-rev the eng.
It seems from this forum that these Type 2 over-revs are a bit of an issue on manuals.

Plus, in M, isnt it virtually a manual anyway? Heck- the steering wheel selectors work even when you are in D!

Tytus

I have had my 2001 tip for three years now. It is a great DD and I don't really miss the 6 spd, I also have an NSX that satisfies my need to row the box. I actually enjoy driving the Tip at the track, no fear of a money shift either. But to enjoy it I had to change to a smaller diameter paddle shift steering wheel and that made a world of difference.

Now for the bad news...

After my first or second track outing the transmission controller apparently got confused and made a grinding sound at low RPMs like it was trying to shift but couldn't decide what gear to go into. Turns out there is a Porsche Technical Bulletin on the subject for early Tips, pre 2003. You need to upgrade to a 2003 controller and the problem is solved. This was covered under my extended warranty; if you don't have a warranty it'll cost about $2,300. This apparently only happens when the car is driven aggressively for an extended period of time after having been driven in a normal manner previously.

Again this is only an issue with early Tips driven aggressively.

I would definitely get the car! Good luck.

Tytus

Lost

Thank you for the tips, guys!

Misplacedyankee

No pun intended! If you are a 6MT type I would hold out and wait for a new one to be for sale. I wouldn't compromise if it was me. To buy a car like this and be 50/50 on the transmission just doesn't make sense. Its key to the overall experience. No way I would but a tip in this car. My DD sure, but not my fun car.

TRINITONY

Tip will be your best friend in DC's traffic. especially on 495,270,66,95, etc...

Kevinmacd

Cant see how a X50 tip is the same as a 6mt X50! The tip is an automatic with a torque convertor. You have frictional loss and slippage by design. The only thing faster then a 6mt driven properly is the dual clutch PDK which does not have a torque convertor, and has more positive shifts.

From my perspective, the tip will require more transmission maintainence and cost. A 6mt in traffic doesnt bother me a bit.

Dock

Same here.

Daytonaman

List of HP vehichles that use torque coverters:
Indy Car
1000+hp fuel dragsters
996tt