turbo hunt
 

Guys,
After a couple of weeks of looking for my next 911, I have decided to go for the turbo instead of the non-.
I have my heart set on a 996TT. Tomorrow I will see a 2001, 2004 and a 2005. Please chime in and let me know what to be concerned about year to year. Don't all these years have the same motor? Is the 05 considered a 996 or 997? I am leaning towards the 04, but any comments would be welcome.
Thanks!

I looked for 10 months, studied for a lot longer than that. I went with an '04 Cab with 14K miles almost 2 years ago. My car still feels like brand new.

Lots of dogs out there, take your time the right one will come along. '05 Turbo is 996, 997 in N/A.

Same engines. As they say but the newest you can afford. But I apply the saying only to the model. Best to have an old car/high mileage with full records then a newer car with none. 2001 don't have a glove box or cup holders.
It's easy to upgrade a stock to a beast for 10k but if you find it done all ready. It will save you cash if you were all ready going to do it. Otherwise if stock is your cup of tea then stay away from them.

Thanks, 2005 Turbo is 996 w/ mezger engine? I can see some changes 2001 to 2002, but 02 to 05 are the same right?

No there are differences. 01 - they enhanced the chassis to provide better side impact crash safety and seat beat rigidity as well as changes to fit a m96 engine, came with added weight to the chassis but offset by hollow spoke wheels. Later they prep'd the chassis for convertibles which came with additional weight added to it as well as more rigidity.
There where audio and alarm upgrades from (I believe) 02-03 went from analog to digital.

...yes then those changes were carried forward for the subsequent years right? Any significant deviation between 01, to 05?

Are the alarms an issue? I know one guy who had some problems, but I think it because he let some water accumulate on his floor by not clearing the drains on his top. Is the 2nd gear issue prone more to one year or another? Is there anything you can recomend a novice to ask or check during inspection? Specifics, ..I familiar with all the basic concerns about buying used. I am not interest in modified or tracked cars, more of a Sunday driver with a paper trail.


Thanks.

04-05 has the reinforced Spanish block- which has a 996 part number. 01-03 has the 964 part number block.

Buy the nicest one you can find. Go buy a paint meter to assist in your search.

Nav was standard starting in 04.

Dan

05 has Turbo S with X50 as standard, 04 is ht or miss. I looked for a year before I got mine. Watch the market and learn what makes a good one and what is a dog and will help also understand best pricing out there.

GLWB!

Ditto on the records and mileage. Per-purchase inspection is a MUST. Do NOT trust the dealership selling to provide it.

I bought a 2001 with 60k miles with some minor cosmetic issues. Bone stock and full records. Even had the baby seat buckle that turned off the airbag. Bolt ons & tuning 10,000 miles later and no problems. Passengers are always surprised by how solid the car is, not to mention how fast!