Considering a very low mile 01 TT (~11Kmiles)

I'm very familiar with non-Turbo 996/986 but what should I be looking for with a very low mile 996 TT?

thanks,

Mike

 

Look for one that hasn't been beaten up.

 

I sold a low mileage 01 not that long ago (19k miles) - I'd say it's no different than any other car. Get a quality PPI done, ask for service records (a lot should have been done based on time by now), get a feel for the seller, give it a good test drive, go with your gut after the PPI. Even though it's low miles, all the same issues could apply- rear spoiler, clutch accumulator, 2nd gear pop out.

Good luck - sounds like your hunt might have found a gem.

 

Make sure turbo seals aren't leaking. The rear wing goes up and down as is should and be sure the oil level indicator in the dash computer works.

Then have a PPI done.

 

Well, one thing that comes to mind is that the low miles are real.

About all you can do then is make sure the car has no issues, runs and drives good -- essentially like a new car -- and has had reasonable servicing.

Be sure the tires are not past their use by date.

After a good (30 mile) test ride/drive then get a PPI and get the overrev counters/engine run time read out to confirm the engine has not been thrashed to an inch of its life and the run time and odometer numbers agree.

An important point is that you must run the engine, drive the car a good amount of time to not only ensure the engine sounds ok from dead cold to fully warmed up and that the engine behaves like it should at all other times, and that all systems work just fine, but to hopefully give any leaks time to show up. The PPI needs to be done by someone who is intimately familiar with these cars and knows where to look. Essentially, everywhere there is a gasket, seal, o-ring or fitting.

But there is more to knowing where to look, it is that to look for: For example, a bit of fluid stain on the plastic over the clutch fluid reservoir under the front trunk lid could be mistaken by someone not familiar with these cars for say a bit of sloppy fluid topping up. However, an expert on these cars would know it is more likely due to a going bad clutch slave cylinder.

The underside is covered by plastic panels. The PPI needs to look past these at the various areas, like the steering rack, the front diff and its axle flange seals, the cardan shaft, the transmission selector shaft seals, the water pump, and so on. In some cases a panel may need to be removed to really get a good look at various possible trouble spots.

If you still like the car after all the above, then try to avoid overpaying for the car.

If you buy the car enjoy it. The 996 Turbo is a nice car and drives very well.

 

If the price is right buy it nothing beats a low mileage car if it has been treated properly. I bought my 2001 with 12500 miles a couple years ago its been great.

 

WTLF???

tino

 

What To Look For

 

Check the clutch accumulator, and any overflowing at the master clutch fluid reservoir. Even though low mileage make sure the maintenance has been done following the yearly schedule rather than mileage. Check tires for age. Check for second gear pop out under second speed deceleration.

 

...and check for second gear pop out...my 02 with 15k suffered that malady...and I didn't catch it prior to purchase :-/

Brock

 

Also if you have a PPI done be sure they remove the front belly pan and take a look at the front diff. It is very common for the flange seals to be leaking. It is in no way a deal breaker. Them leaking is quite common, but you want know so you you can get them replaced.

 

Good info, thanks guys. I looked at a 16k mile 2002 today. At a Porsche dealer, and when I asked for the DME readout, they told me I would have to pay for it (!!!) to the tune of three hours of labor at $150 per hour. Really?

 

I bought my 02 with 9k, car was delivered with bad coils and a faulty MAF unit. Porsche dealer passed the PPI and claimed the car was the finest they had seen, a PPI is only as good the person who performs it.

 

I suggest, if you are going to buy a 996TT to drive, buy one with great service records that has been driven. A garage queen is just that, and are only as good as the age based service not the miles. My personal opinion is to buy a well maintained Porsche that has been driven than a garage queen that hasn't had every scheduled maintence regardless of miles. You will still have problems with the garage queen. If it flies, floats, rolls, or f@$ks your going to have problems.

 

if you're relying upon a porsche dealership for your PPI? then it's is best to stick with purchasing a car under 7 years from "in service date".

then you'll have the option of purchasing their extended ( 2 yr ) factory warranty. which will then enable you to demand they fix all the item(s!) their cpo/ppi "checklist" will neglect to find on their not inconsiderable dime(s). unfortuntately for you, an '02 is not eligible for this cpo ( ahem ) "certification" given its age. so my advice would be go 997.1tt ( yeah ) or get a REAL PPI done at a REAL indie shop. rememeber, EVERYthing pcar dealers do is "by the book", and they never stray. learned it from the pesky germans i guess

just my .02 from when i had an '02. gl with whatever you get, you'll be smiling every time you get in it. cheers.