Opinions: 996TT now or wait for 997TT
01-16-2019, 04:19 PM
#1
Track Day
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Opinions: 996TT now or wait for 997TT
I realize I may get some biased opinions in this section, but looking for some input. I am letting go of a dedicated track car I have a lot of money tied up in next week. I have always wanted a 911 turbo and have decided it will be the next purchase. I was planning to begin searching for a clean 996 (preferably X50 if possible) around May time frame after our wedding. I have just been thinking that the 996s are getting pretty old, and wondering if I should just hold off and put more cash away until next year and get a 997tt. I am pretty sure I will be happy with either one, but the 996 to 997 price gap seems to have diminished some. I'm sure a bunch of you have had both, so what are your thoughts? I would not look to do more than bolt-ons, wheels and coilovers. Have a recently acquired spec miata in the family I have access to whenever to satisfy the track/racing itch. Some of you that have been watching the 911 markets closely for some time, what do you think is a better buy to retain value over a few years?
Any input appreciated.
Any input appreciated.
01-16-2019, 05:01 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
I looked at two 996 TT cars before buying my 09 C2S. They were within my price range ($55K). I couldn't find any 997 TT cars that even came close except for a rebuilt salvage model in Georgia that wouldn't allow a PPI. The 996 felt very dated. Performance was uneven, too. Turbo lag was quite noticeable. Buying a very technically complex turbo car that's nearly 20 years old didn't seem like a good idea.
01-16-2019, 05:03 PM
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I looked at two 996 TT cars before buying my 09 C2S. They were within my price range ($55K). I couldn't find any 997 TT cars that even came close except for a rebuilt salvage model in Georgia that wouldn't allow a PPI. The 996 felt very dated. Performance was uneven, too. Turbo lag was quite noticeable.
01-16-2019, 05:06 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
I agree. I just couldn't afford a 2010 - 2011 TT. That would have been my first choice. The C2S was second. I owned a modded Forester XT before and it could light up all 4 wheels on a launch. If you can afford a 2010 or better TT, you won't regret it.
01-16-2019, 05:07 PM
#5
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I can't swing that either, so that option is out for me as well. I am thinking with bolt ons and tunes, the performance concern you had may be resolved? I will need to go drive both options, I just don't want to deal with a dealer and don't want to drive someones personal car if I am just shopping the models.
01-16-2019, 05:16 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
I was thinking of adding the VF supercharger kit to my C2S maybe next year. That's cheaper and less complex than a 2010 TT. Just a thought at this point. Kit with installation would run about $15k. The difference between my C2S and a 2010 TT is closer to $35K.
01-16-2019, 05:34 PM
#7
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01-16-2019, 05:40 PM
#8
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01-16-2019, 05:48 PM
#9
I wish I had bought a 996TT years ago when they were fetching 30-35K. A bunch of sites like Jalopnik started raving about what a good value they were and they climbed. Seeing as how they are now 50-55K and early 997 turbos are 65-80K I think the math is a little different now.
The 2007-2009 Turbo also uses the Mezger engine which is well regarded for its ability to support serious modifications. They also put out a fair amount more power stock than the 996TT. I would look for one of these, preferably with the 6MT, which are more common in the 997.1 than they are in the 997.2TT. The 2009 is a sweet spot in these because they got the PCM3.0 with the Mezger and they bring a premium. Ultimately, all that tech is now fairly old and both can be replaced if desired. The 997.1 also got the new AWD system that the 997.2 C4S also uses, which I think is an improvement over the 996TT.
At the end of the day, the 996 is always going to have a ding against it with alot of Porsche people for the atypical headlights and the interior.
The 2007-2009 Turbo also uses the Mezger engine which is well regarded for its ability to support serious modifications. They also put out a fair amount more power stock than the 996TT. I would look for one of these, preferably with the 6MT, which are more common in the 997.1 than they are in the 997.2TT. The 2009 is a sweet spot in these because they got the PCM3.0 with the Mezger and they bring a premium. Ultimately, all that tech is now fairly old and both can be replaced if desired. The 997.1 also got the new AWD system that the 997.2 C4S also uses, which I think is an improvement over the 996TT.
At the end of the day, the 996 is always going to have a ding against it with alot of Porsche people for the atypical headlights and the interior.
01-16-2019, 05:50 PM
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I wish I had bought a 996TT years ago when they were fetching 30-35K. A bunch of sites like Jalopnik started raving about what a good value they were and they climbed. Seeing as how they are now 50-55K and early 997 turbos are 65-80K I think the math is a little different now.
The 2007-2009 Turbo also uses the Mezger engine which is well regarded for its ability to support serious modifications. They also put out a fair amount more power stock than the 996TT. I would look for one of these, preferably with the 6MT, which are more common in the 997.1 than they are in the 997.2TT. The 2009 is a sweet spot in these because they got the PCM3.0 with the Mezger and they bring a premium. Ultimately, all that tech is now fairly old and both can be replaced if desired. The 997.1 also got the new AWD system that the 997.2 C4S also uses, which I think is an improvement over the 996TT.
At the end of the day, the 996 is always going to have a ding against it with alot of Porsche people for the atypical headlights and the interior.
The 2007-2009 Turbo also uses the Mezger engine which is well regarded for its ability to support serious modifications. They also put out a fair amount more power stock than the 996TT. I would look for one of these, preferably with the 6MT, which are more common in the 997.1 than they are in the 997.2TT. The 2009 is a sweet spot in these because they got the PCM3.0 with the Mezger and they bring a premium. Ultimately, all that tech is now fairly old and both can be replaced if desired. The 997.1 also got the new AWD system that the 997.2 C4S also uses, which I think is an improvement over the 996TT.
At the end of the day, the 996 is always going to have a ding against it with alot of Porsche people for the atypical headlights and the interior.
01-16-2019, 08:44 PM
#12
I’ve not owned either a 996TT or 997TT, but drove several 996TTs a couple years back when I was in the market for a first 911 in the $50Kish price range. I ended up with a CPO 997.2 C2. The CPO warranty, and my risk aversion, figured heavily into that decision though. I found the performance of the 996TT fantastic and wasn’t bothered by excessive turbo lag. I was coming from a tuned STI though, so used to driving an old school turbo motor.
I’m sure the 997TT is at an entirely different level. However, if my memory serves, you can get another 50hp and 50ft lbs from a 996TT with just a Stage 1 tune. I understand that there is plenty more potential with some bolt ons, and that four digit HP is doable with bigger turbos and injectors on the stock internals. Given that potential, and the ~$25K price delta to a 997, I’d lean toward the 996.
That early 2000’s interior though...
I’m sure the 997TT is at an entirely different level. However, if my memory serves, you can get another 50hp and 50ft lbs from a 996TT with just a Stage 1 tune. I understand that there is plenty more potential with some bolt ons, and that four digit HP is doable with bigger turbos and injectors on the stock internals. Given that potential, and the ~$25K price delta to a 997, I’d lean toward the 996.
That early 2000’s interior though...
01-16-2019, 09:54 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
I owned a 2002 996TT and loved it. Previous owner paid ~$2000 for a GIAC tune and it really opened it up. There are a couple of issues to check out on any you're interested in (I believe these affect the 997TT as well) -- the rear spoiler hydraulic system, which can develop leaks and cost $2000+ to repair (new hydraulic system or electric replacement system) and the coolant hose nipple-to-manifold attachment (the hose nipples were glued into the manifolds; between their age and hot/cold temp cycling the glue can fail, causing the coolant to dump onto the road, just in front of the rear tires.....without warning. The fix is to have the nipples pinned or welded to the manifolds, and to do it right the engine has to be removed).
The 997TT has variable vane technology to improve the turbos output, equaling a 996TT with a tune. And it has oval headlights and a more modern interior -- up to you if this is important.
If you haven't yet, best suggestion is to ask this on the 996 and 997 Turbo forums.
Bob
The 997TT has variable vane technology to improve the turbos output, equaling a 996TT with a tune. And it has oval headlights and a more modern interior -- up to you if this is important.
If you haven't yet, best suggestion is to ask this on the 996 and 997 Turbo forums.
Bob
01-16-2019, 10:16 PM
#14
With these cars the cost isn’t the price, the cost = what you pay + upkeep -what you sell it for. I think you need to consider the actual cost. IMO the 996T feels a bit maxed out on price which is why you see 996T going for close to a 997T. I think the 996T price will hold, but the 997T will keep climbing as clean low mile examples become harder to find. If you can’t buy a 997T now I think you might just chase it as prices climb and never buy one, so maybe the 996T is the answer. If you can stretch and get one now, I think you will be at the same “cost” in a year had you bought the 996T.
