xcusemi

Hello REnnlister:

I am torn in deciding between 996TT and 997S. I need your input eventhough I know it might be bias since I am posting this in the 997 forum.

Since the price for 2001 996TT and 2005 Carrera S are about the same, what would you choose?

I know that 996 (non turbo), and Boxster have experience with engine fai lure. Is the 3.8 engine in 997 is also prone to IMF and RMS problem. When looking at the used 997S, is there anything in particular that I should look for? I will be going to see 997 this weekend and want to know what I should look for before having the shop performing the PPI once I decided that I will go with 997.

Anyone can recomend me of which shop to brong the car to for the PPI. I am located in NJ by the Jersey shore.

Thanks in advance!

Alfaguy2

I bought a 2005 C2S in sep 2009. My thinking on the car at the time was based on its general condition (excellent) + it had all the options ticked and had a good service history.

After that you really have to take your chances - there is no guarantee. Some 997's have had engine issues also. I did not even get an expert report done because I see them as a waste of money. They are so full of disclaimers and general ambiguity that they are of little value at the end of the day.

I would be reasonably well read and experienced with most cars and I have learned to just trust my own judgement.

I would always opt for a 997 - never liked the 996 much.

LENELSA

997 S.
easy choice.

GrahamML

Ditto - did the same analysis and came away with a 06 C2S and couldn't be happier. Have driven a friends 996TT a few times (a track day as well) and liked the even torque and performance of the 997.1 much better.

Edgy01

Many have told me that the the 996TT isn't quite the car it could be, and 2001 models are nearly ten years old--a lot has happened in Porsche engineering in that time.

Sure, there is the neck snapping performance of going on boost, but are you prepared to shell out twice as much for maintenance each time? Since money is driving this question of yours, be prepared for the maintenance headaches of a turbo. Figure twice the hours for pretty much anything that is near the engine.

A friend of mine recently sold his 996T and purchased a used 997T and has found the differences to be nearly night versus day. I personally favor the interior ergonomics of the 997 cars because they seem more like what a 911 was like inside--the 996 interiors are vastly different than all the other "911" cars.

Buy the newer car if you can, and enjoy outstanding performance without shelling out a fortune in maintenance.

xcusemi

Thank you for all the response.

I would like to know whether Porsche ever sort out IMF and RMS issue in 997? I heard that is a very common problem with 996.

Thanks

Optical TDI

997.1 has similar IMS issues (RMS is not a big deal in comparison). The 996TT doesn't have that issue. Tough choice for sure. The 997 exterior and interior look much better in my opinion. The TT is super strong but has a higher maintenance cost.

You could buy the 997 and get the LN engineering IMS bearing and do the clutch at the same time. It may not be serviceable on the 997 though, so you could check that.