Need Advice, 997TT First Porsche Purchase
#1
Need Advice, 997TT First Porsche Purchase
Hello all,
I am considering joining the Porsche owner ranks. I have owned many previous sports cars, most recently a c7 Corvette z51 7 speed. I have great respect for German engineering, I have had a few luxury performance sedans, I just traded in my 2015 twin turbo Audi A8, I loved that car.
So, here is my thoughts I need some wise advice please. I am looking for a great deal on a 2000's 997 911 Turbo, something to work on and have fun with for the next 4 years or longer, that either holds its value or even rises in value as the market seems to be doing now for the late '90s 911 Turbos.
One of my best friend's father just happens to have a 2008 911 Turbo he is looking to sell. It is in decent condition, original msrp was $127k. I ran the Carfax, no accidents it's negatives are 5 previous owners and not all service was done at Porsche dealers over the years, and the high mileage of 110,000. It starts right up and runs very good, tires and brakes are fairly new. I love the wheels (upgraded Porsche) and the color is dark gray metallic. He bought it as an investment in early 2017 from a California dealer online. Tiptronic trans also.
I have heard this engine is supposedly bullet proof, what about the trans/running gear? Turbos? I have plenty of auto repair experience and tools, my brother has his own performance shop specializing in race and muscle cars. Can I work on this myself in my garage?
Bottom line the price is $47k which I'm pretty sure is below market value even considering the mileage. Please let me know your thoughts, I appreciate any comments/concerns.
I am considering joining the Porsche owner ranks. I have owned many previous sports cars, most recently a c7 Corvette z51 7 speed. I have great respect for German engineering, I have had a few luxury performance sedans, I just traded in my 2015 twin turbo Audi A8, I loved that car.
So, here is my thoughts I need some wise advice please. I am looking for a great deal on a 2000's 997 911 Turbo, something to work on and have fun with for the next 4 years or longer, that either holds its value or even rises in value as the market seems to be doing now for the late '90s 911 Turbos.
One of my best friend's father just happens to have a 2008 911 Turbo he is looking to sell. It is in decent condition, original msrp was $127k. I ran the Carfax, no accidents it's negatives are 5 previous owners and not all service was done at Porsche dealers over the years, and the high mileage of 110,000. It starts right up and runs very good, tires and brakes are fairly new. I love the wheels (upgraded Porsche) and the color is dark gray metallic. He bought it as an investment in early 2017 from a California dealer online. Tiptronic trans also.
I have heard this engine is supposedly bullet proof, what about the trans/running gear? Turbos? I have plenty of auto repair experience and tools, my brother has his own performance shop specializing in race and muscle cars. Can I work on this myself in my garage?
Bottom line the price is $47k which I'm pretty sure is below market value even considering the mileage. Please let me know your thoughts, I appreciate any comments/concerns.
#2
Rennlist Member
If you don't buy it, it would be a mistake, as long as you want a TIP. Just get it! OMG... don't think, don't wait, just cut a check and GET THAT PUPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow morning, please!!! You won't lose anything on it most likely. They are TANKS.
#3
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Tips don't hold or bring high values really but the tranny is robust according to what I hear.
Do some research on the 997.1's and the "Coolant Pipe" issues. It's not an IF they'll go, but more of a WHEN. This is not an easy / cheap fix. It's and engine out deal which will lead to a lot of "While you are in there" Stuff that you'd be crazy not to replace while you have it out.
Now Mid - Late year 08's are supposed to have a better glue / adhesive used on the coolant pipes and have less troubles, but I think it's still a possibility.
Otherwise, the Mezger engine in the 997.1's is the most amazing engine Porsche ever put in a road going car. You will love it.
Do some research on the 997.1's and the "Coolant Pipe" issues. It's not an IF they'll go, but more of a WHEN. This is not an easy / cheap fix. It's and engine out deal which will lead to a lot of "While you are in there" Stuff that you'd be crazy not to replace while you have it out.
Now Mid - Late year 08's are supposed to have a better glue / adhesive used on the coolant pipes and have less troubles, but I think it's still a possibility.
Otherwise, the Mezger engine in the 997.1's is the most amazing engine Porsche ever put in a road going car. You will love it.
#4
Racer
+2^^ The price is without debate, an excellent value. You may be used to a manual transmission so the tiptronic might trip you out. Its no PDK and most fellow gearheads on this forum prefer the manual gearbox. Back to the price...Big Swole has pretty much summed up what you are potentially up against but personally, I wouldn't pass it up. Slate grey metallic and Meteor grey are both really nice body paint colors. Not sure which interior you have or options list, but it may be shy on a few factory options given the sticker of $127. Again, just buy it and enjoy the hell out of it.
#5
Three Wheelin'
I just bought a 997 turbo tip with high miles, though I scored a major deal and paid less than you. I think 47 is probably the correct market for your car. The price is good as long as the car checks out.
I doubt high mileage turbos will rise in value. If anything, they will decrease because the market for high mileage cars is small and the more miles you pile on, the fewer people will be interested. It’s a great option for people such as yourself (and myself) who like to wrench and do a lot of the maintenance without taking it to the shop.
Edit to add: the tip in these turbos is just fine. It is technically faster than the 6MT. However, there is minimal maintenance info regarding this box on rennlist. You can find a ton of useful information on MB forums since this is a Mercedes 722.6 trans - same one I have in my R129 SL500.
I doubt high mileage turbos will rise in value. If anything, they will decrease because the market for high mileage cars is small and the more miles you pile on, the fewer people will be interested. It’s a great option for people such as yourself (and myself) who like to wrench and do a lot of the maintenance without taking it to the shop.
Edit to add: the tip in these turbos is just fine. It is technically faster than the 6MT. However, there is minimal maintenance info regarding this box on rennlist. You can find a ton of useful information on MB forums since this is a Mercedes 722.6 trans - same one I have in my R129 SL500.
#6
for $47K …. that will be a fabulous fun car. It probably won't be rising in value... but it will excellent money spent! You will get every 99.9% bit of enjoyment driving your car as any of us do with our S PDK, .2, MT, or 750hp modded cars! (it will have cost you 50% less and you won't have the feeling that every time you take it out that you are killing the value of your car!) I bought mine with 12,500 …. now I'm at 20K and this was my weekend toy!... ive resorted to black electric tape over the mileage!!! hahaha) Just don't drive a PDK care.... it will cost you another 44K.
Enjoy and post pics! we always like to see other 997 TT's.
dhp
Enjoy and post pics! we always like to see other 997 TT's.
dhp
#7
Racer
I guess I'll be the pessimist here.
Nearly 50 large for a car with over 100K on it AND that is tiptronic sounds like a hard pass for me.
Yeah, new it sold for > $100K but it's never going to appreciate. In fact, its probably the one 997TT that never will.
Yes, the engine is robust and adapts well to mods, and the auto is a MB unit can hold a decent amount of power. But everything else on the car has traveled 100K miles.
If you bought a 6MT for 15-18K more with the same miles, I'd encourage you to buy it. Because you'll be able to drive it and it will at the very least hold its value.
my .02
Nearly 50 large for a car with over 100K on it AND that is tiptronic sounds like a hard pass for me.
Yeah, new it sold for > $100K but it's never going to appreciate. In fact, its probably the one 997TT that never will.
Yes, the engine is robust and adapts well to mods, and the auto is a MB unit can hold a decent amount of power. But everything else on the car has traveled 100K miles.
If you bought a 6MT for 15-18K more with the same miles, I'd encourage you to buy it. Because you'll be able to drive it and it will at the very least hold its value.
my .02
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#8
Three Wheelin'
I guess I'll be the pessimist here.
Nearly 50 large for a car with over 100K on it AND that is tiptronic sounds like a hard pass for me.
Yeah, new it sold for > $100K but it's never going to appreciate. In fact, its probably the one 997TT that never will.
Yes, the engine is robust and adapts well to mods, and the auto is a MB unit can hold a decent amount of power. But everything else on the car has traveled 100K miles.
If you bought a 6MT for 15-18K more with the same miles, I'd encourage you to buy it. Because you'll be able to drive it and it will at the very least hold its value.
my .02
Nearly 50 large for a car with over 100K on it AND that is tiptronic sounds like a hard pass for me.
Yeah, new it sold for > $100K but it's never going to appreciate. In fact, its probably the one 997TT that never will.
Yes, the engine is robust and adapts well to mods, and the auto is a MB unit can hold a decent amount of power. But everything else on the car has traveled 100K miles.
If you bought a 6MT for 15-18K more with the same miles, I'd encourage you to buy it. Because you'll be able to drive it and it will at the very least hold its value.
my .02
I’m just curious, as a thought experiment, at what price would you (or anyone else) jump on a >100k mile tip 997 turbo? Assume no accidents, no major issues, just miles and tip
#9
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#10
Three Wheelin'
#11
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Well, there's certainly not much else you can purchase with that styling and performance for that kind of money. I think you did well. I can't see it going much lower, unless you put a Ton of miles on it.
#13
Racer
I'd also put a trailer hitch on it LOL
#14
Advanced
I'm getting ready to unload my 2007 turbo with tip at Albuquerque if the price is right. 24,500 miles and I'm asking $47,500. Black on black. I live in Roswell New Mexico.
#15
Three Wheelin'