So here is where I stand right now....

I have a car I've been waiting FOREVER for a PPI and the PPI finally comes back pretty clean, but not perfect. The car has brand new warrantied turbos, pretty much new brakes and clutch and is in decent shape overall. The bumpers have been painted and don't match perfectly (and maybe a rear quarter panel also). The guy doing the PPI says the car needs $5K to make it really nice, but it runs really nicely right now. It comes with the original rims plus another set of 18" nice rims.

I originally negotiated to $58K pending PPI. Now that the turbos where done and he put $4700.00 into the car, he wants $60K to make the deal a go.

I also received a call from a local dealer who knew I was looking telling me he just got in a 2007 997 turbo in absolutely mint condition with a full warranty through June of 2011 with less then 20K miles on it, one owner, fender bender accident with rear quarter panel perfectly repainted. He's asking me a bit over $72K for the car... And it's also silver with black interior...

I plan on using this car EVERY day and will be putting a ton of mileage on it. I drive 20+ thousand miles a year and bring my kids to school or pick them up every day. I drive in rain, snow, sleet and anything else that requires me to get to the hospital for emergencies. And I do have an old beater SUV for really bad snow (like earlier this week)...

So:

993tt with 58K miles in pretty good condition for $65K (when all is said and done)
-- or --
997tt with just under 20K miles in mint condition with full warranty for $72K

Both are in the color combo I want.

?????????

 

Was in the same basket and went for 997 tt, when you buy a used car the factory warranty its priceless.

 

The two cars while both Turbos are quite different in character.

For either car I'd like to see the car on an alignment rack and a tech with no money in the game tell me the adjustments are in the middle, that the alignment has not been all used up to bring the wheel into alignment due to a bent chassis that was not straightened properly.

I'd want a DME readout of the 997 and if the 993 supports it one for that as well.

For the 993 I'd probably want a compression test.

The 997 doesn't need one...

But both cars need....

Turn on the key and verify all dash lights (including any check engine light) comes on then goes off when the engine started.

Then start the engine from dead cold with the A/C off and allow the engine to idle while the engine warms up.

In both cars, the engine should be quiet and the idle smooth quite soon after start and as the engine warms up.

Have the seller take you for a test ride. Have the route run about 15 miles and cover roads that allow the driver to subject the car to a variety of driving conditions from stop/go to moderate speed cruising to highway speed cruising.

Have teh driver run up through the gears from low rpm near idle to redline -- once the engine is fully warmed up.

You pay attention to how the car sounds, feels, rides, how the driver steers, shifts etc. looking for any signs the driver is having to deal with a balky shifter, the engine runs a bit rough, etc.

Back at the starting point let the engine idle some more. You want it hot. Don't worry, it won't over heat (unless something wrong).

Now you take the car out as a driver and follow the same route, driving the car the same way. While you pay attention to the engine you also want to pay attention to well everything: steering, braking, and how the car feels, tracks, handled road roughness, etc.

This 30+ mile drive gives the 997 (and 993 if it is a 95) Ecu time to flag any problems like misfires or converter problems, etc.

Once back at the starting point if the car still feels like it is worth owning then you subject the car to a thorough used car check out. Both cars are just used cars so a thorough used car check out will find anything that could warrant rejecting the car, or possibly lowering your offer. Essentially you check everything works.

If either or both cars turn out with no signs of any trouble if the cars and their engines appear fluid tight after the drive (both cars should be lifted and in the air for a thorugh underbody/running gear inspection *after the test drive*, then flip a coin and buy the car that calls 'heads'.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

Get the 07! For your needs, undoubtedly the 07 will be more reliable and more useful. 993 is surely a classic, but .... My then 7 y/o daughter was scared when my 356 stalled out on the side of the freeway (we did make it home, like I assured her)! I know that is not the same thing, but truly I think for your needs as described I'd go for the 07.

 

+997 for the driving you do. The cabin of the 997 is noticeably larger. For bad weather, the 997 driver aids are more evolved.

They are both reliable cars. I drove my 993 161K one owner miles, and only got stranded once, broken alternator belt. I was able to limp a mile to the nearest shop.

45K on my 997TT and no issues except one:
I carry a tire puncture repair kit, and drive across some remote areas of western states. If I ever get a hole in the sidewall, I am toast. No spare, whereas the 993 does.

 

agree with all the comments above. I too would go with the 997, and believe me I think I speak for all of us when I say we'd all like a 993 tt in the garage as well. That being said, I think for your level of driving and your needs, I would hands down say the 997. Add to that the wishy washy condition of this particular 993 and there is really nothing to discuss.

 

993TT is a classic and will be collectable. 997TT is a daily driver. You will destroy the collector value on the 993TT by adding a bunch of miles. The 997TT is going down in value anyway, so drive it. So for u, 997TT is way to go.

 

A 58k mile 993tt will have over 100k miles by the time I'm done with it.... And it won't be much of a classic anymore.

A 20k mile 997tt will have 100k miles when I'm done with it. It will just take me longer...



You know what? That just really helped me decide between the two.

Thank you! I never looked at it like that. But the more expensive car will not only serve me better, but last me WAY longer while still retaining some value.

A 100k+ mile 15 or 16 year old 993tt will hold very little value realistically.

 

and that's exactly what I said earlier on, once you run up the miles on the 993, it will have to be a keeper....buy the 997 for a daily, and the 993 for a wkend warrior..there u go...problem solved!

 

Thanks Trinitony. Now if you would be so kind as to Fed-Ex me sixty grand.

 

993tt...you can always buy the 997tt later on...and it will never stop being a classic no matter how many miles you rack up on her.

Buy the 993tt now, drive it and buy a 997tt later when you actually need the creature comforts due to age Good luck!

 

997TT probably better for your intended use, but it is just a very boring car compared to the 993TT. If that doesn't bother you then get the newer one with warranty. I know if I bought one I would get bored and sell shortly thereafter.

 

Aren't choices fun?
If amount of cash only allows one Pcar, then my choice for DD would = 997TT. Lots of pluses, with perhaps looks (subjective) and collectability (perhaps 997TT with GT1 powerplant will be somewhat collectible?) the only possible minor downsides. Personally I like the 997TT looks a lot and as far as collectability I reserve that for something else that I wouldn't rack up the mileage on. Collectabllity goes hand in hand with garage queen. CPO Warranty, modern drivetrain and safety features, lots of grunt for fun,etc. add up to best DD choice IMHO.
I'd agree to having the 993 as a weekend toy, if you can keep the mileage down and pamper it.
My experience leads me to follow the familiar Pcar adage: For DD reliability,etc. buy the newest, best example you can...

 

For a dd the 997, I would not want to tear up a 993tt driving everyday.

 

right now the 993tt has probably reached the nadir of the depreciation cycle. Values will only increase. The 997tt is still going to drop down, probably to the $50k range and then bounce back. I don't think it will hit the $30k range like the 996tt but who knows. If you don't put a ton of miles on, I would not hesitate to get a clean 993tt. I think the one you are looking at may be overpriced $5-8k over market considering the accident history. I don't think there is any need to purchase a 997tt with accident history - there are many pristine examples around to be had at the same price.