JohnsonAV

So I'm looking at my options and I'm finding that there are some Turbos available with around 90k-ish miles on them or the 2012-14 S's in the 60k-ish range in my budget. Question: is it worth going for the turbo with higher mileage? (Assume the bolt shear issue is addressed)

osunick

It’s not the turbo that’s the issue, CTT turbocharger units are relatively inexpensive at $1K per. It’s the additional standard equipment such as the PASM and air suspension. Mine also has PTV+ and PDCC. If it were me I’d go for a car with full service history as mine had rear diff, TC, and transmission replacements under warranty at ~50k miles. Otherwise, my car has been relatively trouble free in the 15K miles since I bought it with 82K miles. Tires were expensive but they’re worth it. If you’re sensitive to maintenance costs, an S without the sport package and air suspension will have fewer potential issues. Regardless I wouldn’t buy anything without a full service history, and consider buying in a rust free zone as my car was a NorCal car that was garaged and looks better than many of the lower mileage cars.

Also, don’t drive a Turbo if you’ve made the rational decision to get an S, for obvious reasons.

-n.

JohnsonAV

Thanks, just to confirm - what counts as a "full service" history? I've seen a few CarFax reports, some with every oil change and service on there. Is there more to than that? Is there more I should be asking for?

Mark7000

Oil changes do not constitute a "full service history". Look for (demand) real records that show other regular maintenance has been done. For example, the 2014 S I just purchased, had dealer service records showing plugs, etc changed at 40k and 78k, brake fluid flushed twice in the last 5 years, new pads and rotors done by the dealer at 61k, etc. Whoever bought mine new, followed the book and from the invoices, paid quite a hefty price for those services at the dealer. I believe this is one of the reasons why they did it CPO.

osunick

Yep. My car was serviced at the local dealer and they were happy to print out everything. I have a stack of records an inch thick and the next owner of my car will be happy.

osunick

The 2014 S is a totally different beast with the engine from the Macan Turbo. If it is truly the same price as a 2011 Turbo and had the performance options, I'd find the lighter V6 appealing.

EDIT: I stand corrected. 2015 is the first year for the V6TT in the S.

deilenberger

If you drive the turbo an answer will be provided to you. S's are nice. CTT's are hot. And the CTT isn't a troublesome vehicle (mine at 100,500 miles..) And if it's a 2011 and the bolts haven't been addressed - in the US it's a RECALL so they have to address it for you.

Tim Wasmer

I bought our CTT from a Rennlist member (replaced my silver totaled one). It had service from new, so I had no problem with its 89k miles. I think the biggest thing is to look at what service history and care it has had. It will push you back in your seat keep pulling. Now I will be putting a tune on mine as well So even faster. We have a place in the foothills near Evergreen Co and it is a joy to dice up the corners in it. AND I have a 996 TT as well. It is a hoot for people to see it disappear in the twisties.

osunick

I like private party sales because I get to talk to the previous owner. In my case, this was a wealthy person who had more money than time, so everything was done at the dealer. He also garaged the car, which is a rarity in Northern California, so the interior was in great shape. Finally, stay away from cars with cheap off-brand tires. Bad tires are a shibboleth for a neglectful owner. And these cars don't take too kindly to neglect.

DAVfoto

Here is my take on it. Are you financing the car or paying cash? The latter than mileage won't be a big issue and go with the turbo. If you are financing then I would definitely wait and get something with lower mileage as in 2-3 years you are at 120k mileage and still under the car on payments. Not ideal.