Should I buy this 996 Turbo instead of a 997 C2S?
08-24-2016, 06:38 AM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Should I buy this 996 Turbo instead of a 997 C2S?
So, I'm shopping for a 997. You may have seen some of my other posts recently along those lines. :P There are quite a few of them around in the $55-60kish range with low kms (around 50k) and decent options. I haven't found the perfect one yet, but I imagine it won't take too long, especially if I'm willing to ship from Ontario (I'm in BC).
But.. I just noticed this 996tt in Burnaby: http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/...PO&orup=1_15_9
I don't know about you, but that's got to be the nicest looking 996 I've ever seen. I don't know if it's just the lighting, but the headlights even look good. And that interior (again, in these pictures at least) definitely doesn't give that dull plasticky first impression that many 996s do.
The mileage is higher than most of the 997s I've been looking at. But 120k for a 2004 isn't really _high_, or at least not very high; it's just not low. At just shy of 60k, the price is similar to the 997.1s models I've been looking at.
So now... I don't know what I want! If money were no object, it'd be a 997 Turbo. (A 2009 or 2010 in manual. I'd have to drive both...) But those cars, even with higher mileage, are going to be more in the 80k+ range, and I don't know that I can justify that premium. I have to think it's going to see more depreciation than the 996tt, and even just in terms of opportunity cost I don't know if it would be 30 to 50% more fun for the extra money.
So, if we rule out a 997tt, would I rather have a 996tt (specifically that one) or a 997s for similar money. What would you do?
(It might be possible to answer all this by just going and driving it, but I'm over in Victoria and won't be able to take a day trip to the mainland until next week at the earliest. So in the meantime, the next best thing to owning a Porsche is talking about it...)
But.. I just noticed this 996tt in Burnaby: http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/...PO&orup=1_15_9
I don't know about you, but that's got to be the nicest looking 996 I've ever seen. I don't know if it's just the lighting, but the headlights even look good. And that interior (again, in these pictures at least) definitely doesn't give that dull plasticky first impression that many 996s do.
The mileage is higher than most of the 997s I've been looking at. But 120k for a 2004 isn't really _high_, or at least not very high; it's just not low. At just shy of 60k, the price is similar to the 997.1s models I've been looking at.
So now... I don't know what I want! If money were no object, it'd be a 997 Turbo. (A 2009 or 2010 in manual. I'd have to drive both...) But those cars, even with higher mileage, are going to be more in the 80k+ range, and I don't know that I can justify that premium. I have to think it's going to see more depreciation than the 996tt, and even just in terms of opportunity cost I don't know if it would be 30 to 50% more fun for the extra money.
So, if we rule out a 997tt, would I rather have a 996tt (specifically that one) or a 997s for similar money. What would you do?
(It might be possible to answer all this by just going and driving it, but I'm over in Victoria and won't be able to take a day trip to the mainland until next week at the earliest. So in the meantime, the next best thing to owning a Porsche is talking about it...)
08-24-2016, 09:39 AM
#3
Rennlist Member
That's a tough question Nate. Performance vs a jump up in fit, finish and overall build quality. That 996 Turbo does look good. Do you hav ethe option list yet?
Can you stretch the budget a wee bit and get into a N/A 997.2? It is another significant jump up from the 997.1 in terms of quality plus performance plus reliability. At $60k, you'll find a few, but at $70k you'd have many to choose from.
Can you stretch the budget a wee bit and get into a N/A 997.2? It is another significant jump up from the 997.1 in terms of quality plus performance plus reliability. At $60k, you'll find a few, but at $70k you'd have many to choose from.
08-24-2016, 10:23 AM
#4
996 Turbo:
- No IMS issues
- depreciates less
- more power
997.1 C2s
- nicer headlights
- slightly newer feeling interior
Seems like an easy one to me, but then again, I own a 996 Turbo.
- No IMS issues
- depreciates less
- more power
997.1 C2s
- nicer headlights
- slightly newer feeling interior
Seems like an easy one to me, but then again, I own a 996 Turbo.
08-24-2016, 10:28 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
Something is off with the left tail pipes on that 996 TT. Could be a sagging motor mount or it could be a bent exhaust from a hit. If you decide to buy that one, get a thorough PPI.
08-24-2016, 11:52 AM
#7
Race Car
You need to do more research on both cars before deciding. Spend some time on the other forums.
For me a 996TT is a no brainer, but I'm bias.
For me a 996TT is a no brainer, but I'm bias.
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08-24-2016, 02:09 PM
#9
I may be within the minority in this conversation but I like my 997S with Aero Kit better than my previous 996TT.
Other than the sheer power of the 996TT, I like the ride/sound/feel of my 997 better (PSE with 200 Cell Cats). My 996TT was also modified (see my avatar).
The headlights alone were a turn off for me on the 996 and I did not like the side scoop compared to the 997TT (Felt like it looked too tucked in). Interior is dated as well. The rear bumper and the GT2 decklid wing on the 996TT looked great and the motor of course cannot be compared.
Wish I could have kept both - 996TT for the track, 997S for cruising around town with the wife.
Just my 2 cents...drive them both and you make the last decision.
There is something for everyone.
Hold off this year and pull the trigger on a 997.2 C2S with Aero Kit next year - PDK!
Other than the sheer power of the 996TT, I like the ride/sound/feel of my 997 better (PSE with 200 Cell Cats). My 996TT was also modified (see my avatar).
The headlights alone were a turn off for me on the 996 and I did not like the side scoop compared to the 997TT (Felt like it looked too tucked in). Interior is dated as well. The rear bumper and the GT2 decklid wing on the 996TT looked great and the motor of course cannot be compared.
Wish I could have kept both - 996TT for the track, 997S for cruising around town with the wife.
Just my 2 cents...drive them both and you make the last decision.
There is something for everyone.
Hold off this year and pull the trigger on a 997.2 C2S with Aero Kit next year - PDK!
08-24-2016, 02:12 PM
#10
Nordschleife Master
great insight!
I may be within the minority in this conversation but I like my 997S with Aero Kit better than my previous 996TT.
Other than the sheer power of the 996TT, I like the ride/sound/feel of my 997 better (PSE with 200 Cell Cats). My 996TT was also modified (see my avatar).
The headlights alone were a turn off for me on the 996 and I did not like the side scoop compared to the 997TT (Felt like it looked too tucked in). Interior is dated as well. The rear bumper and the GT2 decklid wing on the 996TT looked great and the motor of course cannot be compared.
Wish I could have kept both - 996TT for the track, 997S for cruising around town with the wife.
Just my 2 cents...drive them both and you make the last decision.
There is something for everyone.
Hold off this year and pull the trigger on a 997.2 C2S with Aero Kit next year - PDK!
Other than the sheer power of the 996TT, I like the ride/sound/feel of my 997 better (PSE with 200 Cell Cats). My 996TT was also modified (see my avatar).
The headlights alone were a turn off for me on the 996 and I did not like the side scoop compared to the 997TT (Felt like it looked too tucked in). Interior is dated as well. The rear bumper and the GT2 decklid wing on the 996TT looked great and the motor of course cannot be compared.
Wish I could have kept both - 996TT for the track, 997S for cruising around town with the wife.
Just my 2 cents...drive them both and you make the last decision.
There is something for everyone.
Hold off this year and pull the trigger on a 997.2 C2S with Aero Kit next year - PDK!
08-24-2016, 10:52 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
That's a tough question Nate. Performance vs a jump up in fit, finish and overall build quality. That 996 Turbo does look good. Do you hav ethe option list yet?
Can you stretch the budget a wee bit and get into a N/A 997.2? It is another significant jump up from the 997.1 in terms of quality plus performance plus reliability. At $60k, you'll find a few, but at $70k you'd have many to choose from.
Can you stretch the budget a wee bit and get into a N/A 997.2? It is another significant jump up from the 997.1 in terms of quality plus performance plus reliability. At $60k, you'll find a few, but at $70k you'd have many to choose from.
The .2 has a bit better styling, and better suspension if you go for an S (or a base with PASM, which I've never seen in the wild), but then you're getting into 997.1tt money.
I've driven several 997s, but no 996 yet (wasn't even considering them until this one caught my eye), and no turbo of either iteration (yet). I'd test drive this one today, except it's in Vancouver and I'm in Victoria, so I would need to make a day trip of it, and haven't yet had a chance.
08-25-2016, 08:00 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Just got the carproof and recent maintenance records. $10k worth of service done in February 2016 - a bunch of seals, gaskets, filters, and fluids; new plugs; four new tires; wheel refinishing, some misc, and a ~$1200 bodyshop repair to "hood and front bumper". Nothing recent on the carproof that would match that, but it's only $1200.
The carproof has a few things from back in 08 and 09, but nothing massive. There are two "collisions" and one "comprehensive" all between $800 and $900. (I'm not even sure how you would collide with something in a Porsche and do less than $1000 damage. Presumably small dents.) Then two more significant ones: $3100 for unspecified "vandalism", and $4100 for front-end animal collision.
The dealer checked and noted that the left exhaust does appear to be sitting 1/4" lower than the right, but suggested it is likely just a bracket in need of adjustment. (Again, I would get a detailed PPI before buying regardless.)
Any thoughts on the price point given mileage, history, and options? (Oh, the ceramic brakes are at ~80%.)
Will hopefully be able to take a day trip over to Vancouver to give it a drive next week.
The carproof has a few things from back in 08 and 09, but nothing massive. There are two "collisions" and one "comprehensive" all between $800 and $900. (I'm not even sure how you would collide with something in a Porsche and do less than $1000 damage. Presumably small dents.) Then two more significant ones: $3100 for unspecified "vandalism", and $4100 for front-end animal collision.
The dealer checked and noted that the left exhaust does appear to be sitting 1/4" lower than the right, but suggested it is likely just a bracket in need of adjustment. (Again, I would get a detailed PPI before buying regardless.)
Any thoughts on the price point given mileage, history, and options? (Oh, the ceramic brakes are at ~80%.)
Will hopefully be able to take a day trip over to Vancouver to give it a drive next week.
08-25-2016, 08:16 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
