Trying to determine at what mileage to enter a 996 Turbo purchase.

[HRHski]

At about 50 to 60 thou you need to have the motor rubber hose connections replaced, redone, the clutch replaced, in most situations and the turbos checked.

Lower mileage cars can have the same problems, but are more expensive by $10,000.

For high milage cars plus 70,00mi you have to check the records???

Do I have this right, or is there a lot more to this????

[bcrdukes]

Recent 996 buyer here (naturally aspirated, not turbo.)

Throughout the years, I've played the low/high mileage games with many cars. BMWs, Alfa Romeos, Toyotas, you name it. In the end, there are a few fundamental rules I abide by when looking for a car, despite mileage being high or low. For what it's worth, I had a very good experience with a high mileage E36 M3 and a poor experience with a low mileage Alfa Romeo Spider (then again...*insert joke here hahaha!)

Ask yourself or the seller the following and in no particular order:

1. How often is the car driven?
2. How often will you drive the car? Or will it be a garage queen?
3. Service/maintenance records - does the seller have them?
4. Pre-purchase inspection - always pony up the few hundred bucks to do a proper one, along with a leak down and compression test.
5. Is there a reputable independent shop who knows these cars? If yes, befriend them and get their opinion.
6. How long do you plan on keeping the car for? Be realistic.
7. What's the local market like? See if there's any wiggle room to negotiate the final price.

I'm probably over-analyzing this, but this is just some food for thought. For me, it boils down to a bunch of variables. I purchased my 996 with 33,000 miles on the clock and given my age, financial situation, place in life, I could not be happier and I'm simply going to enjoy it as a daily driver.

Good luck!

[ChemMan]

I have about 65K miles on my 996 turbo now and the clutch is fine. Make sure you check the rear spoiler. Here are a couple threads that should help:

Pre-Purchase check list... - Rennlist Discussion Forums


996TT Buyer's Guide here on the forum? - Rennlist Discussion Forums

(post#12)

Good luck with your search. A couple of rennlisters are selling their turbos right now. Might be worth checking out.

[FreudeamFahren]

Interesting thread: I'm kind of in the same boat, with *this* 170.000 mile 996 Turbo yanking my chain... Mileage + engine tuning makes the car more interesting, but also increases the risks involved. For those of you who don't read Dutch, the most important bits in the ad are the following, besides the usual traders blah blah (which promises a full service history including bills of the work done, and a driving experience similar to a car with half the mileage, with "sensational sound & acceleration" from 4000 rpm):

"Replaced in 2013 amongst other things;
- Bigger turbo's (K16/24, estimated output 575 hp) at a cost of EUR.5.042,65
- Plugs (Beru UXF 56)
- Reinforced intake hoses
- Dumpvalve
- Bilstein PSS10 coilovers at a cost of EUR.4.208,68
- Suspension mounts
- Waterpump

In 2012 the radiators, condensors and chaintensioner were replaced at a cost of EUR 3.642,20."

I think there's no other way out than arranging a thorough PPI that includes compression and leak down... A 996 Turbo would be the ideal partner to my '86 3.2, which I don't use in the winter. Also, the 996 would (could?) be the ideal car for long Autobahn stints...

[madwhip]

if you dont drive a lot you can buy 996TT with higher millage but make sure you check everything from top to bottom... I drive mine everyday to work and back, I'm putting about 15 miles or less a day.

[wtbzanzibar911]

Not all parts wear out
Some Age Out

[dlstephenson]

My 2002 996TT has 135K miles on it with original Turbos. I drive it several times a week. I have replaced Rear wheel Passenger bearing 127K, Fuel Pump 128K, Air conditioner compressor 130K. Beyond that, normal maintenance. It does not smoke, but collects small amounts of oil in the intake, by small, it feels oily inside the intake tubes. The car was practically free, ok so it cost about the same as a new Focus, but it was a great way to get into a Porsche. I think these are still great bargains for the performance. The maintenance is no higher than any performance car, although a fuel pump ran 600 USD. They are fairly easy to work on, lots of parts online.