996's - Is there another model worth owning besides the TT?

[Mehoff]

Originally Posted by Niche

Problem is IMS is just ONE failure point. There are many in the engine. That said, if they are addressed they are solid engines even for the track. I agree stepping up to the TT makes sense, unless you are like me and are pretty much done with turbo engines and have fallen in love with NA.

No, they are not. Of the five 996's consistently running with POC over the past 12 months there have been 7 engine failures, none with more than 30 hours.

Top to bottom the 996 is not a very stout platform (tranny, engine, interior, cooling, looks, etc). Once I replace the bottom end of the m96 motor I just blew up this weekend the only thing 996 left on the race car will be the VIN

[Niche]

I think it depends on who builds motor. How many of those failures were vision race engines? Problem with tt on track are running costs.

[rgofast]

They're fairly fast, but I can't stand the ugly ass interior, along with the inferior leather of my girlfriends 996 Cab, compared to my 993 cab. I would have never advised her to buy it if we weren't capable of dealing with all of the problem areas ourselves. As soon as I we brought it home and went for a spirited drive, the water pump failed, and that's about the most minor thing that happens. I don't believe the plain Jane 996's will ever appreciate, and will continue to depreciate. The used market is flooded with hundreds of them for sale in the Bay Area.

[Niche]

I agree on interior... that's why stripping them is great!

[brianvb]

I have a 00 c2 cab, it's great fun. I autocross it. I run it HARD. It's the best 20 grand I've ever spent. That said I'll get a TT soon and shed the c2. I might shed a tear also. Might.

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Originally Posted by brianvb

That said I'll get a TT soon . . .

A double rear booster - nice!!!

[pmax]

Originally Posted by War584

...just another fun car to drive with my wife with a little more comfort than my 1985 Targa. Something fair priced that will at a minimum hold value - with better performance.

There's a 0% chance the 996TT will hold value if you drive them as planned.

[Rick Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by pmax

There's a 0% chance the 996TT will hold value if you drive them as planned.

If it's already a high mileage car though it might. Agree that 60k miles is a discount to 30k, I don't think 130k is a discount to 100k.

[vitaminC]

Originally Posted by War584

just another fun car to drive with my wife with a little more comfort than my 1985 Targa. Something fair priced that will at a minimum hold value - with better performance.

Sounds like you should at least drive one, tt or not. I wonder how many of the 996 detractors have substantial seat time? Sure, it's not a track car, but for a 'fun car to drive with your wife' seems like any 996 would fit the bill. People seem to forget that most Porsche engines have weaknesses... the old ones just appear more reliable today because people have already spent the money to repair the trouble spots.

Look for one with the full-leather interior, and that will make your view out the window much, much nicer!

[War584]

Saw a C4S yesterday - 50k miles for $28k. Plenty of power, but not lose your license power. Looking at a TT - $10k more with nearly 80k miles.

When should I be concerned about TT mileage 80k, 100k, 120k for a driver quality car? Assuming good cosmetic condition and solid service history. Thoughts (other than buy the best car you can afford!)

[Rick Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by War584

When should I be concerned about TT mileage 80k, 100k, 120k for a driver quality car? Assuming good cosmetic condition and solid service history. Thoughts (other than buy the best car you can afford!)

That continues to be the subject of much debate on rennlist. In my view if the car has been taken very good care of, mileage isn't a big deal. Unfortunately that's a very big if. Many if not most 996tts were defaced with tacky mods and aggressive tunes and run hard and put away wet when the big ticket maintenance became due. So provenance and care history are paramount with those cars.
If it's an auction car at a strip mall dealer that peddles 2002 buicks and cars like that, run. If it's a one or two owner car with a stack of receipts, it might be a good deal.

For reference,.last year on panorama there was a piece on a couple that did 500k miles on their 996tt.

[porsche9146]

Just an FYI, I have a 99 996 Carrera 6 - speed with 200,000 miles and the car runs fantastic. Good luck with your search.

[War584]

The TT in question fits the bill. Receipts, original sticker, manuals, 2 owner car, stock, well taken care of from the pictures. Rear spoiler fixed.