997 Turbo

[MK1RS Bruce]

Hi Guys

I have been considering a 911 for a long time now and I have decided the one for me has to be the turbo, Initially I was looking at 996s but gradually I have decided I want the newer style of the 997.

I am currently 27 and have just bought a house so by the time I have the cash it will more than likely be a nice present for my 30th.

My basic question is owning and running a 997 turbo realistic when it will then be over 10 years old potentially.

I have read a lot about people who will not buy or run one without a warranty so I would like to hear about all the horror stories you have had, all the myths busted and from those of you who have owned and ran one without warranty and your thoughts, also those of you who currently have 996 turbos and are effectively in the same position as I intend on being in three years.

Thanks in advance Bruce

[doug-l7fu0]

I have owned a 997 turbo for 5 years with no warranty and had no problems. I have only needed to service it and fill it with petrol. I've had 1 set of tyres in that 5 years. Servicing is expensive but only every 2 years. Incredible!
It is a truly awesome car.

[g7jhp]

Both the 996 turbo and 997 turbo are fantastic cars. You do need to buy carefully (like any car) and ensure you get it properly inspected for some peace of mind. Again I have run my 996 turbo for over 3 years without a warranty and touch wood it'll continue to run well.

They're still a fair amount of money to service and maintain (like any Porsche) but compared cars that offer this much performance from other marques they're great value.

Your biggest issue may be where prices are in 3 years time. They might continue to rise or you may get lucky if the current car bubble pops and prices drop back a little - only time will tell.

[MK1RS Bruce]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Unfortunately when it comes to cars I am a cash buyer and as said above I might be too late to grab what looks like the performance bargain of the century, so that is one consideration.

high running costs don't necessarily worry me, however blowing up an engine is a slightly more disturbing prospect, the Turbo engine is described as bullet proof but I have already read tonight of one going bang so how realistic is this and how much would it cost at an independent garage to rebuild / replace.

I am looking for a manual obviously how long do clutches typically last?

For me I want one with the sports chrono package, but is there anything else spec wise I should be looking out for?

MPG, I never get more than 22 in my focus as I think cars are there to be driven and driven hard, what will a 911 turbo do on typical Scottish back roads 15 or will it be more like 5??

How does the suspension and drive train hold up in these?

Thanks again

bruce

[Skrambles]

I've had my 997 turbo for 6 years. I've kept it under warranty and will do that until it is 10 years old. The warranty is not expensive and is nice to have, but I won't bother with a warranty (unofficial) once the car is too old for the official one. It's very rare for an engine to go and the other items are not massively expensive. The money saved on warranty cost each year can be set against any cost.

I've always had the impression that manuals are far more rare than tip or pdk and, if that's right, it's gotta be good for long term residuals, especially because it's the last manual 911 turbo. But, more importantly, it's a total blast to drive and its nutter bd performance never fails to make me laugh out loud.

Buy one as soon as you can and get enjoying it!

[e8_pack]

Good luck with the savings. In the next three years don't drink too much, get anyone pregnant, visit Thailand or modify your current car.

[mnk303]

I brought a 997 Gen 2 turbo S recently and even though I have had a crazy list of cars before Nothing will for natch the straight line performance of it, it's almost too quick!

Even against a GT3RS I had which was a far better handling machine the Turbo Is far quicker.
So far and mine is near on 5 years old it's had in the first week a new led rear light , fixed under warranty, and a re-stuck on rear view mirror paid for by suppling dealer. I got nearly 3 years warranty on the car so I feel safe for now, I find I am using much more than I expected , they seem very rare less than 5 for sale on porsche website , generally a rare car where the new 991 Turbo is plenty , I think that's because virtually no performance difference to the 997 and double the cost.