Discussion
Hi
Although I've searched through some of the existing threads, I would be grateful if any owners could give me a balanced view on buying, owning and running a 996 Turbo. Are there any particular facelifts or options worth looking out for? I must point out that I would only ever consider a manual gearbox car. I'm looking around now, but was hoping to buy privately from a Porsche enthusiast rather than through a dealer.
Thanks for your help.
Although I've searched through some of the existing threads, I would be grateful if any owners could give me a balanced view on buying, owning and running a 996 Turbo. Are there any particular facelifts or options worth looking out for? I must point out that I would only ever consider a manual gearbox car. I'm looking around now, but was hoping to buy privately from a Porsche enthusiast rather than through a dealer.
Thanks for your help.
That is a very expansive question.
The short answer is that they are wonderful cars, excellent value for money, and generally very reliable if you buy a good one. That said, they were expensive new, and if you can't afford a £1k bill out of the blue (which can happen, even on the most mintiest of mint examples), then you probably shouldn't buy one.
They were introduced in 2000, with various improvements with model year changes. 2002 was when the most significant changes were introduced, and you should try to get a post 2002 if possible (but not at the expense of other factors)
Search out PH'er Rockster posting history - he has posted a lot of good info about the 996 turbo.
The short answer is that they are wonderful cars, excellent value for money, and generally very reliable if you buy a good one. That said, they were expensive new, and if you can't afford a £1k bill out of the blue (which can happen, even on the most mintiest of mint examples), then you probably shouldn't buy one.
They were introduced in 2000, with various improvements with model year changes. 2002 was when the most significant changes were introduced, and you should try to get a post 2002 if possible (but not at the expense of other factors)
Search out PH'er Rockster posting history - he has posted a lot of good info about the 996 turbo.
Thanks for the repy Monthefish.
As you say it was a very expansive question, but I will follow your advice and look at Rockster's posts on this subject.
I had also considered the 997, but from what I can gather the 996 engine issues were not entirely resolved in the early 997's. The 996 Turbo seems to be immune from the problems that troubled some of the other 996 models.
I'm looking for a car to keep for a very long time, so I would much prefer to buy privately from a like minded enthusiast.
As you say it was a very expansive question, but I will follow your advice and look at Rockster's posts on this subject.
I had also considered the 997, but from what I can gather the 996 engine issues were not entirely resolved in the early 997's. The 996 Turbo seems to be immune from the problems that troubled some of the other 996 models.
I'm looking for a car to keep for a very long time, so I would much prefer to buy privately from a like minded enthusiast.
davek_964 said:
Crimp a Length! said:
5) Also like clutches if going for a manual
I don't believe my car had a clutch before I bought it (1 owner / 20k miles when I bought it) and I've not put a clutch in it yet (just rolled over 52k miles I think).Thanks again for all the informative replies.
I completely agree with the suggestion that clutch wear can be largely influenced by driving style. However, given that I am not buying a new car I will check the clutch on any potential purchase. I understand a heavy clutch is the first sign of wear and a replacement clutch is approx £1500 fitted?
If any forum members hear of a suitable car that may be available I would be extremely grateful.
I completely agree with the suggestion that clutch wear can be largely influenced by driving style. However, given that I am not buying a new car I will check the clutch on any potential purchase. I understand a heavy clutch is the first sign of wear and a replacement clutch is approx £1500 fitted?
If any forum members hear of a suitable car that may be available I would be extremely grateful.
Spaceman2001 said:
Apart from a cup holder what improvements were made with the 2002 model?
The 996 Turbo was unveilled in late 1999 for 2000 model year.The 2001 models gained electric switches to open the front and rear lids, and improved interior illumination.
2002 models were the so-called facelift cars: glovebox, twin cup-holders, soft-touch plastics, better ventilation, Bose sound system, an auto-dim interior mirror and a rain sensor. Also, X50 power upgrade became an option.
All nice things to have if possible, but not at the expense of an older/better car if it was a choice between the 2.
If you can find an 996 turbo with the X50 pack with the Aero kit you will find a much better performance and handling car (even though as standard the car is rapid). Also do not get put off if the car has had a remap as remaps suit the car very well.
As above with regards checking condition/history to
MAF sensor
Heat shields
Rads.
Best of luck in your search
As above with regards checking condition/history to
MAF sensor
Heat shields
Rads.
Best of luck in your search
Moosh said:
If you can find an 996 turbo with the X50 pack with the Aero kit you will find a much better performance and handling car (even though as standard the car is rapid). Also do not get put off if the car has had a remap as remaps suit the car very well.
Although there's more lag with an X50, and the non-X50 isn't exactly slow. Each their own on this (I was actively seeking a non-X50)Agree with the Aerokit, but I don't think it (or X50) really helps the handling....
monthefish said:
Moosh said:
If you can find an 996 turbo with the X50 pack with the Aero kit you will find a much better performance and handling car (even though as standard the car is rapid). Also do not get put off if the car has had a remap as remaps suit the car very well.
Although there's more lag with an X50, and the non-X50 isn't exactly slow. Each their own on this (I was actively seeking a non-X50)Agree with the Aerokit, but I don't think it (or X50) really helps the handling....
The Aerokit on the other hand does make a fair difference in the way the car handles. It is lower than standard and the front splitter and rear spoiler make it very different in the handling department.
Thanks for all the info.
I'll research the X50. I have to say that 420 bhp sounds enough to be going on with though! Does the X50 title effect the insurance?
Have to say I also agree with the idea of finding a mint early model rather than actively seeking a later version with the minor improvements. A 2000 model would also benefit from the slightly cheaper road tax.
I'll research the X50. I have to say that 420 bhp sounds enough to be going on with though! Does the X50 title effect the insurance?
Have to say I also agree with the idea of finding a mint early model rather than actively seeking a later version with the minor improvements. A 2000 model would also benefit from the slightly cheaper road tax.
I bought a 2000 Turbo, private late last year. The price was about 3k less than the reputed specialists for this quality of car although the PPI stated the usual, rads and heatshields and the suspension 'worn'. Then took it to my usual specialist and had it all renewed including the suspension - which then came close to the specialist price - taking all this into account with the hassle of the PPI, taking it to be repaired, the financial transaction with a private person which is a pain in the bum (bankers draft (possibly fraud/ wire transfer (seller moves house and is untraceable etc) I would buy from a good specialist if I had to do it again (JZM/RSJ).
Since then my fuel pump has failed - one of thoses things and cannot be found on a PPI and now my clutch could be on it's way out, it slips when under hard acceralation in 5th/6th. So possibly in total 5k spent on it, which is not good for my pockets. BUT now it seems all the list of things to watch out for have/will be replaced (tyres and brakes fairly new) so fingers crossed I can have a few years of just wear and tear. My relationship with it at the moment is difficult due to the above, but if you either buy privately - make sure you have the bills evidence that the typical faults have been renewed you have a good chance, or buy from a specialist who will offer a warranty/piece of mind. At the end of the day they are an old(er) car so things do get tired.
Since then my fuel pump has failed - one of thoses things and cannot be found on a PPI and now my clutch could be on it's way out, it slips when under hard acceralation in 5th/6th. So possibly in total 5k spent on it, which is not good for my pockets. BUT now it seems all the list of things to watch out for have/will be replaced (tyres and brakes fairly new) so fingers crossed I can have a few years of just wear and tear. My relationship with it at the moment is difficult due to the above, but if you either buy privately - make sure you have the bills evidence that the typical faults have been renewed you have a good chance, or buy from a specialist who will offer a warranty/piece of mind. At the end of the day they are an old(er) car so things do get tired.
Moosh said:
The Aerokit on the other hand does make a fair difference in the way the car handles. It is lower than standard and the front splitter and rear spoiler make it very different in the handling department.
I don't think an aerokitted car is any lower, but yes the 'chin' will be, but will that (and the rear wing) really have much of an effect at legal UK road speeds?(My car has a GT2 kit which offers big downforce (54Kg) at top speed, but not sure that it does that much at 70)
Luscombe
Great timing with your thread, I too have been thinking about a 996TT for months and now are just a few weeks from buying. I go backwards and forwards on 996 vs. 997 and wonder about the handling differences between the two, i want something raw and I am not sure either will satisfy that desire. Would love to find a car with factory x73 suspension but there is but one for sale in the whole of the Uk. I talked myself into and then out of a GT2 chasing rawness but deciding the RWD and no TC was a step too far for daily duties.
I will watch with interest as you chase your ideal car in the coming weeks. Good luck.
Great timing with your thread, I too have been thinking about a 996TT for months and now are just a few weeks from buying. I go backwards and forwards on 996 vs. 997 and wonder about the handling differences between the two, i want something raw and I am not sure either will satisfy that desire. Would love to find a car with factory x73 suspension but there is but one for sale in the whole of the Uk. I talked myself into and then out of a GT2 chasing rawness but deciding the RWD and no TC was a step too far for daily duties.
I will watch with interest as you chase your ideal car in the coming weeks. Good luck.
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