996 Turbo S Tiptronic

[R5OHH]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some general advice.

My partner is desperate for 911.. I used to have a 996 Carrera a good few years ago which she particularly liked. I will be assisting funding it and think that a late 996 Turbo S, may be a sensible option from a value point of view. I must say she would much prefer a 997, as they look prettier, newer and less 'boyish'.

However the Gen 1 doesn't really appeal due to the engine issues. I'd imagine that the Gen 2's will carry on depreciating for the next few years.. so I'm reluctant to pay much more than low £30's for one of these. Oh, it has to be an auto though I can only assume this is less desirable in a 996 Turbo / S, however I presume a PDK box in a Gen 2 997 is the most popular option. Also any info on mpg between the cars would be useful as it will be mainly used in Central London.

It would be interesting to get anyone's thoughts on future values. From what I understand the 996 Turbo is a different block and they prove very reliable if maintained well and I'd imagine that values will remain strong and inevitably climb a little at some point.. It won't do many miles and I don't mind sticking my hand in my pocket to look after it.. but it's nice to know that the values are strong to offset some of the running costs.

[pete]

Note that the 996 Turbo and the 997.1 Turbo share the "Mezger" engine, which doesn't suffer from the same woes as the normally aspirated 996 and 997.1 engines.

If you're only looking to spend in the 30s, I would definitely recommend a 996 Turbo. Given that even the newest cars are 9 years old (mine was one of the last handful of cars with a July 2005 build date), then they can land you with some large bills for things like radiators, boost leaks, worn suspension, etc. All of those things could be a problem on an early 997 Turbo too, so grabbing one of those for 40k or less could cost you nearer 45k within a year or two.

My 996 Turbo S is a manual, so my fuel economy isn't quite the same. I get 25mpg average on long trips, with a mixture of fast A/B roads and motorways. Pure motorway at 70mph can give you 30mpg, pootling around town can be 15mpg.

Pete

[Mad March Taffy]

I have a 2002 996 Turbo Tiptronic (again other half wanted an auto due to left knee problem) - the purists would shake their heads but the tiptronic is really pretty good - you can use the manual option with the buttons if you like or just let the box do its stuff. I find that it is a good option if you do a fair amount of town or stop/start driving.

[the other me]

I have only ever been "driven" in a 996 turbo Tip (and it wouldn't be my choice, but then I don't spend my time driving in Central London ) but, have to say the shifts seemed quite snappy for a slush-box & the paddle conversion fitted to that one seemed more sporty/tactile.

PDK in a different league, but you are talking a lot more dosh than 30K to get a 997.2 turbo.

[pierslofi]

I did the same just over a year ago. Had 30k, looked at only spending 20 on a 996 c4s but gave up after several bore score inspections. Brought a 2001 turbo for 24k, low mileage, unpopular colour combo, since spent 4k getting it how I want. It's a tip because the mrs can't drive a manual and I must say it is excellent. Doubt ill part with it. The auto box is great, fast, in full attack more it auto it's amazingly clever on the brakes and in corners. The box only has one downside which is it defaults to fuel saving mode every time you get in it which is a very slow programme. I've fitted paddles to mine and now drive it pretty much in manual. Excellent car. I'd not hesitate.

[R5OHH]

Thanks for all the feedback, I think you've all just confirmed my thoughts. 996 Turbo is the way to go though I just have to convince her.. The spoiler seems to be the biggest issue! Silly really..

I'll keep you posted!

[Spaceman2001]

For me in 2001 Tip.

I' got 28 mpg last week on a 2:30 drive door to door mainly motorway at average 82mph,

They are so tractable and impressive.

Normal average 22 mpg with mixture of town and short motorway hops.

I love the Tip as it's used as a daily driver. You'll get on fine with it.

Love the ducktail spoiler but even I don't like it extended. Needs must

Good luck

[the other me]

Of course, you will never see it extended in the UK so don't worry about how it looks when up

[APOLO1]

try and find an S or one with an X50 pack, big difference.....

[thegoose]

APOLO1 said:

try and find an S or one with an X50 pack, big difference.....

For low speed, low rev central London motoring? Given the X50 has a feeling of less low down grunt it's not something I'd specifically look for for that application.

To the OP, consider either an OPC warranted Gen 1 or try to find a high mileage 997 Turbo (there was what looked like a lovely, very well maintained one with 125k on it for under £30k last year).