Done AMV8, 997S & now want 996 TT - buying advice please

[wrn]

I had a 997S coupe followed by a 997 S cab. Loved the coupe - the cab was OK.

In Nov I took the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage - looked great and I LOVED it but reliability issues have caused Aston to buy it back off me. I am now running around in a Jag X-Type courtesy car and need a speed fix.

3 days ago I was looking at a practical Golf GTi. Then I thought I might as well go for R32. Then I realised that old 996 C2s were the same money. Then I saw one but it was next to a 996 C4S and I decided that I needed that. Then, today I test drove a 996 Turbo and realised that I actually needed that. I was blown away. A true (easily excitable) piston head, as you can tell :-) - in 3 days I have gone from looking at £15k GTis to 996 TTs.

I ordered a 997 Turbo a year ago and was told today that I am position 60 / 140 at my dealer which equates to an 18 month wait from now. I am not made of money. I need a car which is not going to depreciate too much over 18 months, can be used daily, will not cost too much to run, is reliable (it will be my only car) and is fun. Will an early (sub-£50k) 996 TT fit the bill? What should I look out for when buying (I usually buy new)?

Does anyone have a Basalt Black (preferred) or Seal Grey manual TT with black leather and FSH that they want to 'give' me?

Thanks all!

Will

[wrn]

P.S. I might return to Aston if the reliability issues have disappeared by the time the V8 Volante arrives...

[wrn]

P.P.S I know that this has been discussed here already, but I feel that the 997 TT arrival has already been priced into the early 996 TTs - and do not feel that the arrival of a £100k car is going to jilt the sub-£50k market. Furthermore it does not look as good as the 996 TT, just as the 997 C4S does not look as good as the 996 C4S (ie. no wide-body or exciting front skirt).

[pk328]

Ever thought about a 550 Maranello?

[wrn]

pk - I have considered Ferraris, including a 456, 550 and 355 which are all very accessible for £50k. However, the reason that I am backing out of AM for the time being is because I want everyday reliability on my only car - a car which I can lay miles on and is economical to run and service.

Furthermore I want to be able to pitch up at customers' sites without looking too flash (I am only 29!) - an AM / Ferrari is perhaps a little OTT!

A 996 TT strikes me as being the only everyday supercar which fits this bill?

[cyrus1971]

I just e-mailed you.

C

[granville]

What about the new M6?

Hardly ubiquitous and whilst not classically elegant, certainly striking in an attractively aggressive, purposeful manner.

Saw one this very morn and it was all I could do to resist an impromptu carjack.

The chaps at WRC Technologies (the EVO dyno) reckon this engine peaks some way above the 507 bhp level and with the limiter off, it's a 205 mph land missile.

Comfortable in the urban dog fight and with all the toys to compensate for the grind but let's be honest, in 'the real world,' if it's moved the game on so substantially over previous M power efforts, I can only imagine it's crushing dynamic ability.

Frankly, I'd buy a respectable hair piece and drive like an even bigger tw@t than I already do.

[superlightr]

get the 996tt you will love it.

I had a disateous experience with a BMW M5 and went for a 996 targa for a period of stability and now a few years on in my 2nd 996tt. Its a super car. The best ive ever owned. Every day useability, reliable and reasonable discreet for a supercar. Would be hard pressed ever to go back to a norm aspirated porshce.

What were the woes with the AMV8?

[softinthehead]

wrn said:

reliability issues have caused Aston to buy it back off me. today I test drove a 996 Turbo and realised that I actually needed that. I was blown away. I am not made of money. Will an early (sub-£50k) 996 TT fit the bill?

1) buy it back off you? really??
2) decision made, dilemma over
3) err, reading your post, i might dispute this. all things are relative!
4) yes

can you tell, ive just found the smiley key?

>> Edited by softinthehead on Tuesday 14th February 10:11

[wrn]

The posts on the Aston Martin Owners Club forum outline my 'challenges' with the AMV8 - it has suffered multiple electical failings, amongst other things. The reason that I am accepting is because the service from the factory was faultless and commendable (they made an offer of a brand new car or my money back - without me even requesting it) - though the service from my dealer was atrocious.

I would not buy an M6 - being a 29 year old (it's for old men) living in London (it's a barge).

[rich1231]

wrn said:

The posts on the Aston Martin Owners Club forum outline my 'challenges' with the AMV8 - it has suffered multiple electical failings, amongst other things. The reason that I am accepting is because the service from the factory was faultless and commendable (they made an offer of a brand new car or my money back - without me even requesting it) - though the service from my dealer was atrocious. I would not buy an M6 - being a 29 year old (it's for old men) living in London (it's a barge).

wrn, i have just got rid of my 996tt and im keeping the v8. Im really sorry that your dealer ruined your v8 experience. And of course the other issues. But it really is a great car. As is the 996tt, you cant go wrong.

[nbetts]

quote WRN....
I ordered a 997 Turbo a year ago and was told today that I am position 60 / 140 at my dealer which equates to an 18 month wait from now.

unquote...

Position 60/140...? Is this at one dealer or the franchise themselves...

So to get to position 1 in 18 months means that your dealer/ship will be getting something like 3-4 turbos a month... are they really gonna come through that quick.

When I spoke to my dealer he reckons more like 1 a month....

Anyway, 996tt is a great car, but to be fair there really is not a lemon in the whole 996 range, buy what you thinklooks/drives the best that is key.

[rich1231]

nbetts said:

quote WRN.... I ordered a 997 Turbo a year ago and was told today that I am position 60 / 140 at my dealer which equates to an 18 month wait from now. unquote... Position 60/140...? Is this at one dealer or the franchise themselves... So to get to position 1 in 18 months means that your dealer/ship will be getting something like 3-4 turbos a month... are they really gonna come through that quick. When I spoke to my dealer he reckons more like 1 a month.... Anyway, 996tt is a great car, but to be fair there really is not a lemon in the whole 996 range, buy what you thinklooks/drives the best that is key.

wrn your dealer is wildly optimistic with the delivery times

>> Edited by rich1231 on Tuesday 14th February 11:11

[scaryx50]

I am fairly unimpressed with the styling of the 997 TT and think that a 996 tt with X50 option like mine is going to come near to it in terms of performance with better looks.
Why not go for a sub 60K 996 GT2?

[bund]

Guys do you not think that the 997 Turbo will grow on you? Alot of people did not love the 996 because it had the "incorrect lights", now porsche have a look with the 997 that goes back to a lot of the winning basics. I love the 996 Turbo never driven it but love the looks, now iv never been a fan of the 993 (prob my age 25) but i think the 997 Turbo will win peoples heart when they see it in the flesh.

I have one on order so i might be bias but its a tough call between 996 Turbo and saving 40 grand and the new one.

Just what i think.

[colinc2]

wrn said:

Does anyone have a Basalt Black (preferred) or Seal Grey manual TT with black leather and FSH that they want to 'give' me? Will

I would think that a sub 50k 996 TT would satisfy your criteria - especially in terms of not depreciating too much. There are a couple for sale in the classifieds including Sutters DMS tuned car which will have awesome acceleration. There is a Basalt Black one there too ....

[domster]

derestrictor said:

Frankly, I'd buy a respectable hair piece and drive like an even bigger tw@t than I already do.

Gott in Himmel, DeR, we both know that isn't possible!!! Mayeb they could get the Vmax landrover and timing beams half way along the M6 toll road.

[riverproaudio]

Yes go for the 996TT with the x50 pack. You will love it.

[Adam B]

bund said:

Guys do you not think that the 997 Turbo will grow on you?

looks wise I like both light designs, think the 997TT is very nice esp. from rear but its not as cohesive/pure as 993/996 - they just took the 996TT with round lights and made every feature over stylised and over-fussy IMHO

bund said:

prob my age 25. I have one on order

[bund]

I like your last little bit about my age, i wouldnt say i have one on order unless i do though.