baffled potential buyer
Discussion
hi guys,
i've been lurking in this forum for a few months now doing as much research as possible. i've sold my tvr and have the funds available to buy a 996 turbo - but i'm really baffled by all the options and being a gadget fan i obviously want to get a car that's as loaded as possible. i've looked / test driven at a couple of cars but i cannot find anyone with my "perfect" car so i thought i would post some questions to answer some of my questions before i go hunting again. There are a couple of other cars on the net for sale but these don't quite tick all the boxes. I understand that space is a permium when advertising a car but on a few cars they never seem to list some of the options that you can clearly see on the pics. i.e. the car has the rear pakring sensor's but it's not mentioned on the advert if that makes sense. I dont want to be anal about the amount of options but at the same time i don't want a car that i can't then sell on because it hasn't got the most popular options. My local opc were not helpfull so i'm happy to purchase out of the dealer network but put a porsche warranty on the car for piece of mind.
ideally i want: budget of approx 55k - an artic, polar or seal 03 or 02 turbo with as many of the below as possible, pcm, psm, electric, memory and heated seats, sunroof, aircon, rear park assist, auto lights, zenons, bose, auto dimming mirrors.
really really sorry for all the questions but i cannot find my answers anywhere else. Ideally is anyone has a option list for a 996 that would be great as atleast it will answer most of my concerns.
1. it litronic lights the same as zenon and was the cleaning system included or extra?
2. was heated seats another option on top of electric? was it standard to have both electric or was each seat an option? i've seen a car advertised with electric seat not seats
3. can the rear parking sensors / auto lights be fitted by my local opc? if so any idea on cost?
4. what mileage is considered high for an 02 and 03 cars? the cars i've looked at were all below 20k.
5. is it true that at approx 20k the brakes and clutch might need replacing?
6. while i use a tom tom is the sat nav a must have or will i have problems re-selling?
7. is there anything else i should have as a must have on the car? not having much experience on porsche i reallyt cannot afford to make a mistake then i financially regret. I know full service is a must but anything i've overlooked?
sorry again thanks in advance
Rick
i've been lurking in this forum for a few months now doing as much research as possible. i've sold my tvr and have the funds available to buy a 996 turbo - but i'm really baffled by all the options and being a gadget fan i obviously want to get a car that's as loaded as possible. i've looked / test driven at a couple of cars but i cannot find anyone with my "perfect" car so i thought i would post some questions to answer some of my questions before i go hunting again. There are a couple of other cars on the net for sale but these don't quite tick all the boxes. I understand that space is a permium when advertising a car but on a few cars they never seem to list some of the options that you can clearly see on the pics. i.e. the car has the rear pakring sensor's but it's not mentioned on the advert if that makes sense. I dont want to be anal about the amount of options but at the same time i don't want a car that i can't then sell on because it hasn't got the most popular options. My local opc were not helpfull so i'm happy to purchase out of the dealer network but put a porsche warranty on the car for piece of mind.
ideally i want: budget of approx 55k - an artic, polar or seal 03 or 02 turbo with as many of the below as possible, pcm, psm, electric, memory and heated seats, sunroof, aircon, rear park assist, auto lights, zenons, bose, auto dimming mirrors.
really really sorry for all the questions but i cannot find my answers anywhere else. Ideally is anyone has a option list for a 996 that would be great as atleast it will answer most of my concerns.
1. it litronic lights the same as zenon and was the cleaning system included or extra?
2. was heated seats another option on top of electric? was it standard to have both electric or was each seat an option? i've seen a car advertised with electric seat not seats
3. can the rear parking sensors / auto lights be fitted by my local opc? if so any idea on cost?
4. what mileage is considered high for an 02 and 03 cars? the cars i've looked at were all below 20k.
5. is it true that at approx 20k the brakes and clutch might need replacing?
6. while i use a tom tom is the sat nav a must have or will i have problems re-selling?
7. is there anything else i should have as a must have on the car? not having much experience on porsche i reallyt cannot afford to make a mistake then i financially regret. I know full service is a must but anything i've overlooked?
sorry again thanks in advance
Rick
Edited by rick111s on Tuesday 29th August 12:30
Hi Rick, welcome to the forum. Another Kent member here - if you want a spin in one take a look at www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=300984 as we're trying to arrange a Kent run soon. In answer to your questions:
1. Standard on the Turbo
2. Heated seats are an option. "Comfort seats" are electric & memory, "sports seats" are part-electric. Its for both seats - not one!
3. I dont think so but there are other places that will.
4. Ask Henry F
- I'd say over 60k would be considered high for an 02
5. Depends on how they are used but as a guide 40k
6. The Porsche satnav (PCM) isnt that good. I use tomtom and I think its loads better. Save yourself £1k and buy without satnav and then when you come to sell ask £1k less!
7. Take a look at this months 911 & Porsche World for a 996tt buying guide. get the car inspected by an OPC for £250 and then put a warranty on it for £725.
The following are nice options if you can get them: Aluminium pack, Embossed seats, Bose Speakers, CD Stacker, X50
ideally i want: budget of approx 55k - an artic, polar or seal 03 or 02 turbo with as many of the below as possible, pcm, psm, electric, memory and heated seats, sunroof, aircon, rear park assist, auto lights, zenons, bose, auto dimming mirrors.
PCM = Satnav. i dont think its worth it
PSM - standard
Seats - you may want to have a sit in the comfort seats and the sports seats and see which you prefer. The sports seats dont have electric everything
Aircon - climate control standard
Zenons - Standard
Bose - Standard for 51-reg and later
Auto Dim Mirror - Standard for 51-Reg and later
1. Standard on the Turbo
2. Heated seats are an option. "Comfort seats" are electric & memory, "sports seats" are part-electric. Its for both seats - not one!
3. I dont think so but there are other places that will.
4. Ask Henry F
- I'd say over 60k would be considered high for an 02 5. Depends on how they are used but as a guide 40k
6. The Porsche satnav (PCM) isnt that good. I use tomtom and I think its loads better. Save yourself £1k and buy without satnav and then when you come to sell ask £1k less!
7. Take a look at this months 911 & Porsche World for a 996tt buying guide. get the car inspected by an OPC for £250 and then put a warranty on it for £725.
The following are nice options if you can get them: Aluminium pack, Embossed seats, Bose Speakers, CD Stacker, X50
rick111s said:
ideally i want: budget of approx 55k - an artic, polar or seal 03 or 02 turbo with as many of the below as possible, pcm, psm, electric, memory and heated seats, sunroof, aircon, rear park assist, auto lights, zenons, bose, auto dimming mirrors.
PCM = Satnav. i dont think its worth it
PSM - standard
Seats - you may want to have a sit in the comfort seats and the sports seats and see which you prefer. The sports seats dont have electric everything
Aircon - climate control standard
Zenons - Standard
Bose - Standard for 51-reg and later
Auto Dim Mirror - Standard for 51-Reg and later
Edited by barry_j on Tuesday 29th August 13:30
I'm no expert, but i'll do my best and apologise in advance if I get something wrong..
1. Yes, Litronic is Porsche's xenon headlight system - by law in the UK, these must feature auto-levelling and washer system.
2. Electric seats are standard - I'm not sure about the memory option, but heated was an extra.
3. Yes, parking sensors can be retro-fitted.
4. I always work on an average of 10k-12k PA for mileage - but the mantra seems to be condition is more important than mileage.
6. If you have a TomTom, why limit your options for a car with Sat Nav - sure if its there it might help the re-sale, but not having wont hinder it - it isnt a rep-express your buying.
*another rule - buy the car for YOU, not what you can get for it in a years time*
7. FULL SERVICE HISTORY (pref Porsche) and OPC warranty...
1. Yes, Litronic is Porsche's xenon headlight system - by law in the UK, these must feature auto-levelling and washer system.
2. Electric seats are standard - I'm not sure about the memory option, but heated was an extra.
3. Yes, parking sensors can be retro-fitted.
4. I always work on an average of 10k-12k PA for mileage - but the mantra seems to be condition is more important than mileage.
6. If you have a TomTom, why limit your options for a car with Sat Nav - sure if its there it might help the re-sale, but not having wont hinder it - it isnt a rep-express your buying.
*another rule - buy the car for YOU, not what you can get for it in a years time*
7. FULL SERVICE HISTORY (pref Porsche) and OPC warranty...
rick111s said:
thanks guys, i'm getting really confused over the whole options thing.
i know options are a personal thing and not as important as condition, mileage etc but anything else i should look for in options?
i know options are a personal thing and not as important as condition, mileage etc but anything else i should look for in options?
Apart from the options I've already listed above, give serious thought to the car's interior colour. It can make a big difference to resale. Take a look at page 2 of this thread:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=2&f=&t=299169&h=0
Totally not a 996TT expert but running my second 911 so a few pearls of wisdom:
1) Don't focus on mileage/age too much but rather on condition.
2) If not from an OPC make sure the car is inspected and then get the warranty (absolute must)
3) Every Porsche is different so don't even worry about resale. Buy one that you love and someone will always buy it off you in the future.
4) The Porsche SatNav is ok but not great (if you have a TomTom or similar you'll end up using that regardless)
5) Make sure you have a good test drive before buying
The guys on here can give you more specifics but hope you get what you're looking for and welcome to the Porsche club. Had two 911s in a row and can't see myself buying anything else..!!
1) Don't focus on mileage/age too much but rather on condition.
2) If not from an OPC make sure the car is inspected and then get the warranty (absolute must)
3) Every Porsche is different so don't even worry about resale. Buy one that you love and someone will always buy it off you in the future.
4) The Porsche SatNav is ok but not great (if you have a TomTom or similar you'll end up using that regardless)
5) Make sure you have a good test drive before buying
The guys on here can give you more specifics but hope you get what you're looking for and welcome to the Porsche club. Had two 911s in a row and can't see myself buying anything else..!!
most of the stuff you list is std on 02-03 cars
seats - you have two options (no cost):
std comfort seats - electric adjustment every which way plus drivers memory
sports seats - look nicer but annoyingly only backrest up/down is electric and no memory
cost options on both: heaters, electric lumbar adjustment, embossed headrests, leather/painted backs
(sport seats were available with full electric adj as an exclusive option but this is very rare, I have never found one in my 18 months of research/market watching)
Re: your spec decision it may help if I list my ideal spec:
must have:
basalt black
manual
black or natural dark grey leather
52 plate or later
PCM2
ali pack (ideally large)
ali dials (ideally ali/chrome/steel pack which is often specced and includes s/s entry plates and chrome 4 tip exhuast)
desirable:
ali/lthr hand brake/gearstick - a must have but easy to retrofit
telephone module
X50 pack
heated seats
6CD changer
leather rear centre console
not that bothered but bonus:
turbo aerokit (GT2 aerokit is fantasy spec)
rear sensors
cruise
other leather bits, sun visors etc
If you have any specific questions just ask - 996TT specs are my Mastermind specialist subject (anorak std spec)
seats - you have two options (no cost):
std comfort seats - electric adjustment every which way plus drivers memory
sports seats - look nicer but annoyingly only backrest up/down is electric and no memory
cost options on both: heaters, electric lumbar adjustment, embossed headrests, leather/painted backs
(sport seats were available with full electric adj as an exclusive option but this is very rare, I have never found one in my 18 months of research/market watching)
Re: your spec decision it may help if I list my ideal spec:
must have:
basalt black
manual
black or natural dark grey leather
52 plate or later
PCM2
ali pack (ideally large)
ali dials (ideally ali/chrome/steel pack which is often specced and includes s/s entry plates and chrome 4 tip exhuast)
desirable:
ali/lthr hand brake/gearstick - a must have but easy to retrofit
telephone module
X50 pack
heated seats
6CD changer
leather rear centre console
not that bothered but bonus:
turbo aerokit (GT2 aerokit is fantasy spec)
rear sensors
cruise
other leather bits, sun visors etc
If you have any specific questions just ask - 996TT specs are my Mastermind specialist subject (anorak std spec)
Edited by Adam B on Tuesday 29th August 13:52
barry J - not my bag baby! would like plain old black interior to be honest and thanks for the invite to a kent meet - will certainly try. if you see a mid 30's in the corner playing billy no-mates then that's me and i did not realise that so many of the options i want were standard. I was too in awe of the cars i drove to notice the dimming mirror etc.
rick111s said:
thanks guys, i'm getting really confused over the whole options thing.
i know options are a personal thing and not as important as condition, mileage etc but anything else i should look for in options?
i know options are a personal thing and not as important as condition, mileage etc but anything else i should look for in options?
Rick, the Turbo is well optioned as standard, just for your info:
This includes powerful Bi-Xenon headlamps (with integral cleaning) a standard fit sunroof and special 18 inch hollow spoke lightweight “Turbo2” alloy wheels. Inside you could specify sports seats as a no cost option (NCO) and the standard seats came with full electronic adjustment and driver’s seat memory! Be aware that if you choose a car with sports seats, it won’t come with the full electric/memory package! The stereo was upgraded to a top of the range package and, from the 02-model year, this was made by Bose. In the same year the auto-dim mirror with rain sensor also became standard. From the 04-model year the PCM satellite navigation and phone package was standard. The Turbo also benefited from all the facelift 996’s other features including: [the sports steering wheel, an upgraded on board computer (which includes digital boost pressure!!!) a glove-box and cupholders etc. In addition to the standard central locking,
electric windows with one touch open/close, heated electric mirrors and rear screen, two speed wipers with intermittent wipe and heated washer jets plus rear wiper, split folding rear seats, air conditioning, patented crash protection zones plus four air bags featuring POSIPS (Porsches side impact protection system) a good quality “full closure” alarm immobiliser system and a full leather interior, phew!
Options:
PCM Sat Nav & integrated telephone is worth having, it is much better than having to man handle a Tom TOm every time you get in & out, 03MY (sept 02-sept 04)had the new PCM2 sat nav system, introduced, which is very good, the earlier system is no longer support "officially" for updates!!!
Cruise control useful
Heated Seats nice to have
Multi CD in the boot
A few cabin touches, e.g. alloy gearlever & handbrake lift the interior as does extra leather.
Sports exhaust...!!!
X-50 power upgrade... tasty
Otherwise not sure!!
Edited by grant3 on Tuesday 29th August 14:09
jvr said:
Why on earth did you get rid of the tivver
a baby on it's way in october. plus i never really bonded with the TVR. great car, awesome power, amazing presence on the road i only did 3k miles in it in a year. I'm really looking for a car with the same power as the tvr but with more reliability and flexibility in it while still being a true sports car. The turbo for me has a bit of everything - power, looks, realibility and still turns heads but most of all i want a car that will make me think "that's why i work as hard and as long as i do" every time i open the garage door. plus the rear "seats" will allow us to go out as a family for a few years which the tuscan could not offer me.
Personally I wouldn't touch a turbo without an integrated Sat-Nav....for a 90k car I don't really want to have a hunk of plastic with suckers on my dashboard/windscreen,with a wire down to the socket. Looks so cheap and chavvy. I know the PCM isn't the best, but for re-sales I'd get one with, if you dont like it, you can put your TOM TOM on top......
You wouldn't even have me on the phone to offer me a 1k discount for not having the SatNav, I wouldn't even consider your car at all!
I'll get my coat....
You wouldn't even have me on the phone to offer me a 1k discount for not having the SatNav, I wouldn't even consider your car at all!
I'll get my coat....
jvr said:
Still one day i think we shall return to the TVR fold
i never say never but the tvr experience was a very expensive one - mainly down to all the negative press at the moment but the hit i took on the tuscan was a lot of money.
mousem40 said:
Personally I wouldn't touch a turbo without an integrated Sat-Nav....for a 90k car I don't really want to have a hunk of plastic with suckers on my dashboard/windscreen,with a wire down to the socket. Looks so cheap and chavvy. I know the PCM isn't the best, but for re-sales I'd get one with, if you dont like it, you can put your TOM TOM on top......
You wouldn't even have me on the phone to offer me a 1k discount for not having the SatNav, I wouldn't even consider your car at all!
I'll get my coat....
You wouldn't even have me on the phone to offer me a 1k discount for not having the SatNav, I wouldn't even consider your car at all!
I'll get my coat....
valid comments. i perfer the look of the centre console with the sat nav rather then without but i think i need to get past the next couple of hectic weeks at work and go serious porker hunting!
mousem40 said:
Personally I wouldn't touch a turbo without an integrated Sat-Nav....
Horses for courses. When I was looking for mine, I was specifically looking for Turbos without Satnav. As someone already said, buy a car with the spec that YOU like and not what you think will be good for resale (apart from the glaringly obvious like avoiding the weird green interior) as there will always be someone with the same view as you and there will always be someone that disagrees.
For example, a couple of years ago you would have been strongly advised to buy one with PCM1. Now you're being advised to avoid PCM1 and get one with PCM2. In a couple of years time, PCM2 will also be obsolete and you'll be advised to get one with nothing.
At the moment my tomtom has more functionality than PCM2 but I agree that it doesn't look as neat. In a couple of years time, there will probably be a system thats about the size of a matchbox with a head-up display and no need for wires. PCM2 will seem as stone age as PCM1 with its audio cassette slot
barry_j said:
mousem40 said:
Personally I wouldn't touch a turbo without an integrated Sat-Nav....
Horses for courses. When I was looking for mine, I was specifically looking for Turbos without Satnav. As someone already said, buy a car with the spec that YOU like and not what you think will be good for resale (apart from the glaringly obvious like avoiding the weird green interior) as there will always be someone with the same view as you and there will always be someone that disagrees.
For example, a couple of years ago you would have been strongly advised to buy one with PCM1. Now you're being advised to avoid PCM1 and get one with PCM2. In a couple of years time, PCM2 will also be obsolete and you'll be advised to get one with nothing.
At the moment my tomtom has more functionality than PCM2 but I agree that it doesn't look as neat. In a couple of years time, there will probably be a system thats about the size of a matchbox with a head-up display and no need for wires. PCM2 will seem as stone age as PCM1 with its audio cassette slot
And from October last year ........................www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=214873
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