Hello
I am thinking of getting a car in next 3~5months depending on what I choose.
I was thinking of getting e46 m3 with knowing that it's depreciating because of new m3. Well, my budget is around 50~60kish (plus and minus couple grand) so I decided to check out cayman S.

Recently, I saw a post under automibile for sale forum and I saw a 996TT within my price range and it was under 40k miles.
It depends on options so I am wondering if anyone can give me a list of options for 996TT and any suggestion for "must-have" options.

What's the average range of decently equipped 996TT in these days?
I saw more of 60~70+ than 50~60 under 40k miles.

I also considered 997 but it's too expensive.

Any suggestions of cars within that range?
Thanks!

 

I'd start by saying you should ask youself a couple questions first:

1. Am I going to modify this car for more performance or keep it stock?
2. Am I going to use it for track, 1/4 mile runs, daily driver or will it be a garage queen and used on sunny days?

Once you answer those questions, you can determine what you want in a 996TT - as this car can be used in any and all of those scenarios and do all of them very well.

Based on your answers, recommendations will most likely differ for factory and aftermarket options.

Rich

 

Options are the standard ones ie nav, upgraded stereo, leather, sport seats etc. These cars come with pretty much everything power already. I don't think there are any "must have" options. Just pick your color. You can get 01s in the high 50s.

 

Go for the Turbo. They are very reliable super-cars as long as you know what you are getting. Heated seats is a favorite option of mine..... GL

 

If you want to stay in the 50k to 60k range, you probably will be better off looking for a low mileage (<30k miles) '02 or '01 model. There were no significant changes between '01 to '05, and all years are very reliable. One option I wish I had held out for is NAV, but you might not feel the same way. One good thing about the '01 and '02 models is that you can easily upgrade the factory stereo whereas in later years they used a fiber optic wiring system that is very difficult to work with short of replacing the whole system.

If you are thinking of doing some light modifications (i.e. no messing with the turbos), then you should look for a car with the X50 option. You can do an exhaust and reflash and have the car well into the 550hp range. The non-X50 cars have smaller turbos and you will be stuck in the low 500hp range unless you upgrade the turbos which can be very expensive. If you are going to heavily modify the car, then you are looking at $20k+ to do so and you can start with an X50 or non-X50.

No matter what, make sure you have a reputable shop do a PPI.

 

Thanks for fast responses.

I will mod the car very lightly and will be upgrading turbos and etc. in future.
I asked you guys about options because of how porsche has 3905820938502 options hahaha...
It will be my daily but for short distance.

So X50 is the one that I should look out for.
I forgot to ask about reliability but it doesn't seem to be a big deal for this car (based on previous posts)

BTW, what's the best way to see the full list of options that were available for 996TT?
I just wanna check out

 

I don't know of a list of options, but for the most part options consist of NAV, type of leather (supple, regular, etc.), type of seats (sport, regular, full leather), carbon fiber pieces, wood trim pieces, aluminum trim pieces, etc. Most of the options relate to how the car looks rather than any convenience or performance options. I think there may be an X73 suspension option that is better than the stock suspension.

 

I did have some must haves;
1. Full carbon package - didn't like the plastic looking interior pieces
2. Nav
3. Heated seats
4. Lumbar - both sides......for her pleasure
5. Upgraded stereo with 12 disc changer
6. Special interior color - Boxster Red.......yummy

 

If you don't get heated seats on the turbo that you buy, not to worry. Any good upholstery shop can add them. I found the car of my dreams that had it all, except for the heated seats. $800 fixed that right up. The switches are down on the sides of the seats out of sight. I love to drive it on cool nights with the windows and sunroof open and the seats on.

 

yes...i want full carbon package/nav/heated seats and red interior with meteor grey metallic exterior will do it!
lumbar...not sure what that actually does;;; (isn't that part of sport seats?)
also can you post a picture of your car?

i really wanna keep it stock because of the warranty issues.
are most of porsche dealers **** about mods?

 

If you find a car you love but it doesn't have NAV, don't let that stop you from buying it. The system is already outdated and there is no way to update it other than buying a completely new aftermarket system.

 

I just sold an E46 M3, and picked up a 996tt X50 (and cancelled my order for the E92 M3).

I don't want to bash the M3 too badly, but there is simply no comparison.

The only advantage the M3 is usable trunk space. If that is not an issue for you, definitely get the 996!

 

nty e92 m3
i'd rather shop for e46 m3!
so the search begins!

i am hoping to find one in local

 

M3s are nice cars.......but every Turbo ever built is a legend.....if you can swing it, do it.