Hi all -

I've been in the market for a TT for a while now, taking my time looking and being patient so I make sure I find the right car. I just looked at one today that seems perfect, pending a PPI and some price negotiations. I would appreciate insights on a few things if possible.

Details -

2001 arctic silver, full leather black interior
17k miles
2nd owner, older gentleman, all maintenance records going back to delivery, all work done at the dealership
new tires < 3k miles
almost no options other than full leather and Bose
car is mostly stock, but he has added PSS9, short shift kit, and stainless exhaust tips, plus tinted the glass

He is asking $49k - higher than others I'm looking at, but lower miles and all records are a plus. Haven't discussed what I'd offer yet - ideas? There are several 2003s near me with mileage from 25k-39k that are priced from $44k-$49k as well, with more options on each.

Also - the car runs perfect, but I did notice that there was some kind of rattle while the car idled - not dramatic, but definitely noticeable. I think the clutch/FW is stock, but I didn't go through all the records in detail yet. Do most turbos have that type of sound? If not, I know it's impossible to diagnose sight unseen, but any suggestions?

TIA -

Todd

 

Heat shield?

 

Seems high priced, depends on what you are looking for, never been modified? +1, but aren't these cars designed to run hard (not abused)? if it is exactly what you are looking for then definitely neog. otherwise there are definitely better deals with more options possibly? Do you plan to do modifications? Possibly look for one already modded? High priced. IMHO

 

I have also been looking for a 996TT for about 6 months. In that time I have seen several low mileage cars sell in the mid $40's. If the cars checks out good I would think that $45k would be fair price especially with the low mileage.

 

Thanks - for a 2001 I'd like to be close to $40k, and I've seen several (and even looked at a few myself) go in the high $30k area with more miles. I'm using the pricing I've seen on the 03s as a benchmark.

I will do no modding - and the idea of an unmolested bone stock car is appealing to me. This will be a 3rd car toy, not a DD, so the luxury options aren't too important to me, and I've never been on a track either (yet).

 

I don't understand where others are coming from with regards to the price. In my opinion, if the miles are low, the car is in great condition, mechanically and cosmetically, and the PPI checks out, along with all the records, that car is worth it. I know some will comment that you don't get much for mods, but you should place a value on the total package and if the mods are mods you would pay to have done anyway. Factor all this in.

3 years ago I paid $71K for my 01 and it had 9100 miles on it and had lots of mods... It was slightly more than I should have paid at the time, but it was a great purchase and one I haven't looked back on with regret.

Mike

 

I bought am 01 996tt with 36,000 miles 1 year ago and paid $46,000. So I think that sounds like a great deal!!

 

Make sure you have 2nd gear synchro pop out issue checked out thoroughly. These early models are known to have this problem. Mine did and I did not discover this until after I purchased it. My 2001 had approx 18k miles on it when I bought it.

 

This car is here in the D/FW area correct? If so...

I have not gone to look but it appears to be in pristine shape in and out. The colors are right too. I have located a white car so don't worry about me running out there.

Is it a bit high comparatively? Shoulder shrug..
If it is as sound and well taken care of as it seems then a few thousand would not get in my way of a purchase. The cars sticker was what 122 or so? His business side has to have put some wiggle room in his number. As mentioned, toss 45 even at him.

g/l and go get it.

 

Thanks - yep, it's in the burbs of Dallas. I have no deposit down or anything, so I wouldn't be upset at all if someone else bought it first. I'm determined to take my time looking so I get exactly what I want. Sticker was $113k - it really has almost no options.

BTW - I love white too.

 

No worries.

I am on a 996 then I want to splurge on a GT3 then I see the Boxster Spyder...

It will be my first P so I am getting my ducks in a row neatly. The last thing I want is to get in over my head and end up shaped like a horseshoe. Not with the Spyder, knocks desk, but the 996's I am on are not stock.

Having V8's/younger and BMW's I want to start in the right car/price---just in case she goes a spinning.

May the force of patience be with you!

 

Hi Todd - Sounds like a great car. The noise you referred to sounds normal to me. It's the intermediate shaft/timing chain light rattle which is how the 996 TT sounds at idle. If it was something uncommon or wrong, the PPI will find it. (I hope!)

Good luck!

 

Thanks Biergut - that's what I was hoping to hear. I haven't listened to many turbos at idle, and I will definitely get the PPI done.

Sounds like it might be time to negotiate!

 

Sounds like a great car, if you don't end up buying it I'm next in line

 

Final price negotiations underway, as well as scheduling the PPI. Looks like it might be a done deal - even the SO has given the go ahead (as if she had a choice). Just talked to the servicing dealer and he expects it to pass with flying colors. PPI at the dealer is $518 and goes by the exact CPO checklist, including the DME readout for Type 1 and Type 2 over-revs, but no compression tests. Sound about right?