I would really appreciate everyone's honest, but respectful feedback. I have been reading these boards, and others, for about 3 months now and figured it was time to just post my overall question.

Background: I am looking to purchase a 2002-2003 996 TT. I want under 40k miles and am looking for this to be a car I drive 10k-15k a year on. I have no problem spending 2k a year on maintenance, as I can actually do most myself, but anything to do with tranny or turbo will have to be sent out. I am not a millionaire, but moreover a guy who lives in Cincinnati that makes low six-figure salary running my own consulting firm. I've always dreamed of owning one of these and can now pay cash for one.

Question: Knowing what I provided above, can you please answer the following questions for me:

(1) Would you buy this car for this purpose? Meaning, can this car be a daily driver without a nightmare of problems?

(2) I know about the Transmission (2nd gear) issue. What I don't know is how many cars have this problem, what the typical warning signs are (other than it won't stick) and what questions I should ask around this problem (other than are there any known problems)?

(3) Realistically, if I change my own oil, get my tires at cost from my wholesaler friend, change my own belts and fluid, what am I looking at in maintenance every year? Rough estimate will do.

(4) Are there any other known problems other than the transmission that I should be looking out for?

I really appreciate your feedback. I am not like most of you, but I am sure you can appreciate someone saving to own a car they have always dreamed of.

Thanks.

 

Good luck in your search - a lot of the fun is dreaming about how awesome it will be to own one, and wasting a lot of free time scouring the globe for the perfect car.

As others will tell you shortly, all your concerns have been addressed quite a bit on here. The search function is your friend - use it often and you'll find a lot of other folks who have posed the same questions as you, along with an encyclopedia of knowledge in the responses.

Daily driver use is absolutely possible. The car was built to be driven - I often feel guilty for not driving mine enough.

A PPI is a must before any purchase - the 2nd gear popout can be tested for, but isn't absolute as far as never having that issue. Keep in mind most of the issues are in the minority overall, even though you see a lot of them on the forums (skewed statistics). Run the car up through the rev range in 2nd gear, then let off the gas - sometimes it pops out of gear.

Looks like you're pretty handy - if the car is in good shape and you don't abuse it, your running costs will probably be minimal. I know nothing about DIY stuff, so I pay $150 for an oil change, $150 for an alignment, $1200 for a 30k mile service, etc. I have had zero unscheduled maintenance items yet.

Other common issues seem to be rear spoiler malfunction, window regulators, clutch accumulator, sucky stereo - the drivetrain is bulletproof. A good PPI by the (non-selling) dealer or a good indy is worth the cost.

Best of luck - let the fun begin!

Todd

 

My water pump just started leaking--it's being replaced as we speak...otherwise, my '02 has been . I've had it a little over a year and use it as a DD (and I every time I drive it)

 

rear wing problems; stiff clutch(accumulator) small stuff BUT pain in the neck problems leftlane about covered it

 

My favorite year.



No MOST (fiber optic audio...fiber optic is a pain to upgrade big time...most just run copper later....), the 02 update to rigidity. Nothing really added later of consequence IMHO.


Oil changes.

Filter change.

SRF brake fluid.

EBC reds (no issues on track, even VIR)...have yellowstuff pads waiting

tranny second gear pop out fixed under warranty...that is a biggy....get the preventative upgrade (search, it was a recent thread)

alternator went up, covered under warranty...I paid for my belt at the time

clutch went up (prior owner....)...did a UMW upgrade with LWFW with Forgie BOV's

My A/C LCD screen went...replaced under warranty. All my Audi's did this too...looks just like a MY00 A6 controller....that died too.

Sumi rear HTR ZIII rears are under 190$.

For what the car is, it is a great deal. Try that with an 8yo Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Ferrari, or Chevy....with similar HP/Torque...


JB

 

I've had my 02 996 TT for a bit more than a year. Here is a full history of my costs. Strike out what you don't think is appropriate for your purposes, but this is every cent I've spent as a consequence of owning this beast. I anticipate my second year of ownership will be FAR less expensive, mainly because tax and registration will be less and no major service.

One other repair that I think is common, as a few owners I know have had to deal with it--leaky side radiators. It was a big cost to have done at the dealer, but fortunately the extended warranty covered it.

Date Vendor Category Cost Running Total Note
8-Mar-09 Carfax Maintenance $34.99 $34.99 Carfax check
12-Mar-09 Owner Vehicle $45,000.00 $45,034.99 Initial Purchase
12-Mar-09 Owner Vehicle $320.00 $45,354.99 Stock Wheels - $500 less half light switch repair and $50 smog
12-Mar-09 McKenna Vehicle $290.00 $45,644.99 Pre Purchase Inspection
12-Mar-09 McKenna Maint - Repair $268.32 $45,913.31 Light switch repair
12-Mar-09 McKenna Maint - Repair $28.33 $45,941.64 Gas cap
12-Mar-09 McKenna Tax $118.75 $46,060.39 Smog Check
12-Mar-09 Chevron Gasoline $33.90 $46,094.29 Gasoline
13-Mar-09 CA DMV Tax $2,888.00 $48,982.29 Use tax
13-Mar-09 CA DMV Tax $15.00 $48,997.29 Title transfer
13-Mar-09 Prism Insurance $50.00 $49,047.29 Warranty transfer
14-Mar-09 Chevron Gasoline $33.85 $49,081.14 Gasoline
15-Mar-09 Chevron Gasoline $35.85 $49,116.99 Gasoline
17-Mar-09 Glistening Perfection Detailing $502.39 $49,619.38 Detailing supplies
20-Mar-09 Pep Boys Detailing $52.75 $49,672.13 Detailing supplies
20-Mar-09 Ralphs Detailing $4.66 $49,676.79 Detailing supplies
20-Mar-09 Osh Detailing $18.90 $49,695.69 Detailing supplies
23-Mar-09 Chevron Gasoline $33.65 $49,729.34 Gasoline
24-Mar-09 200 N. Motorworks Maint - Book $384.71 $50,114.05 Oil change, cabin filter, and general inspection
27-Mar-09 Performance Plus Maint - Wear $731.17 $50,845.22 Rear tires because of lump
27-Mar-09 Glistening Perfection Detailing $66.98 $50,912.20 Detailing supplies
28-Mar-09 Shell Gasoline $35.35 $50,947.55 Gasoline
31-Mar-09 Wheel Cosmo Maint - Repair $135.00 $51,082.55 Dent repair
1-Apr-09 Wawanesa Insurance $193.00 $51,275.55 Insurance
3-Apr-09 Chevron Gasoline $35.40 $51,310.95 Gasoline
4-Apr-09 Chevron Gasoline $34.90 $51,345.85 Gasoline
6-Apr-09 Amazon Maint - Supplies $134.88 $51,480.73 Tire Pressure Gauge
6-Apr-09 Amazon Maint - Supplies $9.62 $51,490.35 Tire Tread Meter
10-Apr-09 Chevron Gasoline $22.95 $51,513.30 Gasoline
17-Apr-09 West End Alignment Maint - Repair $250.00 $51,763.30 Ride height, corner balance, and alignment
18-Apr-09 Shell Gasoline $30.85 $51,794.15 Gasoline
29-Apr-09 Chevron Gasoline $37.05 $51,831.20 Gasoline
8-May-09 Chevron Gasoline $38.00 $51,869.20 Gasoline
21-May-09 200 N. Motorworks Maint - Repair $437.47 $52,306.67 Oil pressure sender, door panel clips, broken drop-link
23-May-09 Shell Gasoline $41.65 $52,348.32 Gasoline
31-May-09 Chevron Gasoline $34.90 $52,383.22 Gasoline
4-Jun-09 Wawanesa Insurance $960.00 $53,343.22 Insurance
13-Jun-09 McKenna Maint - Repair $100.00 $53,443.22 Warranty work (2 Radiators, window sensors, True cost: $2700)
14-Jun-09 Shell Gasoline $35.35 $53,478.57 Gasoline
19-Jun-09 Valentine Research Accessories $527.00 $54,005.57 Radar Detector
20-Jun-09 Mobil Gasoline $50.10 $54,055.67 Gasoline
24-Jun-09 Lucent Motors Accessories $200.00 $54,255.67 Radar Detector Install
25-Jun-09 Chevron Gasoline $45.05 $54,300.72 Gasoline
28-Jun-09 Shell Gasoline $46.05 $54,346.77 Gasoline
1-Jul-09 Chevron Gasoline $41.55 $54,388.32 Gasoline
5-Jul-09 Shell Gasoline $42.40 $54,430.72 Gasoline
5-Jul-09 Shell Gasoline $18.00 $54,448.72 Gasoline
5-Jul-09 Chevron Gasoline $41.25 $54,489.97 Gasoline
10-Jul-09 Chevron Gasoline $34.35 $54,524.32 Gasoline
10-Jul-09 Shell Gasoline $35.65 $54,559.97 Gasoline
11-Jul-09 Shell Gasoline $38.05 $54,598.02 Gasoline
14-Jul-09 Chevron Gasoline $35.43 $54,633.45 Gasoline
14-Jul-09 Euro-Tech Motors Maint - Repair $606.64 $55,240.09 Replace bent control arm, alignment, install oil pressure sensor
25-Jul-09 Chevron Gasoline $42.65 $55,282.74 Gasoline
1-Aug-09 Chevron Gasoline $46.30 $55,329.04 Gasoline
8-Aug-09 Shell Gasoline $43.25 $55,372.29 Gasoline
22-Aug-09 Shell Gasoline $41.80 $55,414.09 Gasoline
22-Aug-09 Mobil Oil $8.69 $55,422.78 Oil
23-Aug-09 Chevron Gasoline $50.65 $55,473.43 Gasoline
24-Aug-09 CA DMV Tax - Registration $470.00 $55,943.43 Registration
5-Sep-09 Shell Gasoline $45.55 $55,988.98 Gasoline
12-Sep-09 Chevron Gasoline $20.00 $56,008.98 Gasoline
24-Sep-09 Chevron Gasoline $35.35 $56,044.33 Gasoline
10-Oct-09 Chevron Gasoline $50.75 $56,095.08 Gasoline
24-Oct-09 Shell Gasoline $44.55 $56,139.63 Gasoline
31-Oct-09 Chevron Gasoline $43.85 $56,183.48 Gasoline
31-Oct-09 Finish Line Detailing $25.00 $56,208.48 Car Wash
7-Nov-09 76 Gasoline $40.45 $56,248.93 Gasoline
15-Nov-09 Shell Gasoline $49.05 $56,297.98 Gasoline
28-Nov-09 Chevron Gasoline $46.50 $56,344.48 Gasoline
28-Nov-09 Glistening Perfection Detailing $151.74 $56,496.22 Detailing supplies
28-Nov-09 Pelican Parts Maint - Book $132.52 $56,628.74 60000 mile service
12-Dec-09 Shell Gasoline $47.50 $56,676.24 Gasoline
13-Dec-09 Durametric Maint - Supplies $292.69 $56,968.93 Durametric Computer Link
19-Dec-09 Pelican Parts Maint - Repair $321.84 $57,290.77 Ignition Coils
22-Dec-09 Pep Boys Maint - Book $107.39 $57,398.16 Oil and pan
30-Dec-09 Shell Gasoline $45.85 $57,444.01 Gasoline
31-Dec-09 Euro-Tech Motors Maint - Book $231.82 $57,675.83 Brake flush and fuel filter install (too hard for me!)
31-Dec-09 Giancarlo Maint - Book $100.00 $57,775.83 Gift for his labor
31-Dec-09 Lowes Maint - Book $15.16 $57,790.99 Tools for 60k service
31-Dec-09 Porsche Dismantler Maint - Repair $109.75 $57,900.74 Bumperette flew off
12-Jan-10 Sears Maint - Repair $136.04 $58,036.78 Tools and Toolbox
12-Jan-10 Beverly Hills Porsche Maint - Repair $104.14 $58,140.92 Seat Heater Element
15-Jan-10 Shell Gasoline $51.15 $58,192.07 Gasoline
23-Jan-10 Shell Gasoline $51.60 $58,243.67 Gasoline
25-Jan-10 Pelican Parts Maint - Book $115.46 $58,359.13 Oil change supplies for 3 changes
5-Feb-10 Shell Gasoline $47.25 $58,406.38 Gasoline
17-Feb-10 Euro-Tech Motors Maint - Repair $184.79 $58,591.17 Drop Link
20-Feb-10 Shell Gasoline $44.55 $58,635.72 Gasoline
20-Feb-10 Pawn Shop Maint - Supplies $60.00 $58,695.72 Breaker Bar
20-Feb-10 Sears Maint - Supplies $9.65 $58,705.37 27mm socket
5-Mar-10 Chevron Gasoline $51.00 $58,756.37 Gasoline
20-Mar-10 Shell Gasoline $49.50 $58,805.87 Gasoline
1-Apr-10 Shell Gasoline $51.75 $58,857.62 Gasoline
2-Apr-10 Chevron Gasoline $18.60 $58,876.22 Gasoline
4-Apr-10 Chevron Gasoline $46.70 $58,922.92 Gasoline
17-Apr-10 Shell Gasoline $42.00 $58,964.92 Gasoline

 

Savedforit! classic!

 

SAVED4IT - thanks for such a detailed listing of all expenses incurred during your first year of ownership! The cost for 2 radiator replacements took me by surprise. Is that a common problem for 996 Turbos?

 

I have had more issues, but I use my car daily, use my car to go on wintersports, drive 45K (km, so 30K miles) a year and I use my car on the famous Nordschleife.

I have had the following issues (I own my 2002 turbo since march 2009):

Waterpump broken
Radiators replaced (all)
One turbocharger (stuck wategate)
Turbohose (ripped)
Dual Mass Flywheel broken

All replaced under Porsche Warranty.

And then I have done some upgrades... for about 35K and counting, but that is a virus you may of may not get.

I would always get the Porsche warranty.

 

WOW, I hope you have a better year SAVED4IT and to start enjoying that thing.

 

It wasn't that bad of a year. I definitely got my $50 worth on that extended warranty. Now that the car is straight--I think I uncovered and fixed anything that was needed--I anticipate pretty smooth sailing.

But, at some point I was going to reveal this spreadsheet to the world anyway to examine the true cost of ownership for me.

 

i wouldn't rule our purchasing a 2001; of course get the newest version of any 911 with the fewest number of miles is sound advice. however, because the x50 wasn't offered in 2001 and the kbb, wholesale and retail prices are reflective of it, the killer deals are very often in that model year.

 

Mine is a 2003 with approx 28k miles. I have owned it for over a year. I drive the car aggressively and have only spent $ on rear tires. I do my own oil change. This car is definetly a daily driver. Good luck.

 

good car indifferent of the year !

 

You shouldn't have too many problems just make sure to get the PPI. Remember that this car is now 8 years old so you will have things that wear out or break.

For a supercar that originally cost $120,000.00 plus that you can buy for nearly 1/4 of that it is an incredible deal.

Now if the modding bug infects you then you are totally screwed!