Kind of wondering if a 2001 996 TT is still a reliable vehicle to buy used? Or is it a money pit? I would probably put about 5k miles on it a year. Is 70-80k mi considered high mileage for this engine? I know for most German cars, that's not really much at all. Any different with this one?

I saw a nice one come up for sale in my area. Sort of considering it. For a similar price you can find a 997 Carrera S that's newer but it's not a turbo of course.

Thought?

 

The car is very reliable and is not a money pit if you don't mod it. Once you enter in the mod world then considered a "money pit" because it won't stop until your brain are completely satisfied for more horsepower and even when you reach that point it will continue... I personally started with an intake, flash and exhaust...not too much, but that didn't last longer... now I'm in a quest to reach 700 awhp....especially when I'm trying to reach 175mph in a half mile run.

 

All I would do to it is probably an ECU flash, suspension and exhaust. Then just enjoy it

 

it's both. a good idea AND a money pit. i'm up to $150.00 a week on fuel too. love it.

 

I am probably in the odd one on this site, but have not done much mods except for some rims and exhaust. I put about 3K a year and the only problem I have had in 5 years of owning was the fuel pump went out. Now at 30K miles. I would recommend a FULL inspection from your local Porsche or qualified mechanic. Get as much history as you can. If it has been maintained properly and the price is right, I wouldn't hesitate. I thought about selling mine, I am really getting that itch for a GT3RS.. Better yet, keep them both

 

What are the items that make it a money pit ?

I would want a full service history and a full inspection. I wouldn't buy one without it; I have 2 other vehicles and a bike so I really don't NEED to buy one; just getting the itch to get something else after 8 years

 

Those are conservative mods that shouldn't add any additional maintenance cost to the vehicle (keep the flash conservative). I budget about $1,000 a year for general maintenance, wear and tear. It usually cost less but you just roll the amount over to the next year when something bigger occurs. Brakes, tires and clutches seem to be the big ticket items...The problem with 996TT is that they cost as much as $150K new and the maintenance cost reflects this even if you buy it used a fraction of that amount

 

true. i've also been noticing a recent "wtf?" phenomenon from guys that have bought these things at $40k or even less? because they can, only to find that as you say, it was once high end and technically still is when it comes to parts/repairs and/or mods. the price you pay for an "E" ticket ride

 

Yep... I plan about 1000 a year for maintenance.. Last year I was out of the country for most of the year so I only spent $430.00 on the car all year for a service at the stealer... I have a slave starting to leak under the hood.. Dealer said they could replace for 1600 bucks... It's still leaking....

 

These are not cars to let little things go.

Not a good idea to ignore that leaking slave cylinder. That's Pentosin and it can attack rubber.

Oh, my 03 Turbo with nearly 90K miles is not a money pit, if I do not look at my gas receipts... If I do it is a black hole! $4.499/gallon. Oh my.

My car is stock and will be until the day I sell it. Check that: When the shifter broke I had the Porsche tech install a 997 shifter which improved the shifting feel a bit.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

I hear ya... When I say it's leaking I would call it a half class 1 meaning damp.. Literally I put about 2 caps full in it last fall and it's been sitting since.. It will get fixed sometime.. Been spending most of my time fixing my POS dodge truck I drive daily. Wife drives the Q7 and the Audi TT seems to always be in use by one of the kids.. Playing fits with some damn exhaust headers that won't seal for nothing onto the heads.. DAMN DODGE POS... To many cars, not enough time...

 

I have had my car for 10 years next month. The only thing that I would consider none routine maintenance is the slave and accumulator replacement. Other than that is has just been oil changes. It is as dependable as a honda. No regrets from me.

 

All mine has ever needed is tires, brakes, clutch, alternator, spark plugs and a new cable for the speed sensor. I also bypassed the spoiler hydraulics and leave the wing up. 20 bucks in parts for that. If you do the work, you will save huge on labor costs. Just take care of it with good oil and oil changes, good gas, and regular maintenance. You can drive it hard w/o worries. The engine is bulletproof. The NA's are the ones that had the cam bearing issues that costs big money to repair. It's not as relaiable as an Infiniti or Toyota, but 100% more fun. I love mine. Did EPL tune and exhaust only. That's all it needs.

 

The wife's Honda went through 3 transmissions......Lemon!!!

 

Well they are SUPPOSED to be reliable. So let me change honda to wood stove