In terms of driving excitement and reliability/maintenance, which one would you use? A 996tt or 997.2 Carrera/S (both manual)?

As of today wrt price, the average 997.2 is a few thousand more than the 996tt, say $50k to $43k.

997.2 seems to be fairly trouble free with a DFI engine (aside from the HPFP recall), and has a nicer interior/PCM/updated exterior, etc.

996tt has the bullet proof Mezger engine, but then again, it seems to have issues with clutch slave, potential 2nd gear popout, little things here/there, along with an outdated interior IMHO.

I thought about 997.1tt, but it's still relatively expensive and frankly I'm a little scared off as the few 997.1tt I owners know about have had engine rebuilds and transmission issues.

Thoughts?

 

You must know a select group of 997.1t owners - I don't believe there are engine rebuild and transmission issues with that car. As far as your choice, two entirely different cars - you'll have to decide if you want NA or FI. Good luck.

 

I'd choose the 997.2 S but I just prefer NA vs FI.

 

I prefer NA as well. I don't care much for the look of the 996tt front end either.

 

997.1TT has a race proven GT1 Mezger engine, I never heard of engine rebuild here in the forum or at my local dealership. As far as 996TT or 997.2, I think 997.2 offer you more modern tech and fresh look. However, I think 996TT already bottom out on price, you can get a pristine 996TT for less than $50k, it almost a steal. My pick 997.1TT > 997.2 > 996TT

 

I'd go with the 997.2 for sure. The amount of excitement that the turbo adds, doesn't make up for all of the things it lacks compared to the 997.2 (maintenance,reliability,updated lights,body,interior,pcm, DFI) but that's just me. I was looking at 997.1 turbo's (07') or a 997.2 S (11') and went with the 997.2 S.

 

996 is just way old and reliability could be an issue. In the least you will have lots of wear and tear items due.

The only 997.1TT that had engine problems are those cars that are chip tuned.

Go with a 997.2 starting with model year 2010 and you will be golden.

Regards,

CF

 

Short term the TT. Long term the 997.2 The 997 is a keeper.

 

I think you should drive both before you decide. The 996 TT is a fantasic car and it is currently undervalued. I think it is the best high performance car value on the market today. You can find a nice 2004 or 2005 with low mileage and you'll really enjoy it. Most of the complaints about the interior can be fixed, particularly the stereo system. I think the lines of the car are beautiful.

The 997.2 is also a wonderful car. Which version are you considering? A 997.2 C4S would be my choice, or a GTS if you could find one in your range. Personally, I would choose a 996 TT over a 997 C2.

 

997.2

 

I was in the same boat trying to make this decision a few month back. Both are fantastic car and you just can't go wrong with either one. I ended up going with a 997.2 C4S.

If you plan to mod the hell out of the car to get more power and you plan to just use it as your weekend car, go with the 996 TT.
If you want to use the car as a DD, the 997.2 will be a better choice with it's more modern and aesthetically better exterior and interior.

While the 996TT will be cheaper than some of the 997.2 cars, have in mind that the 996 TT will also cost more to maintain in the long run due to it's age and being a turbo motor. So make sure you budget more maintenance money for the 996TT.

 

Same as ^^^

I just made this same decision. My wifes Boxster got totalled in the parking lot and insurance paid us out. My wife was thinking another Boxster, but I told her lets upgrade and get something that doesn't become worthless after a few years (resale value)

So, we looked at some 996TT, 997.1 S/C4S/T, and 997.2 C4S / S. Whatever we chose, it had to be convertible and 997.2 PDK, earlier would probably be manual.

We ended up with a 997.2 S Cab with PDK and an easy 17k on the ODO. Car still smells new. Once in a while I miss the stick, but if I really do, I get in my Audi S4, which is still faster than the 997.2

But, when you ask both of us, we have no regrets picking the 997.2. Newness, aesthetics, and dependable power.

 

997.2 all the way and will never look back!!!!

 

@Alex... Sorry, But what Audi S4 is faster than your new 997.2 S PDK? A B8 S4 Stage 2 can only barely hang on with my 997.1 4S (light mods)


im a recovering Audi driver.


And, just to stay on topic, id choose the 997.2

 

I have a 2000 Audi S4 - Sedan - 6 speed. Modified. Stg 2++. Everything but the turbos and fueling.

I can beat my 997.2 C2S Cab, at least on paper. 0-60, low 8.xx in the 1/8th, and 1/4 mile times.

With my mods, I have hit 12.7 at the track. I could have done better, but that was the best that I could pull off.

The thing is the 997.2 would be a hell a lot more consistent at the track with the PDK than I could ever be with my B5. But, it really is fun to drive. The turbo kicks in super early and the torque is massive. AWD to boot....

I don't want to be recovering. I just can't get myself to sell the car.