996tt - newbie advice

Hello, Thought I would introduce myself to the forum - long time lurker. I'm looking to purchase a 996tt as a second car. I'm coming from 5 years of M3 SMG II ownership and have decided on a tiptronic. I'm currently looking at cars in the £25 - 28k range which are 2000 - 2002 models with 50 - 75k miles on the clock. As I am self employed, the running and maintenace costs can be offset against tax so in some respects it suits me to have a cheaper purchase price but higher maintenance costs. I'm trying to establish whether the warranty is worthwhile. From what I have been able to find, the most likely things to go wrong are: radiators, MAF, gearbox. From what I can make out, a turbo or engine problem is unlikely. Any thoughts? Regards, Anthony

My car is in that bracket and (touch wood) Ive had no problems to talk of in 18 months of ownership. The MAF is not hugely expensive to replace if you have to. Radiators can be dear but look for a car with good ones and you should be fine. Its really at this stage that the well maintained and properly serviced car is worth waiting for. Maintenance costs shouldnt be too bad and, as with most 911s, the main concern would be a major engine problem. As you rightly note the turbo is very strong in that department and if you keep the oil up and take the usual care with a performance car (eg not gunning it cold) it shouldn't let you down. One thing which you should look for is the clutch. Mine is still on its first but I used the likelihood of a new one as leverage to negotiate a discount on purchase price. Was serviced recently and OPC said its fine! At nearly 60k. Clearly Im either driving it properly, or not at all properly depending on your point of view. Suspension can get tired and this is my likely next bill. Front suspension is creaking and will need freshened up. Check any car for noisy or squeaking front suspension as its probably a sign that you will need to spend money there. Check the archives - there are quite a few threads on turbos and things to look for. But basically take time and care and you can buy a seriously good and quick car with everyday reliability. I didnt go for the warranty as it was dear (£1,450) and would have been transient as the car is an 01 and I think Porsche will only warranty cars up to 9 years old. Others will help you on that issue. I made the right choice but its an individual decision and gamble!

Thanks - that is all very helpful. I had the same issue with M3 as to whether the warranty should be kept up. In the end I didn't bother and saved myself a fortune. I always took the view that if there was a catastrophic problem I would buy a reconditioned or breaker engine for a fraction of the new oem price.

I took the same decision and have saved a lot but be under no illusions as to the cost of an engine - even from a breaker's yard. Id imagine you could be looking at 112-15k without gear box though others would be better equipped to say.

I rather suspect that you are correct. However, for the entire engine to need replacement would mean a bottom end problem. Odds of that must be miniscule (I hope!).