Thinking of a 996 Turbo

I've had my '89 3.2 for three plus years and enjoying the whole air-cooled ownership experience. However with prices coming down somewhat more on 996 turbo's I can't help but give them a more serious look at. The 3.2 is raw, loud and crude and I love it for bopping about on weekend mornings on the back roads. However my wife does not much care for the car. Nor do I after a couple of hours. I want to keep my 3.2 but possibly add a 996 turbo. I know my wife would be fine with it since it has real A/C and I'm assuming a bit more civility. Now for the kicker...I think if I get into a turbo I'm going with a tiptronic trans. My left knee is getting creaky and with so much torque from the turbo's I got to think an auto trans would make this car a wicked cruise missile. Now I need top start learning the in's and out's of the 996 Turbo world. Any suggestions and tips to get me started will be greatly appreciated. I guess I need to know things like what year models are better than other's and what to specifically look for on these cars. In the end if I get one I'd like a totally stock and unmodified car. Is this possible? Seeing how so many turbo Porsche's are modified. Thanks...I look forward to seeing input and I will respond to questions and answers. David

I'd take a serious look at maintenance parts. They are great cars but a lot more $$ per mile.

I'm not sure the actual cost to maintain a 996 Turbo is that much higher than that of a 3.2 Carrera. No valve adjustments for one thing. But I know the spark plugs are a bugger to get at. But I'm sure a much higher tire allowance will be needed! I also am aware that these cars are chock full of electronics and the potential for large repair cost are there. If anyone would like to chime in with their experience maintaining one of these cars please let me know what I can expect. Still I need to check in at dealers that have one on the floor for a more up close look and drive. David

For fun, first compare filter prices, then move on to brakes. Then go to the cost of fluid changes, including coolant. And, don't let tire prices completely scare you off. Go to the tirerack and do a search. You may be surprised that the Carrera will be less in a lifetime than 1 set for the turbo.

Tires...well yeah thats a good hit! Average of $1200.00 a set. But I just got a set for my 3.2 from TR, a set of Michelin Exalto PE2's. About $750.00 should last 20,000 miles vs what about 8,000 10,000 for the rears on a turbo? So tires can be an issue. I figure would put about 5,000 miles a year on a 996 Turbo so every two years for rear tires. Filters and brake pads through our host did not seem that much. The only additional fluid change would be the coolant and that's every 4-5 years. Otherwise brake fluid changes should be the same as a 3.2 Not really seeing that much more $$$'s on the whole. Perhaps I'm overlooking things. My '06 VW GTI can hit pretty hard in the wallet. Try $500 or so for the DSG trans fluid and filter change. Don't think a trans fluid and filter change on a Turbo Tip would be close. Other than tires I'd bet that the turbo would not be more than my GTI in running cost. Of course this not factor any unseen repairs. I have the timing belt replacement cost to think about on my GTI and that probably is going to be close to $800 or more. David

Best daily on the planet

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+1 on this, seems pretty strong comment coming from a 993TT owner. I was lucky enough to log many thrilling miles in 7 of these cars when new with zero issues other than inability to own 1. I recommend doing all your downside research Before driving 1 because you will crave 1 after driving it. Better yet worst case scenario you have a whole fleet you can sell if necessary to maintain your new craving!

At the risk of hijacking the thread, I'm in the same boat and have a tangential question. I noticed that the 997 Carrera S (non-turbo's) are roughly equivalent in price. This begs the natural question: 996 turbo or 997 non-turbo? H