Consider buying a Turbo S (LHD)

Hi all, I have got an offer to buy a 996 2004 Turbo S 52.000 km Tiptronic. Have a GT2 front and a Motorkit K480 from Manthey Motors Germany (504bhp and 750nm). According to current owner is really mint condition. I'm not familiar with the Turbo S and would like to hear what you guys think. Price is approx 65.000£ many thanks flemming

Hi Flemming, This seems to be the market value of a decent RHD UK spec 996 Turbo these days and the 'S' commands a premium over and above. Just depends on whether you want an example that is LHD, tiptronic and modified. Good luck with it whatever you decide. Sounds like a nice car! John.

I expect you've seen this RHD, low-mileage tiptronic 996 Turbo S at JZM for £76k? http://www.jzmporsche.com/porsche-for-sale/911/996-turbo-s-cabriolet-for-sale-808 Given that JZM have to make a margin, I'd agree with j7agy, that at £65k, you have room for negotiation if it really ticks all your boxes. It's just my opinion of course, but no matter how good and original that GT2 front is or the Motorkit, it will never be worth any more than what it really is, a 996 Turbo S! Best of luck! Windy

I'm mostly interested in a coupe and not a cabrio and a LHD - but thanks for sharing the option Im wondering why there are more Turbo S 996 RHD drive for sale atm vs LHD. Tried to search both Mobile.de and autoscout24.de and they together only have a handfull of LHD... Any idea why that should be the case, I would expect that LHD and Europe should have more examples than UK..

Just speculating but can only imagine that uk stock is coming to the market recently because of the huge increase in recent values and owners looking to cash in. I've been tempted myself. I think you should keep looking and I'm sure the right example will come up. Good luck. John.

Tiptronic S and turbo s are 2 very different things. Over here lots of tip S cars get advertised as turbo s tiptronics and often have "acquired" an S for the engine cover. But they are not the 450 bhp version. Just check what yours is and that it is priced accordingly. Mine had a Manthey remap to 490 and it went like the proverbial so at 504bhp, whichever version it is, you can be sure of quite a ride if you have the roads to make use of it.

Thanks David, it is a Turbo S, have copy of original paper as well.

Presumably you want a LHD car, there arent that many about. Please make sure the ceramics are in vgc i.e. no cracks, chips or scratches. If it hasnt got them then its basically an X50 and therefore not worth the £15 to £20k premium and and a good ECU remap will give you upto 550hp. Also check the spec as all the usual extras like heated seats, sports seats, cruise control, electric seats, memory seats etc are not standard spec in a Turbo S. Check the vin number is a proper Turbo S( original factory build sheet would be perfect) as well as the white sticker in the bonnet and the service book. The intercoolers should be ribbed/stepped when felt through the vents from below (not flat) Also it should have a turbo S badge at the bottom of the centre console and on the speed dial(though ive seen this on non Turbo S's)

My understanding is that 996 turbo S in particular 2005 doesn't have the bonnet and service book sticker. I checked because mine doesn't have them. Not sure about 2004 registered cars although my other understanding is that they were all built in 2004

For sure it should always have the service book sticker.!! However I have read that it should be lacking the bonnet sticker on 2005 model. does anyone know if that's the case or not?? Asking ask the one I look are missing bonnet sticker...

To the best of my knowledge, all Model Year 2005 cars (from September 2014) only had the VIL in the Maintenance booklet. The Turbo S was only made for MY2005, and was built throughout the Model Year. If it is MY2004, it was one of only 5 Turbos Ss, likely press cars.