Newbie! Turbo Advice / Experience Please !!

Hello Merry Christmas to you all, I think I am a newbie! When I first bought my 996 2 years ago, I did some surfing here, but can't remember registering so I have done it again! I'm now looking out to change my C2 for a Turbo, so thought I would pester you all for some help and advice! (Will also put my own C2 in the classifieds section if thats OK with you lot, a bit cheeky on my first day of posting I know!) I think I want about an 02/03/04 Turbo, I was pretty convinced I wanted a GT3 but many people have put me off for something that I can drive every day, rain or shine, so I test drove a Trubo Manual and fell in love, now though my local dealer recommends I do test a Tip, as the manual turbo can be a bit hard work low down the gears in traffic, what do you all think? I'm already a bit dubious about going from 2wd to 4wd and becoming a lazy driver, adding tiptronic to the equation will really make me old before my time LOL - or not? Donna

Hi Donna, just recently got my turbo and plumped for the manual as well. Never tried the tip, but was put off from my last car which had a SMG box. I found this to be a hassle in traffic because if it was in auto it would change when it liked, and the manual paddle shifts were not the smoothest. I did a lot of research before buying the manual and I'm sure the tip is a better system than the BMW's SMG, I just found I wanted a bit more to play with and wanted to learn how to drive better, heel and toeing etc.. I'm quite fortunate that my drive to work in a morning does not involve lots of stopping and starting as I think the manual would be a little harder work than the tip. Thats my 2p worth anyhow. I think its all a matter of preference. I'll tell you something though the SMG was the dogs dangles on the track though! :lol: I suppose it depends on your driving skills. Regards, and good luck with your choice (nice position to be in) Firthy

I don't think the manual TT is difficult in traffic at all, I've had a couple of M3's and the clutch was heavier and the shift notchier (is that a real word?) I recently installed a B&M ss kit and I'd have to say the shift is now fantastic, positive and short, clutch is light IMO so traffic isn't an issue.

Thanks guys for the response, I'm glad to hear some positive vibes on the manual, because it's what I really want, I test drove one with a short shifter and I really liked it! I don't do that much rush hour travelling either so it's looking like a no brainer!

HILARIOUS! Thanks. PS Manual is fine

LOL! Must be because I is a girl and I can't sit in traffic, put my make-up on, depress the clutch AND change gear all at the same time! DK

Donna, I went through similar upgrade a few months ago and although I ended up with 993tt I did test about 20 996 tt's and drove both Manual and TIP... On the 996 I think the TIP is better but marginally as the manual clutch and box action is remarkably light. It's also very much a personal thing. The power delivery is just amazing so you don't have to be up and down the box. As always, the thing to do is stick a £sign in the ground and get the best for the money or you will be forever increasing your budget.. for an extra £5K I can get this etc.... Also check insurance as there are a few defaults as most companies INSIST on Tracker (£700+ if not fitted). It makes it easier o filter out your requirements both on Autotrader and Piston Heads. Good luck

Donna, agree with most of the above... I brought a 996tt back in the summer, (sorry not the summer we didnt have one, I mean in June!!) its a Tip and I love it! Have always been dead against auto boxes and I do accept its a matter of personal choice but from someone who thought an auto was something created by Satan I have no regrets with the tt. It does make it easy to use around town (and put your makeup on, not that I have that worry!) but acceleraton I reckon is quicker in tip than manual!! Sure some will disagree.... As always get the best condition car you can afford, lots of service history etc etc... Happy hunting....