I'm looking at a one-owner '97 TT with about 45,000 miles on it.

Are there any things I should look at in particular? The deal would be done through the dealer (owner selling to dealer which would then sell to me) since the owner would only sell if I will buy it, otherwise he'd keep the car.

What are common problem areas? I'm told that the car's Check Engine light is on and showing a "load fault". I'm not sure what that means but I want to be sure that doesn't mean it's going to mean an engine problem.

I would appreciate any thoughts / advice.

 

Congrats on stepping into a 993TT! They are remarkable cars to own and drive.

Strongly recommend that you conduct a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) at a reputable, independent party that really knows the 993TT. While these vehicles have a well-deserved reputation for bullet proof engineering, mechanical issues can quickly become quite costly. A PPI will play an important role in giving you peace of mind in purchasing a quality vehicle that will bring you years of enjoyment.

As others on this thread will surely ask, can you provide more info about the car? Asking price? Pics? Factory options? Colors? These will, naturally, impact market price.

 

+1 for a good, independent PPI. Is there a specific reason to involve the dealer? They will undoubtedly mark up the price to you and add little or no value to the transaction...unless there are other factors that I don't know.

Good luck with the purchase - it sounds like you found a good one.

 

The reason the deal is going to be done through the dealer is because I mentioned to the service manager that I wanted a 993 Turbo (I had my GT3 in for its annual maintenance). The service manager told me that he had a client that may want to sell but he does not want to do a deal directly with the buyer. He wants to sell to the dealer and I'd have to buy it from him. The asking price is $65,000 and the car has under 41,000 miles (I had a typo in my first message where I said 45,000 miles).

Options are as follows:

445 - Silver wheel trim with multi-colored escutcheon
586 - Back support (lordoses) left seat
680 - Digital sound package
692 - CD changer
982 - Leather seats
X54 - Oval stainless steel exhaust pipes
X70 - Door panels (threshold) in stainless steel with "Porsche" insignia
It also has a P11 option but I'm not sure what that is.

 

1. the car has the potential of being desirable and fairly priced.
2. is it the exact color combo you want?
3. get the vin number and check the car fax.
4. see the car and drive the car
5. offer 60k
6. have the dealer fix the cell for the included price
7. get someone else to do a ppi on it. get on rennlist and post in the 993 section (not 993tt section) what city you live in and where you should get a ppi done. whjen getting a ppi have the shop foreman or mechanic suggest if you need a leakdown/compression done on it. some are fanatics about this part of the ppi but it'll add 250 to 400 extra to the cost of the ppi. happy hunting. the search is fun.

 

PPI for sure. 993's can present problems if not inspected carefully for example: they can leak small amounts of oil from the case-through bolt o rings and look minor but cost big bucks to fix.

 

if you are still looking...my 993tt has less than 30k miles....i've replaced both turbos, motor mounts, air bag mount, ac doesn't really work well in Texas 95+, OBDII doesn't work either, shifter knod needs replace/rebuild to stop rattle, bonnet and deck struts...did i mention I love this car! runs like a scalded dog, great on the track or street. i'll never sell it.

 

post a pic .... we would like to see

 

my bad, car is not for sale, just posting some of the repairs/items to review when purchasing a 993tt

 

not sure how to post pics, so my avatar is it (so far)

fikse's, ps9, lowered, also black turbo twist (hollows) for the street, fab speed, no cats, air box, strut bar, radio delete (it quit working), full leather interior, sport seats