Guys, I need help on deciding to get a 2004 911 carrera our a 2003 911 turbo. I like the turbo, but Im not sure If I'll be able to afford the turbo in the long run. Do you think the carrera has enough power for the average person?

 

You are asking the wrong crowd...everyone here is going to tell you the Turbo is in a different league than the Carrera (and it is). That being said...if you can't afford it...don't dig yourself in a hole to get one either.

 

Came from a carrera to a 996 TT. Worth every penny. Power is violent, astounding. You will be bored with the carrera quickly, wishing you had ponied up the extra $$ for the better car. Get a low mile, well cared for car. They are everywhere. And unreal prices. And have no regrets. Get a Carrera, and you will always pine away for the TT.

 

You know the response.... TT.
I've had an 04 996 and now have a 03 996TT. They may look similar, but the engineering and driving experiance is so superior. I believe the engines, although much more stressed by more power, are much more stout to take it.
TT's have proven very durable. Many NA 996's have not.

 

Good comments regarding the engines - the TT is a totally different engine! Much stronger, much better designed. The Carrera's engines are "replaceable" - not designed to be rebuilt. The TT engines are derived from the racing engines and while not totally bullet-proof, are going to last longer.

 

I was gonna say the same thing. The turbo uses a race-derived engine, different than the Carrera's 3.6L--apparently they are pretty bullet-proof. If it's a manual, make sure the second gear pop-out has been resolved if it was ever a problem in that car. My friend has a 2000 Carrera, I have an '02 Turbo. The Turbo is light-years ahead in power and fun, not to mention the upgraded interior is pretty sweet too

But as was said earlier...get what you can afford. Don't dig yourself in a hole over a car--an item which will not (likely) maintain its value. If you're worried about long-term costs and the affordability, I think you'd be safe with the Turbo.

 

Buy a TT from a dealer, they take lowball offers now - and get a nice warranty, like 1-3 years - that covers anything that will be really expensive.

 

I gotta agree with the gang. I have made the long, slow climb from my first 89 carrera, through C4 to Turbo to S to 996 TT. Every time it was a question of what I could afford. If it were ever an equal choice, I would have always opted for the turbo. I will never forget going from the straight carrera to my first turbo after my first mods (B&B exhaust and waste gate springs)... they had to pry my from the car. I was in love. I can tell you that despite being bullet proof, the turbo always begged to modded and hence the additional cost of ownership. Even the most solid cars will require more maintenance. Be careful though because once your taste the raw power of the TT, nothing less will suffice. When i sold my 02 TT for a spanking new 07S Cab, I drove the new car home with total buyers remorse....2 years later I bought my 02 back and am loving it. The Carrrera is love. The Turbo is infatuation.

 

turbo!

 

If you are just going to drive it around town the carrera has plenty of power so hate to disagree but save your money!

 

My take is that even "around town", the Turbo's torque is well worth the price of admission.

It just doesn't take much room to enjoy the strong longitudinal g the Turbo can generate.

 

turbo

 

OP states concern of money and admits he only wants what an average person wants so I voted carrera, you as always make a valid point. I was trying to give him a way out even on this forum

 

you have a chance to buy an historic, classic 911 turbo...and you need to ask...LOL

 

if you'll want a TT, you'll spend more money getting a carrera, selling it, then buying a TT anyway...