Hi all -

I visited an 03 TT today and took her out for a quick test drive and freeway blast. I have had 2 911s before (99 Cab, 01 Coupe), and if I go back to Porsche it really needs to be a TT. This is what I found:

03 Arctic Silver (common, but still my fave), black interior
6 speed
39k miles
1 owner for 6 months, then a 5 year lease in Newport Beach
Clean Carfax that shows regular maintenance, but no records with the car (I think I can get maintenance records from the Porsche dealer?)
Sold through the leasing credit union - they sell a lot of off-lease high end cars (especially Porsche)
Not a scratch or mark anywhere inside or out, save for one rear wheel with some curbage
Doesn't seem too highly optioned (I didn't jot down the codes - I do remember X55 and X71?)
No warranty left
Drove very nice, especially once it was warmed up. There are a few very small squeaks from the trim, and it did seem a little loud/stiff from the rear, but that might be normal. No funny sounds from the engine and every single accessory worked fine.

Asking $44,900, with some wiggle room I'm sure

I would do a PPI before buying, most likely at RUF. Since I haven't owned a Turbo before, any words of wisdom as far as pricing or specifics to watch out for when I get the PPI? The car seems fantastic, but I know anything missed before buying can be mucho dinero very quickly. This would not be a daily driver - strictly an ego stroker that will get maybe 5k miles a year. I've read a lot of posts and I've seen several 01s go for ~$40k, so that's really my pricing benchmark.

Any input will be welcome!

Todd

 

03 is a good year, get a ppi, check for paint meter adn do a search for typical 996tt troubles. The ppi should pick them out, any service records would be helpful.

 

Well I have had my 03 for about a year now, Love it. Seal gray.. I would track down the records from Porsche. I was able to pull all of mine from the local dealer. Check the tire dept, replacing them will cost you a bit. The price seems OK.... There are a lot of 03's out there with less than 30K miles for 50K or less. If you like the car and it checks out fine then just go for it.

 

I bought my 03 from Newport Beach Porsche also (3years ago). They sell lots used Turbos. (They had 6 used available when I purchased including two GT-2) They price with Orange County premium, but you can work them down. Get a PPI and consider an aftermarket warranty. One major repair or several small ones and it quickly pays for itself. They sell EZ Care which seems to have a good reputation.

 

My 2003 TT just needed a clutch accumulator AND power steering reservoir (at 29k miles), two common problem areas that cost around 2K to fix. Throw in new tires and a clutch and 5K in maintenance for the first year is a cinch.
Get a VERY GOOD ppi. A 6-7 year old car will have issues unless they were really JUST done. But who is gonna dump 3-5k into basic maintenance just to sell it? That would be unlikely. Dont fall in love unless you are sure....