I'm in the market for a 996tt as my DD and have initally been considering low mileage cars (<10,000 miles). In my search through the threads, some have posted that low mileage '01-'03 996tt may have problems in the future. I had read posts on fluids breaking down, hoses leaking, and common 996tt issues not yet addressed (spoiler strut, DVs, clutch accumulator, etc).

There is a slight premium (couple thousand more) on low mileage ones too, so wondering if it's worth it for sub 10k miles cars. I will be definitely getting an extended warranty too, at least for a couple years. I figure if I have a warranty those issues are covered.

Opinions? Is it worth it or should I expand my search, sub 45K miles.

 

I bought my 8800 mile car 2 years ago and it has been stellar.

 

Car has gotta be driven...4 to 5k per year to keep things fit. These cars were meant to be driven hard and often. Good records and maintenance always key.

 

If you have the warranty why pay extra for low miles? If it is your DD you will quickly put miles on it. Use the money and find a better optioned car with documented service. You will enjoy the options a lot more than the ephemeral odometer...

 

That aside, you can not go wrong with these cars!

 

Its all about how it was cared for and if that 10k car has had maintenance done regularly(i.e. gone over year to year) I know of some high milers(~45k) I looked at when shopping for mine were in better shape then some of the low ones. a PPI is way important.

 

I bought my 05 with 6800 on the clock

Have not had it too long but the low miles were a deciding factor for me and I have had zero issues and have driven it quite a bit. (Almost 2k since Dec)

 

Go for the option over low miles. If you plan to do any mods. That will cost you more $$$ than you may expect. More option more miles seem a better bang for the buck. I just got mine with 39K and it runs great. Turbos are very well built cars. Go drive a car with 50k you will be surprised how solid a car it is.

 

I purchased my 04 with 7600 miles, all services had been done on time or before time. Hope that wasn't a bad move getting a car with that low of miles

 

If you can find a higher mileage example that looks like a low mile car, save your money...

I've seen 60k mile cars that look like 20k, and 50k mile cars that look like 200k....

Just depends on how it was cared for.

 

I've seen women at 40's that look like 20's-beautifull- and i've seen 20'ths that look like 50's.It depends how they keep them self.

It applies the same here.

 

So true

 

Personally for me, for a car I want to drive daily and be reliable, I'd rather have a car with mileage at least in the 15k+ range for 01-02 cars. However, I wouldn't say to stay away from super low mileage cars...just make sure during a PPI that all seals are still good and there's nothing that needs to be replaced from dry rotting the last 8-9 years...

I'd choose color, interior, options over super low mileage though...but if it's everything you want, I'd say go for it...

 

i would go with the low mileage car!

all you need is wd-40!

besides who wants to sit in some used seat with 30 to 40 to 50k miles on it?

 

Your 7600 mile car will be fine. Do not fret. I have an early 2005 997 with low miles. 9k when I bought it. After I got it I read a ton of posts that my IMS bearing would be scattered all over the road. It worried me. 15k miles later, no problems at all. No chatter, nothing. Car runs perfectly.

A lot of this depends on how you drive and care for your car. My car is a DD. I do not abuse it. My IMS bearings will likely last forever with proper care. I do not worry about it any more and I enjoy the car.

These vehicles are engineered very well. Porsche has had many years to get things right. Not all cars are perfect, but life is not perfect. If I am going to worry about IMS failures I may as well worry about driving it on public roads and being part of an accident. That is far more likely.

Each car is unique. Have a PPI done. Get the history. Buy from a guy who cared for the car. Once it is in the garage, care for it and enjoy it.