You've probably heard this from youngster nutballs before, but I'm an oldster nutball... I spent most of my young adulthood with an Eagle Talon Turbo AWD I couldn't afford, so just had enough to keep it running rather than modding it to the hilt. In the process, I got pretty good at mechanical stuff. I almost rebuilt that car stem to stern...

Flash-forward to today. I have a wife that resolutely does NOT want to involve herself in heavy debts or financial investments. I also have a job that pays pretty well, and I live in a fairly decent mini-home (alright, you guys would sneer 'TRAILER PARK' ). I currently drive a '00 Passat that I don't really want to do anything to because, it just wouldn't be worth the effort. So now I have this weird fixation on 996 ownership, since I can get one for not much more than a Hyundai Genesis Coupe or a new sedan. "Why not buy a fast bike?" Well, I need something that I can commute with every day, so it falls into the realm of 'practical', rather than 'toy'.

Now this is where the crazy part comes in. Like my Talon, this would be a daily driver for work and what-not. Year-round, 5 days a week commuting with some fun thrown in-between. Obviously I probably won't be able to afford modding it, but stock will be enjoyable enough. This is where I've settled on the Turbo, since it doesn't need as much attention to it's foibles as the N/A 996's do. However, I do have access to a fully-equipped shop and would be prepared to pay the inflated prices for parts and what-not, and also have access to back-up vehicles if necessary.

According to 'everyone', the Turbo is a fairly reliable car for this role, albeit for 'your' version of a daily-driver, out of your stable of several vehicles. Is this a pipe-dream I should just abandon? Or would it be worth it to ****** one in the $35-$40k range (one in the NJ AutoTrader is listed for $30k, but with 100k miles...)? This car will be exposed to the elements, and while I don't abuse my cars, I don't go easy on them, either. So I won't be too picky about the shape I pick one up in.

Penny for your thoughts... I need something in my life that will bring a smile to my face every day.

 

I think those who work hard, should also remind themselves why it is they work so hard...from time to time anyway

I'd say do it, the car is built very well...i see no problems esp. if you can do maintainance yourself...

 

troy i see you're in halifax, i think these cars are a fair bit more expensive in canada but if you can get one at the prices you mentioned, you should jump on it given the ppi works out. i wouldn't worry about the high mileage (greater than 50k) cars if you get a smoking deal on one. there's little doubt that for what you get in purchasing one these cars at today's prices, you're getting a lot of car for the money and, in my mind, the single best bang for your buck. once lowered a bit these cars are tight and fast and as time goes on you won't out-grow it because of it's limitless modification potential.

 

There's more to a car ownership than price of admission. You are looking at a 120k dollar car for 35k bucks. Things like insurance, maint, repairs will be way more than a hyundai. Oil changes are 9 qts of synthetic plus oil filter. Turbos eat through tires. parts are not cheap if something were to fail and a 30-35k dollar turbo will have some issues.

 

I'm figuring on that. I bought the Passat as a bit of a test, as it has mostly Audi underpinnings. My most recent self-repair on that was the complete replacement of all front control arms with upgraded units I bought online. Parts costs aren't 'too' bad, although some replacements, like an engine or transmission, I'd prefer not to contemplate. Doable, but not something I'd look forward to having to pay for on short notice. As for insurance, I used to pay almost $3k a year for my Talon (single, mid-20's), and that was with a perfect record. Being married and in my late 30's with a larger insurance company, when I was pricing my Passat a few years back I was also asking about a '00 M5 and, after I heard the price, a Ferrari 612.

VW Passat = $800/yr; Ferrari 612 = $1300/yr... So Porsche 911 Turbo? $1,200/yr. I can do that...

dfwer: Yeah, I've found some where the prices come close enough to make it worth the difference, but I'm betting those have been abused cars that were brought up from the States anyway. So I'd budget in a little for a few trips, buy one from down your way, fly down and drive 'er back... "Once lowered"? I think it'll do fine in stock form. I find myself driving more like a grandpa these days anyway, although I do like the occasional burst of speed. It'll also see Winter duty, and I don't need a high-priced snowplow. *Laugh*

And I'm not looking for the cachet or collector status, although I'm sure it'll hold it's value quite well. I'm also looking at the turbo because of it's relative reliability. Truth be told, I'd rather get into a Carrera S or even a 4S (for looks) for the 'feel', but for how bad the seals on those motors are...

 

If you're single, make decent money or do not care much. Go for it.
If you got family, do not make much money yet. Better delay unimportant spending. The more you spend for fun now would be mine gold if you invest right. Don't you think buy a house is better investment than a fun car. Or you could use money saving to improve your financial year by year.
I do not want to deter you. It is your money and your choice. Just feel you could think and make..... decision.

 

At this point, I don't think I'll ever make 'much' money. And I give others great financial advice when I tell them to avoid anything I'd ever think of investing in... You're absolutely right. I tell other youngsters about my run with the Talon, and how if I had it to do over again, would go more for investments and living it up a little.

However, if I REALLY had it to do over again, I can't say I wouldn't do the same thing. I still miss that car. Potentially as much power as a 911TT, but without the feel.

 

I have a '99 Passat and an '01 996TT, and FWIW, I also had 1st and and 2nd gen Eclipses. There is absolutely no comparison between the complexity of the other vehicles and the 996TT. Every part is extremely expensive, and most of them are darned hard to get to. If you don't have a garage, it's going to be even harder. Much as I'd like to have a story with a happy ending, I'd recommend against buying this car.

 

FFWD: How would you define 'complexity'? I don't have a garage myself, but use a local auto club which has hoists, air tools, storage, etc. It looks like things will be harder to get at due to the close quarters, but armed with the service manuals, diagnostic computer and the right tools, HOW much harder is it?

As for having my mind made up...I'm funny that way. I grew up being used to not ever being able to get what I wanted, so I'm fully expecting to get right up to the point of buying one, and then having second thoughts and not letting myself have one. But anything else I'd think of driving would be just as expensive, and nowhere near as good. I took a good look at a B7 A4 the other day and discovered they don't look as good to me as the B5's did.

I was doing some side research last night and found some people saying the RMS/IMS issue isn't as huge as some say it is, and can be gotten around with aftermarket parts. That'd be a huge savings to step down to a C4S or C2S, although some are still iffy on the motors. They seem to self-destruct at a whim...

 

Just a couple of examples... on those other cars, changing spark plugs takes an hour. IIRC, you might have to unbolt and move a water reservoir. On the 996TT, you have to remove the rear wheels, fender liners, rear bumper, and intercoolers just to get access to the plugs and coilpacks. You can do it, but it's a several hour job.

Changing the clutch requires removing the engine and transmission.

Radiators are somewhat vulnerable on this car, and a lot of guys have had leaks. Radiator fluid costs $25/gallon and you need special tools to bleed the air out of the system.

Oil changes are 10-11 quarts of synthetic instead of 5.

The rear spoiler hydraulics are a frequent problem on this car. Sometimes you can get the parts to fix them, but many times not. The only parts available from Porsche consists of the entire unit at something like $1250. A lot of guys have opted instead to replace the rear decklid and go to a fixed wing. That costs more, but it only needs to be done once.

Don't get the wrong idea here... I love this car. But it is rather expensive to own, and a PITA to work on. Just trying to make you aware.

If you do decide to pursue this car further, the most common known problems to look out for are spoiler hydraulics, clutch slave and accumulator leaks, radiator leaks, boost pressure leaks and bad diverter valves. Definitely get a PPI including a leakdown test. Mine cost me $550.

Good luck!

Jon

 

Troy buy the car.I am very impulsive and sometimes don't think twice and the first time don't think OK,so you live once in your life do it.You must know you may be in truble some time but the 996tt are so amazing and don't give much problem eather.
I almost loose my car when i brought it from USA at the aduane for not paying the import tax soon.I bought it salvage and when the car was here i didn't have the money to pay the import taxes,but i found my way out even it took me18 months to have ready and now i am so happy,but i mean realy happy with my car.I have even saved and moded.My car is to me something very special.

GOOD LUCK

Rolando

 

I think its the best car for the money considering the current market value but i assure you that maintenance and repair will cost you at least 140/hr plus parts which is 3-4 times expensive than bimmers or MB's. But you only have one life to live, if its gonna make you happy, go for it! Just have to plan ahead, be patient to search the right one, i suggest getting a PPI and extended warranty for peace of mind.

 

This might give you some idea. From my exp. Standard family car vs Porsche ticket.
Brake pad 200+ vs 700+
Brake rotors 400+ vs 900+
Alternator 600+ vs 1500
Clucth 700+ vs 1600+
Side mirror 500 vs 1000
Everything is 3-5 time higher off the shelf. You could outsource cheaper price (same as family car.) but with searching and shipment, your car will be on the rack 7-10days each time.
If any time you could not do it your self, labour rate is $100-140/hr vs $50-60/hr standard shop rate. Do not compare P car is easy to work on as your Mitsu clone. You will be sorry.

 

Hey Troy, by reading your posts, I found that you are a very educated person. What do you actually do? With the limited posts on this board, I almost guess that you are a college student doing a research paper on this topic.

But if what you posted were legit, here's some formulas that you can use...
Have kid(s) = NO
With wife + you + one job = NO
With wife + you + two jobs + car loan = NO
With wife + you + two jobs + cash in hand = YES

hey good luck.

 

Please let me share my thought. I heard this "one life to live so go for it." often. It has been missused. We are the man in our love family. We all claim with proud and ego. I don't believe A MAN means only stepping in the front when danger approachs. It involves providing best everything a man can do to family not self. If family finance is not solid, I would not buy a Rolex, a sport car or drink expensive champagne. Every time I start my sport car with joy, I will feel guilty and ashame of myself.
BTW. How much would you hate your wife if you do not make much money and she is a BabyDoll with expensive cosmetics, stylist hair, brand name addicts and red Merc convertible?