I am shopping for a 996TT ... but I cant help but wonder if the GT3 is cheaper for maint. due to the fact it isnt a turbo car. The GT3 attracts me because it is more raw. My P-car will not be a daily driver... and I dont plan to mod the heck out of the car either. Maint cost will obviously be a bit of a concern.

Which is cheaper for maint? And which is cheaper if the engine blows up? I read on a google search the GT3 engine can cost upwards of 80k for a new one. So what are the cost comparisons? Are the GT3's problematic with IMS issues?

Your input is appreciated

 

80k for a new engine...I have not heard that one before. Maintinance costs are not too bad, as long as it is just following the schedule, IMO. Things get a bit hard to like when parts need replacing, which does seem to happen, knock on wood. Wish me luck.

Justin

 

Get the 996TT. Even if you don't get a warranty, they are bulletproof so long as they've had the oil changed and haven't been downshifted into second instead of 4th

For about $50k you can save $30k over a gt3 which is soon to be out of warranty as well and then you can save the $30k for a rainy day. Engines on the 996TT cost $25k from porsche or less but much cheaper in the ebay market $15k-$20k.

 

Here is the service intervals for both the entire lineup. You'll find n early identical service intervals.

 

I just about choked when I read that the plugs are supposed to be changed every 24k mi on a 996tt or 996 gt3. Is this the range that everyone else here uses? That seems quite low.

 

If maintenance is a concern, then you should consider neither.

 

I will have 20k set a side for maint for my future p-car. It is EXTREME maint. that I dont want to deal with...such as a 80k motor replacement that Ferrari and lambo can throw at a person (and I was under the impression the gt3 falls into the category).

Thanks guys

 

Come on - for $80k you can just buy another one. Don't use ridiculous amounts to make your decision. If you're that worried just spend a couple grand on an extended warranty and stop worrying about it.

 

I read through all of crazydude's previous posts to see if ... well, if he's crazy? Seriously I did it to see if I could assist with the decision based on previous comments.

This appears to be a really easy choice ... turbo, hands down.

First, you live in Canada ... AWD has to be a plus.

Second, you have a baby ... rear seats have to be a plus.

Not to start a GT3 versus TT war, but unless you intend to regularly track the car what's the point. The turbo's wide body looks better. The turbo is infinitely easier to boost power. The turbo is a comfy grand tourer compared to the GT3.

But then, you're asking this question on a 996TT forum ... it would interesting to see the GT3 board opinions.

 

If you think 24K is low, the 997 GT2 requires 12K changes. In the entire Porsche lineup, the GT2 and GT2 RS require a plug change most frequently.

Interesting reading:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...97-turbos.html

 

Whoa... I can certainly appreciate that these are high end performance cars, but those numbers make my jaw drop. I honestly didn't realize that any cars still have plug changes at less than 48k mi intervals. Will just chalk it up to being the fun tax

If it helps crazydude I do not own either, but am positioning myself to own a 996tt. From the time that I have spent on here, there have been so many posts about the great reliability of the 996tt. There is one on here that is pushing 250k mi on the original power train. That speaks volumes to me. As mentioned above if the repair costs are a big concern it seems like a 3rd party warranty is about 4k or so. Sounds like it would bring you real peace of mind.

 

I wish the plugs were easier to get to. On the 997, it's even harder than on the 996...royal PITA.

 

Yep, I belive plugs are supposed to be changed at the 30k maintenance intervals. I did mine at 30k miles when I bought the car and got a PPI/compression test, as I was just charged for parts, not labor, since they were already doing compression test .

I think it might also depend on how much you drive. If you put 30k on in 3 years, thats a little different than 30k in 10 years wrt the plugs. The plug change is a PITA and can be expensive.

OP, get the Turbo. Do a SIMPLE $1200 flash (I used and recommend Switzer), and you'll have nearly 500hp of goodness. Get a exhaust for a few more HP and the added roar with the exotic turbo spool too. See how many people have this combo on this board, with pretty much 0 problems from doing just exhaust and flash. I could not be happier with mine.

 

Sounds about right. I did mine at 20k then a second time at 40k, replacing the coils as well as the plugs.

Good news it that the second time it only took me 3 hours. It is a bit of a PITA, but once youve been in and out, you are much faster. (Which is why dealer/shop prices using ~6 hours are a rip.)

A

 

Out of topic from OP.bbywu you really have had very nice Pcars,in your signature i can tell,congrats and very fine taste man.