Greetings! I'll try to keep this short...

Ready to buy my first P car turbo. I'd like some opinions from current or previous owners on which car you think is the better choice and whether the prices are reasonable. My alternate (non-Porsche) is a GT-R. I've done my research (2 years worth). None of the choices would remain stock for long. Tune, diverter valves, possibly 5bar FPR and 997.2 intercoolers will be done immediately. I'm also a DIY guy. All required maintenance will be done by me.

1) 2003 TT, X-50, PCCB, 6 speed, 27,xxx miles. Less than 5,000 miles in the past 4 years. FLAWLESS condition. No 2nd gear popout. Highly optioned (large carbon package, Champion wheels, deviated color stitching, etc.). Slave/accumulator replaced. PPI pretty much spotless. Could probably get it for around $57,000.

2) 2007 TT, PCCB, 6 speed, 57,xxx miles. Great options: sport adaptive seats, OEM short shifter, "sport" steering wheel. Clutch replaced 500 miles ago. Accumulator/slave replaced. Service records including Porsche updates. PPI issues: obviously front curbed with front spoiler missing ($240 replacement), needs 60k service, front brake pads < 5,000 miles remaining, moderate driver seat bolster wear, tire 5/32 and 6/32. *4 in range overrevs* on DME. Can probably get it around $60,000.

I'd appreciate not just opinions, but WHY you think I should go one direction or the other.

Thanks in advance.

 

997 Turbo

 

57k is too much for #1 IMO, I would try to negotiate down, and wouldn't pay over 50k. This will help make your decision easier, personally I would lean toward the 997TT at these price points.

 

^^^ Thanks. That's what I'm looking for.

I like the idea of the variable geometry turbos, the updated interior, and the PASM this specific 997 offers, especially given the similar prices. I guess I'm just a bit leery about "higher" mileage cars, despite the one owner status. My research suggests that "driven" 996tt and 997tt cars seem to have less problems compared to the garage queens.

I guess my real question is, what am I gaining w/ the higher mileage 997tt above the pristine, low mileage 996tt X50/PCCB, seeing as they are similarly equipped?

How concerned should I be about the 4 "in-range" overrevs?

 

997tt all day long. It's faster, newer, better technology, better resale, better finish, more desireable, updated body.

Also, the 997tt is a great deal at 60k, the 996tt is overpriced at 57k

Regarding the mileage, I have 996tt with 85k miles and it is flawless. These cars age very very well. I wouldn't sweat the mileage on either.

 

997TT no question...not even worth remote consideration of the 996TT (in comparison, at similar price). I would trade my 996TT for a 997TT all day, every day...and twice on Sunday.

 

HI,For that price,,997 turbo.....If the motor checks out,dont worry about the miles...Besides thats alot for the 996 turbo now a days...

 

the 997t needing a clutch after 57k miles isn't right, is it? most any of us would ordinarily opt for the 997t over the x50 car just because with tt's, for me, each iteration is "better". some might argue, but having said that, it sounds as if that one has been around more than the block but these things are built. it's a great price though. i'd be thinking that if you have to pay the 60k ( major ) service and need front pads which at only 5% left, you're at or near the sensors, you're out at least $1500.00 out of the gate. but you say you DIY, so i guess parts is all you've got to come up with. but who wants to DIY a 60k service? unless you're capable,..if ya are.. cool. if you can get this car for k60?? grab it, if it checks out.

the x50 car is gonna need anything that hasn't gone wrong yet ( you know, the 996t "list"..) fixed probably if it has in fact sat for a while or not been driven regularly. but it sounds like it may be a special car, but top dollar and then some, for sure.

it would come down to the driving and inspections, for me. but i'd lean toward the 997t. in fact, money's the only reason i'm still 996t, but blast it daily!

 

The 996tt X50 is indeed a rare specimen. Couldn't even find a rock chip! I know the slave/accumulator was replaced. Not sure on the coolant reservoir or the RMS. I know 2nd gear is tight.

The 997tt was definitely a driven car, no doubt about it. I don't think it was abused, per se, but it was definitely daily driven and looks it. Fairly significant seat bolster wear, front spoiler missing from, probably, a high curb strike, and expected front bumper cover rock pits.

I'm pretty **** retentive about my cars, so I kinda cringe at the thought of any significant cosmetic defects that I didn't cause myself

As for the DIY, I plan on doing exahaust, diverter valves and likely 997.2 intercoolers early on, so spark plugs (and probably coilpacks while I'm in there) are a logical next step since the rear bumper will already be off. May consider doing the GT2 slave conversion at the same time since there will be less clutter.

I'm ready to get dirty!

 

yeah, you can DIY all of it, which i didn't really catch the first time. given that, i'd go 997t all the way. hell, you can switch out seats. the service/maintenance won't sweat ya..

go for it. the x50 is too high$. let someone else garage it again. lol. good luck either way.

edit: was the gt2 conversion also an option ( needed?? ) on the 997.1? i didn't know that. that sucks. yeah, the accumulator/slave deal on our 996t's is the stuff of legend. been there.

 

Apparently they didn't alter the slave/accumulator on the 997.1. Or they altered it and did a poor job. A friend of mine has had FOUR (4) of them replaced on his 997.1 under warranty in under 30k!!! I don't think the gt2 slave was a factory option, but it seems to be the cure. Not sure why Porsche hasn't remedied the OBVIOUS problem. Wait.... PDK.... problem solved!

 

that's crazy they didn't update it. obviously a weakness in design, though i enjoy my stock setup... when it WORKS!

by "option", i meant an option or workaround we have to separate the clutch system from the power steering system hydraulics. not option as in "hey pcna, give me a clutch that works always, here's more money". lol.

pdk on the new turbo's is another whole story. i'm with ya. you know your sh*t, so you'll do fine. if ya pull the trigger, remember.

pics!

 

Sorry for the misinterpretation. I'm surprised they didn't offer that as an option, though. Seems you can order everything else. Even code XSH (colored seat belts) for a paltry $990 on the 08's!

 

I'll definitely post pics when I take the plunge. It's been a long time coming.

 

997tt with my eyes closed.