Hi everyone, I'm new here and need some help or advice. I'm looking a a 2003 996 TT that has been flashed (GIAC) and upgraded K24 turbos and innercoolers, here is what I know about the car.

Well so far I've been able to get him down to 34K for the Porsche 996 TT. It has been flashed and has performance exhaust. However it needs some work so I'm not sure if it's the way to go.
Here is what it needs:
in about 5-10k miles a new performance clutch

Now:
New front brakes, maybe just pads though.
New windshield
New tires all around
Front spoiler bottom lip
And the check engine light is on and was told it has something to do with the cats.

So, that's about 4k right now and 4k for the clutch later.

There was some underside scrapping, like on the mufflers (dents) and front bumper and a small dent on the right rear where he clipped something, not major though, and for it's age in pretty good shape. Interior was very nice given the age.

Given this do you think he's really maintained it?

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

You've got to remember that a trans will run you $7k and an engine is $10k+.

It doesn't sound like he's maintained anything well, and 34k + 8k = 42k = buy car that is already in good shape in the $40k's.

Run, don't walk away!

 

What is your max price and what are you prepared to spend on maintenance/repairs/mods over time.
While a low entry price is enticing, be careful about potential maintenance items as you are seeing here. Although some people may want/like to work this way.
Personally, I would pay a bit more and target an enthusiast sale with some mods and proven car history. But that's just me. You will always spend more money on maintenance or minor mods - no matter what was done to the car.

I would not have the stomach for $8k-$10k immediately unless everything else was impeccable (which this does not sound)

 

My thoughts exactally, given the repairs I could, I believe, find a nice one for $44k that's been properly maintained. AND, and this is big, since the "check engine" light is on this could increase the amount to well over this! Even if it is only the cats.

 

Get a PPI done to see what the issues really are and any issues you don't know about...Then you can make an informed decision.

 

this x 1000000

 

i would PPI the car to make sure its mechanically sound. all the small issues mean nothing if the car is in GOOD mechanical conditions, interior?. New tires and brakes shouldnt be a deal braker lol, I would almost prefer to get my own choice brakes and tires and factor that into teh cost. Underside scrapes happen, my whole front lip is scraped up on the bottom and so was my last exhaust. These cars have a lot of front overhang so scraping especially in a lowered car is inevitable.

 

the 996/7 tt are the toughest cars out there.. I feel they are the only real super car! PPI then drive it like you stole it..

 

Get a full PPI with compression etc done and you'll know. I just paid $40k for a clean one with 49k miles.. they are out there for sure!

 

I had a good Italian friend who explained to me that buying a used super-car is like marrying a *****... for sure the guys before pounded the crap out of her so make sure she's still in one piece before making the commitment.

 

Passed on it! Thanks for all the help. It needed way too much work, which made me wonder if any real maintainance was done other than oil changes.

 

You made the right decision... Keep looking, pay a little more for a well taken care of 996 Turbo.

 

I think so to. I'm taking delivery tomorrow on a 2003 C4S (I know not a TT) with only 31k on the clock. It came out of a private collection and is in pristine condition inside and out. $36,500 out the door. I think I got a good deal on a perfectly maintained car. It's silver with full leather, on wear at all inside and the clear coat is perfect, no swirl marks or fime scratches.

 

you should have waited and found a good TT

now you will be always wanting more

oh well

 

I'm happy for the OP of course, but definitely don't ever drive a 996TT or you might find yourself a little regretful about the decision to buy a C4S. However, in happier news it sounds like you found a winner! Congratulations!