I have been looking to purchase a 996TT. I am not set on a specific year or color, but primarily want to purchase one at an attractive price. This vehicles seem quite rare, and are either over-priced or priced attractively for a reason (needs TLC and/or abused). I would rather not purchase a vehicle that will immediately drain $5-10K out of me, but am willing to put some money into the vehicle.

The last vehicle I have been considering is a 2003. The vehicle does not have navigation, aero kit, or the upgraded brakes. The current owner states that all service records are available. I do not think he "babied" the car. It seems like he drove it aggressively quite often. The car has some attractive upgrades like K24 turbos, headers, and an exhaust. Stock clutch. The car does need some work done to it: clutch replacement, new tires, and brakes. Before I begin to waste my money inspecting the vehicle (i.e. pre-purchase inspection), I wanted to gauge what a vehicle like this would be worth in its current state. And what it would be worth if the issues were resolved.

No accidents. Paint job is a 6-7/10.

Would appreciate some input. Thanks in advance.

 

Mileage will have a huge impact on value.

 

Sorry, forgot to list it. Mileage is right at 70K.

 

I think if it needs clutch, tires, and brakes you're easily into your 5k zone that you don't want to spend.

 

Id say Low to mid 30s for a car that needs a little bit of maintenance, and that has 70k on it. I bought my car last year for $32k, and it had 68k on it. Maintenance wise, I have put new tires on it, and replaced the front wheel bearings. BTW, My car is an 02 model.

 

I was pushing for $30K, but the seller is quite reluctant to sell it at that price point. Time might change his mind. Do those upgrades (i.e. K24 turbos, exhaust, headers) add value during sale?

 

The 996tt is, as a model, at an attractive price. With that said, whenever I have purchased a car because it was a "good deal", it hasn't worked out well. I would find a car that you like and feel has been well maintained. You will be happier and have a better experience. If you can get both, then you are doing well

In regards to modifications... They don't really add value unless they are worth something to you. When I was searching, mods actually were a detraction. So many times, with modifications, you inherit someone else's problems.

Good luck,

 

AGree with JTB, a good deal means lots of money afterwards... unless you are REALLY lucky. Don't forget, even though the car is relatively cheap at the moment , the spare parts and service are still priced as is you have a 120K ( or more) car and maintenance is expensive.. So it can be pretty darn pricy. I would suggest to look for a well maintained example, do the PPI and take your time to find the right one and pay a few more dollars upfront to minimize the chances for major bloodletting as soon as you own the beast! Advice: Take your time and do your homework ( including a PPI for each car you feel is worth while checking into) A good PPI, at 250 bucks or so, is most likely the cheapest and best insurance money can buy!. Good luck.

 

If the owner is still driving knowing it needs a clutch and tires, I'd really be concerned on "what lies beneath". Many of us get annoyed by little things, take care of them straight away. Just brakes, plugs and typical "issues" can push "maintenance" toward your $10k. Add any "biggies" like transmission or codes that pop up after driving away, you'll be closer $20k.

Having said this, it's a different story on a well kept car. I've had my car over 3 years had very few issues; spent only on basic maintenance and upgrades. But I paid a LOT more, had full maintenance history from the dealership and had a PPI done.

 

Lesson one when buying a nice car and ESPECIALLY a porsche is you get what you pay for.

 

I bought an immaculate 2002 996TT this winter with 46,000 miles, recent clutch and tires, and a spare set of wheels, for $43K and considered myself very fortunate.

 

So they added K24s, some 'headers' and some unknown exhaust.... I'd say this is neutral to negative...if it was K24s, EP2 exhaust and UMW tune (or any other NAMED components) it would be a positive- headers actually may not be an upgrade in performance. Is the car flashed? Was it a stock X50 (ie already had programming for the K24s)?


Ideally, yes. But sometimes you pay MORE than what you get! This kind of advice ('if it was more it HAD to be better') drives me nuts.

Finally, you cannot rush a seller to find reality...they need to grind there themselves....

 

Where are you looking? I'm interested in one as well but even in CA, there are not that many for sale. I've been using craigslist and autotrader.

 

I got mine in january. Had a recent new clutch but needed brakes and tires. 9/10 paint and pretty good options. I paid 38.8. 50k miles 2001

 

Not a bad price! What color? Pretty much all of them I find are either silver or black.