I have been preparing my finances to buy a 996 Turbo for a year or so now and obviously have been keeping an eye on classifieds. On Autotrader there are always at least 4 or 5 Turbos for under $40k generally with 40-70k. $40k is about the most I want to spend. However, I got to thinking today what is the likelihood that any of these are accident free? Can I get an accident free, sub 60k mile turbo for under $40k or all all of those listed going to have hidden issues?

 

Let me go grab my popcorn bag, I will be right back

 

Sure, in fact it looks like you probably can right now - there are a couple on autotrader that meet your criteria, if mileage and price are the only two factors.

It will most likely be a 2001 Model Year with Tiptronic to be a 996TT that is both sub-60k miles and sub-$40k price, but it appears doable.

 

Right, I know there are cars listed in that price range. I'm just wondering what the likelihood is that these cars are clean or if the owners priced them lower than 40k because they know they have a story. I just want to make sure I am not setting an unattainable goal for myself based just on what I've seen on Autotrader.

It may take someone who has sold a clean car in that price range to chime in.

 

Every car has a story of some type. My advice to you is go see the car, test drive it, get a car fax, and take it to a Porsche dealer to have it thoroughly inspected. As already mentioned likely you're in for a higher mileage 2001, which is fine if you are comfortable with that. Be advised the cost of ownership of these vehicles does not stop at the purchase. Maintenance is expensive even if you turn your own wrenches and insurance is not like owning a 4-banger civic. Best of luck. All that being said, it will likely be one of the best cars you ever own (mine definitely is).

 

I am fully prepared for the ownership costs.

In a way this car (assuming a decent car can be had for under $40k) could really be cheaper than me going for another less expensive car. For example, in stock form I could be very happy with the performance so no need to spend any more there. Also, if I went with something less expensive that I am not as interested in then bought the Turbo in a couple years anyway I have then taken the depreciation hit on a lesser car as well as paid taxes for two cars instead of just one.

 

the prices on these have dropped so precipitously for higher mile examples that they can EASILY be had in great shape without a lot of stories for $40k. i was perusing the classifieds and was surprised to see a lot of low mileage 996t's going for upper 40's and even $50k. but i don't think the higher priced cars are moving quickly. they just made too many 996t's to hold the value they *should* have. imo.

just don't think that fixing and maintaining it (parts/labor) will be reflected in the currently depressed cost of purchase. you will be in for a shock when you need parts. let alone book time labor costs. the caveat is, that if you DIY or have a really good ( read fairly priced and very experienced ) indy shop you can lower that estimate accordingly. lastly, it's not wise to think of this car in comparison to a cheaper version of daily transportation, for reasons above. that said, it is well suited to being driven daily, particularly if stock. think VW.. ha.

 

For the range you are looking into, there are going to be "stories" with 10 year old "supercar." The key is how the stories were handled and how the car was maintained.

I can remember the day my car 0 miles on it. Currently, it has 70k on the clock, and 16k miles were driven on the track over the years - mainly between 2001-2005. Looking at my car, you would never know that it has been driven hard...the way it should be. I say this because you will never know by looking at cars on Autotrader, etc. (Sidenote: My favorite is when the ad says "Doctor Driven" - this means run away!) You just want to make sure that all of the history and proper maintenance can be manufactured. These cars were meant to be driven hard, but also serviced punctually and properly.

That said, my car has been bulletproof outside of normal maintenance. My car has a couple of stories that would easily be documented and explained to a potential buyer if I were to ever sell my car - very unlikely I get rid of my 996tt.

I think these cars have bottomed out and will stabilize for quite some time. The next generation of people are buying them up with tracking in mind and not worried about warranty, service, etc. They just want a good platform that can be built on and add power in the future. So, there is a different mindset in that a potential supercar can be purchased for less than $50K.

 

Thanks for the responses.

I always think it's funny when people mention the profession of the current/previous owner as if it has any bearing on how it was treated.

I do like when ads state they are female owned/driven so I know to stay away. The only female I would feel comfortable buying a car from is my girlfriend since I know she is meticulous about keeping her cars clean and maintained. That, and she has an awesome mechanic (me). Beyond her, I wonder how many females I know still have running cars.

 

How about enthusiast owned, owned by a younger crowd, DIY owners and cars with no service records etc etc.

 

Hey now! I am a DIY'er and have been working on cars for over 25 years.

I document everything I do and log in all of my receipts - this is the type of person I would want to buy my car from. I guarantee you my work is more meticulous than any shop in my town - I have witnessed some startling work! That is the very reason why I started working on BMW's many years ago. Necessity.

If I had to pay someone to "properly" maintain the cars in my sig, then I would need a second job and would not be as fun.

 

I'm the 5th owner of my 01 turbo with no accidents and full records, purchased for less than 40k. It was behind on maintenance when I bought it, but I've never had an issue with the car in 15 months/9500 miles, including daily driving in LA traffic and lots of canyons and trackdays.

 

When did you purchase and with how many miles?

 

I am also fine with a 2001. My preference is for a 2002 but if that is out of my price range a 2001 will be just fine.

 

i think you will find they're in the same range. i would hold out for the 02. but that's just me.