I've got a 2005 C2 that I love, but I've always thought the 996TT is the best looking car Porsche ever made (especially in gray or silver over black). I was considering moving up to a 991 or 997.2 C2, since I need automatic and the PDK is a big step up, but I also know the tip is supposed to pair well with the Turbo power train.

Anyway, that's all a long windup for my question: my only reservation about the 996TT is that the 996s I've driven have all seemed to have some squeaks and rattles. I might not be able to test drive my car (I'd only buy from a Porsche dealer or very well respected independent dealer and want it to have 30K miles or less, so my selection is limited and I may buy online) and I am just curious if you've noticed anything like that. I know the turbo is generally built a bit more solidly than the regular models, so I'm hoping that's less of an issue. I'll obviously try to get as much of an assurance as I can when buying one.

Also, I've read all the threads on here, but any other bits of wisdom you guys have are much appreciated, even if they're repetitive of what's in other threads.

And, yes, I looked at the 997 TT, but I can't get past those fugly LED light sticks it has strapped to the grill that look like they were lifted out of a rave or something. And people complain the 996's headlights...

 

Since I bought my GT2, (Which is the same interior as the 996tt) it has creeked and rattled. I bought it with 9800 miles and now have 15k on it. Theres always something that is rattleing or creeking.

At first it was the rear section of my headliner next to the rear windshield, so I put some foam above it and it doesn't make noise anymore. Next it was my center light above the center console. Finally, lately my center console is making a super annoying clicking noise.

However, my exhaust drones a ton, and is pretty loud... This adds some rattle to everything inside. So take it with a grain of salt. :P

I also daily drive the car, and I'm not bothered with the little noises.

 

Mine has less than 13k no rattles now but they may show up lol.

 

I have 55k and my car is tight as a drum. Can't say I have ever owned a better car I absolutely love it. I've had some expensive BMW and Audi's and a Boxster (first Porsche) the 996TT is *THE* car..

 

2003 with70k miles. No squeaks or rattles - like a bank vault.

 

Now I'm interested in others replies. I've never owned a car in my life that hasn't had some sort of squeek or rattle at some point.

 

2002 70K miles
tiniest bit of wind noise through my drivers window but nothing else makes a sound

 

104k miles and my only rattle is behind the sunroof where the pleather ( ok alcantara ) meets some support wire under it? never opened it up to look see. but i recently installed a roll bar hoping that might minimize the rattle; that i used to smack into submission and it went away for awhile. .. then came back. now i hit my hand on the roll bar.

it's actually a click, so it could be jiminy cricket lives in my head.. LINER!. times are tough for former disney folks. trust me.

 

I think thats the same place I was talking about. Also, ever since installing my custom fabricated roll bar, the road noise has increased, and everything that hits the shocks (rocks and stuff) can be heard rattleing through the rollbar.

 

The only major disadvantage I see is the auto tranny in the 996. PDK is so much better! I've driven a 991S with PDK; amazing transmission; rev matches on downshifts too.

If you like the 997TT, you could always change the front bumper to something else if you really don't like it.

 

Oh yea, no rattles, except for some screw that is wandering inside somewhere; haven't found it yet LOL

 

that's odd. the only added feature of the bar i can hear is i am favorably distracted on occasion by the passenger seat belt clanking upon the metal of the bar. i say favorably since i know what it is, and it isn't random/phantom. it's just the latch of a seat belt hitting a metal roll bar. but rocks and stuff don't do it, or i'd be hearing stuff every time. again that's.. odd.

 

You dismissed the 997TT because of the froward facing LED lighting but you are in the mood to stare at the 996 interior....which is CRAP by almost any standard ...and are willing to deal w the 996 headlights? That just sounds ridiculous. "The 997TT is just over budget" is slightly more believeable.

 

Is your roll bar strut mount? Mine bolts to my rear strut towers and acts as a strut bar at the same time. It increases the frame rigidity a lot. The noise is from the rocks reverberating up, and the sounds of the shocks depressing.

 

Wasn't out of budget for me, and I got a 996 instead. I actually think the 996 is a better looking car on the outside. The "egg" headlights give it a mean look IMO. However, the 997 interior has it beat for sure.