Seems like the cars that have the most problems are the ones that have been modded to death. I'm on my 2nd TT and both have been essentially stock, and have had no major issues with either one. Start changing out a bunch of stuff in the search for more power and you will inevitably run into more issues.

I believe the value for unmolested TTs will go up over time because so many cars are ragged beyond belief with "improvements".

Just my opinion - but it's why I place a premium on stock cars and deduct value for modded ones.

 

my experience with modded '03 vs factory serviced stock '02 x50 car, is that the modded ( often tracked ) car had (a) most of the bugs and problematic issues addressed already and even more attention given to pre-emptive maintainence as opposed to (b) my first tt that was only serviced with ( broken or faulty ) items repaired only as required by the factory warranty. point being, the modded car had even more attention paid to it, and i think is the reason i have had less issues with a car now reliably approaching 109k trouble free miles, whereas my "02 needed stuff to be fixed out of ( my ) gate. a lot of it. incl a transmission rebuild.

plus.. the mods on my car now would be min $30k if i had to do em all, and there isn't one that i wouldn't want/need lol

 

I'm with Leftlane even though I've spent thousands over the years on mods and have ruined some rare cars lol I like to believe I have finally learned my lesson.

 

i'm not at all sure what the lesson might be? except you see long term value retention being higher with a stock car. i'll give ya that. i can certainly see how a stock car would retain a higher value over time next to one modded haphazardly. but who's buying a 96t for "value" per se? hell, my old 993 is worth more than the 996! but i really can't imagine anyone NOT wanting a modified turbo if they knew firsthand the difference not saying you or anyone with a stock car doesn't *know* what fun awaits a few bolt-ons. but that's just my thinking. i've driven stock 96 and 97'ts, after having this one.. and it's hands down night and day different.

but the market value of either relative to one another isn't going to be significant. mileage moreso, i would think.

 

I agree about more power but I do not track my car and living in area with a lot of police I do not need it= I have plenty to get in trouble lol. I have owned big block vettes and mustangs also my first car was 1936 Plymouth coup with a worked 340 that did 11s so I have had my fun.

 

Is this car going to be a DD or just a weekend car? If it is the latter, I wouldn't worry too much about it. If something breaks, you can just park it until you have time to deal with it . If it is your main vehicle, it could get a lot more expensive if you're in a pinch.

 

The 996 turbo is a 14 year old platform. The good news is, we know the cars
more glaring detractions all the way down to its idiosyncrasies.

The 996 turbo represented Porsches effort to build a true daily drivable super
car. A major part of their vision was to offer a super high performance vehicle
with low maintenance and homogenized grade reliability. And they were successful
on all accounts!

Having said that, there are caveats galore lol. Books and records are a must and proper
and timely maintenance are mandatory. Porsche turbos are not Toyota Camry. When
there are issues, it is usually not cheap. When there are major problems it can get down
right ugly. Again, fire prevention is much cheaper than putting out fires.

Life is too short to drive a boring car and when you're old and grey, you will not regret
what you did but you will regret what you didn't do.

Now go buy a Porsche turbo and shut up.

 

 

What he said times ~

LOL

 

I'm with layinback on this one! My '02 IS my weekend fun car! I love it and anyone who buys a Porsche should know the history and expect nothing but the best out of the car and be willing to pay for it! Hell, we own a supercar for next to nothing! I mean what can you buy for 50K and have this much fun? You can't buy a new supercar for anything close to that. This is my dream car and I'm not getting any younger and at this stage of my life I expect to drive my '02 till I die!

 

exactly.. and a couple of tweaks here and there and it is no longer the genteel cushy ride that a stock tt is. therein lies the fun.

but that's just the thing. the minute you DO buy one.. when we're not driving it, .. we CAN'T shut up about it lol. it's that kinda car.

 

a boost leak twice a year, some fresh plugs... and your ready to go...

 

WOW, I just noticed your Black Friday special! billets, 60lb inj. and flash
for 3k!!! That is one hell of a deal!

 

Well I'm joining the family! I left a deposit on a forum member's car and will be picking it up this coming week.

'02 996TT X50 w/ aero kit and about every other option on the order sheet

 

that figures to be an excellent choice! congrats