I posted this in the 997 turbo forum, but thought I posted it here to get additional feedback.
In terms of driving excitement and reliability/maintenance, which one would you use? A 996tt, 997.1tt or 997.2 Carrera/S (both manual)?

As of today wrt price, the average 997.2 is more than the 996tt, say $57k to $45k; 997.1tt is around $65k.

997.2 seems to be fairly trouble free with a DFI engine (aside from the HPFP recall), and has a nicer interior/PCM/updated exterior, etc. 997.2tt is out of my comfort price range.

996tt has the bullet proof Mezger engine, but then again, it seems to have issues with clutch slave, potential 2nd gear popout, little things here/there, along with an outdated interior IMHO.

997.1tt is pretty bad *** looking and has a more modern interior, but it's still relatively expensive and frankly I'm a little scared off as the few 997.1tt I owners know about have had engine rebuilds and transmission issues.

I also considered a 996 C4S, but IMS issues and cylinder scoring is scaring me off. So that leaves me with either the Mezger engine, or the new DFI engine in the 997.2

I guess it boils down to, is the 997.1tt worth $20k more than the 996tt?

Thoughts? Has anyone here owned both the 996tt and 997tt?

 

You forgot water nipples for the 996, I think this haunts the 997 series too. The 997 also has an issue with the cams spinning inside of some sleeved sensor rings. We had a discussion about this exact topic within the last two weeks and al of this was brought up, if you look through a few pages you'll find it I'm sure.

 

Name a car that you have heard zero issues about?

I'd choose a 997

 

Really depends on your preference of style and comfort level with a price point. I don't think you can go wrong with either a 997 or 996 TT. I have driven both a 997.2TT with PDK and my 996TT 6 Speed Manual.

I have all of the items taken care of on my car that normally go bad on the 996's (minus the coolant lines being pinned or welded yet). After driving the stock 997.2, my car just felt a lot more raw than the 997.2 felt. I only have H&R springs for suspension but do have a full GT2 clutch slave setup done properly - thanks to the previous owner on here I purchased it from . Aside from tuning/exhaust, everything else is cosmetic on my car on the interior.

In all honesty the 996TT is a bargain today. If you like the styling of the first watercooled turbo produced by Porsche, then go for it and maybe do some tasteful mods while you're in there with the extra money you may have spent on the 997.

Good luck either way and I hope whatever you settle on, you truly enjoy it. It's been a blast owning my first P-Car.

 

997.1tt.

 

If you're staying at stock power levels.
1. 997.1 TT if the extra money isn't an issue.
2. 997.2 Carrera S
3. 996 TT

If you're wanting more power.
1. 997.1 TT
2. 996 TT
3. 997.2 Carrera S

 

Mezger motor for my vote, then update it outside and inside to your liking.

 

If I wanted any of the others I would have bought that car instead of mine and yes I have driven them. I like the old school feel. I have thought about a 997.1tt but will probably try something else when mine is sold.

 

My point was that all of the cars in consideration have their fair share of issues. The 997 is sexy, no doubt. But go in with eyes open as it can have problems that aren't cheap to resolve too.

 

997.1TT. If you're looking for best value, then definitely 996TT.

I drove the 997.2S. Nice car but limited options if you want more power. Good choice if you want to keep it stock?

 

If you can afford it go with a 997.1tt apparently its better performance wise than the 996tt.
But I do like the fact the 996tt is more analog and has less electronics than the 997.

 

If you have the money AND If you don't plan on highly modifying any of the them,,,997.2..IMO

 

I have an '02 TT with a tune and updated clutch/slave. I recently test drove a 997.1, also manual, and the biggest negative I took away from the test drive was that the car felt too refined. The 996 has a more raw aspect to it, and for me as well as many others here, this is a major reason to not move into a 997.

However, if I didn't already have a 996 and have that as a baseline I'd swing for a 997.1 manual. If you want PDK then you have to go to a 997.2, but then you'll spend $90+K.

 

I just went through this process when I sold my 996 C4S. I ended up choosing a 997.1 TT cabriolet and I'm very happy with that decision. I considered a 997.2 C4S, a 991 C2 and a Cayman GTS. All of them were nice cars.

FWIW, I agree with the comments about the 997.1 being more "refined" than the 996, especially the interior. That being said, the Porsche driving experience isn't lost with the 997.

 

agree with the above and to eliminate some of the "civility" built into ( what of it there is! ) 997.1 ( or add it even to the 996t ) is a very simple process indeed.