Hi all,

I am new to the forum and hopefully will be one 911 owner very soon.

I have found a 996 turbo (2003 done 67,000 km) and a 997 Carrera S (2007 done only 6,000 km, yes 6,000) with price difference of just 6,000 USD (the newer, the higher). Both with tiptronic tranny.

The owner of 996 turbo have provided me the full history. There was tranny leak and other not so serious issues. The owner so told he had to replace the whole tranny but he found other workshop to get the gaskets replaced. Since then 10,000 km done, no leak. The paint and interior are in very good conditions.

The 997 looks and feels like a new car. The mileage is too low to have any service history. My concern is, the the P car has only done 6,000 km in the past 5 years. Would that be a problem? Oh BTW the warranty has run out.

I love the 996 turbo's supercar performance but I would feel a bit more secure if my Porsche is 4 years and 60,000 km younger.

Any common and suggestion is welcome. Thank you in advance.

 

You can't go wrong with a turbo, they have the more robust engines, plus the owner seems honest and had the leaks fixed..... the wide body design with air intakes on side panel gives it that unmistakable look of a supper car.... but the 2007 carrera S with very low miles and seemed priced below market is very tempting as well... remember this is a carrera S, so it is 350+ BHP and new body style although narrow body.... I can see why your brain cells are confused..... if it were me, not knowing the actual price, I'd go for the 07 carrera S....

 

Do yourself a favor and get the newer / less mileage 6 speed 911 Turbo you can find (afford)...then, pic a red one !

 

Thank you winetaster. Indeed it is not an easy decision. The price for the turbo is USD 35,700. 41,000 for the Carrera S. I am in Doha.

 

Wow! that is a hell of a deal for either car.... I would go for the 2007 carrera S though, 41K for that year and model and low mileage as well is way below market value. Where is Doha? If you don't mind me asking?

 

Doha, the capital of Qatar. In the Mideast. I work for a consulting company based in New York. 1 gallon of gas = 1.02 USD here.

One factor to be considered; there is no independent garage can fix any Porsche. The dealer is only one to depend on and that's ... you know risky and pricey. The turbo owner actually drove the car for 8 hours to Dubai to get the gasket replaced.

I am driving a Golf GTI as my DD and I want the P car, be it a turbo or not, a reliable DD. Am I asking to0 much?

 

Wow! your fuel is 75% cheaper than a gallon of milk... well the more I learn about your situation, the more I'm leaning to the 2007 carrera S.
Hope you make the right decision burj323... good luck! let me know what you decide and post pictures.

 

i would spring for the 2007 S but have it inspected for leaks at a minimum. also, the car should have gone through at least one oil change and brake fluid flush due to being 5 years old. if not, it is certainly due. think of it as a new car without warranty if everything checks out.

if you really like how turbos drive, then go for it. turbo will be faster but look, fit and finish wise, the 997 is better. nothing wrong with 996 but that's the fact. previous 996 owner here btw.

 

Id probably say go for the newer model.

 

Guys,

I phoned the seller for viewing his car. A local fellow who did not speak English very well. After two minutes of conversation I started to suspect he is selling a Cayman S, not Carrera S. Asked him to send me a photo and it is a Cayman S!!!!!!
Guess I need to ask advice for buying a 996 Turbo.

 

67,000km on a 2003 is still low mileage in my book. I have 67km on an '08 and its still like new. The TT is a fairly bulletproof car and the maintenance is not a real issue. If you really love the TT you found, just pull the trigger and have a blast with it. Don't think you can go wrong. Is it not possible to import a car from North America? That way your selection would be so much better.