I traded my fully modified C6Z for a fully modded 996 GT2 (hated it) then traded it for a fully modded 997.1TT (I liked it much better but was done after spending 10's of thousands on "engine out" bull****) finally traded it for my Gallardo that...while "slower" and all of the above...you couldnt pry from my cold dead hands...completely in love w it!
That being said I sure wish I had my Z06 back AND the Gallardo. I could easily own both with all the cash I hemoraged owing both 911's.

 

I'm very happy with my Gallardo too!

 

Is a Gallardo less expensive to operate than a 911 turbo? Hmmmmmm...

I spent $4k in maintenance/repairs on my 997tt right after buying it. Plugs, crank pulley (wtf?), all fluids/filters, mounting new tires, and replacing clutch accumulator. It also needs a new clutch ~$3k and many of the CF interior pieces are warping or cracked. I really love driving the car but it's definitely not cheap to maintain. I got out for german cars for a few years and drove a 2011 mustang gt for a while with 0 problems... all I've had to do is mod it and change the oil.

As for some of the questions...

Parts are expensive. I think consumables are about average - got some EBC pads for ~$300. Dealer service is very expensive and you may need it for certain hard to diagnose issues.

Oil changes are easy and I've already changed the exhaust out and changed my transmission fluid myself. I don't know if you can buy a service manual but I purchased one on ebay. I'll have to see how that works out when it gets here.

You can buy a durametric scanner for $300 to scan all of the computer systems and reset codes. I have one and it seems like a quality tool.

Suspension seems to be a lot more complicated than on any other car I've owned. My mustang has fully modded suspension I installed in my garage and I've done BMWs, mercs, etc. Stock suspension seems far squishier than I would have expected from a car like this. I read a how-to guide for replacing shocks/struts on a 996tt and could not believe it could be that complex.

Some big $$ items I have read about - leaky front diff that requires full replacement due to a non-serviceable seal, tiptronic trans leak that requires replacement of the entire transmission, and of course the common issue with coolant pipes. I think my car may have a coolant leak but I haven't had it diagnosed yet.

Hope this helps.

 

No but the difference is not big....

Exotic cars are not cheap to own... Nothing is cheap in this days....

 

No, no I didnt say that. However the general maintenance stuff does not seem to be higher in cost. Oil changes on both are gonna be above average. I changed the plugs on the Gallardo on my own in about 3 hours....this is somethig I would have never attempted w the Turbo.
Back to C6Z or 997 Turbo. Id own a C6Z 10X over before another 911.

 

Yea I guess at least with the gallardo you have something that really stands out. The 997tt is an awesome car for the driver but it isn't as much of a stand out. I guess the main thing is the 997tt is not cheap, it's not even remotely comparable to something American or Japanese (excl GT-R). In the best case you'll end up spending slightly more than a vette or similar, but in the worst case you will be spending serious $$.

You simply can't beat American cars for the price/performance if that's what you're after. As a street car though you really have to put up with a lot of crap and ergonomic issues.

 

No every American Muscle car is a good deal... i had 2 Viper and what a horrible cars.... 2007 Coupe and convertible... one was worst than the other one...

I love the C6 Z06 i have 0 complains about that car... i had it and i really love it....

Mustangs are too slow... no offense but to me they are not real sport cars, they all look like rental cars, you can't compare the 997TT with that car but you know that better then i do because you have 2 of them...

 

Lots of very candid feedback being passed around by enthusiasts. I believe when talking about general maintenance on these types of vehicles it's appropriate to compare apples to apples, e.g. cost of ownership non modded.

Every vehicle will have it's share of things to watch for. Vehicles that are modded will always be prone to more bugs. Stock for stock, the 997 turbo is a very robust platform. Many of the items one would need to be careful for can be found by simple research on forums, PPI or a short discussion with a qualified tech at the dealer. Beyond that I'm an advocate for CPO or aftermarket warranties for the piece of mind post inspection/purchase.

All this in mind, one is looking at annual oil changes, fluid maintenance and more depending on mileage. The owners manual outlines services intervals and recommendations. Costs will vary by dealers and independents.

 

Hey, Thanks for all of your honest replies and inputs suggestions.

What I am looking for over the Z06 I have now is a car that's comparable in performance if not better. I want something with a little more luxury (not as loud at highway speeds and doesn't suffer from heat soak). This would be my daily driver to work in the summer times and I would switch to a sedan when it gets wet outside (our city dumps gravel on the road just incase the rain freezes at night). In the summers I would also do 1-3 track days.

The thought of what service costs on a Gallardo scares the wallet.

I guess I was more or less asking the opinion for what I want would it be worth it to make the switch to a 997 and would the maintenance costs be significantly higher, assuming that I would do 90% of the work myself like I do on my Z06. I agree with most previous C6Z06 owners in that the Z06 is not that friendly as a daily commuter. Thank you

Chris AK

 

Chris,

You need to get a 997TT for sure! Is the most comfortable sport car on the market!

I just did a full service for my Gallardo and I spend $3100.... I don't think it was too bad

 

Yeah, I drove my 997TT from Atlanta to DC the 2nd day I owned it. Never once did I feel uncomfortable and mine is a 6 speed and a convertible too. The ergonomics are amazing IMO. The performance should be on par with a Z06 and you can do the usual work on the car yourself. It's a good car you just have to be aware of the high costs that can pop up now and then. If you're OK with that, then it sounds like it offers what you are looking for.

 

I'm sold on the car. I just have to wait until the options that I want on the car come within my price range, PCCB, and the upgraded seats. Are there any other options in your opinion that are a must have for a daily driver / track car?... I am not ready to let go of the 6-speed transmission yet for the PDK, something about that third pedal that I am partial to.

If I had the space I would try and keep both cars. Both are awesome in their own right. Thanks guys.

Chris AK

 

if your car is setup properly, it's gonna scrape. as to costs? it will be the same as any other german car you dd and track. parts is parts.

the upside to the 997.1t beyond it's brilliance and its being the last of the mezger engines, will be how much better you feel about everything, vis a vis an old 'vette. plus you can pay the 3 large extra and get a cpo'd low mileage car. then trash it a bit to get the bugs out on pcna's dime, and you're good to go fast, properly, for quite awhile yet.

 

good choice! im in the market as well, my must have options are sport chrono package, adaptive sport seats, limited rear differential lock... i dont really care for all that deviating stiching or leather this and leather that... as long as it performs the way it should perform! good luck with your search!

 

Must haves:
Sports Crono
Rear LSD
6MT

Nice to have:
Seats
BOSE sound
Extended leather

I am still not convinced I would want PCCB's, I'm sure they are great but the cost of parts scares me (I am DD).