996 Turbo

[Guest]

I've done 1.0 once on the road. It requires a few full throttle accelerations to get the turbines up and convince the ECU that you really mean it. I think Jeff managed more consitently on a track.
0.5 comes up pretty much every time you accelerate, 0.7 is easily achievable in normal driving, but more requires some commitment and you end up a bit above the speed limit.

I don't know if more than 1 is possible. I thought that standard gave 0.85 bar and X-50 raised this to 1.0, but I am not 100% sure.
Once tuned, I think you can get up to 1.3 bar, but no-one has posted to confirm they have seen this.

 

[David M]

I just bought a 2003 TT a few weeks since. From what I understand there were a number of factory options (cruise, heated seats, sat nav and of course the X50 power upgrade).

I would say cruise is not required and the sat nav systems have come such a long way now that I would rather upgrade to a current model than pay a premium for a 3/4 year old system - see other threads.

X50 would be very nice but not essential given the already sizeable power levels of the TT and can easily be upgraded by alternative means. I like heated seats but they are a personal choice just like the manual/Tip options.

The is also a chance that the ceramic brakes could have been fitted but I would steer away from these unless you particularly want them and the associated costs if damaged.

What ever options I would recommend a Porsche 111 point check and then an OPC extended warrany. Then of course a full detail.

I think they make an ideal daily driver and if this is the use of the car then I would decide manual/Tip based upon the type of daily drive. My choice would be nice open country lanes with not too much traffic then manual but if grinding city commute then probably Tip unless you can use it at weekends to scare the local wildlife which I do.

HTH

 

[Guest]

Hi,
Just about to sell my 2004 996 turbo - all the usual extra's, service history, warranty, basalt black, plus Aero kit, telephone, etc, etc and only 8000 miles - it is really a good example, maybe the best 2004 car out there and better than many 2005 cars that we have recently seen - it you require full details - let me know.....

best regards,

paul

 

[garyw]

I believe the 2004 models had the PCM (sat Nav) as standard fitted to them.

garyw

 

[Guest]

yes - I beleive PCM, including Sat Nav is standard...plus the electric sunroof, wheels, a/c, Bose CD/radio, etc, etc

The telephone module is an optional extra, plus Tiptronic, porsche seat head crests, quad S/S exhaust pipes, floor mats, Aluminium pack, Porsche wheel centres, tracker, Warranty, full leather interior, 996 Turbo cover & Aero kit .

paul

 

[996_STEVO]

ORIGINAL: David M

I just bought a 2003 TT a few weeks since.  From what I understand there were a number of factory options (cruise, heated seats, sat nav and of course the X50 power upgrade).

I would say cruise is not required and the sat nav systems have come such a long way now that I would rather upgrade to a current model than pay a premium for a 3/4 year old system - see other threads.

X50 would be very nice but not essential given the already sizeable power levels of the TT and can easily be upgraded by alternative means.  I like heated seats but they are a personal choice just like the manual/Tip options.

The is also a chance that the ceramic brakes could have been fitted but I would steer away from these unless you particularly want them and the associated costs if damaged.

What ever options I would recommend a Porsche 111 point check and then an OPC extended warrany.  Then of course a full detail.

I think they make an ideal daily driver and if this is the use of the car then I would decide manual/Tip based upon the type of daily drive.  My choice would be nice open country lanes with not too much traffic then manual but if grinding city commute then probably Tip unless you can use it at weekends to scare the local wildlife which I do.

HTH

Absolutely spot on Dave

 

[PGAdamopoulos]

The X50 upgrade is an essential one for track days, and although overpriced it can hardly be replaced with after-sales tuning....[]
Besides, with X50 in place, after-sales tuning becames much more efficient and productive....[]

 

[Rintoul]

Hi, see if this information helps.
http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=89840
http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=150880
Also if you look back over previous threads you will find a fair amount of info on the 996 turbo. Stuart Martin did an article back in the March 2006 Porsche Post that was pretty informative,
I have a 2004 X50, Aerokit, sports suspension, manual and it is extremely focused. Like a 4 wheel drive GT2. I use it as my main car, but I am retired and have a Volvo V70R for other stuff. Low suspension and front skirt mean some care needed with carparks/speedbumps. Firm on bumpy roads but not uncomfortable.
Absolutely amazing car, can,t praise it enough.
Get one you will not regret it.

 

[TJ101]

When looking for my current 996TT, Cruise was a must, as used for motorway trips etc,,together with a manual box

The X50 kit is nice, not essital, BUT, after having it, would not be without [] If you have not had, you can't miss it,

I can not find many options that mine does not have !!, heated /Memory seats are nice, along with a ali or carbon pack, but all down to indvidual choice

Ahh Rintoul, another V70R owner []

 

[PGAdamopoulos]

Funnily enough I used to have the V70R AWD... slightly too big... so I changed to S4 Avant... slightly more compact and faster...[]

 

[John_Ward]

You're probably spot on - wheels out of balance is first possible cause to investigate.

 

[Guest]

Many thanks i will get it checked out.

 

[marcus a]

I'm sure this is likely to be the problem, I had exactly the same with mine so I asked OPC Wilmslow they said " we cannot advise you sir as it is illegal to be driving your car at those sorts of speeds " !!!!

got a full balance and alignment sorted and even now 3 years later it still impresses me. You're gonna love it

 

[Michael Downing]

ORIGINAL: marcus a
I'm sure this is likely to be the problem, I had exactly the same with mine so I asked OPC Wilmslow they said " we cannot advise you sir as it is illegal to be driving your car at those sorts of speeds " !!!!

Oh FFS. Have they never heard of track days? Or Germany? It's the big country next door but two. You know, where they make the cars in the first place..... ! []

 

[tallmat]

In most respects, trying to find a good 996 turbo is no different to any other Porsche -- a full record of the car's history (OPC service stamps are most reassuring, if it is an independent then make sure it is one that has a very good track record with modern turbos) plus the supporting paperwork.

There have been a few recently with too-good-to-be-true prices and these have been repaired after heavy crash damage. If you're not sure about identifying this yourself, then take an expert.

In terms of mechanical issues then the 996 turbo is a robust tough car which if looked after properly will be a reliable and very fast supercar. The engine is extremely strong and has none of the main seal issues that affect early 996 ordinary aspirated cars.

The age of car you are considering will be 5-6 years old, and some stuff may need replacing such as air-conditioning condensers which are £500 per side. Again check the service history and see if these items have been already renewed.

Be more wary of cars that have been tuned or have some form of a power upgrade. It doesn't necessarily mean a bad car -- sometimes it does say something about the owner, for example has the car been used as a regular track day special?

But if the car has an upgrade from a recognised supplier, it is unusual to get much value for the improvements in the second-hand market, and it could be a bargain.

There are no particular issues to watch out for compared to other supercars from the same generation. Use common sense, get some expert help if you're not sure, and if you're lucky you will purchase a car that in everyday use is almost as good as the 997 turbo (bring on the protests!)..
Good luck

 

[John_Ward]

GT Purely Porsche magazine are looking for 996 turbos for a Buyer's Guide, so....
1) it may be worth waiting for it to be published;
2) anyone with a 996 turbo who'd like to volunteer their car for the piece?

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys - tallmat - nice little write up mate.

I am still trying to decide on a sensible budget for the car. I was originally aiming for about the £40k mark, but I am wonderig whether I need to increase that slightly to be sure of a Porsche warranty and the right year.

I think I have also decided that I want to stick with the manual box over the tiptronic. The cost in acceleration on the tiptronic seems to be rather too great on the 996.

JJ

 

[Rintoul]

I suggest you look up previous threads on the 996 turbo going back to march 2006 when there was alot of information provided by Stuart Martin (who said he was in it for the long term, looking to do 100k miles, but unfortunately no longer posts, would have been most interesting to hear about his experiences).
Not wanting to put you off, but cars I have seen at £40K all seem to either be big mileage or dubious history.In my youth I found to my expense that there is no such thing as a cheap car.
However the 996 really is a bargain at present, especially compared to the 993 tt that is currently way over priced and looking for a big dip in my opinion. I agree with previous poster regarding almost 997tt performance (especially X50 996tt) for a lot less money and much more competent for no more (or even less!!!) money than a 993tt. It is the current THE bargain in my opinion. Prices have to adjust to logical sense at some time. But hopefully it is not down for the 997 and 993 owners sakes. (Like previous poster ....stands back and waits for onslaught).
(Of course I am only slightly biased being a 996TT X50 owner)

 

[beavercraig]

I agree! I think you need to increase your budget to stand a chance of a really good car! Only issue I have found with them is all the leaves and gunk getting through the front vents and into the radiators! If you can get the front bumper off and have a good look. Some people put a mesh behind the vents, others like me just get them cleaned out at the service! I am currently doing a 1000 miles a month in mine. Also chased two very competant 997tt drivers through North Wales recently and there was very little in it for performance. Just watch your LICENCE!

 

[Guest]

Hi guys

I must admit, having checked the trader recently, £45k seems to be a more sensible budget. This will require a little more patience on my behalf, but I would rather wait for the right car, and save a little more than currently assigned!

Can't thank you all enough for taking the time to help me with this. I will dig out that other thread and have a good read!

JJ