996tt 6 months in....

[Nobbles]

So six months in, what are my thoughts?

Bought privately last December, very clean low mileage 2000 car, several thousand cheaper than the ones that I was looking at in JZM, RSJ. BUT I have now spent almost the difference, having had all the suspension mounts renewed plus all the AC etc. when I bought it. The radiators were brought up in the inspection and the suspension described as worn and will need renewing in the not too distant future. Anyway it drives great, solid no rattles and banging etc. that you get on the older cars. My first drive was to take the car from the North of England down into France, where it is now registered. Wow, what a car, now whether this kind of speed and power is needed I am not sure, but I still have my license. Recently it didn't start and had to go on the back of the low loader to the specialist, now seems to be cured, the only explanation being blocked fuel filter, I have gone onto the red a few times and maybe after 12 years there was some dirt in there, at the same time the service was due. So 5 months in I have a car that would now be the same condition as an RSJ, JZM car and about the same price. Fuel consumption is not so bad 26mpg on the drive to France and 17 mpg for town driving. But when it is not in use I use my scooter so this balances the fuel costs.

To drive - it's great, very direct, great noise (although a sports exhaust would improve things but bank balance is now low) the acceleration is addictive, my kids love it and giggle making proper car engine noise, no diesel rattle kids. Family outings are great, it is very rare that 4 can fit into a car of this performance and sensation - the toy would normally stay at home for family visits. Previously I have had an Elise and a Boxster (987). The Elise was too raw as I got older and the Boxster seemed too comfortable. The 996tt is the perfect balance, partly due to its age, each generation got more sophisticated and comfortable, partly due to its size - it is quite compact compared to modern standards for a four seater, so it gives more confidence on the smaller roads. There is nothing that I can compare to it (especially as I use the rear seats) even if I had a huge wallet the Maserati Gran Turismo is much much larger.

For the spec - I actually like the grey interior; it creates a more unique ambience more exotic - although savannah is too exotic IMHO. Lapis blue looks great with the sunshine in France, it really picks up the metallic and seems lighter blue, something that is not so apparent in slightly grey northern countries. PSE would be good as it could do with a little more exhaust noise, I have not tested the sports seats but the standard ones are good, all the way down to France, no aches or pains. The standard CD player has a good sound, I would have liked a bose system but there is nothing wrong with the standard sound. GPS, by all accounts a waste of time in this age of car and I prefer the purer look without.

Do I love it? After the recent wallet emptying it was arguable but a quick clean this morning and a long old drive to the bakery, yes.. Roll on summer.

[Nobbles]

[Nobbles]

[Jay964rs]

Lovely car, I've had my 996 turbo for a similar amount of time and every drive is an event.
From a noise point of view, I went for a milltek exhaust, which in my view gives the car a sportier noise.
Enjoy it.

[dazco]

good write up, thanks for taking the time.


Did you get it inspected before you bought it?

[Callughan]

I've never seen that steering wheel on a 6tttt

[KeithRobinson]

Lovely car, Health to enjoy!

[Nobbles]

I had it inspected, luckily there were a couple of specialists not too far away. Pro Porsche were going to go to his house to check it over but they managed to persuade him to take it in to get it on the ramps, with the best cup of coffee bribe.

Regarding the steering wheel it is part of a carbon pack, a carbon steering wheel and gearshift - although sweaty palms and a carbon steering wheel are not a good mix.

[dazco]

So was you made aware of all the expense you were going to go to in the near future?

[jontymo]

Good write up any a lovely looking porker.

[RiccardoG]

Nice write up and sounds like you are getting to enjoy the full 911 experience (costs included!). I love the two baby seats in the back, hoping to keep mine for long enough to eventually go for the same setup (getting married later this year).

[Nobbles]

I was informed about all ,apart from the recent starting problem. My only mistake was that I was told the suspension was worn and would need replacing, but not straight away. When it was taken to another specialist my dad uses for the AC condensers they said the suspension was not good at all, so instead of waiting another year I decided to get it done at the same time. It does drive great, very solid no slack and no bangs and clunks over bumps. Whether with all the hassle - mainly on my Dad's side as I am in France (thanks Dad)- I would do it this way again I am not sure. But be very aware when buying one. On the man maths side, I lost 10 grand on my boxster in 18 months due to depreciation and even with the bills I could possibly recoup all_ just.

[dazco]

Thanks for the honest replies, but I suppose on the up side you now know that the work has been done and that it has been done properly.

Did it stretch over the £30k, all in?

Is there anything that lets the car down?

[911rob]

Car look's great,love the colour,had mine just over 12 month's and still loving it.


Rob.

[Nobbles]

It probably stands me at 28k, stretching the top end for a 2000, but has only 40,000 miles.

[dazco]

Nobbles said:

It probably stands me at 28k, stretching the top end for a 2000, but has only 40,000 miles.

Well I think if anyone could get a 40k car that can be 100% vouched for, as you now know yours is, for that money you have done not too bad.

Glad you are enjoying it.

[Rockster]

Good looking car. I have a lapis blue Boxster with a grey interior and I like the color combo very much.

My 03 Turbo is arctic silver with black leather and I feel a Swiss banker driving the Turbo. Well, that I think a Swiss banker would feel like...

Sincerely,

Rockster.

[Adam B]

Nice looking car

I have little confidence an indie would fix all those issues before selling on so at least you know they have been done and done properly

Sorry but that wheel is ghastly, get it swapped for a proper 996 three spoke one, which can also be had with carbon rim if you want it to blend in

But carbon steering wheel is a completely separate option to other carbon interior bits, such as handbrake/ gear lever or centre console or small/large carbon packs which are dash bits. Many have cars have carbon bits but not the wheel for the reasons you mention - it can be slippy and get hot in the sun

Edited by Adam B on Wednesday 9th May 09:04

[f1ten]

the noise is the only let down from my ownership experience. having said that my friends reckon the whoosh noise is good on fly past. but having driven and trailed a few ferraris through tunnels Im left feeling that the 996tt is almost a mute!

good choice in colour like it. PS. get either an aero kit front (and rear spoiler) or colour code your front one as it excentuates the colour.