What's wrong with the 996TT? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Perfectlap · 03-15-2009, 10:00 AM

I was just about to call my insurance for a quote on one. A colleague clued me into an enthusiast/millionaire owned '03. He has many many cars, so its in good condition. Waiting to hear on price.

The Turbo Carrera is considered by the Porsche head of motorsports as "the jewel of the crown"....if you like a big heavy, somewhat disconnected GT's. That guy is really drinking the Kool-Aid. The Turbo obviously has a Great engine, if the C2 and C4 came with a real GT1 block dry sump too I wouldn't even consider the Turbo. But man what a screaming deal for a 'winter beater'. It's also the most reliable Turbo Carrera so far.

I would add it to the stable so I can park my Boxster during winter. I really want to hold onto the 986S for 30 years. The good Porsches never look out-dated.

jwade · 03-15-2009, 10:50 AM

Price of admission rises quite a bit with a TT, whether 996 or 997. Mod costs rise a great deal too.

Just know you just need some serious cash to play in that realm, but either model is an incredible time attack vehicle and the limits of the machine are way beyond most driver capabilities.

I have a buddy with an '01 996TT with 15k on it...basically babied, but I will attest that not much out there could touch it. The 4wd system keeps it stable as hell.

If I bought one, or his, I would chip it as turbo's respond well to that, plus add a complete exhaust with headers. But these two things alone can / will cost you thousands.

I would do a little research before purchase to see what you could be out. It's not at all like boxster ownership.

jmatta · 03-15-2009, 11:01 AM

"Turbo Carrera" Sorry, that terminology left us in the '70s.

The 996TT is a fast, but very big and heavy car. The reason most of us like the GT3 better is it's "tossabilty" and high reving engine. GT2 is a whole other story.

The engines in these cars are not M96 based, but more like their air cooled cousins with water jackets. Dependability is great, as long as you don't over-rev.

You really need to drive these cars to see if their personality blends with what you're looking for out of a car. I've driven my friend's X51 optioned turbo numerous times, but would still take a GT3 any day.