Thinking of buying a 996 TT

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Originally Posted by Ckrikos

I have always wanted one and am thinking of getting one now that prices have come down to around 40k for a low mileage 02/03. Does anyone have any experience with them. I think they are fairly bullet proof, they don't have an IMS so not grenading motors. I probably would be looking for a stock model, not a souped up car. I'll probably keep my boxster as its worth more to me than 10k or whatever they sell for these days, problem is that it will get driven even less. I'll have to teach my wife to drive stick so she can take it out.

The "grenade" on a 996TT is the cracking coolant pipes and necessary retrofit. If one blows while performance driving it dumps coolant on the rear wheels causing loss of control. There is a fix much like the IMS fix that requires dropping the motor and replacing all the cooling pipes. Cost is around $3500 from a recognized shop.

If you like the 996TT buy one with eyes open, retrofit the cooling system, and enjoy the car.