2004 996 TT Questions

[Geep]

Hello,

I hope this is in the correct forum. I have owned a 2008 Boxster S since new in '08 and it has been a great car, close to 11,000 miles (not driven that much). I have the opportunity to trade the Boxster for a 2004 996 TT Cabriolet with 29,000 miles. This opportunity came up yesterday evening and I've been trying to research everything I can on the 996 Turbo. Basically I will have to give them my car and a check for approx $XXK to do the deal out the door (996 is $XX). I've always wanted a 911 turbo, but never thought I would want to spend the money or contend with the potential added upkeep to own one. This seems like a good deal but I am not sure of all the problems and added expense compared to my Boxster. I know the '04 996 TT engine was towards the end of production for that model, so were many of the previous problems ironed out by '04? The Boxster has been problem free for 5 years, am I being unreasonable in my thoughts the '04 996 would be as reliable?

I made the mistake of test driving the 996 and all rational thought left as soon as I pressed the gas pedal! Putting the top down just made it worse, but I need to think clearly on this. I need some rational consideration to help with this decision. Any input would be helpful.

Thanks!

Edited July 15, 2013 by Geep

[Silver_TT]

You might want to take a look at this thread I started when I was making a similar decision some time back:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/43424-flaws-996-vs-996tt/?hl=%2Bflaws+%2Bturbo

In short, the 996 TT is an awesome car and the best I've ever owned by a long shot. Its Mezger engine is legendary and many say one of the best -- if not the best -- engines that Porsche ever made. You will find that the interior and many components of the car you're looking at are the same or similar to the 996 Carrera, but the difference stops there. For all intents and purposes the 2002-2004 model year TTs are pretty much the exact same and the 996 TTs don't really have a lot of serious issues like the Carrera/Boxsters (IMS, D chunk, cylinder scouring, etc, etc).

Post a picture of the new car if you pull the trigger.

[rdoine]

Rational does not always enter into the equation. I've owned my 04 996tt for some six years. I've done only routine maintenance and enjoyed the car thoroughly. These cars are a blast to drive. That being said, when something breaks, none of these cars are cheap to repair. But, you can do some things yourself.

If you have always wanted a turbo, check the car out throughly and, if clear, just do it. I've owned about nine Porsches and always wanted a turbo. I do not regret buying this one and do not intend to let it go.

[Geep]

Thanks for the info!

This is a tough decision. I am going to be able to drive the 996 for a day or so before I have to decide. I'll take it up to a reputable mechanic and get some input from them also.

[Geep]

Here's a couple of pics of the 996 I'm looking to buy.

Also another question. For those guys who have a Cabriolet, how many buttons are on your key remote? The manual says there are 3 buttons, the extra/3rd button is for the convertible top. But do US cars have 2 or 3 buttons? The remote transmitter is currently not working so I am researching how to fix before I buy.

[Silver_TT]

Regarding the remote on the key not working, my first advice would be to push this back to the seller and tell them to fix it.

That said do a search or checkout my thread:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/42683-intermittent-issues-with-lockunlock-button-using-key-remote/?hl=%2Bremote+%2Bkey+%2Bworking

First try to just replace the battery in the keyhead. If that doesn't work the problem can likely be solved by purchasing a new keyhead from Sunset (~ $125 + shipping), switching it over to your key, and programming the car with the code that will come with it (requires a PST2/PIWIS, cannot use Durametric). Pretty easy.

[Geep]

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, the seller knocked another $350 off the price to fix both keys (so far I know only 1 has the problem, need to get the 2nd to see if it also doesn't work). Hopefully worst case I would be covered to fix both keys for $350 which would include 2 key heads and programing. I already checked everything from fuses to batteries, also went through all the no cost fixes I could find on the internet.

[Silver_TT]

Car looks sharp.

I would focus on the 1st key to begin with. Try a new battery first and if that doesn't work order that keyhead from Sunset. There's a high probability that one of these two will fix the problem. Let us know how it goes.

[rdoine]

FYI, my 2004 TT Cab came with two keys plus the valet key. Both main keys have two buttons. I don't know if the third button for the remote operation of the top was a US option. I never open the top with the key in the door nor would I likely use the button on the fob. I just start the car and push the console button. Just seems to be less load on the electrical system.

Nice looking car. Hope it works out for you. Mine is certainly my weekend stress reliever.

[wross996TT]

Here's a couple of pics of the 996 I'm looking to buy.

Also another question. For those guys who have a Cabriolet, how many buttons are on your key remote? The manual says there are 3 buttons, the extra/3rd button is for the convertible top. But do US cars have 2 or 3 buttons? The remote transmitter is currently not working so I am researching how to fix before I buy.

I have a 2004 TT Cab. There is no third button on the US version. USDOT does not permit this...Just get the smarttop and be done with it.

[Geep]

Thanks for all the replies! I decided to take the car, but I have to get that remote fixed! It's just a pain in the butt to manually unlock it and jump in before the alarm goes off. Once I get that key fixed and the 30,000 mile checkup done, the Smarttop may be on my short list!

[Silver_TT]

Congrats, they are a blast to drive.

[txhokie4life]

That's a decent price for the TT -- and what feels like a great price for your Boxster.

I think I would jump on it.

Mike

[Geep]

That's a decent price for the TT -- and what feels like a great price for your Boxster.

I think I would jump on it.

Mike

Yea, I'm happy with the deal. I don't see a bunch of earier turbos for sale, so happy I could find one I could afford! :)

I bought the Boxster S new for my wife and I have taken care of it. Always garaged and only 11,000 miles on it so it's like a new car! Hopefully the next owner will take care of it.

Also hoping this 911 is as reliable as the Boxster.

[JFP in PA]

That's a decent price for the TT -- and what feels like a great price for your Boxster.

I think I would jump on it.

Mike

Yea, I'm happy with the deal. I don't see a bunch of earier turbos for sale, so happy I could find one I could afford! :)

I bought the Boxster S new for my wife and I have taken care of it. Always garaged and only 11,000 miles on it so it's like a new car! Hopefully the next owner will take care of it.

Also hoping this 911 is as reliable as the Boxster.

You will find the Metzger lump powering the Turbo to be one of the best engines Porsche ever made from both a proven durability and performance perspective. Good luck with it.