996TT Quality.

[Hutzal]

I have always wanted to add a 996TT to my dream Stable. But i have quite a few sources that say that the interior is not all the great. There is alot of road noise and that there are some squeaking noises. But of course the all the other attributes of the porsche are outstanding. (IE: Handling, Exceleration...) I was wondering if it would be the best buy for the money in that price range, and if there are any other cars that would out-do the 996TT in its class.

-Hutz-

[greg]

The 996TT quality, by MOST standards, is excellent. The quality by BMW standards isn't quite as good. The car does have more road noise; this isn't a quality problem - it is a side-effect of stiffer suspension and bushings that allow the car to better transmit to the driver what's going on.

Quality wise some people have squeaks - I have none. Same as the M5. I have had a few more problems with the car than I've had with the M5 - but I don't expect trouble-free - I just expect quality within reason for what the car is, and outstanding sevice organization behind it. I'm happy in this regard.

There are a few bits of the interior which could have been made a little nicer with very little effort or cost - but the 996 is MILES ahead of every 911 predecessor in terms of interior design and quality of materials.

for the same money:

Z8 - better quality, a little softer - a different target market - trades a little performance for a lot of luxury.

Mercedes new SL55 - awesome car - still a boulevard cruiser. It sounds like it handles amazingly well for a 4400lb car, but it is still a 4400 lb car. I like to drive the 996TT on the track 1-2x per year - and I have no doubt I would walk (not run, but walk - rather briskly ) away from either of these options.

[A_Train]

My 996TT was squeak and rattle free; no interior quality issues of any kind. But Porsche cabriolets are infamous for their squaks and rattles. I've never been in a Porsche cab that did not have a lot of such noises, even for a cab.

- A-Train