Manual vs Tiptronic on 1998-2000 Models

[stevett]

Hi All,

Apologies for another question, but typically is there a price variation or desirability difference between a manual or tiptronic C2 pre-facelift 2001?

I am concerned the 70,000 mile examples with tiptronic may be a source of problems in future? Is there any evidence to support this from early models with high-ish miles?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Diesel130]

I have not heard of any technical reasons why tiptronic would be a source of problems. Some say that more use of engine breaking with a manual may increase chance of RMS issues. Also you have no clutch to wear out.

However, I would expect that a tiptronic would be less sought after for a car of that age - the reason being that, although a fair number were sold as tiptronics when new, those buying a car of that age are more likely to be 'performance car enthusiasts' and hence be after a manual.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

The ZF Tiptronic transmission used in the pre-facelift 996s is a fairly robust unit, and they don't seem to suffer from many problems. It was a £3300 option in 2000, but that doesn't relect in the price of used cars - they are fairly equal in value comparing like-for-like. Manual transmissions are fairly robust too, but they can suffer from 2nd gear syncho wear. I suspect this is caused by impatient owners being a bit ham-fisted when the car is cold, as the 1st-2nd change can't be hurried until the gearbox is warm. As Martin says, you don't have the clutch issue with a Tiptronic!

Martin is also probably correct about desirability, but it all depends on how you are going to use the car, and which you prefer. Tiptronic is perfect for my usage - a cross town commute every morning - but I drive it in manual mode all the time, because I like to choose which gear I am in. When poodling in auto it tends to change up too quickly for my liking. On the open road it is a lot of fun too, and I can honestly say I don't miss the manual change. All my cars prior to Porsches were manuals.

The best thing to do is to try it, and choose what YOU prefer. If you are planning to keep the car for some while, it won't make a big difference to the resale price. You may love Tip or hate it, and there are as many people who love it as those who don't. Hence why they sold in roughly equal amounts. If you do get a Tip with around 70k on the clock, budget for a fluid and filter change though - see the other recent thread.

 

[beershark]

Hi Steve,

I would agreed with both Martin & Richard.

All my previous cars have been manual, but I purchased a 98R 996 3.4 Tip about 5 years ago from a big specialist dealer with 88,000 miles on it.

I had a fairly minor problem with the box (a faint whine when off-throttle) that I didnt like as I just purchased it, and it appeared that it had been repaired previously (Porsche dont repair boxes under warranty, they replace them).

Anyway, I bought the Porsche warranty and the box failed and Porsche replaced it under warranty with a new and uprated (possibly ZF?) unit for free.

I have also heard that Tips are easier on the engine as you loose a certain amount of control on over/under revving it and are less prone to RMS issues, however in the early days I had two RMS and nothing now for 4 years or so.

As Richard said, try both and see what you prefer for the style of driving you do. I use my car around town, long blasts and a fair few tracks and its never been wanting. In fact, on a number of occasions my car appears quicker in a straight line than two other newer 3.6 manuals!

Also, the Tip will usually start off in 2nd and if you want a spirited getaway then you need to nail the throttle (would then change down from 2nd to 1st) or put it in manual / 1st.

I would imagine from a resale perspective, there wouldnt be much difference on that age of car especially if you plan to keep it for a while!

All the best,

Rob