15 replies to this topic

[mylz87]

Can anyone provide some info on the 968 Tiptronic Transmissions - Reliability, problems, performance?
I prefer a standard tranny, but thought I would ask?
There is quite a difference in car prices between manual & tiptronic.

Thanks
Mylz87

[Kim]

Dare I say - like Beatles vs Rolling Stones.

I had both. I liked them both. The tip is slower but if you do a lot of stop and go driving it was nice to not shift gears. I had mine 6 years and drove it 35,000 km with no problems at all. It was more fun to drive in the tip mode than in the auto mode. I probably didn't drive it more than 10 km overall in the auto mode.

I sold the tip only because I now have a 911 Cab and didn't want or need two convertibles.

[flash]

i have both and like both, but for different reasons. the tip is very easy to drive. the manual is constant work. the manual is more fun when i really want to push it, which is why i supercharged that one, even though the tip would react well to the supercharger.

if the tip trans needs work, it will be more expensive than the manual trans

it really depends on what you want to do with the car

[tamathumper]

I have not owned both, but I have driven both, and I just felt something was missing with the tip. Although the manual is "more work" for certain, it just seems to complete the driving experience.

[94SilverCab]

Known issue with Tiptronic is the Flex Dampener ($$$), otherwise all the standard 968 issues apply.

JMO,

Jay

[mylz87]

Is the price difference I'm seeing between tip & manual the norm? On the cabs I've looked at, it seems to start at about 3-4k difference.
I agree the manual is more fun to drive, especialy on a weekend driver.

Thanks
Mylz87

[94SilverCab]

Most folks want a manual transmission. Even though Tiptronic was +/- $4k more when they were new, they suck on resale. If you are committed to a Tip you should be able to find an excellent 968 for a very reasonable price.

Jay

[tamathumper]

... and you won't have to worry about pinion bearing failure!

[flash]

and it comes with lsd

driving the tip can take some learning if you want all of the performance from it, but can be driven very fast. we have a couple of members who race them and do very well.

if and when it fails, the flex dampener is indeed expensive, but no more so really than the dual mass flywheel in the manual cars, which in many cars also need replacing. there are a few more hours of labor involved, but it isn't the end of the world, and once it's done, you won't have to do it again.

as for resale price, a tip will generally go for $2k to $3k less than an otherwise identical car. similarly typically white and red cars go for less than other colors. the market has made choices as to what it finds valuable. of course, with this small of a block of cars, there will be exceptions to those "rules". after watching for 9 years though, this is what i have seen.

[mylz87]

Great feed back and info guy's, thanks.
I never thought about colors effecting car value, but it makes sense. Also, the pinion gear worry disapears with a tip, thanks.

Whats the best a way to determine tiptronic tranny condition?

The more I keep researching, the more ways there are to spend $$ on these toys

Thanks
mylz87.

[968Syncro]

I think it also depends on your planned driving profile. I have the Tip and really like it since I use my 968 as a daily driver, and let my wife and kids drive the car. If I had a car that was just occasional, like weekend drives through the country, I suppose I would prefer the manual. In my experience, the tip is just a bit slower off the line but not once you are underway. The 968 engine has a very broad power curve so using only 4 gears vs 6 gears is not much of a disadvantage for the 968.

The only reliability issue I've noticed with the Tip is that the transmission mount might break and the plastic ATF fluid reservoir will certainly break if your teenage son looses control, spins it into a ditch, and totals the car.

[Scott Collins]

Never driven a tip, but it would be cool to have a cab Tip as a 2nd 968.

[flash]

lol - it is

[gbarrier]

Put about 35K on a tip and loved it. Only sold it because at that time the S/C kit was only available for the manual. Perhaps I should have waited.

Like Flash said, you have to learn how to drive it to get the most out of it and yes, will probably need a flex plate due to age (mine did) but a great car.

[986boxster1998]

http://www.968regist...rchre pg 12.jpg The first 968 I owned was a Tip and I really liked it; but I ultimately sold it due to my preference of driving a manual. I'd suggest driving both before deciding for your self. The information from the original dealer broucher on the Tiptronic is quite impressive:

[unknown4u]

I drive a tip coupe with original M030. And it is fun to drive. At higher speeds it revs a bit less then a manual. the only thing is that if you put the gearshifter in 3th it always start in first instead of the second gear when in D.