AFRob

I started by search by looking for a 987 Cayman. I found I didn't fit that well (6'5" and 250) so I'm now looking for either a 981 Cayman or a 997 911.
I drove this one yesterday:
Used 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S for sale in Renton, WA 98057: Coupe Details - 673725111 - Autotrader

Pros:
Car drove well. Shifted smoothly. Braked straight. No drips.
A little ticking at start up. Went away quickly. No unusual ticking after the test drive.
Looks good. Paint and interior are in good shape.
No significant smoke on cold start.
Aftermarket head unit for bluetooth.
Nice price.
Carfax shows relatively regular service

Now the Bad:
2 collisions
84,000 miles
Tires are old.

Dealer has a 5 day/250 mile return policy (Autonation).
Dealer says they'll replace the tires.
My thoughts are that with a clean PPI (borescope) it may work. I figure I'll need some deferred mx--plugs, packs, belts, fluids.

What do the experts think?
Rob

DesmoSD

Tagging @groovzilla who knows all of the 6 speed silver 997.1's especially since this in the PNW.

AFRob

I made sure to include the PPI with borescope to not incur his wrath.

voiceprint1

has a TPMS error on the dash, so the sensors are old and not working.

Also almost 4 bar oil pressure at idle? seems rather high

ShaunP

you drive the car not the carfax report. if there are no structural issues from the accidents, the rest of the ppi is clean, and the motor has a good dme/bore scope i'd go for it for the right price.

just make sure you save enough on the purchase to account for the reduction in sale price when you sell.

Ironman88

Are you typically a lucky person?

groovzilla

Looks like it got banged up pretty good but if paint looks nice and bodywork straight/clean gaps nice then probably repaired well.
Eyes on it are best advice.

Ticking on startup not a good sign so PPI and Bore Scope Inspection a must. DME Report of Over-Revs important. ---->See if they would let you take it to Aker's Porsche for a PPI/BSI - My shop for over 35 years on Capitol Hill. They are one of the best on West coast.
I find cars with aftermarket wheels or wheels from other models (like the Turbo Wheels on this car) are sometimes owned by people who can be hard on cars. Just something I've seen/noticed over the past 35 years.

However if both the PPI & BSI come back looking very good then I would probably buy it at $38K .
With that accident damage it's a good car to grind on seller once you get the PPI and Bore scope results. Maybe even get it for $37K

The S is a nice car and silver the best color

Keep us posted!

kellen

I agree on the PPI and borescope. May even want to throw a body guy on it to make sure done well.

Also agree about the wheels but to me the turbos are an upgrade, so can be just someone who liked them. I’d make sure they are not knock offs. Would be worried if they put 18”s on for instance vs oem.

All in all it feels a little strong for the money. I’d try to get them to knock off some if it passes above.

Also odd that the instrument cluster is black. Stock is white on an S model.

850tgul

Having owned a 997.2 base and a 981 base, I enjoyed both cars equally and I’d be hard pressed to choose between the two. Would likely come down to if you need the smallish back seat or not or just wanted the cache of owning a 911.

I’ve driven a few 997.1s and, based solely on reliability, I’d go 981, even a base 981, over a 997.1.

othertbone

So it's a bare bones .1 S with high miles, two accidents and ticking at start up. Nuff said?

I wouldn't waste the money on a PPI and scope. If that's your price range then look for a high milage non S without the other baggage

NevilleNobody

I'll say it.

Increase your budget, markedly. Find a nice 997.2 base, not an S, and avoid cars like this. This dealer always has really rough looking cars with issues.

Walk away and find another 15k. I'll be harsh, if you can't swing near $50k you can't afford to maintain one of these cars unless you DIY and even then parts can be eye watering expensive.

groovzilla

"S" not 4S my mistake.

But if this car checked out well, I think it's a good deal for a 1st Porsche at $37K. Good entry level without spending a lot of cash.
That's my 2 cents

Keep us posted

NevilleNobody

Ticking aside, it's likely due 10 ton15k in deferred maintenance.

Tyres
Drive belt
Water pump
Coils
O2 sensors
Maf sensor
Plugs
God knows what for the suspension
Maybe pads and rotors
CLutch


As Clubber Lang once said. PAIN.

groovzilla

You forgot Idler Pulleys/Coolant Flush/Brake Flush
You never know---->That's why smart buyers get a PPI/BSI - Only way to find out

NevilleNobody

As a pricing reference point, at the absolute height of the market price wise I was looking at a .2 cab, pdk, with similar miles for the same price.

I know it was a pdk and a cab but .2 and I am talling 1 yr ago, prices have softened.