CabrioArtie

Hi,

Due to an accident, I'm am now in the market for a car. I also own a '93 964, but a 997 is a different beast which I know very little about. I've searched for posts on what to look for and/or stay away from, but I couldn't find a very definitive list.

I know I need a PPI. I would most likely be looking for Cabrio in the 2007 year range.

If anyone could point me to a list of things to watch for, both good and bad, I would appreciate it.

TIA,
CabrioArtie

Chris from Cali

I would think a PPI would sort you out. I believe (not certain) you might still be able to find a 2007-2008 Cab that's CPO'ed (which should give you peace of mind). Like almost every Porsche "what should I buy" comment, buy the best one within your budget (i.e. newest, lowest miles, CPO, etc.). Good luck with the hunt...

D

I have been looking for similar year cars although I want a coupe. It looks like the biggest concern is the Intermediate Shaft Bearing (IMS) It has a 10% failure rate and is catastrophic if it fails. There are kits available to replace it as it is just a bad design, the bearing is sealed but the rubber breaks down from heat and it loses lubrication. Second thing I have read about is wiring harness failures, symptom is that the starter turns over slower when hot.

niner niner seven

where exactly is the IMS - are there any symptoms before failure? thanks

D

This is the best explanation of the problem: http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html

cpbmd

I am in the looking at a 2006 997 with 44k miles. I know with 964's and 993's there are a bunch of problems with oil leaks and valve problems. Are there any classic problems that I should look out for? Also this car has had the rear bumper replaced due to a fender bender. Is that a serious problem. The dealership that is selling($42K) the one owner car says there are no sequela from this. How do I verify that? Is this a deal breaker?
Thanks
Constantine

gota911

Constantine,

Is it a 997 S or a base Carrera? Is it a Porsche dealer? If so, have them CPO the car. Either way, get a PPI somewhere other than the selling dealer. That is a pretty good price for the car.

cpbmd

Hi Tim
Thanks for the reply. It is a C2 base not and S. It is a dealer that is selling the car. They sold the car and have serviced it since then. The car is Teal dark green with tan interior. It has some wood option package which I could care less about. I will get a PPI at an independent shop that has serviced my 964 for the last 2 years. I have never driven a 997. How is the driving experience compared to a 964 or 993. Those cars have a really raw fun ride. I am concerned that the ride of a 997 will be too "cushy or processed" with all the new electronic things they have added to the car. What are your feelings on this. Thanks again for your advice. I will keep you posted.
Constantine

gota911

Ask them if the car can be CPO (Certified Pre-Owned). It would be worth the additional $2,000 to $2,500. DOn't let them tell you that the car is too old to be covered by a CPO. Porsche will certify a car that is no more than 8 years old and has less than 100,000K miles on it as long as it passes the 100+ point inspection. If they won't consider getting it CPO'd for you, make sure you get a THOROUGH PPI completed on it.

Dark Teal Metallic is not a real popular color for most buyers, so it may be a harder sell for the dealership. If you like the color and the car, ask them to CPO it and offer them $39.5 to $41.0, INCLUDING the CPO. See what they say. You can always go up on your offer, but you can not, in good faith, lower your offer unless the PPI finds some items that will be costly to fix.

I can't compare the 997 ride to a 964 or a 993 because I have not driven either the 964 or a 993.

Kuhan

The price seems a bit cheap to me... Makes me wonder if there is not something else up with the car? What was the build date?

You can get CPO on a car that had had a maximum of one panel replaced. I would definitely get the CPO - an extra $2k for 2 years full warranty is money well spent. If they won't CPO it then there is something wrong with the car and you need to find out what that is! I would not buy a 997 without CPO, especially considering that 3rd party warranties have gone through the roof.

BobbyB

cpbmd - I can't compare the ride of a 997 to a 964 since it's been some time since driving one, however I can compare it to a 993. There is a major difference in ride, handling, steering, road feel and most of all that fun factor. The ride in the 997 is more compliant, the steering sharper (although it might not feel it) and it's faster, and handles better than my 993. But, it feels more like a cruiser when getting out of my 993. The first thing I noticed was the effort to work the clutch and brakes - maybe because the 993 brakes are hinged from the floor. You must drive it to feel the difference but after seat time you will come to love it. Not as visceral as the 993 but it stills brings that perma grinn. Good Luck

Edgy01

A 964 forces you to work a lot harder to get the same out of a 997. Essentially the same for a 993. Your cornering ability in a 997 will soon make you forget the 964. There is no comparison.

The green price is lower because green cars never resale well. That is fact.

The IMS and RMS issues have been blown out of proportion on these cars. I suspect much of those that have failed have sat around, allowing the seal to go dry. These cars are engineered to be driven, not parked and coddled like some prize. Go test drive a 997 to see what they offer.

Fahrer

The IMS issue is serious but a relatively rare problem. Th RMS is more common but mostly a nuisance.

cpbmd

Thanks so much for all the great advice. I am going to take a look at the car next weekend. I will definitely ask for a CPO and offer $39.5. that is a great plan.
constantine

Edgy01

Since we have no idea where you are we can't really guide you on pricing. In some areas they can't give the cars away. In others, they don't have enough to sell.