talkenrain

Hello All,
I'm new to the 997, after having my feet wet with a 996.1 for a while, I have an opportunity to move on (sort of). I've been reading a lot here and thought I'd chime in and make a few requests. There are a few 997.1s I'm considering. Both are high mileage but within my budget. One is local, 08 with very few options the other is an 05 in southern California (just south of LA). it's completely loaded. both have about the same mileage. The 05 is most appealing because I get a lot of car for about the same price as the local car. One concern is the IMS issue with the early 997.1s. I have the vin number, can anyone tell me how to determine if it has the early M96/M97 engine? I'm leaning more towards the 08 997 mainly because i'm told the IMS issues are all but gone for the later car. Can anyone shed some light on the big differences in the 05 and 08? I'm also looking for a willing forum member in southern California willing to give the California car a test drive before I invest in a pre purchase inspection and ultimately air fare to pick it up. Any help and input is appreciated..

Derek Zoolander

Post the VIN and we can get the build date. Other than IMS, there are really no differences other than options between an 05 and an 08 car.

rickdogg82

What city is the car in?

talkenrain

Costa Mesa
VIN WP0CB29935S765896

rickdogg82

Your car seems outside the affected range. Price seems a little steep.

talkenrain

What's a car equipped like it typically go for in that area?

99711mike82

Rain,

Post all the specs you can about the So Cal car, including the dealer info, etc. Post some pics or a link to the ad as well.

-Mike in So Cal

Derek Zoolander

The build date is after the IMS change, so it has the updated IMS
2005 Porsche Carrera S Cabriolet
Division: PCNA Commission #: 562052 Prod Month: 06/2005 VIN: WP0CB29935S765896 Price: $104,620.00 Exterior: Black Interior: Black Full Leather Warranty Start: June 28, 2005
Additional Equipment

249 Tiptronic S 342 Heated Front Seats 405 19" Carrera Classic Wheel 431 3-Spoke Str Whl Multifctn lthr 640 Sport Chrono Package Plus 670 Navigation for PCM 680 Bose High End Sound Package 692 Remote CD Changer (6 Disc) A1 Black AT Black Full Leather P15 Power Seat Package V9 Black Top

love2drive

I'd get the 997.2 given it had many small improvements and resolved some serious reliability issues. I'd choose nothing less than a 997.2 C2S. But that's me. I hope you have fun in the process.

squid42

In a 2005 you cannot be sure about the IMS without looking.

Normally that could be combined with clutch service, but this one is a tip.

rickdogg82

I looked at the ad and saw Carrera (no S) so thought that in terms of prices. But I seem to recall in my recent searches cars in that price range with fewer miles.

talkenrain

Great info. Thanks. This confirms what I'm being told and it's original equipment. I'm now looking for a local member to go check it out before I do a pre purchase inspection and buy a one way ticket...

Anyone in the area available to give it a test drive and visual inspection for me?

squid42

People who actively wrench have been saying that there is no "IMS cutoff date" by VIN.

Chassis got matched with already produced engines in a non-linear manner. At best you could use the motor number, maybe.

99711mike82

Or just stay away from the '05 altogether... It's no coincidence that there is a significant price gap between similar 997's between '05 and '06.

talkenrain

I'm sure the engine version will be clearly exposed with the PPI. At this point what I need is experienced eyes and ears on it before a professional PPI.

Still seeking test driver. Thanks in advance