basil333

I have a chance to purchase a:

2005 Seal Grey Carrera with 23K miles -or-
2008 Macadamia Metallic Carrera 4S with 56K miles

I like both - and could get both for around the same price...Which is the better car?

Thanks for any input, Mark

Wachuko

Newer car... 56K miles is nothing... plus 4S, a bit wider, awd... if you are into that... some do not like the awd and prefer the feel of rwd...

Wachuko

And welcome to Rennlist.

Wachuko

And you might want to post this question in the 911 water-cooled section...

Coincident

Definitely the 08. Newer, faster and the all wheel drive is wider and offers tremendous grip.

basil333

Thanks Jaime (Wachuko) and Coincident.

I re-posted this question on the 997 forum.
I appreciate your thoughts.

Mark

Ed Hughes

08 gets you past the crappy motors, too, doesn't it?

Wachuko

You are correct. I had forgotten about that. That peace of mind alone is reason enough to go with the '08

f4 plt

As many have said, value is in the eye of the beholder. Certainly in street value the '08 will be priced higher, however low miles on the '06 can be a plus.

I for one, am not a fan of the C4 (s) unless you need the all wheel drive for weather concerns. The c4S is heavier than the C2 and less nimble. If you are into autocross or tracking it has a tendency to plow in the corners. The 4S also has a smaller front trunk as space is taken from the trunk to accommodate the front differential. Overall service and repair costs are higher again because of the all wheel drive and mileage is less. Lastly the '06 and '08 engines both have intermediate shafts and thus intermediate shaft bearing potential failures although they have been very rare on '08 vehicles. An intermediate shaft bearing failure can and does cause extensive engine damage.

2009 was the first year of the DFI engines that eliminated the intermediate shaft.

Depending on which car excites you the most you might consider the '06 for the reasons above. You should be able to get it for less money and then have the intermediate shaft bearing replaced with the updated Porsche one or better yet the L&N ceramic one. While doing that have the oil air separator replaced and possibly the water pump because of age and then enjoy the drive for many happy miles.

basil333

Thanks again guys. I appreciate your input.
I would be a first time Porsche owner and am not an aggressive driver so...I wonder if I need all the 08 C4S has to offer - I was thinking the 05 with nice sport package upgrades would be enough for me. Although it sounds the 08 is a better car despite the additional mileage and should be the car I pursue.

Great to be part of such a helpful and knowledgeable group.
Thanks, Mark

Coincident

The 08 virtually eliminates the bearing issue. The S also gives you 35 more HP. The wider stance does look better and the 4 wheel drive is amazing in wet and snowy conditions.The 05 base model needs to be worked harder to get the acceleration. The S definitely feels faster, especially at lower revs.If the 4S has the sports chrono upgrade, the car in sport mode has a remapped transmission, tighter, more aggressive suspension and is much more exciting to drive.

redridge

I thought 08 has no fix for IMS, If you have IMS issues... you are done, IMS cant be replaced w/o opening up the engine... while the 2005 has the upgrade from LN and dont have to crack the motor. With that said, I would get the 08...

theiceman

i wouldnt touch any of these cars ... but i dont play russian roulette either ... just my opinion but these cars have a now recognized and acknowledged design flaw that could terminate the engine.

Coincident

That is ridiculous. You obviously have not owned any 997. I have as well as many of my friends and family. Non have had an issue. The failure rate on 08s is virtually nil. I suppose you do not purchase any cars since the recall numbers for Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Hundai etc is in the millions.

NYNick

Do the clutch while you're in there if it has even 50% left. If you do all the above, it should be less than $3500. After that, you've got a dependable, true Porsche on your hands which should deliver thousands of happy miles, just like all the other ones.