Bmw635

I am planning to buy a 997.1 for a good price but did some research on the 997 forum, I found that the car has alot more reliability issue than the 928. Without owning both for along time (6mos on 928) and not much familiar with Porsche cars in general, does anybody on here have direct experiences on both that could give me some insight?

I know about the PDK problem that seems to cost around the same as IMS problem so I am tempted to just keep the 928 and put that $ into the SC instead but not sure as I may be paranoid. TIA.

Speedtoys

Is the 997 approaching 25-30yrs old yet?

If not, I'm unsure you can make a direct comparison.

Bmw635

I know the age difference but reliability from "advance engineering" is a problem also as I see lots of issue with my wife's 4 YO X5 having more problem than my 16 YO 740. The age doesn't scare me as I plan to PM everything so I'l never be stranded but having unexpected failure on newer car is some thing I am not prepare to deal with, that's why I asked. Thanks.

Speedtoys

I think most of -my- S4 issues, were simple rubber/plastic aging, and the handful of normal suspect electrical connection issues, which are a combination of age and WW2 design (not sealed).

Nothing hard/mechanical because of advance engineering.

FRUNKenstein

Well, I may not be the expert you're looking for, but I can compare a 996.1 that I've had for almost two years with my S4 that I've had for only a few months. The 996 is a very reliable, modern vehicle. It is extremely reliable and comfortable. My 928S4, which I do enjoy, is an "old" Porsche. I love its looks and I respect it's design, but there is no comparison as to which is the more reliable mode of transportation.
The engine in the 997.1 is basically a 996 engine.

MFranke

I can't speak to the 997, but I've owned a 928 for about 22 years now. It has been highly reliable compared to other later model cars that I or my wife have owned.

SteveG

I can offer generalities. The '87 is said to be prone to a computer board failure, but it's not something anyone can say is predictable. They all are subject to electrical gremlins, but it's not something you can predict; unless, that is, somebody did a hack job installing an after-market stereo or engine cut off. Affected overall no doubt by heat and humidity.

Most people say the engine/drive train is bullet proof. Reminds me -- I should check my flex plate this Spring.

They are different cars for different drivers. I think most people don't make this decision based on those considerations perhaps b/c they each have their, shall we say, peculiarities.

77tony

Digital vs Analog.02 T

Bmw635

Could you elaborate more of your perception since you have the latest digital vs oldest analog and another in between? Thx.

I think this is an emotional buy as I don't need it, not crazy about it but wife prefers my fleet to be newer rather than older so this is to help me decide whether to get the 997 and let the 928 go. If I keep the 928, it will get force fed but that's another topic for another story.

The Forgotten On

Keep the 928. 997.1 are too common, at least where I am.

A well kept 928 is very reliable and so is a 997. The biggest differences is the community and the cost of parts.

Bmw635

Well, seller liked my 928 so I agree there. Wife keeps nagging me about my old cars that's why she would let me buy a Ferrari if I sell some of these old cars but I don't envy the maintenance on it. Same reason why I sold my 1 of a kind 635 and I think she kind of regretted when seeing buyers fighting to buy it and sold within 24hrs of listing-oh well can't cry over spill milk.

I am beginning to get hooked on the 928 after seeing Rob Edwards' enthusiasm like I used to have on the 635 so I plan on pulling the engine to refresh and S/C it.

As for cost of parts, that's where I am hoping to get more insight from owners of 928 whom are more DIY inclined whereas most of the 997 repairs are more parts intensive that even dealer can only replace parts and not repair. In fact, there's a discussion that insenuate that Porsche is more interested in the revenue of selling a $15000 part than making a $200 component available for repair but I will DIY on the 997 as well so no fear there.

KCattorney brought up the engine sharing with 996 that made me having 2nd thought because I purposely avoid the 996 due to IMS issue.

hacker-pschorr

This is an interesting question considering where you live (Orange County).

Owning a 928 can be frustrating with zero support in your general area. The internet can help fill in the voids for those owners, but you have the other extreme.

You live in the same neighborhood as Mark Anderson and Greg Brown (and you already know Rob...)

This is like trying to decide if you are going to listen to Rock & Roll or Jazz and you look over to see your next door neighbor is Jimmy Page.

Plug in the amp, it's time for a guitar solo.

Now.....lets see some photos of your first of many 928's

drwhosc

listen to your wife and get a Ferrari, no reliability issue there. the bottom line is get a good ell cared for used car. I like to bring cars back from the dead, just a hobby, Did a rusty 911, and I got an abandoned 928. the 911 is done, and it is 45 years old, I will drive that car anywhere because I know it inside and out, and it is reliable. The 928 has great mechanics, and I also trust it. I do take it on long trips. I am not finished with it yet, and it requires more PM. You have to look out for stuff on these cars. The electrical issues I have encountered are impressive, but fixable. definitely the long term weakness, but luckily the core functions of the car are pretty good. Just all the little things can add up.

I have not worked on a 997 yet. I have my eye on one as my next project. Personally I think it will be a fun car to work on. I have found that every car is different, and with an old car, you are going to "fund your Obsession" I think there was a thread on this a few months back.

My advice is not to look at this as a reliability issue. Honestly, I drive a prius for reliability, I drive and work on my porsches for fun...

Adk46

I'm not conversant with 911 IMS issues, but I believe they are similar to those in the 986/987.1 - all have an IMS, but the bearing went through three (?) designs, one of which has about a 10% failure rate (but can be changed out relatively easily), while the last design (987.1/997.1?) fails at maybe 1% but requires an engine teardown to change. If you are handy, you might consider the 10% sort - the prices are depressed - and install one of the available fixes. Or sleep easy with a ".2" model.

I'm not sure what you mean by the "PDK problem" - it was not available until the ".2" models, and is regarded as trouble-free (notwithstanding comments by offended MT devotees). That's for 987.2/981 (2009 and newer) - I don't know why the 911 models would be any different.

curt_928

I just bought a 2006 911 end of November. Pleasantly surprised how similar it is to the 928. If you haven't driven one definitely do. Much more gt than prior 911's.

As far as reliability, no major issues that I've encountered or are familiar with. Just get a $2000 extended warranty and you're good to go for 5 years. IMS in the 997.1 higher in the 2005 models as they used 996 bearing engines. 928 is rock solid but at 20+ years is going to have issues. Agree not a fair comparison. Mine is a stick so not familiar with PDK issues.