pm77

Hey folks,

I need some inputs here. I have an option to purchase either a 2007 30K mile 987.1 base (5 spd manual ) or a 2009 987.2 base 80K miles 6 spd manual.

Both are priced at ~ 30K. One is in guards red with a beige interior and the other in grey. They are both single owners.

I was leaning towards the 987.2 as it has more maintenance records but it does have higher mileage.

Any thoughts on the pricing, reliability etc?

I need to close on this in the next couple of days.
Thanks!

A432

While the 987.1 base 2.7L engine is fairly reliable, it is still the old architecture M97 with IMS/open block and has noticeably less torque than the larger 9A1 2.9L in the 987.2.
The 987.2 had revised shock and spring rates along with improved power steering cooling and improved oiling which made the car a little better for a DE car.
Because of the reduced production of the 987.2 during the recession, imho it will always be a little more scarce and drive resale a little higher.
Mileage wise, both cars should still be reliable at the 80k mi. point, especially as manual transmissions, but there will be maintenance items coming up, if not done, such as
shift cables, water pump, thermostat, belt, plugs, coils etc. While the lower mileage of the '07 may seem to avoid these, a 17 year old Porsche will potentially need them regardless.
In the end though, they are similar cars so if you really want one color/interior over the other, that might be the largest factor. If no preference, imho take the 987.2 and don't sweat the mileage. (but use in negotiations)

XuTVJet

Definitely the 987.2 if you can swing it. It's a newer car plus a better and more powerful motor, a stronger gearbox, and overall, a more desirable car. With said, it's a older Porsche. We prepared to do a lot of maintenance and repairs and have $5K+ reserved for the work.

Cemlo

100% gen 2, good luck getting the one you decide, post pics

Ric In RVA

I was in the same boat last october. I came to the conclusion I couldn't live with the possible time bomb of Bore score and IMS. Thus 987.2 base manual was my choice.

I didn't realize they were so rare but I truly lucked out.and found one on FB marketplace about 20 mins away from me.

106000 miles and I am seriously enjoying the car.

A432

Bore scoring and IMS issues on the 2.7L M97 are extremely rare, as in approx. 1%.

Ric In RVA

I have a pistol that holds 100 rounds in the revolver cylinder. I’m going to spin it once a weekend for the next two years and pointed at you and pull the

You good with that?

I was not.

A432

..........

quickboxster

Violence was chosen.

pm77

Thanks for the feedback. I do prefer the slightly updated interiors of the 987.2 as well. It's gone in for a PPI.

Ric In RVA

I apologize if anyone is upset.

Probably not the greatest way to make my point but
it’s more of a graphic illustration of the odds always spouted about “the better” IMS.

1 in a 100 is simply not acceptable.

For everyone’s info I follow all four rules of safe fire arm usage and would never point a firearm at anything I didn’t intend to destroy loaded or unloaded.

redlightrich

There are no guarantees with an old car. Yes these are old cars. The 2.7 and 2.9 are super reliable. Either is a safe choice. 1 in a hundred is a great bet on an older car.
I hope you enjoy your .2

Good luck

Rich

old man neri

Nice. I've got a 987.2 S with 135K mi if it helps. Let us know how the PPI goes.

RJ80

Bore scoring is not an issue whatsoever in 2.7-liter engines, just as it is not in 2.9s. IMS would be the only minor worry. IMS failures are relatively low, but also these cars aren't getting any younger.

I chose a 2.9 for no IMS, slightly more power, significantly improved oiling system (the M97 system is a flawed design), closed-deck block, larger S-spec brakes, 6-speed gearbox and availability of LSD.

You will be more than happy with a good 2.9, they are widely considered to be the most reliable contemporary flat-six Porsche engine. I hope the PPI goes well. Be sure to come back with any concerns when you get the results.

pm77

Hi,
So, I just got the PPI back. Here's a breakdown
- Foggy headlights
-Wiper blades need to be replaced.
-The front tires vibrate while driving.
- Issue with one of the power windows.
- Steering wheel shimmy on free way.
-Many modules have cluster communication codes.
- the idle is uneven - said it could be injector or plugs.

For the codes
- PSM 01 (C140)
- POSIP 02 (C152, C140)
- Front 02
- PCM 04 (C140, C150, C152, C202)
- Steering col switch 01 ( C151 which is a bit strange since this is manual. That's what I was told)

I'm going to chat with my mechanic as well.