DWPC

Was looking at a new Cayenne or Macan, but decided that I really enjoy my 06 Cayenne Turbo (90K mi.) and it's in great condition, so why sell it. I've shifted to looking for a nice 996 and keeping the 955 as the kayak/bike/ski/mutt hauler. I'd really appreciate advice on the common issues to look out for on 06 or later 996s. I believe the IMS curse was cleared by 06...right? Any negatives on a Carrera 4 AWD? Thanks. Also looking for a Porsche indie tech in Bend OR.

Agent Jester

Splitting Atoms

The 997 series began in 2005 (except the turbo which still used the 996 body). The 997.1 generation also used the M96/M97 engines with the IMS roller bearing. The 2005s used the smaller single row which was more problematic. The late 2005 through 2008 cars used the larger single row with a low failure rate. The only issue with those is you cannot replace the bearings without disassemblling the engine. The 996 and 997 911s are similar but different. The obvious visual difference is the headlights . The 997s tend to be about 10k more expensive for similar condition cars.

Dennis C

The C4S and targa were offered for sale as a 2005 model 996 in the US. I've also seen a thread that details a small number of 996 C2 cars offered as 2005 models. It was a bit of a 'tweener year in the switch from 996 to 997.

DWPC

No, not a troll. just not up to speed on 911-isms yet. I once had a '63 Carrera cab though.

TonyTwoBags

The 997 forum will be a great resource for FAQs on the 2005-2008 Carreras. IMS concerns are less pronounced on 997s relative to 996s, so the approach to maintenance and risk is a little different. Look for the history of maintenance on things like water pump, AOS, oil change frequency, coils & plugs, injector health, clutch life, running temp, and synchro health. Work your way backward by flagging the common, expensive repairs and figuring out which ones are more likely to fall on the new owner. Good luck

peterp

It would probably be more effective for you to specify a price range and what you are looking for in a 996/997, rather than specifying model years. If you indicate price and priorities, you will probably get some useful feedback.

Not as unobtanium as you might think! (just looks a little different) -> https://roadscholars.com/inventory/1...a-2-cabriolet/

DWPC

Thanks...I'm looking in the $40K +/- range, under 50K miles, Tip, Cabriolet, unmodified. I'm not familiar with other factory options or what else is good or to be voided. Cross-posting to the 997 forum too.

cds72911

Tip, cab, unmodified should be easy to find a good deal on. Well, at least would be in my area of the country. 6 speed coupes seem to be in more demand and carry a higher price tag.

Atrox

Carsly

second the 996TT, no IMS, AWD and extraordinary power. outside of the GT cars, the only 996 to own is the Turbo. would even take it over a 997.1 base or S

peterp

For that budget and your prior concerns about IMS, I would recommend a 997.2 (2009 or newer) because the 2009 997.2 eliminated the IMS altogether. There's a pretty big price gap for the 997.2's for that reason, but still you should be able to find one in that budget. Normally I think 996's drive better than 997's (just because of weight), but in a Tip, I would guess the later Tiptronic in the 997's is better than the 996. I did not like the Tip in my prior 996.1 Carrera 4. The redesigned Tip in the 996.2 drives better than the 996.1. I'm assuming Tip is better still in the 997, but again I don't have any direct experience with it (hopefully somebody who has driven 996/997 Tips can chime in).

EDIT: Adding this comment after seeing other posts recommending the 996 Turbo: I agree very strongly with the 996 Turbo as well. The Turbo would also be the best "investment". It's hotly debated whether 996's/7's will go up in value in the long-term, but I do think 996 Turbos are very likely go up in value in the future (though less so with a Tip versus a 6-speed)

theprf

996 Turbo's have already gone up in value, going to need >$50k to get one with <50k miles. For $40k you'll be in the 80-100k mile range. Nothing wrong with that, they're stout cars.

EDIT: I failed to see that you're looking for a Tip Cab. Those are the least expensive Turbo's on the market so you may be able to find one in the $40k range.

stout

For what you want to spend, I'd look for a 996 Carrera 4S Cabriolet or 997.1—or maybe even 997.2 Carrera Cabriolet if you can find a deal. Or a high miles 996 Turbo Cabrio Tip. In fact, I'd be using high miles to keep the prices right with all of the above (with good records and PPI), and to make it easy to keep piling miles on. The coolest Porsches have high miles...

All of the 911s contemplated here are great cars. Some come with more risks than others...as in, the 996 and early 997 have the (overblown but nonetheless real if it bites you) IMS and other engine issues, while the more complicated cars have more...complication. But you are familiar with the latter with your CT. Then again, I have a real soft spot for the earliest 996s. Yep, the 3.4 coupes and cabs. They just drive sweetly...

Happy hunting!

islaTurbine

996TT's do have an IMS, it's just a different style that is not susceptible to failure like ball bearing units used in the M96 engine. You probably meant that, but it is a distinction worth noting. Especially when trying to educate someone new to the topic.