Benjamin Cherry

Hello all,

I'm new to the forums, and to Porsche. I've found the resources and opinions here -- not to mention the recommendations for good Porsche shops -- invaluable as I've been researching my first 911.

I was hoping to get some thoughts from the forum on this 2005 "launch edition" manual C2S coupe with around 40k miles. It's for sale here in CT at what seems to be a reputable used car dealership, and has had three previous owners. Although friendly and easy going, I don't sense that the dealer knows much about the previous owners or maintenance history on this car. It has Forgestar F14 wheels, a FabSpeed air filter (sounds great), and possibly some suspension mods -- rides very stiff.

I've done a pretty good (beginner level) self inspection of the car and have noted a few issues, mainly wear on the rubber stripping around the rear A columns (make sense? forgive my jargon and please correct) and some stickiness/inconsistent operation of the passenger seat power adjuster (have to push it down to get it to go forward and back, and it sticks in place sometimes causing the seat to continue to move after release). I also can't get the rear spoiler to go up or down; the light on the button doesn't illuminate when I press it, whether parked or driving.

I plan to obtain a formal PPI this coming week but would also benefit from your thoughts on the pricing and possible mechanical issues with this model and year. I don't know the specific engine model but I've read here (and heard from the prospective PPI shop) that cylinder scoring can be an issue, especially here in the colder climate (has always been a Northeast car). I assume the IMS is also a potential downside, though overstated (again, as opined by many here), and understand that the 2005 IMS is serviceable/replaceable and would probably have that done.

Car is currently offered around 39k. This will not be a daily driver but rather a fun/pure driving pleasure car. Pictures included; thanks in advance for your thoughts.

LISsailor

If all checks out at PPI, I think $33-35 is a good number. The exhaust is not original nor is the badging or wheels (as you know) so some demerits there but I love the sport seats and yellow belts. The serviceable ims is a plus. I think the launch cars are very cool. Make sure you know why you’re getting into with the carbon ceramic brakes. I think they’re awesome, but some may not.

What part of ct are you in?

Redhot2474

Where in CT, I’m in Shelton business in orange ....low to mid 30’s...

Sporty

I think this car is fairly priced at mid to high thirties, given the price of new 911s these days, only apparent downside is the 3 previous owners and yellow accents(to me). I don't get why others opine with a low ball price on what otherwise seems to be a decent low mileage 911. This collectively "devalues" our own 911s -get it?

Doug H

Looks 4X4. Crazy wheel gap.

If looked at car fax and an auction car, tell me date and location and I can see what he has in it auction wise, can estimate pack, and let you know how much if any room he may have. Seems like you could go with a newer model for upper $30k.

Chaos

Beautiful car!

Benjamin Cherry

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I'm in the New Haven area.

Doug, I'll PM you.

Appreciate everyone's helpful input.

LISsailor

I feel more obligated to advise the OP not to overpay than I would cushioning 997 values.

OP, the car is sweet. If all checks out buy it with no regrets. It's a steal ANYWHERE in the $30's. There is really little difference in $3k after a year or two of joy.

Papa Fittig

Re IMS. What is production month? Late 2005's usually come with new MY 2006 spec'd engines (larger IMS bearing).
You might find this useful:
According to Porsche 997 work shop manual:
Engine (3.6) number up to M96/05 69507475 has the older IMS bearing and Engine number from M96/05 69507476 has the larger revised IMS bearing.
"S" engine (3.8) has designation "M97", also has both the older IMS and revised larger IMS bearing:
3.8L Engine number up to M97/01 68509790 has the older IMS bearing and
Engine number from M97/01 68509791 has the larger revised IMS.
The older IMS bearing can be replaced, this requires removing the transmission in order to get access to the bearing.
The larger IMS bearing can also be replaced but a tear down of the engine is required.
The work shop manual does not mention the date for the IMS changeover.
Best,
-Papa

Garker

Hey Papa,
As a new owner of a 2005 Caerra S who is trying to research what to do about the IMS bearing, that production info is helpful. Thank you.
Lin

Sporty

LISalilor/OP:

Assuming all checks out, $35k would be a steal. It only has 40k miles on it and he can drive it for 20-30k miles and still get $28-30k for it years from now, $37-38k would be a fair price, again assuming. LSI -what are you driving and what do you think your car is worth right now? We don't want these to go the way of the BMW.

LISsailor

The spread on 997 models is immense. About 30 days ago I bought a 1-owner 14k/mile 2010 C4S coupe manual for $65k. I think it was worth every penny. To each their own I guess. It’s up to oneself to determine what these cars are worth.

kisik

It priced right initially assuming there is a documented service history. Water pump, plugs, belt,...budget for LN IMS Solution job if bearing is serviceable. All small cosmetics like yellow elements are easy to remove. Check if a car was bought at the auction. Have a proper PPI done since little things can drive a cost very high.

Papa Fittig

And make sure you check the over rev DME data.
Here it is explained pretty well
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-turb...ev-report.html

Benjamin Cherry

Thanks, this is all tremendously helpful. The CARFAX shows the first entry in August 2004, titled in 9/2004. And as a launch edition, would guess likely among the earlier builds - a good sign based on your insight.