GPGolden

Thanks for the logical thoughts. And I have researched for months now. 996, 997.1 (2005), 997.1 (2006+), 997.2.I feel I have a good understanding of the pros and cons of each. I joined PCA test drive and went to a local PCA event and talked with actual humans as well.

GPGolden

BailyII - Thanks for the response. That is the type of maintenance I expect and I am OK with. I have had my '05 S4 for 10 years and some years it is a $2 thousand in maintenance and most years just the cost of annual service.

Jaskfri

I bought a 2006 C2S with 27k miles almost 3 years ago. The car came with no document history and was sold as is. I had a P dealer do the PPI and he did about a C+ job because I did not know to ask for an overrev report or to check for bore scoring. The dealer said it was perfect and so far they are right. It has needed normal maintenance and I have bought it tires, a clutch and a rear main seal($3000). It's a great car. I have put 24k miles on and I don't drive it in the winter. Do it.

Turbodan

get a turbo and feel safe

Racetwin2

No - don't think like that.

It's a bloody good car. All cars have issues and knowing about them (which you will do here) is only a good thing. Then you know what to look for.

You will find this a very helpful community. I have learnt a lot and try to contribute with what I know and have done with the car.

A reflection I made after owning many new cars (not Porsche though) is that the forum discussions when a model is new is all about options, delivery times, best deals, production slots etc etc. After some time it goes over to maintenance costs, modifying questions, replacement wheels, where can I find the GT3 spoiler to retrofit, how can I upgrade the stereo etc, etc.
Then finally after some 6-7 years when you have second owners (like me) or even third owners the question comes more about repairs, service bills, advice for a good Indy but also the scaremongers.

I am trying in every Porsche forum where I am active to enlighten people about the true stats and even refer to comments from the gurus. Only two years ago it was much worse. Now most people know that IMS is only on the early 997.1. But of cause now everyone talks about bore scoring instead. Read the article on engine rebuilder Hartech homepage. It's very informative on IMS and bore scoring. It's very technical but very good. Should remove some of the fear and you will even learn how to treat and maintain the car to avoid much of these worries.

GPGolden

Racetwin2 - thank you. I will read the Hartech article.

Fined

somehow ended up with a dupe

Fined

^^^^^agreed. if it's a worrisome concern now then I'd just avoid the potential.

if I were going to get a 997.1 I'd be looking to do it in the 30s and not the 40s. Nothing wrong with a 997.1 As has been said, know the risks. Starting out at a lower price point should allow you to hold some back for emergencies..

of course if you're spending 44k I dont see why you wouldnt just grab something like this instead

https://www.montgomeryvillenissan.co...AB2A93AS720695

Balr14

I was like you, didn't know much about Porsches, so I came here and to other forums. After awhile, I felt pretty comfortable with the idea of purchasing a 2007 or 2008 997.1. But, in the end,the 997.2 had too many improvements to ignore.

HenryPcar

Knowledge is the basis for solving all problems. I 'd rather know exactly what I'm facing when buying used cars. That's why I don't even fully trust the 3rd party PPI process. Just give me a lift and I'll perform my own PPI that is more thorough than any indys PPI.

GPGolden

Fined - This car did come up in my search. My initial reaction is why is it at a Nissan dealer? Someone trade it in on a Sentra?? Also the Carfax has almost no service history. So I moved on.

DesmoSD

When I was shopping around, I focused on 997.2's and expected to pay for the extra 10-15K premium over a 997.1 of the similar flavor. I was once paranoid like you at all of the horror stories that I've read here. However, after a long search, I found a 997 and it was exactly what I was looking for; minus it being a 997.2. As a new 997.1 owner, all of my doubts were quickly suppressed because of the condition of the car that I've purchased.

The shop that did my PPI didn't even suggest a borescope test because it was not common and more of an internet phenomenon. Scoping it from the spark plug cylinders can give a false positive and the proper way to diagnose it is from the oil pan.

For most, if not all used car purchases, overall condition trumps mileage. If you're looking for a 997, I wouldn't be so quick to count out 997.1's, especially since you have a budget. Do your research, be patient and have a through PPI done. If you know your way around cars, you'll know when to walk away.

Dennis C

DC911S

Well the timing chain guides and tensioners are a ticking time bomb on the B6 S4. If you have been living with that lurking, then a 997.1 should not bother you at all, with its potential problems.

j beede

If reading about others' P-car woes diminishes your 997 experience--I suggest you stop visiting this forum or look for an alternative to the 997.

The 997.1 provides a wonderful driving experience, no doubt. After three years I still smile every time I fire mine up (Fister-style exhaust mods) and back out of the garage. I stopped visiting this forum for two years and simply enjoyed the car. Nice. I recently dropped by to see what's new... Next thing I know I am wiping traces black dust off my bumper wondering if my bores are scored