$30k 911 budget - what do I need to know?
#1
$30k 911 budget - what do I need to know?
Experts - this is my first Porsche, after research and driving a friends 2000 911, I have committed to looking for the right one for me. But I am overwhelmed.
- Budget is around $30k, would like to be under
- "Prefer" a 997 based on several trips to dealers and the condition of 996's I've seen are just ok. I'm in Massachusetts. Condition to me is important, but I understand what I am getting with an older car like this
- Must be manual, coupe
- What questions should I absolutely ask/know about the history and service?
- Are there any red flags that if I see, I should just move on?
- Really - should I be concerned about higher mileage 996/997? [Definition of that will vary, but let's just say 70k+ miles]
#3
Rennlist Member
So my questions are:
- What questions should I absolutely ask/know about the history and service?
- Are there any red flags that if I see, I should just move on?
- Really - should I be concerned about higher mileage 996/997? [Definition of that will vary, but let's just say 70k+ miles]
2) Google 996 IMS bearing and rear main seal problems. 997.1 bore scoring.
3) see above. Cost of maintenance, ie every 4 years/40k miles is a big one. Also, 997's I've seen from the east coast where you're from have had a lot of undercarriage rust, bolts get destroyed which have to be cut off and replaced in order to drop the engine for regular maintenance (cars that have spent miles on iced roads I stay away from).
If you're worried about reliability, try to move up to the 997.2. It's the sturdiest platform 911's had in a while.
#4
Rennlist Member
Do NOT do it. IF you don't have the funds to maintain the car, pay for unexpected repairs (any older car will have things fail). The tires replacement alone will be into thousands, oil change isn't cheap, brakes are not cheap, if any electronic fails, they're NOT cheap to replace.
Having said that, if you could live with that and could spend average $2K a year on the car, then here's what I recommend:
- Don't get a wrecked or car with issues
- High Milage is OK, IF the car has maintenance record. I'd actually prefer that
- 2005 cars HAD IMS issues - you MUST either have IMS replacement as part of the cost, or ensure it was done professionally by previous owner. --> This is the year likely to come into $30K range
- Preferably, you should look for 2006+, it also has more standard equipment, better PCM and much better in resale
- Do a PPI, and check the clutch, they're very costly to replace, UNLESS you're gonna do IMS upgrade, which means same labour for accessing the clutch
- Your best bet in that price range is base Carrera and 2005 models, if I were you, I'd find a clean 2006 base Carrera instead of a 2005 Carrera S with more options
Good luck!
Having said that, if you could live with that and could spend average $2K a year on the car, then here's what I recommend:
- Don't get a wrecked or car with issues
- High Milage is OK, IF the car has maintenance record. I'd actually prefer that
- 2005 cars HAD IMS issues - you MUST either have IMS replacement as part of the cost, or ensure it was done professionally by previous owner. --> This is the year likely to come into $30K range
- Preferably, you should look for 2006+, it also has more standard equipment, better PCM and much better in resale
- Do a PPI, and check the clutch, they're very costly to replace, UNLESS you're gonna do IMS upgrade, which means same labour for accessing the clutch
- Your best bet in that price range is base Carrera and 2005 models, if I were you, I'd find a clean 2006 base Carrera instead of a 2005 Carrera S with more options
Good luck!
#5
$30,000 is a "funny number"... too much to spend on a 996 C2/C4, not enough to get a problem free 997.1. If you can get past the cosmetics... you might consider an early 996 C2 for way, way less than $30K. Then do the following:
- LNE IMSB fix, clutch, and RMS
- Fister exhaust
- Techart 1" lowering kit
- Fresh set of PS4 mounted and Road Forced on 19" fake Fuchs from Tire Rack
- 21st century head unit with GPS and iphone link from your favorite local car hifi guys
#6
I looked at several 997s in the low to mid 30s range and none of them really seemed worth buying. They were almost all 2005s and left a lot to be desired when it came to their condition and/or history. Spending $10k more will get you a much nicer car that'll likely be less expensive to own in the long run.
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#8
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Lifetime Rennlist
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Hopefully 30k isn't a stretch. Upkeep and the likely 5k or so of maintenance the car would need will require some extra cash.
For 30k I think you are looking at higher mileage 997.1 base models. Possible a ragged S model.
For 30k I think you are looking at higher mileage 997.1 base models. Possible a ragged S model.
#10
Rennlist Member
A fellow Rennlist member had a 997.1 within your budget. Might be worth contacting him:
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/c...519474942.html
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/c...519474942.html
#11
Intermediate
I was in a similar position, and looked at quite a few 996s before finally settling on a 997. I do think its possible to find a a decent 997.1 for around $30k. I think you have to be willing to look across the entire country, and you have to be willing to wait for the right car. I also think being flexible on color or options helps at this price point. A good bill of health from a PPI and a solid service history are important.
I got my car from Florida, and drove it back to the Northeast. It was a great trip!
I got my car from Florida, and drove it back to the Northeast. It was a great trip!
#12
It looks like the front bumper is non-standard. I'd want to know if the car has been hit or painted. The price seems low, I'd like to know why. Maybe because it isn't Carrera White
#13
This one is in AZ, looks decent. May have been rear ended...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Porsch...19.m1438.l9372
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Porsch...19.m1438.l9372
#14
Rennlist Member
I purchased beautiful 2005 997S for under $32K in December - Atlas grey/full black leather, 62K miles, manual transmission with all service records - great PPI and in excellent condition - I know how to shop and must have patience when necessary and be ready to buy when the right car comes your way - Cash is king..
They are out there - Winter months the best for shopping
They are out there - Winter months the best for shopping
#15
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
A fellow Rennlist member had a 997.1 within your budget. Might be worth contacting him:
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/c...519474942.html
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/c...519474942.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/1036600-any-recommendations-on-a-new-front-bumper-for-a-997-1-a.html
Wheels are the same, but if it was his, looks like he pulled off the TT rear decklid. If his, I wonder why he's selling it now.
That does look like a very nice car for the OP though, at the right price.
Last edited by Petza914; 03-08-2018 at 09:27 AM.