NickyNicky

Hey folks, Nick from Atlanta here.

Thinking about buying my first Porsche, came across a 2005 997 Carrera, automatic, with 94k miles on it. 5 previous owner, each about 2-3 yrs, clean carfax. Didn't see much service record for some owners. Listed for $25xxx USD (~4k < carfax/kbb value) .

Called the dealer, asked for a test drive this Saturday. Looking forward to it.

Came across this forum in my research, wanna some input from you knowledgeable members. Do you think the price indicates some hidden problems? Should I pass or is it worth at least a PPI test? Can I get anyone to do it or should it be a Porsche specialist?

Thank y'all in advance for your input!

Nick

cmoody127

Welcome! I had a 996 for a few years and have been looking for another 996 or early 997 to replace it and also located in the Atlanta area.
The auto definitely detracts from the price as most used 911 buyers want stick, but generally, a dealership price will be low if there are potential issues, but not always. Very likely there is little to no history on the car. I would ask for any and all information on the service history and absolutely spring for a PPI (not at the dealership, but at an Indy, there are several solid ones in the Alpharetta/Cumming area that do PPIs). I would recommend taking a look at the car and driving before deciding if it's worth your time (and money) to have a PPI. If the dealer refuses to allow you to take the car for a PPI, then walk.

Also on a 2005, the IMS could be an issue, depending on production date (most 2005's have the old IMS from 996's that are prone to failure, although failure rates are highly and hotly debated), but it is worth investigating if that has been addressed. Don't take the dealer's word that "IMS was not an issue on the 997" because it absolutely was on anything produced before fall 2005 (i.e. most 2005 models).

cosm3os

Fair price if the IMS is done and in good condition.

jll1011

Vince Vincent

hey, was in a similar boat as you a month ago. I ended up paying 31.5k for a well optioned 2006 997 S, 6spd, with 90k miles in great condition if its any reference!

make sure you do a PPI

Petza914

Sorry, but absolutely not true. They fail at all mileages and it being older mileage wise doesn't mean it has less wear and won't fail.

Good news on the 2005 is that it either has the smaller bearing that you can replace or it has the better, larger bearing that's less likely to fail.

Price is in the range for a high mileage 997.1 Tip. It it was a 6 speed it would be $5-$7k higher.

A PPI is a must for coolant tank cracks, motor mounts, and other issues

DaBigBR

Agree that the price is about right. Have it inspected and haggle from there. All of the more common known issues have been mentioned. You can also use the VIN Analytics website to look at the build sheet and options. If you post that data here, some of the folks will tell you the relative values of some of those things.

michaelo

With your budget, i would rather have the best 996 than the worst 997.

Petza914

As similar as the 996 and 997.1 are under the skin, the 996 exterior looks and interior are non-starters for me. OP may feel the same way.

rickdogg82

I doubt it is a crooked deal. But you won't know if good or bad deal until you see it. If it needs brakes and/or tires for example, the "deal" begins to make more sense.

Definitely go with a Porsche specialist for the PPI.

groovzilla

No deal is a good deal until you get a PPI at a good professional Porsche shop not associated with the car for sale.
Many dealers won't allow this and will insist on their shop inspecting it which is a conflict of interest.

Also $26K for an 05 997 w/93K and automatic is not what I consider a great deal - It's an ok deal - Car is not an "S" model and is not a manual.
**Also at 93K miles, it may needs things like a clutch, water pump, brakes, RMS/etc so your $26K deal all of a sudden turns into a $31K deal.
Lets all face it, when owners trade a car into a dealer or dealer has car from auction purchase, 90% of the time the car usually needs some sort of servicing or work.
Go forward slowly.

ogun228

"Lets all face it, when owners trade a car into a dealer or dealer has car from auction purchase, 90% of the time the car usually needs some sort of servicing or work."

Basis for this please?

stripersteve

The dealer I used would not allow the car to be removed , but had no problem with a Porsche mechanic coming in to do the PPI . He was able to use the dealer's lift to do his inspection. I felt this was reasonable...

user 72902

groovzilla

Basis is that it is a fact - Dealers who receive Porsche or any high end car on trade most likely has some sort of issue.
Just the way the biz works.
Not all but I'd take an accurate guess of 90% of cars traded in