Sm914650

Hi everyone

I have a couple 914s currently, but looking at getting into a newer porsche. Leaning towards earlier 997 models...would want to save some bucks on a 996 but cant do the headlights. Unless i got a crazy deal.
That being said, I dont know to much specific newer 911 models, and plan on doing research, however wanted to reach out to all the experts out here that can maybe steer me in the right direction.
Would max out at $40k, but looking to get as close to $30k with quality as I can get.
Cheers
(reposting here from 911 forum as suggested)

swingwing

At less than two years into Porsche ownership I'm no expert. A good reference I found is Excellence Magazine's Buyer's Guide (website excellence-mag.com). The 2019-2020 edition is hot off the press and costs $14.95. It has good information and market pricing for all Porsche models. I'd also recommend joining PCA, either at Test Drive or full membership. That'll give you access to contact info for member ads. Then start looking around at all the usual places (Autotrader, Car Guru, Autotempest, etc.) to get informed on what to expect your budget will fetch.

In my opinion you should find a lot of 997.1 cars available between $30-40K, particularly if you're willing to expand your location search. The higher-end models like Carrera S, 4S will push or bust your upper limit. You'll find fewer 997.2 cars available at that price range. There are a lot of forum threads about what others here have found. Good luck with the hunt.

sbbarnett

I’m one year into 997.1 ownership and 12k miles later I still adore the car. Seems like you have a sufficient budget to find the right car

suggest you start research here:

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...ers-guide.html

doclouie

The big things to search out on a 997.1 are bore scoring and IMS bearings. Although both are rare they will make your car almost worthless overnight if you win the lottery with one of the problems noted.

Flat_Six_

997.2’s suffer from scoring as well.

jkoravos

Meaning 991s must as well. Same engine, right?

Flat_Six_

I don’t know much about the 991. But if that’s the case ...

doclouie

Yes the 997.2 and 991.1 also can have bore scoring but it more rare in those models than the 997.1 by far. You can debate the why all you want as that is not what the OP wants to know. He is asking for a little guidance on his choice. He wants to stay closer to 30k than his absolute max of 40k. A 997.2 and 991.1 are both above his price point currently unless he finds a stripped base 997.2 as 997.2s are getting harder to find and are commanding a premium right now in my opinion.

groovzilla

All Porsche's can have issues just like Mercedes/Ferrari/BMW/etc

These Forums attract worry warts so remember only a very small % of 997's are effected by Bore Scoring - Best thing to do is find one that lived in warm/hot climates to make that % go down even further.
997 a great choice - As owner of over 50 356/911/964/993/996 & 997 various models over 34 years, you can't go wrong with a nice well serviced 997
Just don't buy into all the hysteria.

You can find a nice 997S 2006/2007 model for $35K-$37K - Make sure it was born and raised in AZ, Calif, Texas or Florida (Warm Climate) and make sure you find a well service documented (preferably RL member w/history on Forum)----> All 7 of my 996's and 997's have been from Calif/Florida or TX with no issues and fun fun fun! AQnd most purchased from RL Members.
Always get PPI performed and you will be good to go.
Don't sweat it & PM me with any questions or help needed in finding a nice example

grevegti

This is just my opinion from years of gathering info for myself....for M96 3.6 cars get the larger revised IMS bearing cars after engine number 69507476 or for M97 3.8 after number 68509791, or have proof of updated IMS on earlier cars. Cars from warm climates or that have not been habitually driven in or started in cold climates (during the cold) have less chance of bore scoring from my info gathering over the years. All speculation of course

Sm914650

Thanks for the replies everyone, greatly appreciated!
Yeah it doesnt look like ill be able to find anything great too close to 30k..running thru RL and PCA classifieds now.
In terms of my budget from 30-40k, Is it worth trying to save a few bucks with a car closer to 80-90k in mileage, vs spending 5-10k more and getting one around 50-60k? Or at that point in mileage, should I just look for maintenance? Not too educated on longevity of newer 911 models. Thanks again everyone! I see some nice 997s on RL under 40k

der Geist

I have seen a few high milage 997.2’s on CL from time to time. I agree with groovzilla that many of the problems are blown out of proportion on the forums. I think you should save a bit more and get a .2 if you can, they are pretty much bulletproof.

Coming from 914, then 2 Boxters i can tell you that you will love a 997.

TractControlOff

Some good points already mentioned above. I'm only 2+ months and ~ 2500 miles into my 997 ownership but it's a joy every time I'm driving it. Great car but definitely be cognizant of the major issues that these cars are susceptible to.

For reference, I bought a 6-speed '05 C2S and it falls *well* into your budget.

Sm914650

Any PCA members that can view this, i guess this is what i mean by “save a few bucks”. Do you think it is just too risky? not interested in racking up maintenance bills..

https://www.pca.org/classified-ad/336454

der Geist

At 89k miles you are looking at some maintenance items but you probably already are aware of those costs. I would find out what has/hasn’t been done on that car. At 89k miles I don't think ims is going to much of an issue. Motor/tranny mounts, brake rotors and pads, brake fluid can all add up to well past your maximum. I would ask for close ups of the driver’s seat too.