KrazyK

I'm looking for my next Porsche and was wondering how the 997's with the 3.8L are holding up? I can't afford a turbo 997 and definitely do not want to step down to another 996 POS that have practically reached throw-away pricing. Any thoughts on the 997 CS models?

Hella-Buggin'

997.2 is a solid car. The 997.1 has some issues (do your research) but are pretty solid too.
I have a 2006 997.1 S (3.8) w/ almost 100k miles and a but load of smiles and memories.

KrazyK

At about what mileage do you think the engine and auto trans reach the danger zone of impending failure? I know the earlier 997's still had the IMSB issues to worry about.

sandwedge

Check out this thread. It's old.....started in 2015 but has been added to over the years including some recent additions. No guarantees of course but may still be helpful: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...age-997-a.html

Or this: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...00k-miles.html

Hella-Buggin'

It seems to me that the cars that aren't driven and are babied are the problematic ones.
These cars love to be driven.

Petza914

Find the thread we put together on the Ultimate 997.1 Buyer's Guide as it contains a lot of information you'll find useful.

Doug H

If budget and durability were the focus, I might consider a 2007/08 997.1 base 3.6 as those seem to not have the scoring issues (maybe wrong here so research) or a 997.2 base with the 9A1 motor and a manual transmission. My wife had a 2010 base 3.6 model with pdk and I found that car just as enjoyable to drive as the NA 997.2 3.8s and preferable over the 997.1 S. You can get a better deal on the base 997.2 manual 3.6 and to me, that is the car to have dollar for dollar and has more than sufficient performance for the street.

groovzilla

While difficult like defying gravity, I am deleting KK rant

php

Has to be! I remember all that 996 C4S drama from years ago.... LOL

KrazyK....remember....whatever you decide to get......just keep it in the garage and DON'T drive it!

Fahrer

I have a 2008 C2S with about 34K miles. I broke it in properly. I warm it up properly and, I I baby it. I always drive it in good weather for about 40 - 120 minutes. I also have the oil changed every year with Mobil 1. If you read the threads in these forums you will might come to the conclusion that I am destroying my car by treating this way ( babying the car....using the Porsche recommended Mobil 1 rather than the hyped brands in these threads). Pure nonsense. My car runs great and uses little to no oil. I will NOT remove the seal on the larger IMS bearing because there is no need to. The 997.2 has the advantage no IMS but has longer cam chains and DFI with HPFPs. Either way, properly maintained 997s ( .1 or .2) should be relatively reliable.

I would concentrate your search on cars that look like they have been cared for and have documentation to back it up. Be wary of certain modifications and cars that have been tracked extensively. One or two owner cars would be preferable to previously leased cars in my opinion.

Hella-Buggin'

As stated above, I didn't mean to imply that Babied meant abused. Proper care is necessary. I was more referring to cars that never make it thought the rev range. I have a friend with a .1 that never takes it over 5k rpms. And then only when he drives it twice a year.

pascalemod

as my mechanic tells me, buy a 997.2 with a checkup for usual wear and tear (and pay the big premium over 997.1) OR ... if you wanna save a bit, buy the 997.1 with a motor that has bore scoring, have it rebuilt by hartech in UK (Or your US equivalent) just getting rid of those stupid sleeves, and you will have an awesome car. Budget 15k for rebuild give or take. If you can bag a car that makes sense otherwise, there is really two good ways to go about 997. One man's trash another one's treasure, smth smth. I think people will wise up to this soon and 997.1 will be super good buys with the rebuilt in mind. Anyway, thats my 2 cents.

Flat_Six_

Here’s a 997.2 manual cab for under $37k.

https://www.carmax.com/car/18328893

If I were in the market I’d check that out. There’s an accident reported but no airbags deployed.

They also have a 997.2 S with half the miles for $48,998.

https://www.carmax.com/car/18092415

Hella-Buggin'

Nikosil is what you ant to have done to it. Likosil is the factory crap. Nikosil is what the Mezger engines have and is awesome.

pascalemod

yes of course, thanks for correcting me!