groovzilla

Well don't take my advice because I've only had 37 years of owning over 60 Porsche's in my 63 years on earth. ---> Including 5 996 (3 996 C4S w/higher miles) and 7 997's (3 C4S and 2 C4's with higher miles) The 996's had +115K miles and 2 of my 997 C4S's had + 95K miles.
People who haven't had years and years of Porsche ownership experience will never understand the value buying a higher mileage example.
I could buy an $70K 997 in cash tomorrow. But why? Why not enjoy my beautiful 2006 C4 w/107K miles which I bought for $38K and keep $32K in my bank account? I could care less about low miles and these days buying a high mileage example with clean Bore Scope Inspection is like an insurance policy in itself.
I can also understand buyers who want a low mileage pristine example, but for those who are on a budget shouldn't fear a higher mileage 997.

It is amazing how nice higher mileage 996 & 997 examples are that have been lovingly cared for/serviced and garaged.
No sense debating because like Politics will go nowhere.
Either you get it or you don't.

*Also the 997.1 vs 997.2 Bore Scoring debate should end because there are more and more 997.2's showing the ugly Bore Scoring as we move forward with more miles being put on these engines.
If anything, the 997.1 is a bargain these days. If you learn how to shop with patience you can find wonderful examples.

Uncle Charlie 55

thanks for all the feedback. Would a typical PPI include bore scoping? Like I said, there's a Porsche dealer next to the place with the 997.1. I'm sure they can tell me the IMS bearing size easily.

Hootsama

Typically, no. I recommend you request prices for PPI w/ bore scope when scouting your options. Also, be specific about wanting the scope from the sump, not the spark plugs and set expectations about wanting at least 3 CLEAR pictures of each cylinder.

Petza914

Actually they can't. Easily would mean they look at the engine serial # and tell you whether it's in that range or this range. You can do that yourself. Problem is, the ranges in 2005 aren't completely accurate so the only true way to know is to remove the transmission and look at the nut on the bearing flange. However, there is supposed to be another way for 2005s to get into the housing to see that area that Jake Raby identified in one of his videos. I'd be surprised if the Porsche dealer is actually aware of this since it's not a factory procedure.

....so, don't be sure they can tell you "easily".

groovzilla

Uncle C ---> In most cases all you need is the engine number to find out which bearing it has - Below is the engine# info - Please note the engine#'s differ on 3.8L "S" engines and 3.6L "Non-S" engines:
Engine#'s for IMS Bearing size:
The smaller IMS Bearing in the 3.8L motors are in motors up to M97/01 68509790 ---> Engine#'s from M97/01 68509791 forward have the larger revised more robust IMS Bearing.
For 3.6L motors, if the engine# s M96/05 69507476 and higher it has the larger more robust IMS bearing.

**Bore Score Inspection is not part of a PPI however can be done thru Spark Plug Holes for about $325. Going thru Spark Plug holes is sufficient for a 100+ mile car.
PPI usually runs anywhere from $200-$275.
Also important to get the DME Report as part of PPI which will give you Over-Rev report as well as Cam Deviation numbers.

sandwedge

I would be curious about the roof damage. Unusual. Was something dropped on the roof or was it a rollover? I don't give much credit to Carfax reports. One of my 997's was rear ended and the total tab came to $14,000. No frame damage, no damage to the quarter panels. Just a new rear bumper, a bunch of new exhaust parts and other items in the rear. Still, that car has a no damage history if you pull the VIN on Carfax despite a $14K body repair.

As for being the 5th. owner, I'm probably in the minority here but I don't care about the number of owners as long as the car passes a PPI by a reputable indy or dealership and has solid maintenance records.

Uncle Charlie 55

Turns out the car is gone so the search continues. I will look into the one in Santa Clara. $43k, non-S Carrera with 73K miles. Black on black.

ATX_Native

You really should expand your search to nationwide.

Cars and Bids, Bring a Trailer, PCA Mart (can get an introductory membership without VIN) and don’t forget here… Rennlist Classifieds.

If you can wait, do that. Should be some great deals next spring and summer.

groovzilla

Having the choice, buy a nice clean warm weather California/Arizona/Southern Oregon 997. Stay away from Cold Climate cars. Even FLorida cars get lots of underside oxidation from the humid heat.
Be aware many cars from Texas Houston area can have flood damage.
Enjoy the hunt.

Uncle Charlie 55

The more I research this, the more I'm leaning toward a 997.2. Seems to be a thing of a little more HP and a lot less issues.

I guess a proper PPI would reveal most problems, but the search continues.

Bomba

Just an FYI.... When I bought my 997.1S, no dealer was willing to do a PPI. Apparently PCNA sent some memo out about PPI's. I wouldn't assume that the dealer will do a PPI just because they are the dealer. I'd call and ask them if they do PPI's before you do anything, and moreover, ensure that they do a real PPI with bore scope, not just a dumb dealer 101 point inspection that these dealers love to tout when they sell used cars.....