I am in the searching stage for a 997. I'm not so concerned with the options as I am with the best year to get for the engine. the MY 09- 10 is not an option due to price but the 05-08 are in the ball park.
The transmission can be manual or tip, so maybe there was a year the transmissions were better?
I know nothing, other than whats been posted here on these cars. The S package would be nice, more so because of the looks with the wide rear, but the C2 seems fine as well.

Any help is appreciated, the only driving I do is on the street.
I currently have a 993 C4S and love everything about it, and I recently got a 996 TT X50 and its taking some time to get used to the power. I may be getting rid of the Turbo if I can't enjoy it the way it should be driven.

Jason

 

I'll say it, Skip the '05 cars. (now wait and hear from the "05 owners)

The IMS bearing got an updated design for '06.

The C2S has the same body as a C2. It's the C4 and C4S that have the wide body.

All of the "S" models have bigger brakes and the larger 3.8 engine. Not a big deal if you're street driving.

I think everything else is same - same on '05 - '08 cars.

Good luck.



Phil

 

Any year would be fine as long as it was properly cared for by the
previous owner and the PPI checks out.

The IMS bearing was changed in late 2005, so some folks recommend
avoiding 2005's and purchasing a 2006 and newer. This may be true, however, if the car was well cared for, a 2005 should be fine.

I, personally, try to avoid the first year of a new model for a number of reasons (although I have purchased many first year vehicles in the past
and they have been just fine).
The second year (2006 for the 997)) for all vehicles generally are
better mechanically and perhaps cosmetically as a few bugs are worked out.

 

Ok, so I'll probably rule out 05 just to be safe. And stick with the C2 for pricing.
As far as options what is disirable and what is not worth having in these later models?

 

Make sure to get a DME printout to check for over revs.

 

This is a really loaded question.

If you're looking for comfort, get the PASM, full leather interior, sport seats are a big plus, the jury is out of sports chrono but I think it adds to resale value. Considering you only want it for road use, the more options the better. (a track guy would want less weight)

The BOSE sound isn't bad and considering it can't really be upgraded, I'd look for a car with that. Navigation is another option that is VERY expensive to add later but it's not the greatest system in the world. Just more about resale again if you can get it.

In summary:

sport seats
PASM
Bose
NAV
Full leather
(any carbon or aluminum is nice too)
Sports Chrono (many opinions on this one)

Your 03 TT has a lot of RUF options, that's awesome. Must sound and drive like an animal...

 

It does.
I'm taking it to KC to have PorscheDoc set the suspension for me next week. Its a very very strong running car, and handles like you would think a race car would.
I'm just not sure its for me....

 

Also, if you're lucky enough to find one, get one
with PSE (Porsche Sport Exhaust).

This is very difficult to find, however.

 

That's what I'm going to do when my time comes to add a 997 to go along with my 993. However, instead of going by year, you need to look at the engine number. If you want the larger IMS bearing, you want a car with a M97 engine. Earlier cars came with M96s. No one is sure exactly when the factory made the change so it's best to verify by looking at the engine number.

Cheers,
Joe

 

Very good tip, thanks!

 

Get a CPO unless you get a very good price on a used car and have the expertise/mechanics to make repairs affordable.

The Porsche used car locator is a great tool for seeing what's out there.

 

i have an 05 C2S that is a daily driver. i have yet to take it to the shop for anything other than routine maintenance.

 

CPO 05 if you want nearly an identical car as an 08 but want to save 30K+......If you want the best value to performance not sure anyone can argue with a well kept cpo'd 05. Many the IMS/RMS you can find has already been fixed. If that is not your criteria and your budget is larger by all means get an 08 as also a great car.....

anyway good luck and have fun with the hunt!

yup I own an 05

 

2006 is the best year.

Like others said, with reasons for avoiding 2005, but then the next best pricing you'll find is 2006.

 

Yawn - Its all been said before so I give up at this stage. But if the IMS goes I will be sure to post all the gory details.