BHMav8r

Looking to purchase a 997 '05 or '06 coupe/manual as a DD. . .

Any major differences between the years? Things to look closely at or avoid? Is the rear seal issue any better in the '06 or '05 ?

As always - thanks in advance.

Skibum

IMHO I would not worry about the year 5 or 6.
Pick the car that is the cleanest, closest to what you were looking for.

billh1963

I think I have read that very, very late 2005 and newer have a redesigned IMS bearing design that is more reliable.

Luxter

^^^ Correct, however not bullet proof and cannot be replaced w/out engine disassembly.
More info here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...006-997-a.html
I was also told by my dealer$hip that 2006 have redesigned gearbox synchro's that last longer.

Z-nomore

I was wondering the same question as I'm going to seriously start looking in the next couple of weeks. I will read the thread posted, thanks Luxter.

Alstoy

I've heard that '05s disintigrate at speeds above 70. Apparently the tail wags a bit just before this takes place.

fer2367

I had a 2005 S for 4 years and 22K miles, no problems. I would get the car that has been best maintained, regardless of the year.

Crazy Canuck

I've had my '05 since new and has been dead reliable. It's been tracked up to 240km/h without issue.

Palmbeacher

I bought an '05 in '09, drove it 2 years without a problem, then when the CPO expired I bought a 6 yr bumper-to-bumper warranty and, as I noticed the clutch was getting hard to push, when I had it replaced I also had them install the upgraded LN IMS bearing. Warranty and LN bearing together cost me less than half what the difference was between my '05 and a similar '06 when I bought it, and just a bad starter cable already paid me back $900 of what the warranty cost. By the time I get rid of the car I would be surprised if there's more than $1000 difference between an '05 and and '06 (equal mileage, comparable options and same condition). And mine will have the LN bearing, a plus point for selling, especially if the '06-'08 models turn out to have more IMS problems as they age.

But all that nonwithstanding, I would put condition and options/color ahead of the year as criterion. Why settle for one that doesn't have the equipment you want, or isn't the color you want? A Porsche purchase should be at least equal parts head and heart.

At Law

I heard this as well.

niner niner seven

2006, kinks worked out

Edgy01

There were a few issues in the 05 cars as they transitioned into 997 production. Typical of all first year runs. By 06 they were all sorted out. The 05 is still a far better car than any 996.

blake

I'd agree with this statement - except for the Metzger engined 996s.... But let's not go there!

Either the 05 or 06 will be fine, especially under CPO. I just purchased an 06 as my DD and couldn't be happier. Solid car!

-Blake

cab&coupe

Ditto... makes sense to me that any problems that may surface with transition models would be addresssed (i.e. disintegration issuses ) with the next iteration.

Luxter

Funny, the OP didn't even bother to follow up yet...