yellowbellied

My budget only allows for a 2006 - 2007 carrera S. Are there major differences between the 2 years as far as engine, performance? I know nothing about these cars, so I'm not sure what to look for in a purchase.

also, is it worth it for a Carrera S instead of the non S model?

thanks.

Hella-Buggin'

The only difference between the 06 & 07 car is that some of the early 06 models may contain the older IMS bearing design. It was still used in some of 05 builds that we're sold in early 06. An 07 car would eliminate that issue. Even at that there is various threads here debating the need for concern.

As far as S vs. Non S... The price difference in the market you're looking at is minimal so just go S. it has some nice options as standard and you'll never doubt the purchase.

Slamuth

I'd agree with the nod to the "S," it's the cheapest way to buy extra HP and options.

yellowbellied

Is there a cutoff date for this? I was looking at an 06 S that was first sold in August 2005 (carfax report). Couldn't pull the trigger thinking this was basically an 05 model.

mattyf

There's a thread somewhere on here with a poll and vin numbers for the 2006 IMS switch over if you can find it.

Another thing, some of the 2006 models do not have TPMS. Which I claim is a benefit.

mgordon18

Here's the thread about new IMS cutoff:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...tion-date.html

Happy reading.

The executive summary is that the switch was made around March of 2005. MY2005 production ended in May/June of 2005 so, in theory, late production 05 cars have the new IMS and ALL MY2006+ cars have it.

All this is based on one assumption: That the engine number given in the tread as the "first engine with the new IMS" is actually correct.

Edit: The data obtained in that other thread is only for Carreras S. Base models have different engines with a different set of engine numbers. I have no idea when that switch was made, but I would guess that it was approximately the same time, but who knows?

BED997

I would recommend driving more than one car to get a feel for the different models and features. I drove a couple cars that looked good on the surface that were obviously not cared for at the same levels as others - you could tell in the way the cluch engaged and the overall tightness of the car. Some people have an inflated idea as to what "excellent condition" means.

I also reviewed a 997 buyers guide which was helpful to break down the different options - there are probably many out there but ULTIMATE BUYERS' GUIDE Porsche 911 (997) was the title.

Good Luck

Palmbeacher

You may be able still to purchase a top-tier "exclusionary" warranty on an '07 whereas doubtful anyone will cover an '06. My warranty has already paid half of its cost in covered repairs, and I still have 4,5 out of the original 6 years left to go. Add up all the "minor" repairs likely to happen on one of these cars much over 5 yrs old, and it can come near the cost of a gearbox or engine. The adage of "buy the newest car you can afford" (all things else being equal of course) would seem wise.

As far as the "S" vs the base, that's a personal call. I'm not one to fool myself into thinking I have a real need for the added horsepower of an S, so I felt uncompelled to spend for it. I wanted the least-expensive 997 I could find, which meant MY05 base. I'm twice as delighted with the Porsche experience having spent half the money as a new one would have cost, and that it has depreciated less than newer cars I looked at.

fnckr

Palmbeacher, what warranty company? So many posters mention they have a warranty but no one mentions the company. It would be especially good to hear about yours since they actually paid out.

OP, I figure my post is a little relevant since a good warranty might allow you to avoid spending the markup for a CPO car.

Chris from Cali

I just bought my '07 S with CPO. They are out there but you have to jump on them.