Geeforce

Hi,
I've been floating around the 996 pages for over a year because this generation fit my budget. I just came across an accident free single owner 997, manual shift w/ Nav and Chrono. But the issue for me is that it has 120K miles. Tires are new, not sure about clutch or servicing yet.

I am well aware of the common issues of the 996/997 such as the IMS but what else should I be concerned about in terms of what to look out for at this mileage?

This would not be a daily driver - it would see 5K miles/year at most.

NC 997

It might be a good deal, it might not. Does the car come with all its service records.. were regular services performed and documented?

Although I'm not adverse to a car with high miles if it's been taken care of, I might be hesitent to buy a 997 with that many miles unless it was extremely well documented.

Mumbles

If the price fits ? have it PPI'd

Hella-Buggin'

Devil's advocate here.... but if your initial purchase price requirements are so restrained, what will happen when a repair is needed? These cars are well built an reliable but don't forget, you're on the hook to repair and maintain a $100k car despite what you paid for it. I hate to rain on a fellow 911 lover's parade but you'll be doing yourself a favor if you just wait / save and get a better dream car.

Just one guys opinion.

TommyV44

Not in a million years!!!!

Tom

USMC_DS1

+1 on accident free single owner 997, manual shift w/ Nav and Chrono. That's a lot of miles for any car but if the price was in the mid $20K range... and you plan to DIY most of the work, clean PPI, good history of service, clean car... I would do it especially if these were hwy miles. Just budget/plan on putting $3-5K back into it immediately in parts(if you DIY) and some service items you may not have the skills to DIY. GL and let us know the outcome.

wisky

Miles are just a number on the dash. With good service records and a clean PPI I would not hesitate to depend on a high mileage 997. FWIW my 996 C4S has 102k miles and I would not hesitate to drive it across the USA.

rotesAuto

as mentioned that is a high mile car.......keep you hopes low and keep searching for the right car......

good luck

Brings

As long as all service/maintenance has been performed and a full PPI completed, it should be okay. The maintenance/repair should definitely be factored in though as it is 100K new and the costs of those services (and parts) will remind you of that fact.

tpenta

Hey gang,
I am crossing the 80k mark as we speak. I put about 16k a year of which 90% is on the highway. I have had to change transmission, clutch, oil separator, and lots of little things.
I change oil every ~4k and it does consumer oil in between but the rate has been steady for years.

As for how it drives, honestly I don't sense how it might be different from 3 years ago. I also would not hesitate to drive it across country.

Now as for 120k, I guess you could say that is a lot more miles but take a look at how many 996 and 993 are still on the road. Go to autotrader and look at how many high mile 996 are for sale and get an idea for the right price.

Also, just assume 3k to 5k a year on maintenance items.

If the dollars add up on a year over year basis, and the PPI looks ok, then fine.

-T

Geeforce

Thanks for the feedback everyone. This was a dealer serviced car and I will be getting a copy of all the records later today.
I will get a PPI for sure but if there are any high mileage 997 owners out there, please share what your experience has been in terms of what servicing/replacements are needed around the 120K mile mark. I have a reserve fund and do all my own work but I just want to have an idea of what to expect.

wanderingwheelz

I'd hesitate on buying a high mileage 911 if this was my first go-round with a high performance car. I know nobody mentioned this, but if I were you I'd look at a 2005-2008 Boxster S. That will give you 80% of the performance of a 911 (more than 80% in daily driving) and in my opinion might even be just as much fun, and without question easier to drive hard.

When I traded my black 2006 Boxster S in for a new black 2012 Carrera S most of my friends and neighbors didn't even notice. To most people a black Porsche sports car is just that- a black Porsche sports car.

So unless you need back seats and a coupe (for some reason) I'd strongly encourage a buyer with limited funds to step down to the Boxster S with far fewer miles and much better condition. It is an absolutely incredible car- as is the 911. Sometimes I miss my Boxster S, and I know for a fact my wife does, because she feels like she's on pins and needles driving a $115,000 car vs. a $28,000 car.

98Boxster

1 owner - I'm sure he'll have the records. For anything upper $20k's would be a good buy. I'd do it in a heartbeat. What year is it? 2005?

phily911

Is that a 100K you put on it? That is a big difference in my opinion. You know exactly what you have done in that time/mileage and how it has been maintained. Even with service records I would be hesitant.

If I put a 100K on my car I would have no problems driving it across the USA, but I would think twice if it was someone else....

Just my two cents.

USMC_DS1

+1 with that. As an FYI, I spent ~$1K in parts to replace coils, plugs, air and cabin filters, oil filters, water pump, battery, s-belt... plus flushing fluids - brakes, coolant, oil, etc. All done near the 50K mile mark. I would expect to do a similar list of DIY's plus a few more items on a 120k mile car minus, of course, what the PO service records illustrate. Perhaps review this DIY sticky... it should help you to access how much is involved although it may not cover everything required for this particular vehicle.