sebis

Hi,

I am looking for a used 997, I set a budget at about 50K. I went to check on couple of cars today and I am a little bummed about what 50K can get you nowadays. Case(s) in point:
- 2005 C2S with with 36K miles, asking price 47K, the red paint had lots of swirls and clear bra covering the front of the car was turning yellow, interior was in worse condition than my uncle's 2005 Mercedes E class used as DD.
- 2007 C4S CPO with 35K miles, asking price 57K, paint was in better shape but the interior was terrible, even worse than the 2005, some of the controls were melted at the surface and most leather surfaces had visible wear signs.
- 2009 Targa 4S with 24K miles, asking price 66K, out of my range but wanted to see a 2009 specimen. This looked better BUT, still visible signs of wear on some leather surfaces, PDK shifter and door panels. Hey, my 2009 JCW Mini with 44K miles was in better shape when I sold it last month.

Is this what to expect in my price range or I just run into some bad specimens?

TIA

--Sebis

scubadiver637

Don't lose hope. Keep looking. Those sound like the bottom of the barrel.

windboat

It just takes time and patience to find the right one, much like buying a house. When you find it you will know that you have found the one for you. It takes many a coupe of years to find the right car.

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PHX 911

I'd call it "normal" to see a little wear on the seat bolster adjacent to the drivers door from getting in and out of the car, but the rest of the surfaces shouldn't show wear.
Every car you look at increases your knowledge base, so when the right one comes up, you can jump on it!
At least you sound patient enough to walk away from a beater.
The search is half the fun, so keep looking!

Ben Z

My experience has been that the finish on leather seats and painted plastic parts in the 996 and 997 are quite fragile. Of course, the less the car was driven the better chance for the interior to be in better shape, but it also has to do with age, how hot the interior got during its life, and definitely how careful the owner and passengers were. As meticulous as I am, I've gotten wear which was noticeable enough that I have had to address it. By contrast I've seen Porsches from the 70s and 80s with well over 100K on them where the interiors looked the same or better than a number of 997s I've seen with low miles.

Scotty2H

Stay positive. I had the same budget and was searching for months. Finally found a 2005 C2S, artic silver over full sea blue interior with 29,000 miles in my budget and in near enough flawless condition. People are blown away that the car is 8 years old. They're out there and the wait is well worth it!!

Good luck!

malexgcab

[url]http://www.paulmillerporsche.com/preowned/WP0AA29928S710287.html

[/http://www.paulmillerporsche.com/preowned/WP0AB29996S741725.html

No affiliation with dealership.

mgordon18

That second example is the spittin' image of the car I've owned for the last 15 months. Two-tone interior and all. I'm glad to see the price hasn't changed too much.

OP - I'm not sure how close to NJ you are, but if that car's in good shape, you should go for it. Two tone full leather is oh, so choice.

sebis

Thanks, this gives me hope

sebis

I really like the full leather and I agree that two tone is special, unfortunately not my color choice and I am little far from NJ.

Thank you all for your encouragement, it may take me a while but I hope I will find the car of my dreams

--Sebis

Hani

I bought 997 2006 Carrera S with 38,000 miles in mint condition. But i was in the market for almost 3 months looking at Craigs List. My experience, you will rarely find a mint porsche from a dealer unless it is way expensive. Avoid buying from small dealers as well, they buy them from auctions and they could be abused or were in an accident. Your private owners are you best choice. Just be patient.

Hani

was bought for 47,000 with 38,000 miles

cibergypsy

I have to agree with this. I had a 1987 Carrera Coupé with full leather interior and sold it when it had 116k miles. The interior was in better shape than my 2006 Carrera S's with 40k miles. I take very good care of my cars and bought the 997 brand new, whereas I bought the '87 with 68k miles in 2007.

malexgcab

http://www.porscheofdelaware.com/det...-10485406.html


This car looks like it is a launch car and its CPO. I checked this one out. There is a problem with DME ranges 4-6. The values were all the same which is probably not a money shift but I walked away from it since I wasn't comfortable with DME report.

http://www.porscheofdelaware.com/det...-10103987.html

Happy hunting!

sixgun95

Swirls can be buffed out in a day, thats not a problem IMO. Interior must be spotless. I found my 06 at a dealer, interior was immaculate, lots swirl marks in the black paint, which I think is normal for most owners. I buffed it out with a kit from autogeek, 250, or you can pay about 600 and have a pro do it. Either way it will look brand new again.