lbk8950

I am considering purchasing a 2005 C2 (build date 9/04). The car is well maintained (I am told - trying obtain service records) and has about 38k miles. The price is right around $35k. The car is very clean, has some desirable options and is being sold by a very reputable dealer. This is not my first P-car (had a rock-solid 2006 Cayman S), but I have been reading up on IMS issues. I will have a better handle on the maintenance situation once I review the records, but should I walk away from this car and keep searching (this one is local, which is nice) or is it worth considering?

neanicu

Get it if you really like it and the price is right.
You can do the LN Engineering IMS retrofit afterwards for piece of mind...

lbk8950

Thanks for the advice. I am going to review the service records (maybe the retrofit has already been done)

PhilD

I have a 2005 and just had the LN Engineering IMS bearing installed. The factory bearing was in good condition and showed no signs of any issues. A lot is made of the IMS bearing issue, and it is definitely something to be aware of, but not every 2005 will instantly self destruct the moment you drive it.

A bunch of people will tell you it's over priced, and right now it may be a little on the high side, but if it's in good condition, with a good service history and you like the car, then it is definitely worth considering. You may want to budget for the IMS bearing replacement and new clutch while you are at it, along with a new water pump. So add that to the price and you may find you can get a better deal on a 2006. Personally I would certainly not discount the vehicle if it talks to you.

stefang

Wouldn't the Cayman have had the same potential problem?

McCulla

Like PhilD, I had my IMS bearing replaced recently (during clutch replacement) on a very early build 05 non-S car. This was done at about 62K miles if memory serves. FWIW, my factory bearing was sealed and pristine. I got the car at about 25K. I change oil around every 3K miles (overkill, I know). But the opportunity arose to change the potential "weak link" so I did it at the clutch install. I was admittedly paranoid until that point, but as we know, nothing is certain.
On another note, I guess this $35K price being characterized as a little high makes my fairly base spec car worth about $30? Yeow! Hope it holds together!

Blu311

With those miles $35 sounds right, but if it needs the IMS and clutch it should be discounted a grand or two unless its an absolute beauty!

Local is nice too, gives you a better chance to see the car and get a feel for it and the PO, and to get a PPI.

karlas

Not sure where you are located, but in the Northeast a $35k list price seems quite reasonable for an '05 with some desirable options from a reputable dealer.

lbk8950

Thanks, I am in Southeast Michigan/Metro-Detroit area. The car has a full leather interior, 19 inch lobsters, bose, xenons, nav, sport wheel, heated seats and is extremely clean inside and out. I plan to have a PPI and I also am budgeting a clutch and water pump in the near future.

I appreciate all of the advice.

Ben Z

My '05 has full leather, bose, 19" lobsters w/colored crests, bi-xenons, sport wheel, and dual power seats w/memory. It had 20K on it and CPO when I bought it for $46K. That was 5 years ago next month. So if it's worth $35K that works out to $184/mo. LOL it sounds so funny to say that a Porsche is the fastest, awesomest and cheapest car I've ever owned.

ECS Tuning

That seems like a good deal if everything checks out. Good luck with the PPI and keep us updated Was your Cayman S black?

shyamvenky

coupe/cabrio? What is the colour - might influence the price a bit.
Just adding to what others already said - budget in for the IMS retrofit for the sake of peace of mind. Highly overrated issue. 35k seems reasonable for the age, mileage.
Hope the PPI checks out fine

GermanCarSpecialists

Can not get a better car around $30-35k range. Slap in the IMS and drive it years to come!

Lvt19672

Ims is an overblown over exaggerated issue, as others have said when the replaced their ims, the original was in perfect condition. The moral of the story is if you like the car, get it and enjoy it, that's what it's made for.

myw

+1