JRoz

Hi Guys,

I didn't think I'd be potentially joining the 997 club at this point as i've had my eye on the 996's for some time and my budget just wasn't right for it yet.

I've found a 997 that i'm looking at this weekend, and the only reason i'm posting all of the details is because i've put a refundable deposit down to hold it for me until Saturday.

I'm looking at an 06 997 C2 coupe w/ 27,428 miles, 1 owner (member of PCA and apparently has every receipt & service record fully documented and available at the dealership) Carfax looks clean.
Moonroof, Heated Leather Seats, Multi-CD Changer, Aluminum Wheels, Premium Sound System

Please don't hate and hit back on your browser, but it is tiptronic. I'm a little ahead of schedule on being able to get a Porsche, but have made some sacrifices and compromises (with my wife), and I want to be able to enjoy this car with her and let her drive it (kinda a condition). I've also driven a few tiptronic 996s and i'm totally satisfied with those, just a little hesitant with the age and potential issues. Plus, i'm pretty awful at stick myself, but have plenty of years to worry about upgrading. I figure this is a good one if not great to get my feet wet and join the club. I can always pass it off to my wife and get a manual when i'm ready .

Besides that, I can get it for $2,500 below KBB

Does anyone know of any good places to get a PPI done in or near Bridgewater NJ? anything specific I should be checking myself when driving it? I want to stay as composed as possible but i'm too excited for the weekend.

Let me know what you think, thanks for the help.

thanks
Jason

MJBird993

Calm down Jason! Don't let your emotions get ahead of you.

KBB is often inflated, so $2500 below some arbitrary number may not be a deal. That said, a one owner with good history is generally worth a premium.

The 997 is a better car in every way than the 996. Do some research on the IMS issue and see if the "fix" has been done on this car. If not, you may want to consider budgeting for it, if things like that bother you.

If you have budget issues, please keep in mind that although these cars are pretty robust, it is nine years old, and stuff does go wrong. Parts are expensive, repairs are expensive, and tires are very expensive. Be prepared-this ain't no Camry!

But it doesn't drive like a Camry either!

Best of luck.

JRoz

Hey thanks for the advice. I've done lots of the research on the IMS/RMS issues on the 996s, from what I've read so far the RMS is not an issue in the 997, is that correct? As far as the IMS issue, the 04 and 05 had the small bearing which may have raised the concerns of an issue, but the 06s have the larger if I'm not mistaken? Is it recommend even for an 06 to have the preventative maintenance done? Or the warning kit, or possibly an extended warranty that I go through to make sure it would cover such a thing? They are asking 38.5 w/ 27k miles, 06 C2. Is that a good figure if the car is nice and clean and PPI look good? I was originally looking at a budget of 25k and a commuter of 20k, now I'm maxed at 45k because I have a station car already. Figure 38 leaves me some room for maintenance.

Thanks
Jason

Cuda911

IMSB is a concern for the 997, but a small one. The 2005's seem to be more prone to IMSB failure. So, you can budget for replacing with the LN bearing, or ignore it and enjoy the car. You will find plenty of opinions on either side of that fence.

The Tip is a fantastic transmission, and will make the car much more "family friendly" (for your wife). Leave it in M mode most of the time when you drive it. Otherwise, it ends to upshift very quickly. Not a bad thing, but makes it less fun.

As mentioned above, KBB doesn't really mean much for determining value for these cars.

JRoz

Thanks Cuda, I'll definitely be driving it in M in most cases..

When they mention that the 05s had the small bearing and it was updated the next year, are they referring to the manufacturer date 05 (and sold as 2006s), or the model year 2005?

Cuda911

^^^ As far as I have seen (mainly from posts on Rennlist), its been model year '05 that has had a higher fail rate.

I replaced the IMSB in my '03 996, but did not in my '07 Cayman.

JRoz

Has anyone had any experience with Oldwick Village Garage or Pinnacle Motor Works Inc?

Hella-Buggin'

Enjoy. The 997 is a great car. Keep in mind, you are going to be maintaining a $100k sports car that is 9 years old.

That being said, I have a 2006 car and have had little problems with it.

Buying from a single owner pca member is a great thing.

Have fun.

JRoz

Thanks, that just made me slightly nervous, but I'm ready

This is the listing.. Anyone notice anything off just looking at the pics?

http://www.openroadmercedesbenz.com/...7f3418eeeb.htm

Robocop305

It looks very nice. Good luck..

wardrive

If the PPI report comes out good, and you like the way it drives, go for it.

Get a warranty from fidelity and you're be all set.

Good luck OP

Cuda911

Looks like a great car, JRoz! Beautiful color combo.

Like wardrive says, get an aftermarket warranty and have plenty of worry-free FUN!

Hella-Buggin'

I started out looking at getting a Boxster. That evolved into a 993 which of coarse led me to a 997S :-)
I essentially doubled the initial budget. I bought my car on a Wednesday and enjoyed it all weekend in complete awe. Then on Monday I was on the train to work and had a full on Panic attack attack and had to get off the train and get some fresh air. I've never had a panic attack prior or since.

cvtbenhogan

IMS service on the larger bearing requires splitting the engine case. Not a viability option due to cost but failures have been rare to date.

I'd say maintenance costs are not too bad, particularly if you DIY.

Good luck.

JRoz

Cool, thanks guys for all of the input...as far as the warranty goes, the dealership said they work with a third party warranty service that I could look into. I'm going to look into Fidelity, is there anything to look for specifically and what are the price ranges for these, usually a % of what you pay for it/what its worth right?

How does it usually work, I can always buy the car an add a warranty to it afterwards right? take some time to shop around?