pogo993

So in the minds of the unbelievably intelligent and experienced Porsche Gurus and aficionados...

Looking at a 997 Carerra S
Would it be better to find a lower miles 2004-2005 for an "affordable" price
vs. a higher miles 2007/8
I have a resonable budget for this buy. I can get a 50-70K 2007/8 S or for a good chunk less get a 2004-2005 with lower miles. The difference $$ should be enough to address the IMS issue if not already done so and add any other goodies (exhaust, intake, etc.)

My gut tell me that new model year is better.
Thoughts???

Thanks in advance

rbennett

My thoughts on buying newer Porsches are always buy the newest model, lowest milage and preferably with a CPO that your budget can afford.
Unless you are looking for specific options not available in later models, but you get the idea.

Of course this all goes out the window if your looking for a older marque car.

tomc_mets

Uh, you forgot dashing and debonair!

For the upper end of that range, I'd get a CPOd 997.2 generation car.

There are 123 911s from 2009 onward that are less than $75 K on Cars.com. That's where I'd start my search...T

ghostcow

Agree, 2009 and above is the way to go and you have more than adequate budget for it so take your time and get the right car for you the first time. Have fun with the search.

SoCal C2S

I would stay away from the 996 and nor just because of the IMS.

- the styling is not popular (those front lights, yuk!)
- the interior is bonafide cheap
- a noticeable drop in power
- good luck with resale

All the above is why the 997 was so successful as it was replacing a not so loved 911 and addressed each element successfully.

You can find a decent 997.1 in the mid to high $30ks. Be patient they always show up...don't comprise on what you want.

Hella-Buggin'

A 04 or 05 isn't a 997 but a 996. 2005 has had some controversy with the same IMS issues as the 996 so just know that. 06-08 are essentially the same car. If you're budget requires a 997.1 vs. a 997.2... get a good PPI done and fo for the best car you can financially feel comfortable with.

kimchee411

Low mileage 997.2 whether it be a C2 or C2S that fits into your budget. Even if bore scoring and IMS are low risk, it's always at the back of your mind because of the consequences, especially when a CEL pops up. Plus the power increase, updated styling, PCM 3.0, and other benefits with the refresh.

Jaskfri

I bought a 2006 C2S cab with 27k miles one year ago when I didn't know much about these cars. I knew I had the larger IMS so I didn't have much to worry about there.The PPI said the car had nothing wrong with it. I bought it and it has been a great car. I don't think the 2006 vs 2008 is as important as the specific car's condition. I also would not avoid a good 997.1 for a lesser 997.2.

Fined

I would


if the budget will stand 70k then a 997.1 makes zero sense

Hella-Buggin'

Agreed. At $70k you are also skirting 991 territory if that's of interest. I prefer a 997 but I its all a matter of desire.

FergusH

I don't the OPs budget is 70k. I think that was referring to the mileage of a potential purchase.

Dennis C

You might consider a 996 turbo too. They offer a great deal of performance for the money. The turbo is the flagship 911 (excluding the specialty cars like GT2 and GT3) and it has things like full leather interior as a standard feature. They don't have IMSB issues because they use a different engine.

frankyluis23

I own a 997.1 C2S but if I had the budget I would have gotten a 997.2 C2S for the following reasons;

1. Increased HP
2. Interior refresh
3. PCM upgrade
4. PDK

BUT..... I think the 997.1 looks better, the .2 looks girly from the back with the cat like tail lights.

SpeedyD

Yeah, that's how I just read it too.

OP is looking at slightly higher mileage cars and comparing the prices for that mileage range vs. other options.

I don't think the OP is looking to spend up to $70k.

Dennis C

At that price point, a 997.1 turbo is a real possibility too.