New Member
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 95
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From: Queens NY
New Member
Hey Everyone - I am a new member to the community. I joined because I'm looking to buy my first Porsche. I've waited for a while but realized that if I'm going to do this, I should do it while I can enjoy it. That said, I am still researching but would like to buy something before the summer. My biggest question is that I need to be able to fit a car seat/booster seat in the back of the car - I have a 7 year old daughter and a 6 y/o son. Not fitting a car seat and/ or booster seat would pretty much end things for now. Any thoughts, recommendations? They're old enough to fit and strap themselves, so all I just need to be able to fit the seat in. My daughter will be in a booster but my son is small and my wife wants him in a car seat as long as possible (probably until he's 10 if she has her way). Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.
For reference, I'm thinking 2005 - 2007 911 C2. Is there anything else I should consider or worry about? I think someone mentioned an IMS bearing problem - is that anything to worry about? (j/k - heard about the IMS bearing enough). But seriously, anything else to look out for?
Thanks in advance for your help
For reference, I'm thinking 2005 - 2007 911 C2. Is there anything else I should consider or worry about? I think someone mentioned an IMS bearing problem - is that anything to worry about? (j/k - heard about the IMS bearing enough). But seriously, anything else to look out for?
Thanks in advance for your help
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 114
Likes: 3
From: Pennsylvania
I just bought my first 911 in November, a 2005 997.1 C2 with 55,000 miles on the car and 35,000 miles on the replacement engine. I also have two kids, a 12 year old son that is 5'-3" tall and a 9 year old daughter that is 4'-5" tall.
There are lots of threads you can search with pre-purchase advice. The short of it is try to buy the best car in your budget range. Maintenance records are important, and a pre purchase inspection (PPI) from a Porsche dealer or reputable independent shop is vital. I had a 2008 Cayenne S without either and it was a nightmare of leaving me stranded and $13,000 in repairs. Lesson learned. Anyway, I bought the 997.1 over a thousand miles away and did not see it in person until it was delivered to my driveway. I trusted the PPI and my dealer found all the same faults on their own inspection.
The cars have known faults that effect a small percentage, most feared are the IMS failure and bore scoring. Some take the preventative spending approach, others drive them til the brake, some people freak out, others pay it no mind. See my advice on page 3 of this post....
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...-newbie-3.html
My car had an IMS failure with its orginal owner. I got it below market price and used the non original engine (installed by Porsche under warentee) as leverage.
As for the kids, my 9 year old fits perfectly in the back without a booster with a sub 6' adult in the front of her. My 12 year old only fits in the back if the seat is moved up all the way, making the front passenger a no go in that case. They both fit perfectly with my son in front and daughter in the back. No room for my wife, she stays at home! I would find a 997.1 car locally for sale, even if its not exactly what you want, and see if your kids or there car seats fit. Then you can shop nationally without having to fly everyone there to see if they fit in person.
There are lots of threads you can search with pre-purchase advice. The short of it is try to buy the best car in your budget range. Maintenance records are important, and a pre purchase inspection (PPI) from a Porsche dealer or reputable independent shop is vital. I had a 2008 Cayenne S without either and it was a nightmare of leaving me stranded and $13,000 in repairs. Lesson learned. Anyway, I bought the 997.1 over a thousand miles away and did not see it in person until it was delivered to my driveway. I trusted the PPI and my dealer found all the same faults on their own inspection.
The cars have known faults that effect a small percentage, most feared are the IMS failure and bore scoring. Some take the preventative spending approach, others drive them til the brake, some people freak out, others pay it no mind. See my advice on page 3 of this post....
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...-newbie-3.html
My car had an IMS failure with its orginal owner. I got it below market price and used the non original engine (installed by Porsche under warentee) as leverage.
As for the kids, my 9 year old fits perfectly in the back without a booster with a sub 6' adult in the front of her. My 12 year old only fits in the back if the seat is moved up all the way, making the front passenger a no go in that case. They both fit perfectly with my son in front and daughter in the back. No room for my wife, she stays at home! I would find a 997.1 car locally for sale, even if its not exactly what you want, and see if your kids or there car seats fit. Then you can shop nationally without having to fly everyone there to see if they fit in person.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 371
From: Chicago, IL
Welcome and I'm sure you'll get plenty of responses. I'd first use the 'search' option in the 997 forum and look for 'buyer's guide'. There are a few you can spend a couple of days digesting.
Secondly, sit in a C2 and position the seat to where you are comfortable driving. Then, get your kids in the back (don't need a booster but some dealers will let you put one in if it's a deal breaker). If the kids fit without you needing to reposition the seat then, congrats. If the seat is too far back, then you may need to look at different cars. .... this is all speaking from experience. Good luck!
Secondly, sit in a C2 and position the seat to where you are comfortable driving. Then, get your kids in the back (don't need a booster but some dealers will let you put one in if it's a deal breaker). If the kids fit without you needing to reposition the seat then, congrats. If the seat is too far back, then you may need to look at different cars. .... this is all speaking from experience. Good luck!
Track Day
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: St Louis
What they said ^^. I would check out one local and see how everyone fits. I just bought a 2005 C2S and my experience is that the back seats "add some age" to the person sitting there. My just turned 4yo sits in a booster in the 911, but needs a full car seat in our other cars and probably will for a while. The 911 belt in back goes right across his shoulder as it should. My 11yo who is pretty small seems like a grown man back there. Your older ones may end up not needing a seat at all, but I would test it out first.
I know that this sounds like a broken record, but PPI, PPI, PPI. Also, don't be afraid to walk away from a car that doesn't give you warm fuzzies. There are a lot of options out there both good and bad... make sure you end up with one of the good ones. Good luck with the search and have fun with it!
I know that this sounds like a broken record, but PPI, PPI, PPI. Also, don't be afraid to walk away from a car that doesn't give you warm fuzzies. There are a lot of options out there both good and bad... make sure you end up with one of the good ones. Good luck with the search and have fun with it!
Track Day
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I just went through the car seat/booster issue in my car since I have a 4yr old daughter. My wife wanted a car seat/full booster seat but we didn't have any luck finding one that would fit. I picked up an inflatable travel booster as none of the full boosters I tried fit. All of the bases were too wide to fit. The booster listed below is simple but offers all the basics you need. As others have mentioned the back seats are pretty small. This simple booster puts my 4yr old's head 2" from the top of the seat and offers hooks to keep the seat belt across her hips and shoulder. Good Luck!
https://www.amazon.com/BubbleBum-Inf...le+bum+booster
https://www.amazon.com/BubbleBum-Inf...le+bum+booster
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Niagara
I was a bit concerned about space for my kids before I bought the car and did lots of research. Even though we have 2 other "family" cars, I wanted to be able to take them out in the Porsche. I was pleasantly surprised when I got them in. My 3.5 year old sits in a car seat on the passenger side, and my 6 year old in a booster behind the driver, both are always asking if we can take the Porsche 
I'm 5'11" and can drive comfortably like this.
I'm 5'11" and can drive comfortably like this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 8
From: L.A.
OP, I have owned various 964's and a 996 over the years. The 997 is the most generous of the three. With that said, you have about 4 solid years of back seat fun with your gremlins.
My kids were fine until about 12 years old when it was mutually agreed they would not ride in my fun cars. When I say mutually agreed I mean, they didnt like the attention when getting dropped off and I didnt like the food associated mess they produce. Really....I didnt feed them for hours.....how the hell do you have sticky fingers and leave a trail of Goldfish?
Having a 911 while they are young is a Polaroid Moment. Its one of the memories they will remember for ever...special. BTW Recaro makes a cool kiddy seat.
My kids were fine until about 12 years old when it was mutually agreed they would not ride in my fun cars. When I say mutually agreed I mean, they didnt like the attention when getting dropped off and I didnt like the food associated mess they produce. Really....I didnt feed them for hours.....how the hell do you have sticky fingers and leave a trail of Goldfish?
Having a 911 while they are young is a Polaroid Moment. Its one of the memories they will remember for ever...special. BTW Recaro makes a cool kiddy seat.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 46
From: Swedish expat in Latvia
This is My three daughters beginning of last year.
The youngest one was 5 at the time and she was sinning on only a seat (without sides). No problem. The middle daughter was 10 and then I actually have to slide the driver seat slightly forward if she should sit ok behind me
The oldest daughter was 12 and she have to sit in the front passenger seat. Not enough space at the back.
One thing worth mentioning between cab and coupe is that the coupe have slightly more rear seat comfort since the backrest is leaning more backwards. On the cab I would say it's close to vertical so it's ok for a one hour drive - not more.
For IMS - it's a non issue on a post-2005 car. Also late 2005 cars could be ok. As long as they have the larger bearing.
The youngest one was 5 at the time and she was sinning on only a seat (without sides). No problem. The middle daughter was 10 and then I actually have to slide the driver seat slightly forward if she should sit ok behind me
The oldest daughter was 12 and she have to sit in the front passenger seat. Not enough space at the back.
One thing worth mentioning between cab and coupe is that the coupe have slightly more rear seat comfort since the backrest is leaning more backwards. On the cab I would say it's close to vertical so it's ok for a one hour drive - not more.
For IMS - it's a non issue on a post-2005 car. Also late 2005 cars could be ok. As long as they have the larger bearing.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 16
My grandsons are 4 and 3 and so far haven't been in the Porsche. Based on how their carseats fit in our E-Class Merc, I would imagine it would be a tight squeeze getting them into the Porsche. And definitely they would be kicking the front seatbacks, so it would have to be shoes-off. OTOH at least it's possible to get them in there, unlike with my Vette. If the Porsche is going to be your only car, I would certainly suggest trying YOUR carseats in one first, as overall carseat dimensions vary between brands, as to the attachment configurations.
Once you get past the carseat debacle, while the late-'05 to '08 models are statistically unlikely to suffer IMS failure, another issue to consider is bore scoring. It is not a sudden, catastrophic event like IMSB failure, and fortunately it rarely ever leads to total engine destruction, but the fix involves a complete teardown of the engine and new cylinder sleeves and pistons. People will undoubtedly share their anecdotes about high-mileage trouble-free 997.1's and cite low statistical probability of this happening. But to those like me whose cars were afflicted, statistical probabilities are neither meaningful nor mitigating. If I were shopping for a 997 today I would look for a .1 with an RND or FSI engine; or, if the styling and features are agreeable to you, an '09-'12.5
Once you get past the carseat debacle, while the late-'05 to '08 models are statistically unlikely to suffer IMS failure, another issue to consider is bore scoring. It is not a sudden, catastrophic event like IMSB failure, and fortunately it rarely ever leads to total engine destruction, but the fix involves a complete teardown of the engine and new cylinder sleeves and pistons. People will undoubtedly share their anecdotes about high-mileage trouble-free 997.1's and cite low statistical probability of this happening. But to those like me whose cars were afflicted, statistical probabilities are neither meaningful nor mitigating. If I were shopping for a 997 today I would look for a .1 with an RND or FSI engine; or, if the styling and features are agreeable to you, an '09-'12.5
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 189
From: Chicago
If you want a Porsche and can afford it, do it now. Don't wait, life is short. There is no "ideal" time or situation. You roll with the punches life throws at you. Ferdinand designed those rear seats for 7 & 6 yr olds.....
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos, CA
I just picked up a '05 C2 last month. So much fun and a great car.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 736
Likes: 138
From: Findlay OH
I sold a 914-6 in 1976 when my son was born. Needed a family car. Bought my first 911. My kids grew up riding in the back of late 60's and early 70's 911's. And I am sure the back seat in a 997 is bigger than those old 911's. Just do it.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 95
Likes: 1
From: Queens NY
Thank you all for the great advice.
I appreciate everyone's advice and the fact that people responded so quick. When I find a car that looks and feels right a PPI is an absolute.
Honestly, I was in a bit of a holding pattern because I have a car that my wife wanted me to sell before I bought a Porsche (It's in a garage and not registered). Talking this weekend she said if I was going to sell that car for next to nothing, I should just keep it and buy the Porsche if you found the right one. Clearly I heard "go out and buy the Porsche". Now I just want to make sure the kids fit - I think they'd enjoy it as much as I would. I agree - easiest thing would be to find one locally and see if the kids fit - but I haven't found anything to check out - admittedly, I've been busy and have not looked that hard. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks.
I agree that the IMS issue is overblown and that the '06 and on is not as big a factor on the 997s. That said, I would probably get something with a warranty.
Again, I truly appreciate everyone's advice and will keep you guys posted.
John
Honestly, I was in a bit of a holding pattern because I have a car that my wife wanted me to sell before I bought a Porsche (It's in a garage and not registered). Talking this weekend she said if I was going to sell that car for next to nothing, I should just keep it and buy the Porsche if you found the right one. Clearly I heard "go out and buy the Porsche". Now I just want to make sure the kids fit - I think they'd enjoy it as much as I would. I agree - easiest thing would be to find one locally and see if the kids fit - but I haven't found anything to check out - admittedly, I've been busy and have not looked that hard. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks.
I agree that the IMS issue is overblown and that the '06 and on is not as big a factor on the 997s. That said, I would probably get something with a warranty.
Again, I truly appreciate everyone's advice and will keep you guys posted.
John
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 95
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From: Queens NY
....People will undoubtedly share their anecdotes about high-mileage trouble-free 997.1's and cite low statistical probability of this happening. But to those like me whose cars were afflicted, statistical probabilities are neither meaningful nor mitigating. If I were shopping for a 997 today I would look for a .1 with an RND or FSI engine; or, if the styling and features are agreeable to you, an '09-'12.5