9972envy

Been visiting dealers online and in person across Canada along with my business trips to find what I thought would be « easy »: a decently priced 997 C4 or C4S without bad history, clear service documentation and that would pass inspection with flying colors.
I’ll spare you details but from Porsche CPOs to specialty luxury dealers to self
advertised meticulous enthusiasts, pretty much all I found sub $100k had a significant amount of issues or red flags that needed to be addressed. I know market is tight, demand has and still exceeds supply, new models
are delayed so here is the question: are 8 out of 10 (10/10??!!!) of the used 997.1/ 997.2 available for sale today those that owners are running away from? Same for Cayman S pre 2017, only 3 I think on Porsche finder and two of them are or were in less than stellar condition at an asking price taxes in that flirts with their new pre tax price in 2014-5.
Is it just the wrong time to buy the dream toy? Do I have unreasonable expectations when dealing with 10-15 yr old cars even if they are a Porsche and clock less than 70,000km?
I don’t need one but want it badly but feel that it is a grossly biased sellers’ market like real estate a year ago.
Thanks for sharing your opinion and wisdom with a newbie.

Big Swole

I'll tell ya like this forum told me during my start of searching several years ago (several 911's ago too).

Don't get in a hurry. Keep searching and be patient. Don't "Settle".


All the best in your hunt!

Ed99

When it comes to buying a Porsche 997, it's important to take your time and do your research. Rushing into a purchase without proper due diligence can lead to regret later on. Specifically, there are a couple of major issues to look out for with these cars, including potential Bore scoring and IMS issues. Also, for the 997 Turbo, you should look if the car's coolant was ever pinned and the cams. Failures can be major dent to your wallet ($25K plus).

I don't want to scare you but in Canada due to colder climate, Bore scoring seems to be more a common issue. So, it's worth checking for this before making a purchase. Recently, I came across what I thought were some great clean low mileage 997's with no accidents. But, after having them inspected, it turned out that both cars had bore scoring. (Note: The Porsche Specialist I brought the car to said 8/10 cars inspected in 2022 year had bore scoring on it) I was offered $20K plus discount off the price after knowing the bore scoring. But I didn't want to deal with rebuilding the engine so I walked away on both deals.

If you're in the market for a Porsche 997, it's definitely worth spending the $350 to have the car checked for bore scoring etc.

Buying a 997 or older Porches you have to be ready to save some money on the side like $10K for issues because they are older cars.

Have to pay to play with Porsches no doubt. But what you get in return from the enjoyment is priceless!!!

#1SomeGuy

997.2's had lower production numbers which are the ones you want, as the 997.1's had more of those engine issues mentioned above...have you considered a 991.1 instead?

Onami

Last year was the worst year to buy…this year is a close second.

9972envy

lots of good advices, thanks guys!
I did but was also hoping to get a 2yr CPO window so 997.2 was on top of my list. I am aware of the IMS issues and would be willing to pay for it if not already done. As for bore scorching I didn’t think it was that much of an issue so thanks to you guys for sharing. I guess the term “settling” is right on and I feel that I have to chose quickly between few options, quite the opposite of what I am comfortable doing when spending that kind of money! My gut feel was also to keep $10-20k margin to fix bigger problems so that would put me in the 996 zone which isn’t necessarily what I was hoping to buy at that budget level. And it is not as if I liked the 991.1 (steering feel) to stretch over the 997!
I am stuck waiting for the right one….like so many other guys and gals I guess!

Ed99

The 991.1 generation could be a smart choice to consider due to fewer reported issues and decreasing prices in the current market.

theiceman

i would like to think of it as, with the current liberal government.. there may never be a better time lol

red996

To the op. Just go down to the states to by a car. How many times have I said that now?

987981

I'm on the same boat, would consider a clean CPO 991.1 with the right options (SC, PSE, 7-speed). The black one that sold for 105k a few weeks ago was really nice but I was hoping it could drop to 95k. My 992 allocation should come in a few months but the gap thanks to the luxury tax makes me lean towards CPO 991 now.

RDMcG

I think we have a recession coming and stock markets are going to fall, and hard, There was record delinquency on auto loans also. If you can wait I would give it a few months.

Adamant1971

The worst time to buy any car IMO. Per above best to wait it out a few months.

Pags993

I just lost a friend at 48 years old. Poof gone due to heart attack. Lifes short stop overthinking $20 - 30K etc do what makes you happy as soon as you can because getting older is a privilege denied to many. Buy the car enjoy the **** out of it this Spring Summer Fall with family seeking new adventures and memories. Attempting to time markets is for people who think tomorrow is guaranteed - it ain't!

RonnyC

Yup...at that age where friends are being diagnosed with something.

I am starting to realize life's a journey... enjoy the search it is as important as the destination... in other words have fun looking at/or researching the hunt for your dream car.

996TS

Man plans and god laughs