destro

I do agree with jumper5836. But 06+ 997.1 did get better. The thing is if you drive them they seem to be okay, its mainly people who don't drive them a couple times a week that see more of these issues (from what I recall reading on the forums).

I personally always wanted a 997.1 GT3, but after test driving a 997.1 Carrera S, thought for that car was more than enough for the street. Also when I test drove it at Pfaff, it was snowing just a little (not enough to accumulate on the roads) and it had summer tires... right there for most driving it was clear that car had enough grip.

But after reading rennlist for about a year, its pretty clear that the m96/m97 engines can have issues, even tho there are plenty of people with them on the road. So I decided to splurge and go with a 9A1 for the reliability (still was cheaper than the 997.1 GT3).

997.2 None S Carreras could be closer to what you're looking for, $ wise as well, and they pretty much have the streetable performance of the 997.1 Carrera S.

But in the end you just need to test drive them to decide what you want... they are designed for different things.

Receiver

I suggest that you avoid the m96 engine in cars up to and including at least 2007. My experience was very expensive for Porsche as I had a CPO. I have not heard anything bad about the 9A1 yet so it seems a safer bet. The fact that it does not have an IMS in it should tell us something. The Mesger block turbos have proven to be very reliable. My next car will likely be a 997.1 turbo which also has the Mesger block engine.

Good luck.

colombiano

Great info that everyone has provided already. I agree you need to drive them both and see which one you feel is best for you. I was in same boat and ended it up with a 997.1 C2S and couldn't be happier.

Rob993

Did the same debate for awhile and picked up the TT. Now I will say if you like exhaust sound the Turbo is terrible for sounding anything but giant vacuums. Big difference on sound and lots of $'s to get the exhaust sounding just ok.