Hello everyone I am new to this forum. I am currently in the market for a used Porsche. I am looking for a Porsche 911 either 996 between 2000-2004 or 997 years 2005-2010 . I was hoping people with a little more knowledge with the cars could help me out with choosing the right car and packages/features. Are there any known problems with particular years? I do know I would like an NA model. I willing to spend a decent amount on a good car. Anybody have any recommendations on options? Must haves? Should avoid? I would really appreciate anyone's time and opinions for helping in making my selection.

Thanks,
Thomas

 

Here are my two cents, YMMV. All of these apply to the wide body cars only.

All NA 996's should be considered at-risk of a catastrophic IMS failure - I would read up on 'IMS failure' Thomas.

I wouldn't go anywhere near a 996 which hasn't had it's IMS updated - a fairly costly fix. Used prices are dictated by whether it has been done, so if you get one without the fix, be prepared to talk the seller down, or you take a big hit in resale when you are ready to sell the car.

996's interiors and general equipment are a weak point. For cars that sold over $100k (the C4Ss and Turbos), most are made without some basic conveniences (such as BT, MP3, aux input etc. that Mercs and BMWs of that time period had all along) as well as soft plastic that seems to scratch when you just look at it.

996's have some fine design details that the 997s seem to have lost. Vents on the rear bumper, the flower petal exhaust tips. These seem to have disappeared on the 997s.

The difference between a narrow body and wide body was more pronounced on the 996s. I think the 997 wide bodies are still wider, but not by that much, compared to the base cars. (someone can correct me if I am wrong).

PSE is a sweet option, that makes a BIG difference to enjoyment. My #1 option.

I have read that the 997 ride quality is a big improvement over the 996.

Here is a (low res) photo of my 996 and a colleague's 997 (both C4S) parked next to each other. Good luck!

 

Your best bet is to do some research and decide what you want in a car and then go out and find that. Fine examples of either a 996 or a 997 can be found on the used market, and both are good cars. Personally, I would pick a 996 C4S or turbo over a base 997 C2.

In my opinion, the 996 turbo is the best value on the market for a high-performance near exotic car. I realize that you mentioned you wanted a normally aspirated car, but the 996 turbo takes away the IMSB, which is the achilles heel of the 996 cars. Keep in mind that the 997.1 cars also have an IMSB, although failures are quite rare.

Now you just have to figure out if you want a coupe or a cab, a 6MT or an automatic, etc. These are important questions. As an example, I wouldn't really want a car with a tiptronic automatic transmission. If it had PDK instead, then I might consider it.

Good luck and have fun shopping.

 

My mechanic was saying he'd buy a used 997 over a 996 because of the upgrades in handling and interior. He said he has seen few IMS failures in the 996 in his 25 yrs of cranking on Porsche's and Mercede's but he also said that it could happen. If looking at a 996, he said that the higher mileage cars probably won't encounter an IMS problem or they have already be replaced. He said the cars that are rarely driven and have low mileage are probably more likely to have an IMS failure and should be inspected. He said that 911 styles are like VW bugs from a distance..............they all look alike. LOL

 

Your best bet is 997.2 that does not have the ims problems. Sent you a pm.

 

You missed out the 99 job which has the least problems of all 996 models. WHY? I would go for the 2010 if I could afford it as you say you can. Don't even consider anything less.

 

The '99 has fewer IMSB issues than later 996 cars, but more frequent intermix issues due to porous heads and cracks.

 

Wow. Opinions vary, and I don't always agree .

MY opinions...

1. Buy a 2009+ 997.2 if you can afford it, the new generation DI engine has no IMS issues and is an awesome car. Expensive, but rock solid.

2. Buy a 2005-2008 997.1 only if you really prefer the styling and interior. They are great cars, but still have the IMS possible issue (which is hugely overblown) of a 996 and still seem to sell at a significant price premium.

3. Buy a 2002-2004 996.2 over a 1999-2001 996. Particularly a minimally optioned but perfect condition C2. An amazing sports car for cheap money. Though similar to the earlier 996's , the new interiors are much better built with nicer materials than the earlier 996's, plus they have a bigger displacement engine. Put in a new IMS bearing ($700 + labor) or an IMS guardian ($250 DIY) if you are concerned about the incredibly overhyped IMS issue.

4. Buy a 996 Turbo, get true super-car performance on a Honda budget. No IMS issues with the Turbo engines, though they do have a few of their own. Nothing deal-stopper though...

5. Buy a 1999-2001 996 if you want a heck of a lot of car for minimal dollars, and you are able to fix the maintenance items a 13-15 year old car will have on your own. They are pretty easy to work on, and most parts are actually reasonably priced.

On any 996/997 you buy, don't buy one that has neglected maintenance, poor cosmetic condition, incomplete service history, previous accidents, *any* current mechanical issues or poorly done mods unless you are getting it for a steal and know exactly what you are getting yourself into. There are plenty of 996 and 997's out there, hold out and find a great one.

 

You would have to point me to some place stating that comment as I think it's a load of bollux to be quite honest with you. And you are saying that all other 996s do not have that problem?.. Only the 1999/ 2001? I don't think so...............

 

Jake Raby mentioned it on rennlist the other day. He actually said that he sees more engine failures due to intermix than he does due to IMSB issues. These issues are more common on 1999 and 2000 cars from everything I have seen. I think that like the IMSB issue, it's rare.