Guys,

Just came acrosst this 997 for sale by my house and wanted to get your thoughts?? I don't know a whole lot about the 996's (been focused on the 997's), but this seems like a pretty good deal on a color combination I like. I've asked if the IMSB and RMS have been replaced, but haven't heard back. Anyway and general thoughts would be greatly appreciated...thank yo.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4618905123.html

 

Here's what I pulled from auction summaries, which I hope helps.




Personally I would rather look at 996.2s with the upgraded engine, interior and glass rear window. If you're going to replace the plastic window with a glass one, you're most likely looking at $1k installed and the glass is narrower (not as tall) than the plastic. Whether you get a 996.1, 996.2 or 997, maintenance costs will be the same. So my advice would be to start with something you really want rather than something that's "priced right"

 

Throwing in an iPhone 4s isn't much of a selling feature...

The car seems okay. Nothing special.

 

It looks nice from the photos. If there hasn't been a problem, there isn't any reason a RMS would have been done. You need to look at it, if you like it - have it inspected - and if you want it, buy it. Only you can decide if it's a good deal for you.

 

As mentioned, only you can decide if it's a good deal and what budget you have. But IMO, I would take my time and look around to see if there are other cars which you could compare to.

 

Thanks for all the information guys. I'm going to take a look at it today - will keep you posted. I'd much rather have a manual trans to be honest, so this will have to be really nice if I'm going to pull the trigger.

 

+996. I've learned this over the years after countless mistakes and bad decisions.

 

Just FYI.. The 99 Carrera with the 3.4L has dual row IMS bearings and has very, very low failure rates. approx.04%. The newer Carreras/Porsche lost in court due to this issue. No turbo 911's are a concern....No IMS bearings. The single row bearings that started in 2000 through the 997's all have a much higher failure rates due to the single row design. If you want a more reliable engine, get the 99. If you want it to fly, add a VF supercharger to it and tune.

 

The car your looking at is priced very low. You can't go wrong with that. It will just appreciate from that price. The car looks fantastic. I highly recommend!!!

 

That information is very much appreciated BOOSSTT. I'm going to look at it tomorrow. Seems like a lot of car for the money if it lives up to the billing. Anything unique to this car you'd want to look for?? I'm wondering how that after market audio system is working and if it was setup correctly. Not a deal breaker, just curious. Would you guys recommend a PPI on a car I can probably get for $15k or is the visual inspection good enough?

 

I've previously owned a 99. Loved every minute of it until it with no warning it overheated and was dead.

The MK1 996 have a high rate of water pump and porous head cracking problems.

If you purchase this car immediately replace the water pump. It's cheap and a well documented DIY.

A PPI from a local Porsche Indy will be the best money you spend. A expert, a shop thats serviced 996 is a must IMHO for good PPI, will easily see things based on experience and history with these cars. Also if any thing pops up and you still want the car, the documented needed repairs are a great price negotiating tool.

 

I wouldn't be concerned about the reliability of an earlier 996 engine vs. a later one because of the IMS design. The failure rate is very low for both. The earlier cars had a higher rate of engine failure due to a coolant intermix problem because of a porous block, among other things..

Both engines can be very reliable if maintained properly. There are aftermarket solutions for the IMS.

 

Tiptronic? uuummm. Bad *** Black, 19 wheels, Sounds alteration. All good signs the car may have been owned by a very young driver. Only one thing going for it is the double race bearing on IMS on the 99 model. Make of that statement what you like. I would steer clear. But hey, if thats what you like then go for it. Think along the lines of the 997 IMHO NOT THE PRICE. Just saying.

 

The stock water pumps have plastic fins. Those break, then on comes the heat in a hurry. I started getting a hot engine, took the water pump out to take a look and 2 fins fell out. The stock water pumps are terrible, same as BMW. replace those with metal. Those can fail too, but usually bearings and it is obvious when that happens. BEFORE the engine burns up. You will see a water leak and feel the shaft shaking around. Fins break with no outward signs, and the loose particles can clog the system fast.

 

I have a feeling the first ever produced water-cooled 911 will have collector significance in the future. Frowned at by the purists right now, maybe, but allowed Porsche's to be driven in the desert, like AZ, where I live. My older Porsche's would overheat very quickly sitting at stop lights in Tucson. Glad that's been fixed.