Hi- I am interested in a 2000-2005 911 convertible. Would be interested in the member's opinions regarding this era of 911s. Do you recommend them, what to look for, anything I should know? Thanks for your help!

 

Google or search for "IMS problems" (Intermediate shaft). Tons of info, this is the main reason for their low price point. IMHO it is a bit overblown but worth understanding. They are a huge performance value but as with many european sports cars after 10 or 15 years the cost to repair a major failure exceeds to value so they are in a weird spot. Especially since the majority probably feel they wont become "collectors" in years to come . Another thought - with the rapid increase in popularity of "track days" and DE the 996 motors were not really "designed" for this work like the earlier dry sump porsches. Lots of people in the market for old sports cars (like me) want to track them and there may be better starting points. This may contribute to lower value also as the cost to get them track ready is higher.

 

gene0475#: Welcome and happy shopping. I have owned a 2005(996) C4S coupe for a couple of years and love it. My guess is since you are thinking about a cab you aren't thinking much about track days, but I could be wrong. There is the IMS syndrome which can get expensive but I agree with Erikl there is a lot of paranoia about this situation. Educate yourself on this issue and judge your sensitivity to it. There are many cars out there with the IMS already replaced just make sure owner has documentation. I have an original engine and as far as I know still has the original bearing at 52k miles. Plan to change it on clutch change when necessary. If bearing fails and takes engine out, I will replace the engine. These cars are a high performance vehicle and are gaining some age which requires repairs/maintenance some of which can be expensive. There are many sources to search beside this one: Pelican Parts tech forum, Rennlist,...and more I am sure. When you find one you like have it inspected prior to purchase by a knowledgable 996 technician, your cost and not necessarily at a Porsche dealer. Don't be afraid to ask questions like you did here on any of the forums. There are plenty out there to help and many times with humor. That being said there are many who are disillusioned by their ownership, so take the "downers" with a grain of salt. These cars do have issues but no more and many times much less that other performance cars with 10 to 15 years on them. They do lend themselves to DIY projects for many of the minor/semi-major fixes if you are so inclined.

 

2005 was an overlap production year. The turbo and C4S cars from that year are 996 series cars, and the majority of the C2 and C4 cars (but not all) are 997 series cars.

 

Dennis is right about 2005. Only 201 Carrera Cabs were produced as 996 in 2005. Only 129 Targas. Only 728 C4S and 763 C4S cabs. The rest of the 2005 996's were GT-2/3/Turbos. Grand total 2005 996's was 4012 produced.