I'm in the market for 997 Coupe and was wondering if you guys had any opinions as to whether or not the 05s are holding up -- quality wise -- as good as 06/07s. The reason I ask is that the 05s were, obviously, the first model year of the 997...

I'm currently looking at an EARLY 05 (looks like July/August 04 build -- in service date was 11/04) 997 Tip (has to be an auto to satisfy the wife) and am concerned about potential pitfalls of going with a very early 05 versus a later build 05 or, even, an 06 997.

For example, I've seen peeling buttons on the HVAC controls on a few 05s that seem atypical for any car, especially a Porsche. And these are average mileage cars - 20k to 30k miles on them (all 3-4 years old)

It's looking like a buyer's market right now and the prices seem very good for the 05s...

Thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

I have a 2005 997 with 48,000 miles. This car originally had a few dash noise which the dealer fixed under warranty. I have had the RMS replaced--the oil was not dripping at all but there was an oil like smudge/ wettness and I wanted it taken care of while still under warranty at about 45,000 miles. Car runs great. I have e- mailed the technical writer for the Excellence magazine and received the response: "not even broken in at 150k miles so drive the.... out of it"

 

hahaha....nice!

 

Ok. Good to know. My hesitation has to do with the fact that I've always avoided the first MY of any car as I consider this the year where the "kinks" get worked out. But this is a Porsche... usually they don't have kinks!

 

I just sometimes hear about problems with the intermediate shaft. they apparently revised the design in 2006 and made it stronger, so it won't break as easily.

I'm also looking for a 997 and don't know if this intermediate shaft issue is something to worry about like an RMS or rarely ever happens.

 

I have a 2005 Carrera with NO problems whatsoever. Just had the oil/brake fluid service and an alignment done to "center" the steering wheel.

My only notation which is common on all Porsches is the tire wear. Look at the rubber especially in the rear. Tires last maybe 10k

 

I've got a some what early 2005 997S (#337). Mine had a tranny (TIP) recall and the RMS was replaced due to a small oil leak. There were a number of 'factory recalls' by VIN (ie. exhaust tips, air cleaner box, etc) that were taken care of by my local dealer/service when I brought it in for it's minor maintenance when I bought the car (2/2007). Other then the items I've mentioned it's been rock solid.

If all the 'recall' and/or maintenance has been done you should have no problems. But remember it's a 'mature' car so anything can happen.

Is there any of the 4 yr warranty left? If so, make sure you check out everything so it can be fixed or replaced at Porsche's expense; not yours.

Just go over the car very closely and have it's Porsche maintenance/recall records checked.

Good Luck!

ps. Mine's a TIP for the same reason. Looks like you have a few weeks left on the warranty so if you close the deal have it serviced/inspected immediately by a Porsche dealer.

 

Just grabbed a CPO 05 C2S as well. If you get an '05 get the CPO warranty for peace of mind. The fact that you're asking questions and doing investigation means you will enjoy the CPO. There are deals to be had on sub 20k mile '05 S for $55,000 - $60,000.

 

Thanks, everyone. I'm looking exclusively at CPO cars so that I have the backing of the factory warranty.

Will definitely have the maintenance records inspected/etc.

Now for the price... these things are dropping like crazy. Most are below $50k for decently equipped (no Sports Chrono or Nav, but pretty much everything else) cars in the 25-35k mileage range...

 

your going to love it! AND getting a good deal is even better!

 

Thanks all. Ended up with an 2006 Carrera S, Tip - Midnight Blue/Tan. Not CPO, but with 18mo and 22k of factory warranty left, I felt comfortable taking the "leap"

Should arrive in SoCal in two days! Yeah!!

 

Congrats on the ride! Let me know if you want that EVO intake for cheap! Can't wait to see pics!