This is my first post here. I just traded in an Audi TT for a 2006 Carrera S Cabriolet and I'm lovin' it so far. I am reading every thread I can to learn as much as I can quickly, but I have a few questions:

1-What is the normal engine operating temperature on this car? Driving down the hwy at 75 mph it indicates 200 degrees, running through the twistys with some rpm I see it at 225 degrees, and if I run up long grades in the mtns I see 250 degrees. Is that normal/OK?

2-How many miles should I expect to get out of a set of Michelin PS2's on this car? I read somewhere you can expect to replace the rears once before you have to replace the fronts. Is that true?

3-The car only has 11,000 miles on it and is CPO'd from Porsche. I should be covered but are there any common failure issues on these cars I should be having the dealer look for in the final inspection?

Thanks in advance and I'm really looking forward to owning this work of art.

 

Welcome and congrats on the new ride. Pictures are required around here.

1- 200 to 235 is normal. You are at higher altitudes so it may run a little hotter up steeper grades.

2- For Z rated tires you can normally get 10,000 to 20,000 miles out of them depending on your driving style. More aggressive = faster wear.

3- The 997 is fairly bullet proof. I recommend going to an indy Porsche specialist for a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) although in your case it’s a post-purchase inspection. They'll go through the car with a fine tooth comb. It’s a good learning experience for you too. You have lots of warranty left, so if they find anything wrong you can take it back to the dealer and have it repaired for no cost.

 

Agree on everything except will split hairs on number 2 . Specfically the rears will give 7500-11K miles and the fronts will go the full 20K.

To the Op. If you get a flat there are some guys who advocate repairing the tire . I don't agree with that and replace both tires so that there is never a tire with a weak spot on my car. Congrats on the car !!!!

 

What year is your 911? RMS seepage/leakage is common on 2005-2008 997's. Have it checked out since it's CPO, will be fixed under warranty.

 

It's a 2006 with 11K miles on it. I have a hoist at home so I have put it up in the air and checked everything myself as far as leaks around the drivetrain and the struts/shocks, etc. So far everything looks good, of course with all of the shielding underneath you would have to have a serious leak before you saw it externally.

Everything Im reading about tire wear on these cars is sort of like motorcycles where you will replace the rear tires every 10K on average and the fronts every 20K on average.

Glad to hear the 200-235 is normal operating range for this motor, that one had me a little concerned. In fairness, the only time I saw it hit 250 was when we were going up Pikes Peak in a "spirited" manner .

Thanks for everyone's inputs and advice. This car is going to be a lot of fun.

 

It sees like you are talking about "oil" operating temps since you mention 200-250. Engine coolant temps should hang out at the 175 indicator. I usually only see 225-240s when I'm on the track but we live at sea level around here!

 

Hmm, good question. I noticed all of this on the 2 day test drive. It is now back at the dealer getting CPO'd before final delivery. The gauge I'm referring to is on the far left side of the gauge cluster. Is that oil temp?

 

Yes. Oil temp will vary with driving, outside temps, elevation, ect. The coolant temp will go to 175 once warm and stay there. The far right gauge is oil pressure. Another very important gauge.