Hello all,

I figured I'd drop by and introduce myself as I begin my search for a 911 Carrera S.

I've always been a fan of Porsche's, and while I've never owned one before, I am a huge automotive enthusiast and have been privileged enough to have owned a few decent driving machines. Recently though, I decided that the time has come for me to start looking for a 997S, which I have wanted to own for a while now.

I have some basic questions, as I am completely new to the brand, and though I am quite capable of searching for common issues, fixes, etc, I rather read answers from actual owners, if it's not much of a bother.

1) 996 vs 997? I've read about a famous shaft seal failure that basically renders the engine useless. True or myth? How common is it? And does it happen more for one model than the other?

2) I believe in driving my cars and therefore I am thinking of owning a 911S (997) as my only car. How reliable are these cars for daily driving, specially once they get to the upper mileage range? I ask because I know many Porsche's never make to the DD list, so the miles stay low, but I intend to drive mine.

3) I've also been tempted to look for a GT3, in which case I'm opening up to the 996 options since I've read that their blocks are basically bullet proof. Is this correct? What makes a better DD, a 996 GT3 or a 997S? How about 997 GT3 vs 997S? Again, I realize a GT3 will outperform a regular S stock for stock, however, I'm more concerned with reliability here.

Thank you for your time, and I hope to learn a world of knowledge as I transition to the Porsche family!

 

I can answer 2 of your 3 questions.

#1: I believe the consensus that starting with MY 2006 the IMS issue has been addressed and there are very few documented failures after that.
#2: My '06 C2 Cab is a daily driver and you will find that (I think) most of the community here use theirs as DDs, even during winter.
#3: No experience with a GT3 so I will let others opine.

No matter what you eventually choose, you will become addicted!

 

Thank you sir! I'm already addicted and can't wait to own one. I drove a 997 911S last year and it blew my mind away. It was an 08.

 

If you are in FL, you might want to consider a Cab... I used to live in FL and always had Cabs, except that during the day in summer, well, the top was up and the AC was on. But driving with the top down on a warm summer night is fantastic!

 

Thanks, yes I'm in FL and have had my share of verts, but I find the coupe more appealing when it comes to Porsche, and I prefer the structural rigidity of a coupe.

 

if you liked the 08 S then get a test drive in a 09 and up,,, some small changes including engine.

 

Will do! So, how many versions of the 997 are there and what are the main differences between them?

 

997.1 up to 08
997.2 09 up to the new 991.

engine in the 997.2 is DFI and few more HP and more efficient.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...vs-09-c2s.html

 

Great, thanks! Starting to piece together what to look for and what I want

 

I agree, and may I suggest a Targa for that matter....

good luck with the search!

 

Thanks...what's the deal with the targa's? Is it an all glass top and is there a shade underneath? Is rigidity as good as the all-metal roofs?

 

The Targa has a large glass sunroof and the rear window is a hatch that opens. There is an electrically retracting sunshade. They aren't as rigid as a coupe. But personally I don't worry about the difference in structural rigidity of coupes vs cabs or targas. These cars were designed as cabs first and are very strong, as demonstrated when you jack it at one point and can get 3 wheels off the ground!
I agree with checking out 09+ cars for their better PCM/Nav, DFI, more power, etc. But the 05-08 cars are great too. I think I'd want a cab in Florida. You don't need AWD that all Targas come with. The benefits of the cab far outweigh any difference in rigidity (assuming you would even be able to detect the difference). Good luck in your search.

 

Cool! Thanks for the details, I'm learning already. I think I'm set on the idea of an 09+, however, not so sure on a cab even though I live in FL. It's great to know that lack of rigidity is not an issue, however as far as my personal taste goes, I gavitate to coupes.

I didn't know that you could get 3 wheels off the ground by jacking up any Carrera model from 1 single point. That's great to know!

 

No prob. If you like coupes, get one. They are all gorgeous and wonderful to drive. I'd personally go for a C2S. I've used my Porsches as daily drivers when I lived in So Cal and they performed wonderfully. Very reliable and dependable. And always FUN.

 

Thanks again, reliability is a big factor for me.