I was wondering if there are any 997 owners who could share their knowledge of the 997's reliability -- as in after the warranty has expired and the mileage is piling up.

I am very seriously considering selling my daily driver -- a Corvette C6 Z06 -- and replacing it with a used 997. It would be my only source of transportation.

I go through this Vette/Porsche indecision periodically. Most recently when I bought the Z. For what I paid for the Z I could have had a very nice used 911. I've owned four Corvettes, and they have been very reliable. I'm a bit scared of the 911's. I don't have $20K to drop on a new engine every year or so.

I love my Z. But I really think a 911 would suit my personality better. I've always been a reluctant Vette owner, being a bit uncomfortable with the in-your-face, muscle-car image.

I am (sadly) a sucker for boutique brands so Porsche is right up my alley.

Is going from a Z06 to a 911 a bad idea for someone who is not among the idle rich? Or a natural born gear-head? I want a car to drive not to work on.

Is looking to build a long-term relationship with a used 997 sensible?

 

A lot of people have done it. Why not? The 911, carefully maintained, will reward you with plenty of satisfactions.

Yves

 

I think overall the 997 is extremely reliable. I've owned my '06 C2S for almost 2 years and it's been perfect.

 

Ish before I bought my p car I was a hair away from pulling the trigger on a Vette. I really wanted 997 but thought the Vette would be a better DD. My wife of all people talked me into my 08 C4s last year. So far no problems and I never looked back. Go drive one then make your decision. IMHO the 997 is a no brainer. Vettes are everywhere. 997's not so much. Go luck

 

Knock on wood, my 997.1 (2006 S) has been incredibly reliable... I am the second owner and have had it for the last four years. I have never regretted making that purchase...

 

if out of warrenty on a 911 just find a good Independent shop and most likely sounds like you do your own maint. Brakes, oil changes, filters, etc are easy on the 997. If you buy the right car you will be no worse than the Z06.

 

Not to thread jack, but I am also considering a 997 (only considering C4S though) - is there anything that would raise eyebrows specific to these cars - what about modifications, are there any of the typical (exhaust upgrades/intakes/added LED tails) that increase chances of bad things?

Can anyone comment on winter driving in a C4S - I would be buying as a daily driver year round and am concerned about winter driving in MI. I have driven sports cars in the winter in the past, so I dont mind a challenge here and there - but my last Corvette was not even possible in the winter (not even close). I would buy a set of winter tires and feel the AWD would make it doable other than through 6in+.

Any help is appreciated.

 

This is just my feelings, I would look for an un molested car. Stock. Other than very minor things. I d stay away from any PCM tuned cars etc, (doesn t mean they are bad cars but rather safe than sorry and you can mod as you wish later on.)

Winter tires on a C4 should be fine to go anywhere within reason.

 

Thanks for the quick reply and good advice.

 

Thanks for the info - if you dont mind me asking, how many miles/what price did you pay? I am in the same camp as you - I want to buy a car that I can love for looks/performance, but drive it every day. Maybe a 2S will be on my list to broaden my search if it can perform OK in the snow too.

 

Thus far, I've had more problems with my 2012 Toyota RAV4 that I bought in 10/2012 (6700 miles so far) than the 2007 Carrera S I bought in 8/2011 (16000 miles so far).

 

I have had my 06 C2S Cab since september 2010. It was stock when I bought it with 37K miles on the clock.
It is my only car and daily driver. 10 months after I bought it, I had it profoundly modified (Vivid Racing turbo kit, changing everything from the cylinder block to the exhaust tips, adding 140+ hp to the stock 355). It is still my daily driver, just a lot angrier now.

I have had zero issues because of the kit or because of the way I drive (i.e. like I stole it). The only items I had replaced, were either normal wear and tear (upgraded the clutch when I added the turbo, brakes, wiper blades) or minor known issues with Porsches (replaced the water pump and replaced the coolant tank).

I change the oil every 3-5,000 miles and I now have 53,000 problem-free miles on her.



S

 

buy car, don't worry too much about miles (less is better because of replacing items in higher mileage applications) I have been lucky enough to own two 997's so far "C2S and a Turbo now" these are two totally different cars, but each have their own qualities to love. Enjoy and don't look back!

 

I have had a 911 for the past 30 years and if you respect the maintenance scheduling the car swill last. I would advise you to buy a Porsche Approved Certified car to provide you an initial peace of mind, within the timeline of that warranty you will have a good feel on whether you have a lemon or not (lemons exist for any model). If through the duration of the PAC you do not encounter consistent problems chances are the car is good to go for the long haul because in general they are extremely reliable cars. I have had my 997 since 2009 and I had one issue related to the wiring to the alternator (turned out to be a common problem), and it was covered by the PAC. When it came time close to the PAC expiration (approximately 3 months) my Porsche mechanic, who I have a long relationship with, called me so he could take care of all the things that go wrong with these cars while still under warranty, and I have to admit the list was really short and minor.

 

Bought my 07C4s in Sept. 2011 it just tipped the scale at 20k miles.. I've put 23k on since (daily driver) and not a lick of trouble. New oil and new rear tires is all. Brake Pads are all still in good condition, I'll change them at 50k with oil and new front tires.