Hey guys! I joined the forum back in October after we picked up a 2013 Diesel Cayenne and have to say that the bug bit hard. I'm finding myself looking for a used 997 (preferably a C2S if I can find one in my budget). Can anyone tell me what to look for, what options are a must and what are not?

I'm entertaining the idea of an e63 AMG as well, I know they couldn't be more different but I love the idea of a good looking sedan that sounds like hell unleashed when hammer goes down.

 

I had a base 997, no options except for the Bose system, and can't think of any options I strongly wish I had except for GT2 bucket seats, but those aren't for everybody. Tire pressure monitor might be useful if it works well.

Go for a 2009 or later model so you get the IMS-less DFI engine. They might all have PASM by that point.

I wouldn't pay more for GPS, 19" wheels, or sport seats.

 

The best advise I would give is to spend a few hours reading thru the 997 forum.... the question s you are asking are all over the site... Good luck.


ps/ get an 09 or above S, everything else is gravy. LOL.

 

This covers it!

http://chrisstewart.hubpages.com/hub...-a-997-Porsche

 

that is good!! Thanks.

 

997's usually come nicely optioned (unlike Caymans). I'd look for a clean car fax, well preserved non-track car with CPO, Sport chrono and bi-xenons are important to me.

Everything else can be accessorized.

 

It all depends on how deep you want to fish. I personally wouldn't buy a base car. Absolute MUST HAVE's for me were:

-S model
-Adaptive Sport Seats (sit in them and you'll see why)
-Sport Chrono Package Plus
-6speed manual
-Sport Steering wheel
-Short shift kit (this can be easily modified)

 

Nothing wrong with a pre-09 except for the early model 05 which had mechanical failures. So i'd say 06 maybe but definitely 07+ you're solid. And like everyone else said, get an S model or above.

 

Unless it's a dedicated track car, I wouldn't hesitate to get one that is lightly tracked. There is nothing wrong with that, Porsche build these cars on the nurburgring, from my experience, those who track their cars are more **** about their cars than those who don't. Just make sure you get a proper PPI, even if the car is CPO'ed, avoid early model 05 with the smaller IMS bearing so you can sleep better at night. Every option is a must have, I suggest you have a budget and stick with it.

 

Get a 997.2 if you can find one within your budget. Several improvements over the .1. Nothing so significant, though, that you should completely overlook the 997.1 if you find a great one. Oh, and DON'T buy on emotion. Get a PPI and an extended warranty from a decent provider.

The Nav system is not necessary, the phone system is a cruel joke (no Bluetooth), and the radio/CD player is overly complicated, so be prepared for that.

Join PCA. It's the best $49 you can spend on your P-car.

 

I would be looking at 2006-2008 maybe 09 just based on my budget. I really want an S. I need to go drive a C4S to compare the two, but my initial instincts tell me to go with a C2S.

 

You'll most likely be hard pressed to feel the difference between the 2 and 4. That said I'd go 2S unless you live in an area with real weather.

 

No real weather in Phoenix unless you count 118*. I guess a c4s could come on handy when the asphalt starts melting. Lol

 

The only thing I will offer is to buy the newest 911 you can afford.

 

i couldn't agree more with this (except i do have an '05 997S). i have had autox cars, track cars and scca race cars (from a variety of marques, mostly BMW and Porsche) and have my fair share of experience in all areas. in general, a track guy will keep better care of his car than a 'standard' owner. things get replaced more often, checked more often and upgraded to (potentially) better components - this last thing could be subjective. i would never steer clear of a lightly tracked car for that reason alone and an enthusiast seller is always a better way to go. a 'forum member' and an 'enthusiast' are not the same thing, btw - not a slam on forum members.