Thanks again for such valuable advsises, you guys rock. Here is a few things I really like about the 2008 997.1 it's convertible and Sport model plus manual transmission, also color is personal preference but I do like white vs black 997.2. The fact is I have seen the 997.1 cab in person here in honolulu. I have not see the 2009 997.2 because it locate in CA, for sale by dealer. Someone mention about IMS issue, can you tell when or any sign of IMS failure before it actually break down? In KBB the 2008 S cab worth $57 to $64k private party vs 2000 Base PDK worth much less $50k to $56k, is KBB overprice the 2008 in real market? That was also another factor I am leaning more on 2008. But would love the new engine too, I am getting confuse....!

 

When the IMS goes...it just goes. No real world warnings will be had. And when it goes it takes the motor with it.

The S model usually adds 5k to the cost of the car. The cab option another 5k. So I am not surprised that a super low mile 2008 is KBB listed as more than a base 997.2

 

Thanks Gloves, do you know the cost to replace the IMS? And is it wise to replace the IMS before the warranty expire?

 

Post 2006 the IMS was revised with a larger more stable bearing. This did not completely solve the issue for good. As mentioned at some point that bearing can and will fail. The problem is when it fails its catastrophic. Your engine is now toast as well. This failure happens most often with low mileage cars from 2005, like sub 20k miles with the smaller original design bearing.

There is a class action suit saying that as long as the car is within 10 years of the manufactured date Porsche will replace the engine free of cost depending on mileage...for the most part that's what it says at least.

The IMS can only be replaced by taking out the clutch. Its costly to do on its own. Maybe 1800. If you do it at the same time as maybe a new clutch its an extra 1000. But even replacing it doesnt mean you are all set.

For you, there is zero reason to replace it on the 2008. Nothing to be gained. Someone makes a weird sensor that you put in your oil pan (I think) that basically has a magnet and if it catches any debri it warns you. Supposedly this is a sign of potential failure.

A QUICK EDIT: As mentioned before I and other have yet to see a post saying a 2006 or later 911 had an IMS failure. What I mean by can and will happen is simply that. At some point it will fail. Just like at some point everything fails. Its just that they know this is an inevitable failure. It is highly unlikely to fail on a 2008 and when it does it could be decades and 100K plus miles from now.

Dont let any of this scare you. There are thousand and thousands of Porsche with this IMS. Both the 911 and Boxster have them. The Cayman might as well. The number of failures is very, very small. But it is real.

 

Gloves! If you have a choice between the 2008 997.1 S cab vs stock 2009 997.2 base with PDK assuming everything else is the same. Which one is a safer buy? Thanks

 

Sorry if I insert myself again in this conversation and rekindle a topic many hate.

However, if Gotgolf52 were simply comparing a 997.1 to another 997.1 then I would agree, just buy a post 2006 and enjoy it (it is what I did - bought a MY 2008).

But since it is not the case, you should at least be well aware of IMS, well aware of the relatively lower post 2006 risk, and consciously accept it when buying a 997.1. Be also aware that IMS retrofit is not available for post 2006 with larger bearings. How much the issue is worth (if anything), you only decide.

The fact that everything will fail is not the substance of what mechanics (or at least what my mechanic) mean when they refer to the IMS issue. I know they do not mean in a "everybody dies" sense (or as Keynes is quoted saying, in the long term we will all be dead). They mean that the issue is still there, somewhat reduced but not resolved, and will pop up at some point. It is not clear when, but it could be in 100K miles or in 2K miles. Nobody knows. Yes, people get all sort of problems on all cars. You could get problems with a piston, engine block etc. but what makes the IMS scary is that you cannot do anything, anything to prevent it or limit the risk... actually anecdotal evidence suggest that cars with milder driving history are more subject to it. Plus why add another risk in a car that, by its own nature, already has risk of needing expensive repairs at some point? Not that the IMS adds anything to one's enjoyment of the car, nor is it essential like say pistons and engine block...

In a 997.1 PPI, ask to remove the filter to check for metal, plastic debris etc. It is often a sign of huge problems.

In your shoes (similar price, similar mileage), I would probably go for the 997.2 unless I knew that I could not stand color combo or was lacking highly desired features (or if S version was essential for your fulfillment).

 

The safer buy is the 997.2. But that doesnt mean its what I or you should or would choose.

I completely understand where you are coming from, but this is borderline scaremongering. Porsche sold far to many cars and had an extremely low failure rate to have it be a true concern post 2006. It does happen but it is rare. Any Porsche mechanic can tell you its a vulnerability, and on a car this expensive its worth mentioning. But that is about it.

 

Italdream and Gloves, much mahalo (sincerely thankful in Hawaiian) my friends, I really love everything about the 2008 997.1 S cabriolet. I also love the manual gearbox, I like verything about the car and how beautiful it look in person. The previous owner seem to take great care of his car and it show as the car look and feel like new. IMS is my only concern as far as cosmetic feature such as updated lights and stereo system in 997.2 is the least of my priority lists. Safe buy is a wiser choice but I also look at value of the car and may be resale perks in the later years. i coming off 2007 M6 SMG and definitely hate the SMG but not sure about PDK though, also automatic transmission is safe but not fun. Now it come down to VALUE of both cars. To your experience which one will hold better resale value in the next 3 years? Sorry for asking too many questions but I would like to have a fun and enjoyable dream ride.

 

The S will hold better value in my opinion. There are a ton of base model PDK around.

If every aspect of the 2008 you like except the IMS I would just get the 2008. If the IMS concerns you then start looking for a more acceptable 997.2

 

I wish I was as confident as gloves on this one. I like S better and I like manual better. I think those features are sought after in the used market and will help value. Also, I drove a few 997.2s and the many improvements are not immediately apparent to me. Of course, the different taillights are noticeable. Will we see a divide in values between 997.1 and .2, time will tell.

In any case, make sure that the PPI comes clean; btw a DME readout is essential in a manual, make sure you get that.

 

I don't know what DME is? Please explain what it mean and what it use for? Thanks. I also found another 2009 silver cabriolet with manual shift for $54.5k but shipping from Atlanta. Please help

 

DME is a print out of the time spent in over rev in a given gear. IE if you downshift and shouldnt have and go to or beyond the redline. This can be a clear indicator of how the car was treated. It is only needed on manual as it can only happen on a manual.

 

This is the 2008 S Cab picture. Both are gorgeous. I will try to upload more pictures. Thanks Gloves

 

This is the 1009 manual shift. Beautiful one owner car and I started to like this car more than the 2008 but it is not S model. Also, I can't inspect the car in person :/

 

For some final advice about pre-owned porsche shopping, take a look at the guide of fellow forum member plantagenet:

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

Also see mattyf's post and my post at
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post3858936