I am in the market for my first 997.1 I found 2008 Porsche 911 S cabriolet with only 13k miles and in pristine condition. It come with 6 M/T and premium Bose sound system, power & heated seats, parking sensor and windstop. He asking for $53,500 is it a good deal? What are the common issue with this particular year and model. Please help me decide on my dream car. Budget is about $55k for now, or 2009 Base model with PDK? Thanks in advance everyone.

 

I think thats a good price for an 08 with very low miles. I would schedule a PPI. Good luck!

 

Thank you robocop I am going to purchase an extended warranty from Costco or may be if I can CPO it. The manufacture warranty just expire is May 2013, I believe it sold new in May 2009. Thanks for your advice

 

Sounds like a great car. Make sure the clutch engages low and the brakes engage high! Good luck!

 

Sounds like a good deal to me, low miles, pristine condition. Get a PPI and you are all set.

 

Thank you Tuvok and Ynot, I called the local porsche dealer service dept and ask about the car. The service manager told me it is a good car, buy it. Should I still schedule a PPI? Thanks in advance

 

Post pics when you get it !!! The car sounds great .

 

I would PPI. It's $300 for piece of mind.

 

That sounds like a terrific price!

 

Thanks everyone for the advice. I also have a 2009 Porsche 911 with 13k miles, PDK and premium bose system asking for $54k. I am suppose to pick up the 08 C2S cab on Wednesday. Beside the DFI and less moving parts on the 997.2 base, which one is the better car?

 

Hard to tell. S v. Non S but for the same price/same mileage, 997.2 has the important benefits that you mentioned (especially no IMS).

 

IMS failures in post 2006 cars is VERY rare. I dont think I have seen anyone on here ever have a problem as late as 2008.

As for which car to choose, the general theme is always "the newest car you can afford". You never want too little miles as these cars are meant to be driven. 13k on a 2008 is very low miles. I would get a PPI done for sure. You will notice the difference between the S and base model for sure. But the biggest thing will be the 6 speed vs PDK. I think you need to decide which YOU want. None of us can help you with that. The 997.1 is different enough from a 997.2 combined with the S vs base model...its impossible for us to advise which you might want more.

 

997.2 has a better PCM, LED lights, better looking interior, it depends on what the options are on the 997.1. I would not worry about the IMS bearing on the 2008. I haven't heard of anyone with that MY with IMS issues. Is PDK important to you? PDK is an awesome automatic but it's still no manual.

 

Whatever you decide, get a PPI from a shop familiar with Porsches before you buy the car.

Buy an extended warranty from a reputable provider, and read the policy carefully for what is and is not covered. Porsches don't break often, but when they do, the repairs usually result in a BIG bill.

If you live in an area with lots of stop and go traffic, go for an automatic tranny (PDK). Clutch replacements run about $2500, and these are wear items not covered by most aftermarket warranties.

Join PCA. It's the best $50 you will spend on your Porsche.

 

I mentioned the IMS issue against my own interest since I have a 2008.

Although there are little to none documented failures on 2008 models (at least on these forums - they exist for 2006 and 2007 see http://goo.gl/qx1kE), every mechanic I speak to says, given enough time each and every IMS will fail, because it is a design error.
To the original poster, without the IMS issue, there is no question that S is better than non S and yes post 2006 there is a larger bearing. You decide.

Manual v auto is a matter of personal preference.

Re $$, manual you may have to replace the clutch at some point. Auto transmission usually does not have problems, but when it does it will cost you more than replacing a clutch on a manual.

Go with the car that you like most, value-wise they seem both good.