Hello all, after much debate, I've decided to start my hunt for a 2009-2010 Carrera S Coupe. What are some of the things and issues I should look for, and be aware of on these years?

Any other advise I can be given for a first time owner.

This will be my first Porsche, so I hope to make it a pleasant experience.

Oh, forgot to mention. I think I will be preferencing a PDK version.

Thanks.

Rob.

 

anyone….?

 

Battery has a tendency to "die" within 4 years.
Maintenance history is always a plus.
Carfax it.
There was HPFP recall that should have been done.

 

2009+ cars are solid and don't have the IMS issues of previous cars so you are safe there. If you want PDK I would make sure you also get SportChrono since the shifting is significantly better with it.
Make sure to get a PPI by a Porsche dealer or good indy before completing a purchase.
Other than that you should probably research some of the other options to get a better idea of what you want.

 

Thanks, yes, the IMS issue is the reason I prefer the 2009 and up. Been waiting for a few years until they have come down in price. A buddy of mine got stung with a 2004 with the IMS issue. On the PDK, yes I certainly want one with the Sport Chrono package.

In regard to the PDK, how has the reliability on those been over the manual tranny?

 

From what I've seen on the forums the PDK is very reliable, however you do see the occasional problem that requires a replacement. When that happens you better hope you have some kind of warranty because it will be very expensive since they are not serviceable. A manual is of course a much simpler piece of machinery, can be torn down, and MUCH less expensive to repair/replace if there was a problem.

 

I would look for one of these...

 

That's what I figured. Still would really like a PDK however. I definitely plan on getting a car with a warranty.

If I find the right car, in the right condition, I won't rule out a manual trans.

 

if you go stick, get a DME report (for over rev)

 

Thanks, this is exactly the kind of buying advice I need.

 

I'm going to go take a look at this one this week.

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/...results%20page

 

I am a stick guy, so sorry for stupid question: how to diferentiate PDK and tiptronic?

 

PDK is a true dual clutch automated manual transmission, which does not utilize a torque converter as standard auto transmissions do. The Tiptronic was a torque converter based automatic transmission. PDK will shift much faster than a TQ convertor based trans, and will transfer more power to the wheels than a TQ converter based auto.

 

sorry I should have put more details in my question. how can I know, by looking at pictures of the shifter, if it's tiptronic or PDK?

 

If it is a 2009+ it is a PDK.