911 Shopping Advice Needed

[mwiadro]

Looking to purchase a used 05-06' MY C4S or 911 Turbo. I currently own a 04' Cayenne S, so I am somewhat familiar with the Porsche ownership experience but totally green with regard to 911's. Any advice on red flags or know issues while shaking perspective vehicles down is greatly appreciated.

[phillipj]

Stay away from the 05 997. Too many IMS issues and other problems. Look at 06's and later. The 997 C4S and a pre 2006 Turbo are obviously completely different cars. You should drive both cars and see which one turns you on. There are a lot of great 996 Turbos out there.

My friend has a 2006 C4S and that car is absolutely awesome. I had a 2006 S Carrera and now have a 2007 Turbo. If you budget allows you may want to look at the 2007 Turbo as well. The market is quite soft now so I'm sure you can get a great low mile 2007 Turbo for around $70 -74k range. Maybe less. ... I would advise you to look for a CPO 997 C4S. It will be difficult to find a CPO 996 Turbo. The CPO warranty is awsome and covers everything except wear items (brakes, clutch etc.)

Whatever you do make sure you get the car you're interested in inspected before purchase. This is a must. Also make sure you get a well optioned car. Sport Chrono, PSE, heated / power Sports seats, High end Bose sound system etc...

I hope this helps. Take your time and find exactly what you are looking for (color, interior etc.)

Edited December 6, 2011 by phillipj

[FlaHeel]

Buy the newest you can afford is what I have always been told.

[Ale_72]

Looking to purchase a used 05-06' MY C4S or 911 Turbo. I currently own a 04' Cayenne S, so I am somewhat familiar with the Porsche ownership experience but totally green with regard to 911's. Any advice on red flags or know issues while shaking perspective vehicles down is greatly appreciated.

From my (poor) experience, since I am on my first 911, and considering that I do not know which specs are standard in US.

I'd look for a car with:

Must have

• Manual transmission
  
• Full leather interior
  
• PSE - sport exhaust
  

Recommended

• Powerkit
  
• Sport seats
  
• LSD
  

All other stuff are, for me, simply nice to have.

If you can afford the turbo, go for that!

Edited December 19, 2011 by Ale_72

[Henrik68]

Hi phillipj

Can you describe in more detail what you mean by other problems regarding the 2005 997?

The IMS problem i´m aware of!

[phillipj]

I believe they had issues with the PCM and battery cables... I can ask my tech.. The engine is the crucial weak point. That being said there are 05 owners that have never had a single issue..

You'll be better of with an 06+ with a Porsche warranty. They are getting very reasonable... I wish I still had mine.. I miss it...

[Dennis C]

The IMS issue wasn't eliminated until the newer DFI engine was launched in the 2009 cars. IMSB failure certainly could happen in a 2005 car as mentioned above, but it's pretty uncommon. A properly driven, maintained and documented 2005 997 is probably a pretty low risk purchase. A 996 turbo uses a different engine design and doesn't have an IMSB. If you can't afford the 997 turbo, this would be a great option also.

[Henrik68]

So ? PCM and Batt cable .... except the IMS !?

[phillipj]

Jut go for an 06+ with a warranty.. You will be fine.. The 997 TT idea is a good one as well..