997.1 guidance

[BH111R]

Hi all

Looking at buying my first Porsche and hoped the community may be able to give me some guidance!

Aiming for £25k but could stretch a little higher, and want either a cabrio or a targa. Therefore have narrowed it down to 997.1 (also considered 987.2 s but want the 2+2). Seems to be quite a few cars with 50-100k miles and full service history, both private and trade. Beyond that, I'm weighing up the following:

• Is a 2006+ 3.6 with over 50k miles my best bet for low likelihood of engine issues?
• Some people seem to suggest steering clear of 7.1s models all together - is this overblown?
• Any particular trade-offs for the cabrio vs. targa? (ignoring aesthetics - I like both in their own way!)
• A lot of suggestions to get a PPI done but unless you can get it done in the workshop the engine check is superficial... Worth it anyway?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Ben

 

[Edwill997]

Go for the cab. Nothing better than getting the roof down in this lovely weather. Try and find one thats Been to hartech or you will only worry yourself to death every time you drive it if it's going to bore score. The 997.1s are prone to it. Portia craft have some nice ones and they sort them make them future proof. I paid slightly over the odds for my 997.1 cab with 80k on but it had just been to hartech and had 10grands worth of work done. You don't want to be paying 25k for one then months or years down the line forking out that sort of money as well. Take a look at Portia craft or search autotrader but put in hartech under the key words section. Peace of mind 997.1 motoring.....

 

[Edwill997]

Lovely one also at M CARS LTD silver cab.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

In what way do Portiacraft future proof their cars?

 

[997Mike]

You make it sound that all 997.1s are prone to engine problems which is definitely not the case if you go for a 2006 onwards you will be fine ,bore scoring sometimes is down to engine servicing this 2yr 20k long life regime and oil that's well past its sell by date , so its more owners than car running on a budget , I know Porsche say 2yr or 20k that's far to long we all know that
If its regular oil changes it will fine also from 2006 onwards it has the 3rd generation IMS bearing

 

[unclewinks]

I think you will find that most of the damage is done due to cold engines being driven hard
not letting the oil temperature get to its working temperature and with the cooling system being so far from the engine
paul

 

[C2]

997 Mike, I'm in your corner. why do so many people make a mountain out of a mole hill. It's bad enough reading negative reviews on other car sites but give us a break. Buy a car your happy with and bloody enjoy it and whatever will be will be. By the way I'm a proud owner of a 997.1 s and just returned from a 3000 mile trip around Europe, car never missed a beat.

 

[Edwill997]

I think the original question needs answering not comments on my comment guys. I'm trying to help from experience only. Help this guy out from yours too and all will be well.

 

[Mike64]

Hi Ben,
A late reply on this thread but if you haven't purchased yet hopefully I can help by sharing my experience with my 997.1.

I Purchased a 2008, (last year of the Gen 1) 3.6 Carrera 2 manual just over 2.5 years ago, similar budget to your suggested figure and extremely happy with my choice. Had 60k miles on clock then and now showing 75k, has been to Europe 3 times and never missed a beat.

Have had 2 services by local Independant, over and above this I had a radiator replaced on the warranty in first year and a new clutch fitted Last year.

For value for money, looks, power and modern (ish) interior, I don't think these cars can be matched. We also had a 987.2, a great car with supurb handling but sorry to say there is no comparison, every drive of the 997 is an event to look forward to.

If if you are still looking, best of luck and hope you find the spec you want.

Mike
slightly biased 997 fan.

 

[davidallard]

I’ve got a 997.1 hard top For sale.

 

[justinbirt]

Hi David,
Just saw your post Re 997.1 Hard Top. Please can you tell me what colour it is and how much you want for it? I'm based close to Chichester, whereabouts are you based?
Cheers,
Justin.

 

[davidallard]

Thanks for your reply. I am in Lincoln. The car is black inside and out. It’s for sale on the pcgb website. It’s for sale for £22,995. It’s a 997, 2007. Contact me if you are interested.
David Allard

 

[davidallard]

Sorry, I realise my mistake now, I meant a hard top car not a separate hard top, apologies.

 

[stephenowen]

Hi, well you've got more replies than I did when I asked this question. I have just bought a C2 tiptronic s cab, absaloutly love it, it's now my daily ride! I went for the 3.6 and a 2008 so hopefully I could sleep at night. The adaptive sport seats are awesome. I got quite a few extras on my car, with full OPC servicing and 69k on the clock for just under your budget. Happy hunting.