Help on a 2005 997 Carrera S purchase

[JulianPH]

Hi everyone

I usually lurk on the Aston Martin forum (as I have a DB9) but am looking for help here in purchasing an early 997 Carrera S for a mate who has always wanted one.

I've had 3 Porsche's myself (the Boxster when it was first launched and a couple of 996 Turbo's - I wish I had kept the last one looking at prices now!) but never been near the 997 Carrera S before.

As it is effectively a thank you present I don't want to spend too much money, but also don't want to give him something that could have problems.

I've looked at the two cars below which on the face of it look very tidy for their age, but should I be worried about the mileage (or anything else for that matter)?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

On the one hand an average of c. 8,000 a year seems pretty reasonable. But for an extra £6,500 there is another that has only done 29k:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

I would rather not spend this much, but what are your thoughts and is there anything else I should be aware of with these cars?

Many thanks!

Julian

[g7jhp]

If it's a gift to someone and you don't want to worry about it going wrong, you might want to consider a 987 Boxster S (Gen 2).

[JulianPH]

g7jhp said:

If it's a gift to someone and you don't want to worry about it going wrong, you might want to consider a 987 Boxster S (Gen 2).

Thanks,we looked at this option, but is not for him.

I didn't realise that there were so many engine concerns. All of my earlier Porsche's were bullet proof!

[JulianPH]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

If the 3.6 Carrera a better option?

It is funny that you don't think they suitable for someone who has always wanted one!

I am aware that they are an informed purchase and I do know what I am doing when it comes to buying such cars. This is also why I am here asking for assistance!

Thanks

[Magic919]

There's a 997 on eBay that's had a Hartech rebuild.

[JulianPH]

Magic919 said:

There's a 997 on eBay that's had a Hartech rebuild.

Thanks, but it closed yesterday - typical!

[Magic919]

You mean it sold? Shame.

[JulianPH]

Magic919 said:

You mean it sold? Shame.

It just say's that it is now closed and redirects you to other options...

[Magic919]

Are you sure it hasn't been relisted? Looks like about 20 odd days left as a classified if it's the same one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/172164374201

[JulianPH]

Magic919 said:

Are you sure it hasn't been relisted? Looks like about 20 odd days left as a classified if it's the same one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/172164374201

Thanks for the link - I just Googled it and ended up looking at a completely different one

Unfortunately he wants Tip rather than manual, otherwise this would have been great.

I have been looking at some 3.6 models and also had a look at Hartech's site. I am starting to wonder whether buying a 3.8 S with 80 something thousand miles at c. £20k and setting aside the additional £7,500 I would have paid for a lower mileage version - in case it does end up having an engine issue - is perhaps a more sensible idea. Any thoughts...?

[Magic919]

A Tip is far more likely to suffer the problem with the bores. Higher miles just means more risk to me.

Might be worth seeng if Hartech have any cars to offer (maybe not yet advertised). Portiacraft often have Hartech repaired cars too.

[JulianPH]

Magic919 said:

A Tip is far more likely to suffer the problem with the bores. Higher miles just means more risk to me.

Might be worth seeng if Hartech have any cars to offer (maybe not yet advertised). Portiacraft often have Hartech repaired cars too.

I didn't realise that, also I assumed if it had covered more miles then any engine issues would have already shown themselves.

I'm on the Portiacraft website now - very interesting, thanks for that!

[g7jhp]

If If wants a Tip how about a higher mileage 996 turbo?

[JulianPH]

g7jhp said:

If If wants a Tip how about a higher mileage 996 turbo?

You are a mind reader!

The big plus side of this is that I would love another 996 Turbo and he really likes my Aston Martin & Bentley GT. So... given I can only drive one car at a time, we could have a car share with both of us enjoying all 3.

Why had I not thought of this before

[JulianPH]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Sorry, humour often translates badly online.

You did say "Personally "I am not sure they are suitable for someone who just fancies a "Porsche" / a bit of fun." in response to my original question - and I found that odd, but funny.

I asked for advice because whilst I know a great deal about regularly spending up to £100k on a car, I also know enough to know when I don't know anything when it comes to this particular model.

No intentional slight meant. I'm looking for advice in this model and very grateful for any received

[bigunit00]

997 tip from portiacraft with £8k Harlech engine build for circa £25k...........get it bought

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

[JulianPH]

bigunit00 said:

997 tip from portiacraft with £8k Harlech engine build for circa £25k...........get it bought

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

Going for it, or turned over to the 996 Turbo if a deal can be done. Called 4 times this afternoon and no answer or answerphone...

[9e 28]

JulianPH said:

bigunit00 said:

997 tip from portiacraft with £8k Harlech engine build for circa £25k...........get it bought

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

Going for it, or turned over to the 996 Turbo if a deal can be done. Called 4 times this afternoon and no answer or answerphone...

The interior on that car looks like its covered double the stated mileage. Shouldn't be as worn as that.

[griffter]

9e 28 said:

The interior on that car looks like its covered double the stated mileage. Shouldn't be as worn as that.

Perhaps a London car - lots of getting in and out. Might also explain the early engine failure.

[JulianPH]

Right, budget blown, but what about this...?

http://www.portiacraft.com/cardetail.asp?make=03_P...