Which 997 Carrera and what to look for?

[batmanbegins]

I've had a Z4M as my DD for almost 5 years but a couple of weeks with a 12-plate Porsche Boxster and I'm consiudering a Porsche. 12-plate Boxster moves out of 911's shadow a bit but I can't stomach the still high prices for these and would prefer a 997 Carrera. Decided on 2S.

Questions:

1) What are the important things to look for regarding servicing (is yearly servicing vital? Are cambelt changes done on these? What else *should* have been done, e.g. do most early 997 Carreras have common issues that should have been done under warranty, etc?)

2) What are the essential extras/spec for easy future resale?

Edited by batmanbegins on Monday 24th February 12:59

[V8KSN]

I had begun a reply but then I didnt know where to start.

I guess the first question is, have you done any research on the engines?

[batmanbegins]

V8KSN said:

I had begun a reply but then I didnt know where to start.

I guess the first question is, have you done any research on the engines?

Yes - just amended the questions after further research. Going for 2S. Can you advise on 2 questions posted?

[thegoose]

Servicing is every 2 years or 20,000 miles, engine is chain driven so no belts or change intervals to worry about.

Do do some homework on the engines though - not significantly different to a Boxster but there is a difference between a 2004-2008 car and a "Gen 2" 2009MY-on which has a different (and much better from a reliability/design flaws point of view) engine to the earlier ones.

[RiccardoG]

Seems like you need to do some Google searches to get to know the 997's issues a bit better (there are quite a few potential issues with the engines - there is no cam belt....). Start with the stickies at top of page and also Hartech.

However, the short answer is, go for a Gen 2 carn with the DFI engine (Aug 2008 onwards, IIRC).

Main option is PDK vs manual transmission. Many would agree PSE (sports exhaust) is a must. All the rest are nice haves which you may or not miss having, 997s are relatively lightly specced in standard form, like BMWs really.