996 4s or 997 (gen 1) 2s......which one to buy?

[ratazzi]

Any help on which one to buy greatly appreciated. Looking for a 4 seater convertible to fit the young kids in to enjoy at the week-end.

Have had the 996 turbo, but had to sell a few years back now. Loved it, but interior very dated now. Hear bad things re the 997 (gen 1) engines and would rather not an engine rebuild!

[griffter]

996 C4S and 997.1 carry similar reputation for risk of bore scoring, so between the two it comes down to which you prefer.

[garypotter]

I have heard through the grapevine that the early 997 were 996 with different headlights (3.6cc) it would be a personal choice plus the cost difference.

[Whoozit]

There does exist a unicorn mix of 997 with non-scoring engine and a more modern interior. 997 Turbo gen 1.5, which might appeal if you liked your 996 Turbo.

I've got one. It's fab.

[Eddh]

Whoozit said:

There does exist a unicorn mix of 997 with non-scoring engine and a more modern interior. 997 Turbo gen 1.5, which might appeal if you liked your 996 Turbo.

I've got one. It's fab.

Or a 997.1 Carrera with the 3.6 post 2007.

[V6Alfisti]

Eddh said:

Or a 997.1 Carrera with the 3.6 post 2007.

Spot on, that's exactly what I went for, for that reason.

Still a slight chance but vastly lower than early versions but there is even an instance of a 997.2 having some issues on 911UK.

I also prefer the look of the 997.1 before it become all LED'd, it feels like the sweet spot (for me!)

[JamesMorgan]

997.1 all the way - just get a pre-purchase inspection to ensure there's no bore score issues and late 2005 onwards for the larger IMS bearing.

Not to say that problems can't arise down the line but the 996 wasn't without fault either.

[dai1983]

V6Alfisti said:

Eddh said:

Or a 997.1 Carrera with the 3.6 post 2007.

Spot on, that's exactly what I went for, for that reason.

Still a slight chance but vastly lower than early versions but there is even an instance of a 997.2 having some issues on 911UK.

I also prefer the look of the 997.1 before it become all LED'd, it feels like the sweet spot (for me!)

Either of you care to expand on this?