997 buying advice

[Ian187]

Hi guys I'm looking at buying a low mileage 997, but have a load of questions.. I've got about £35K to spend. I used to have a 996 C4S and was thinking I would get another C4S, but the 997 doesn't seem so much different between the 2S and the 4S! Is a 4S more desirable when it comes to resale, is there justifiable reason to get the 4S?
Also I've heard horror stories about the 997 engine?? Is this something I should be worried about? Are these problems in the 3.6 and the 3.8 engine? I presume it would apply to both the 4S and the 2S?
Also I understand Porsche are bringing a new 911 model out very soon? if / when they do, do you think the 997 prices will come down?
Also is there any general advice for me buying a 997 (apart form don't do it!!! )

[scarebus]

From experience, get a Porsche warranty and then enjoy it!

[c2mike]

I'm in the same situation - do I spend £35k on a Gen1 997 or stretch to a Gen2 ('09 model year onwards with a much more robust engine for around £45K). The problem with 996/7 engine issues is that low mileage cars are not immune. My thoughts are: don't over pay for a 997 Gen1 and get a long/renewable warranty - preferably from Porsche, or pay the extra £ up front and get a Gen2. Most people tell me to get a 996 turbo (robust engine, landmark car), but I want the better driving position and interior of the 997 - not enough knee room under the (non-tilting) steering wheel of a 996 for my long legs to get comfortable on long journeys.

[David W.]

scarebus said:

From experience, get a Porsche warranty and then enjoy it!

as above + and "F" the resale value cos you are buying it for YOU.

[Ian187]

c2mike said:

I'm in the same situation - do I spend £35k on a Gen1 997 or stretch to a Gen2 ('09 model year onwards with a much more robust engine for around £45K). The problem with 996/7 engine issues is that low mileage cars are not immune. My thoughts are: don't over pay for a 997 Gen1 and get a long/renewable warranty - preferably from Porsche, or pay the extra £ up front and get a Gen2. Most people tell me to get a 996 turbo (robust engine, landmark car), but I want the better driving position and interior of the 997 - not enough knee room under the (non-tilting) steering wheel of a 996 for my long legs to get comfortable on long journeys.

Hi Mike, sound like exactly the same situation... Yeah I could stretch to a bit more money myself, but then I don't think I want to spend the money for a Gen2 997, also I've had a 996 before and I feel it's a bit dated inside!! I guess if I buy a car with warranty then I don't care how robust the engine is 'cause if it breaks then I'll take it back (I just hate paying for warranties ).
Another question I had is what options should I look for on a 997? I like to have the sat nav (even if as most people say it isn't very good - partly for re-sale reasons, I just think people will expect sat nav) What other options are important or which are the expensive options to have???

[c2mike]

The Sat Nav on 997 Gen2 is better. By the time you come to sell your Gen1, the sat nav will probably be considered a complete joke - like a casette player. But strangely, people still expect it. Maybe an opportunity for a bargain if you find a car without it.
On a Gen 1 997 "S" I'd look for Bose audio, heated seats, park distance sensors, rain sensing wipers, additional leather/aluminium/carbon inside. Sports seats are a matter of preference. So are sun-roofs and sports exhaust. Sports suspension is not PASM, so try before you buy.
The 997S comes with 19" wheels, PASM and Xenons in addition to the engine and brake upgrades. So "non S" models can be quite basic.
Note the higher road tax from March 1st 2006 (corrected: should say lower road tax applies before March 23rd 2006).

Edited by c2mike on Sunday 20th November 20:49

Edited by c2mike on Sunday 20th November 20:56

[andyeds1234]

c2mike said:

The Sat Nav on 997 Gen2 is better. By the time you come to sell your Gen1, the sat nav will probably be considered a complete joke - like a casette player. But strangely, people still expect it. Maybe an opportunity for a bargain if you find a car without it.
On a Gen 1 997 "S" I'd look for Bose audio, heated seats, park distance sensors, rain sensing wipers, additional leather/aluminium/carbon inside. Sports seats are a matter of preference. So are sun-roofs and sports exhaust. Sports suspension is not PASM, so try before you buy.
The 997S comes with 19" wheels, PASM and Xenons in addition to the engine and brake upgrades. So "non S" models can be quite basic.
Note the higher road tax from March 1st 2006.

Rain sensing wipers and additional interior trim etc are pretty low on most peoples wish list, whereas PSE is probably the most desirable option.

[c2mike]

PSE is easy to retrofit and not everybody wants it. Rain sensors are something you get used to if you regularly drive newer cars - ditto auto headlights. As for interior trim, agree that is purely personal preference, but the standard finish on the centre tunnel is lunch box plastic standard.
Obviously all just my opinion

[J-P]

c2mike said:

PSE is easy to retrofit and not everybody wants it. Rain sensors are something you get used to if you regularly drive newer cars - ditto auto headlights. As for interior trim, agree that is purely personal preference, but the standard finish on the centre tunnel is lunch box plastic standard.
Obviously all just my opinion

Hmmm... I'm with AndyEds on this one. Rain sensors and auto lights are nice to haves but not deal breakers. (it's not beyond the wit of man to figure out when to use the wipers and lights after all). So personally, I wouldn't pay a premium for them. Whereas PSE is switchable, so if you don't want it loud, just don't press the button. When you do want some noise, well that option is open to you. IMHO, that's an option that's worth a small premium! Having it retrofitted will cost £2k+!!

Agree that interior looks a bit naff unless it's upgraded but again it's a nice to have for me, not a deal breaker (although have to admit that my car has the nicer interior )

[Jobbo]

c2mike said:

Note the higher road tax from March 1st 2006.

Cars registered from (and including) 23 March 2006 in fact - so the very first 06 plates will be in the lower VED regime (£260 as opposed to £445 this year). Check the documentation for the specific car to make sure for yourself, but don't ignore 06 plates if this is a factor

[ForzaWhitesGen2]

Never had a 997 engine problem....A few other niggles, Yes.

Well if you're used to a C4S then go for a 997 C4S... slightly wider body
and no real difference in straight line performance.... 35K should see you into something
in good nick/low miles.... again bang on a OPC warranty though.... then enjoy it!

[Manks]

Ian187 said:

Hi guys I'm looking at buying a low mileage 997, but have a load of questions.. I've got about £35K to spend. I used to have a 996 C4S and was thinking I would get another C4S, but the 997 doesn't seem so much different between the 2S and the 4S! Is a 4S more desirable when it comes to resale, is there justifiable reason to get the 4S?
Also I've heard horror stories about the 997 engine?? Is this something I should be worried about? Are these problems in the 3.6 and the 3.8 engine? I presume it would apply to both the 4S and the 2S?
Also I understand Porsche are bringing a new 911 model out very soon? if / when they do, do you think the 997 prices will come down?
Also is there any general advice for me buying a 997 (apart form don't do it!!! )

Do buy a 997, they are excellent cars. Forget about the "engine problems" which are exaggerated and of no concern whatsoever if you have Porsche warranty (and in my opinion you SHOULD have it).

I have a low mileage good spec Carrera S in Basalt black that will be available soon, if Porsche decides it is ever going to let me have the 991 I've ordered.

[c2mike]

Jobbo said:

c2mike said:

Note the higher road tax from March 1st 2006.

Cars registered from (and including) 23 March 2006 in fact - so the very first 06 plates will be in the lower VED regime (£260 as opposed to £445 this year). Check the documentation for the specific car to make sure for yourself, but don't ignore 06 plates if this is a factor

Thanks for the clarification - this will help me in my 997 search too! Next time i will check facts more carefully before posting...

[c2mike]

J-P said:

Hmmm... I'm with AndyEds on this one. Rain sensors and auto lights are nice to haves but not deal breakers. (it's not beyond the wit of man to figure out when to use the wipers and lights after all). So personally, I wouldn't pay a premium for them. Whereas PSE is switchable, so if you don't want it loud, just don't press the button. When you do want some noise, well that option is open to you. IMHO, that's an option that's worth a small premium! Having it retrofitted will cost £2k+!!

Agree that interior looks a bit naff unless it's upgraded but again it's a nice to have for me, not a deal breaker (although have to admit that my car has the nicer interior )

OK - I was merely pointing out that a £35k car does not have this sort of stuff as standard - so it is something to be aware of...Porsche are famous for poor standard spec, so what is missing is important to know IMHO. If you are used to driving other cars with these features, easy to forget to turn the lights on for example.

[J-P]

c2mike said:

J-P said:

Hmmm... I'm with AndyEds on this one. Rain sensors and auto lights are nice to haves but not deal breakers. (it's not beyond the wit of man to figure out when to use the wipers and lights after all). So personally, I wouldn't pay a premium for them. Whereas PSE is switchable, so if you don't want it loud, just don't press the button. When you do want some noise, well that option is open to you. IMHO, that's an option that's worth a small premium! Having it retrofitted will cost £2k+!!

Agree that interior looks a bit naff unless it's upgraded but again it's a nice to have for me, not a deal breaker (although have to admit that my car has the nicer interior )

OK - I was merely pointing out that a £35k car does not have this sort of stuff as standard - so it is something to be aware of...Porsche are famous for poor standard spec, so what is missing is important to know IMHO. If you are used to driving other cars with these features, easy to forget to turn the lights on for example.

Agreed. These things should be standard in a Porsche or a very cheap option but it's actually quite expensive to have the nicer interior and the cost of auto lights and rain sensors is a joke IMHO! Even the floor mats are reassuringly expensive!

[c2mike]

J-P said:

Agreed. These things should be standard in a Porsche or a very cheap option but it's actually quite expensive to have the nicer interior and the cost of auto lights and rain sensors is a joke IMHO! Even the floor mats are reassuringly expensive!

And the infamous optional rear wiper! I had on one my 996C4 and would not be without it. Did some people not want it because of the cleaner look? (but much dirtier window glass!)

[Ian187]

c2mike said:

As for interior trim, agree that is purely personal preference, but the standard finish on the centre tunnel is lunch box plastic standard.
Obviously all just my opinion

I didn't realise there was a different inside finish as an option!!! what are the options for the finish inside? Plastic looking or not Plastic?
Also if I bought privately what would you expect to pay for a warranty? £500 a year?? or would it be more than that?

[J-P]

c2mike said:

J-P said:

Agreed. These things should be standard in a Porsche or a very cheap option but it's actually quite expensive to have the nicer interior and the cost of auto lights and rain sensors is a joke IMHO! Even the floor mats are reassuringly expensive!

And the infamous optional rear wiper! I had on one my 996C4 and would not be without it. Did some people not want it because of the cleaner look? (but much dirtier window glass!)

Precisely. I don't have the wiper but my glass has been treated with rainX (or something like it), so water just beads off it. Once you're moving it's fine. Only time I can imagine not having a wiper being a pain is on a cold morning (so there'd be condensed water on your car if it's kept outside) and your first manoeuvre is a reverse. Other than that the water repellant stuff works a treat, barely need to use the front wipers to be honest!

[J-P]

Ian187 said:

c2mike said:

As for interior trim, agree that is purely personal preference, but the standard finish on the centre tunnel is lunch box plastic standard.
Obviously all just my opinion

I didn't realise there was a different inside finish as an option!!! what are the options for the finish inside? Plastic looking or not Plastic?
Also if I bought privately what would you expect to pay for a warranty? £500 a year?? or would it be more than that?

Yes - basically you can have a leather interior or a mostly plastic one - no prizes for guessing which one is nicer

I'd have thought the warranty cost would be over £1k maybe as much as £2k but don't know for sure.

[Adam B]

Ian187 said:

I didn't realise there was a different inside finish as an option!!! what are the options for the finish inside? Plastic looking or not Plastic?

Porsche will be delighted to charge you considerable sums for leather finish to sun visors, roof lining, seatbacks, interior door sills, steering wheel column, bits of dash, rear centre console, A and B pillars.

Only thing that is worth it IMHO is the centre console as it is in a noticeable place, and looks much better in stitched leather

Options to look for are PCM satnav, Bose, PSE, adaptive sports seats and on later cars the iPod connector and Bluetooth

4S has a premium still, 4wd can be useful in the UK and the wider hips look good

Edited by Adam B on Wednesday 23 November 00:26