Just about to buy a 997 turbo privately but.......

[ruebdo]

Whilst I have had an RAC inspection on the car which came back good they do not do compression tests etc.

It's a one owner 07 plate car with every option.

There is no warranty on the car. It was serviced 2 months ago at a specialist.

I had the RAC inspection as the finance company insisted. Otherwise I would have had a specialist.

I am in Leatherhead in Surrey. Is there anywhere local where you can take the car and get it plugged in.

Or am I just worrying too much?..

Thanks

[thegoose]

"Plugging in" is very different to doing a cylinder leakage test. If it's a manual car then get a specialist to pull the diagnostic data to check for Over-rev readings. As for a leakage test I don't think I'd bother on a Turbo, the engines are pretty robust. Given the amount you're spending I'd suggest getting a specialist do a full inspection anyway for peace of mind. Besides the fact they may notice things that the RAC didn't, they'll also be able to tell you how common such issues are, whether they need immediate attention and approximate cost of rectification - the RAC can't usually do any of this (estimates/prognoses aren't their thing). It'd be £200 well spent - if it needs nothing then you have peace of mind, if it needs something then at least you know and can negotiate/plan for it.

There's a Wiki list of specialists at the top of the forum front page.

Enjoy the car when you get it.

[ufo2]

Oh no no no no no no no no no no no no no no don't do it, don't buy a 997 turbo. There really quite dull around town, 4wd tramlines horribly and they sound crap. They sit too way too high and the rear wheels are lost in the arches. Yes there quick but you cant use hardly any of its power in normal driving. My one had a whole host of problems, needed a new front diff after 12,000 miles after numerous visits back to the dealers plus other niggles. Finally ended up selling it back to porsche after many arguments at a great loss. I have owned some great cars but my turbo was the most dissapiointing car I've ever had. I so so so wish I bought the GT3 instead. GT3 is so alive to drive, just put all weather tyres on in winter. The turbo doesn't have fully adjustable suspension like the GT3 so your stuck with 4x4 factory ride height unless you lower it. After a month you will get so bored of it. Must must must buy one with OPC warranty. The turbos have depreciated so much since the 991. 57 plates @trade value are only worth under £40,000 now don't pay any more. Please please please go drive a GT3 then a turbo straight after, you will understand. Don't waste your money even the standard carrera is much better drivers car than the turbo. Fast turbos are not always the best chioce. My friend has a 997.1 turbo tip and he loves his turbo but he's never driven a gt3.

[Porkupine]

ufo2 said:

Oh no no no no no no no no no no no no no no don't do it, don't buy a 997 turbo. There really quite dull around town, 4wd tramlines horribly and they sound crap. They sit too way too high and the rear wheels are lost in the arches. Yes there quick but you cant use hardly any of its power in normal driving. My one had a whole host of problems, needed a new front diff after 12,000 miles after numerous visits back to the dealers plus other niggles. Finally ended up selling it back to porsche after many arguments at a great loss. I have owned some great cars but my turbo was the most dissapiointing car I've ever had. I so so so wish I bought the GT3 instead. GT3 is so alive to drive, just put all weather tyres on in winter. The turbo doesn't have fully adjustable suspension like the GT3 so your stuck with 4x4 factory ride height unless you lower it. After a month you will get so bored of it. Must must must buy one with OPC warranty. The turbos have depreciated so much since the 991. 57 plates @trade value are only worth under £40,000 now don't pay any more. Please please please go drive a GT3 then a turbo straight after, you will understand. Don't waste your money even the standard carrera is much better drivers car than the turbo. Fast turbos are not always the best chioce. My friend has a 997.1 turbo tip and he loves his turbo but he's never driven a gt3.

Stupid post hey

[s2000db]

Porkupine said:

Stupid post hey

Exactly, try the same exercise with a TurboS and a 3RS and you'll be surprised methinks..

[ufo2]

Er no it wasn't a stupid post as I'm trying to stop somebody making a mistake. I know you can't compare gt3s and turbos as there very different cars. However buying and driving a porsche should be the ultimate driving experience but the turbo isn't. The turbo is GT car in a 911 body. Might as well buy the brilliant BMW E39 M5, fast enough, v8 manual, great noise, 4 seats and a large boot. The turbo just looks better that's all. Not a real drivers car!

[ruebdo]

Cheers guys.
It is a manual so I will look at the links. It is the over revving I feel needs to be checked.
As far as the wrong car. I want an everyday car which is quick and comfortable and fun. I have a CSL in the garage for tracking/playing with. GT3 is more focused but not what I am after. Everyone to there own I guess!
I would prefer one with a warranty but the one owner, spec and price (45k) , 29000 miles I feel is pretty good value if all good?

[Callughan]

Didn't know you can get finance on private vehicles

[ruebdo]

I bought my last 3 cars privately on finance

[_gez_]

ruebdo said:

Whilst I have had an RAC inspection on the car which came back good they do not do compression tests etc.

It's a one owner 07 plate car with every option.

There is no warranty on the car. It was serviced 2 months ago at a specialist.

I had the RAC inspection as the finance company insisted. Otherwise I would have had a specialist.

I am in Leatherhead in Surrey. Is there anywhere local where you can take the car and get it plugged in.

Or am I just worrying too much?..

Thanks

Take it here. Fairly close to you at Leatherhead. www.nineexcellence.com

[thegoose]

ruebdo said:

I would prefer one with a warranty but the one owner, spec and price (45k) , 29000 miles I feel is pretty good value if all good?

Why not get the seller to agree to put a Porsche warranty on it (circa £1000), which can be tranferred to you immediately upon sale? You're going to be shelling out for an inspection anyway, to get the warranty the OPC will have to do one (and rectify anything that needs attention) which costs around £200 and of course includes the ECU check etc.

The only barriers to it getting the warranty are if there's anything non-standard on it (even Bluetooth kit) and if it doesn't have a full OPC history (in which case it'll have to have a major service).

[ruebdo]

Thanks Gez. Have you used them before?

[_gez_]

Yes, as many others on here have. Their PPI cost is very reasonable and will highlight any issues with the car. They know their way around a turbo it is fair to say!

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[housen]

Only this morning I was talking to my mate about how dull my turbo was , really non event car ...avoid

[ruebdo]

The trouble is the last service was from a specialist and not an opc so a warranty cannot be put on the car.

I came across the car as a friend of mine who works in a Porsche garage said he new the car and the seller wanted a quick sale. He says they looked over the car and it was coming into stock so I offered £500 more and got it. But, I know the last thing they were to do was the engine tests.

I know the reason for selling and it is genuine

[ufo2]

Ruedo, seeing as you have a csl then I can see why you would want a 997 turbo but your csl is a much better car, i know its old but a 993 turbo would be a more sensible car I think plus there appreciating at the moment too.

[icebite78]

What finance company does this then?

[ruebdo]

Hi ufo2.
I had a 993c2s which was lovely. My CSL has only got 20k miles on so it is a weekend/fun car.
993's are lovely but it is just an everyday easy car to live with i am after. The 993's windscreen would creak a little, heating not as good etc.
A 993 turbo is awesome. Just a bit dated for me

[ufo2]

Oh my finance on 997.1 turbo thats depreciating so fast, 997 turbo is not a car to own if you can't afford it outright. Spark plug service is every 4 years, make sure thats been done Just watch out for those stones in the front rads, small fortune to replace. I doubt you will keep the car for the full 3/4 years for finance. Even then It won't justify the costs, especially with no warranty. Personally the nicest 997 is the 997.2 GTS they look and sound great.

[ruebdo]

Not being flashy but I can afford to buy the car outright, but, I would rather invest my money in my business which is making money. Nearly every car is going to lose money, that's how it goes.
I test drove the GTS and preferred the turbo. Kinda contradicting what you are saying with the GTS. Look how much they have depreciated already, and being such a new car but old model they will fall like a stone too!