Thinking of buying a 911...

[dreamer75]

Hi everybody

I have wanted a 911 for a few years (after driving a friends 997 C4S coupe), and finally I think I'm in a position to buy one for around the 30k mark. Hoping for a 997 manual cab of some sort.

Made my first visit to a local dealer at the weekend, and it seems possible for that sort of money - probably a C2S.

The dealer mentioned that they are 2 year service intervals (or 20k miles), and the prices for the services didn't seem horrendous - not much different to my Subaru services (which are yearly/10k miles so work out more overall) - but what are the other running costs like tyres, pads/discs, or what else do people end up paying for?

I haven't test driven a cab yet - I know the driving purist would prefer a coupe, but on the road I am assuming that a cab is absolutely fine?

And finally (I will have more questions I'm sure!) are there any glaring things I should look out for; any common faults, or options that are an absolutely "must" (I've sat in the sports seats and the normal ones, and both were comfortable although I preferred the sports ones)?

Appreciate all thoughts, thanks !

[petop]

it was going fine until you mentioned "common faults..".
Prepare to hear tales of woe involving bores, IMS, RMS etc etc. To be fair the last 2 may not really apply depending how old it is. From an OPC, just buy it, take safety in the Warranty for the 2 years and enjoy the drive!

[dreamer75]

That's my thoughts - with any car if you google it, you find horror stories. The dealer mentioned a main shaft oil seal. But if I buy from the dealer, although it's more expensive, I do at least get 2 years warranty although I would plan to keep the car for 5 years probably.

I'm more interested in recalls I need to check have been done, and general maintenance - I can only really think of tyres, brakes, fluids, services..... just want to make sure I have covered the obvious stuff to make sure I can afford it

[TheBMWDriver]

Have you thought about a Targa?

I find that the soft top spoils the lines of the 911, the Targa still does not look as good at a coupe but its much better looking then a cab.

[V8KSN]

PM sent

Mods, can you let me know if I am allowed to post an article containing a buyers guide in Total 911 magazine?

I have sent a PM to the OP but this guide may be useful for others in their search

Edited by V8KSN on Monday 14th May 11:14

[dreamer75]

TheBMWDriver said:

Have you thought about a Targa?

I find that the soft top spoils the lines of the 911, the Targa still does not look as good at a coupe but its much better looking then a cab.

Briefly considered, but haven't seen any for sale around my price (or seen one in the flesh). Additionally I used to have a soft top (S2000) and really like the roof being down completely

[RDG496]

Just one comment, having recently purchased a 56 plate 997 C2S......and loving every second in it.
I had a PPI done and it certainly paid dividends, however I ignored the 'Air con needs a re-gas' comment after the major gripes (Tyres,rear discs and pads) were changed by the seller. Took it in for the re-gas and...2 new condenser rads required totaling £900!
Fortunately the warranty covered most of that bill.
So just a recommendation, if it JUST needs a re-gas have it done before you buy, could be an expensive oversight if not.

[dreamer75]

Thanks A friend did tell me sometimes they have problems with the condenser due to the location at hte front, and it being susceptible to stone chips?

Are there any options that are a "must have" in terms of resale, or daily living?

Also is the 2nd gen 997 really that uch more stable (in terms of rear main seal or other engine issues) in comparison to the 1st gen?

I couldn't get to sleep for ages last night I was excited, and I've only been looking at this seriously for a few days - it's a sign !

[David W.]

dreamer75 said:

Thanks A friend did tell me sometimes they have problems with the condenser due to the location at hte front, and it being susceptible to stone chips?

Are there any options that are a "must have" in terms of resale, or daily living?

Also is the 2nd gen 997 really that uch more stable (in terms of rear main seal or other engine issues) in comparison to the 1st gen?

I couldn't get to sleep for ages last night I was excited, and I've only been looking at this seriously for a few days - it's a sign !

Heated seats (leather cold in winter)
PSE
Cruise control

all nice to have.

[dreamer75]

Cool thanks

I know the feeling of cold leather!

[MadMark911]

If you use an OPC - then expect minor services to be circa £600. My major one was £1381 but they did replace 5 of the 6 coil packs, re-gas the aircon, change the brake fluid, change the spark plugs and put nice fresh oil and filters in her!

Tyres circa £1100 if you fit the best (Michelin PS2's).

Brakes - I'll have to check my most recent invoice, but I think £800 fitted by an Indie, with OE parts including shims / sensors etc.

Not cheap - but not horrific ......

[dreamer75]

Thanks! That major one is a bit pricey but like you say, not unbearable! But the rest is ok, roughly comparable to what I have now (well I don't use PS2s but I priced a set up a few weeks ago and they were about that).

[Dave Thornton]

Over and above basic servicing, budget for 2 x £1k+ bills a year, maybe just 1 if you're under warranty (tyres).

Two types of options:
1. Those which you want for yourself
2. Those which will help resale (including colour combinations and the right options for the right model)


For me (996 C4S manual), this was:
PSE (arguably a must-have on a C4S, less so on a Targa), black or grey with black leather, PCM2, Bose in that order.
Didn't get the sports seats though would have preferred them, but did get a fair bit of aluminium upgrade inside and stainless steel tailpipes.
All cars with Savannah interior instantly avoided

[dazco]

You need to buy one with sat nav otherwise it is a pain to sell on.

[dreamer75]

Thanks guys !

Out of interest, why the 2 x 1k bills/year?

I'm starting to look at independents, because 2S/4S manual cabs seem to be rare, and the dealer is struggling to locate any :s Can anybody recommend any in the Surrey/Berks/Hampshire sort of area? I know about 911 Virgin and RSJ.....

Edited by dreamer75 on Thursday 17th May 09:02

[MadMark911]

dreamer75 said:

Thanks guys !

I'm starting to look at independents, because 2S/4S manual cabs seem to be rare, and the dealer is struggling to locate any :s Can anybody recommend any in the Surrey/Berks/Hampshire sort of area? I know about 911 Virgin and RSJ.....

Edited by dreamer75 on Thursday 17th May 09:02

I bought my previous toy (a Boxster S) from these guys and whilst I don't think they have the depth of knowledge of RSJ or 911V - they do manage to buy in some nice stock! http://www.alexanderdavid.co.uk/8444/stock.htm

Edited by MadMark911 on Thursday 17th May 15:27

[allatsea]

CRIDFORDS in Ripley, Surrey (A3/M25 intersect). Advertise on here.

Must have PSM, PSE and (imo) Sports Seats otherwise difficult to sell on, as are some of the more european 'Porsche' colour combos (inc. Savannah as mentioned above).

[dreamer75]

Thanks

Edited by dreamer75 on Thursday 17th May 18:30

[gibbon]

Dave Thornton said:

For me (996 C4S manual), this was:
PSE (arguably a must-have on a C4S, less so on a Targa),

Why is it more of a must have on a c4s out of curiosity?

[thegoose]

RDG496 said:

I had a PPI done... I ignored the 'Air con needs a re-gas' comment ... Took it in for the re-gas and...2 new condenser rads required totaling £900!
Fortunately the warranty covered most of that bill.

Sounds like a dodgy insurance claim to me. Warranties are there to cover future unexpected breakdowns, not to get pre-existing faults fixed "free".