997 more reliable than 996?

[scoobysnacks2]

Is the 997 considered a generally more reliable car than the 996 with regards to components such as coil packs, oil separators, radiators, air conditioning condensers, exhaust systems, electronics etc?

Edited by scoobysnacks2 on Wednesday 3rd April 08:30

[Magic919]

No.

[scoobysnacks2]

Lol, thanks for the straight answer. Are radiators or condensers not a bit better protected from stones or leaves which promote rotting for example?

[elliot_holder]

Magic919 said:

No.

Surely it can't be that clear cut?

There are Pros and cons for each.

I'm no expert on it, but maybe Hartech or one of the specialists would be best to give their view?

[Paul O]

scoobysnacks2 said:

Lol, thanks for the straight answer. Are radiators or condensers not a bit better protected from stones or leaves which promote rotting for example?

They don't appear to be, they are in the same place. I've not had one go yet on the 997, but its in for a service next week so I'll find out then if they are shot or still holding up well.

[fastgerman]

Yes on average all 997 parts will be less corroded because they are newer.

The oldest 996 has now had 15 years of UK weather and the oldest 997 has had almost half that. This is why older cars cost more to run if they are kept is 'as new' condition.

[scoobysnacks2]

fastgerman said:

Yes on average all 997 parts will be less corroded because they are newer.

The oldest 996 has now had 15 years of UK weather and the oldest 997 has had almost half that. This is why older cars cost more to run if they are kept is 'as new' condition.

But age aside, have some parts not been reengineered with new materials or designs so they last longer from new?

Surely this is likely in some areas of the car after Porsche have gathered years of data on 996 reliability issues?

[yajeed]

scoobysnacks2 said:

But age aside, have some parts not been reengineered with new materials or designs so they last longer from new?

Surely this is likely in some areas of the car after Porsche have gathered years of data on 996 reliability issues?

Porsche tax on those items is fairly high though. I'm sure Porsche do OK out of supplying parts such as radiators with a 200%+ markup.

On the very latest cars they've finally started fitting grills infront of the radiators though. It only took 15 years

[mollytherocker]

scoobysnacks2 said:

But age aside, have some parts not been reengineered with new materials or designs so they last longer from new?

Surely this is likely in some areas of the car after Porsche have gathered years of data on 996 reliability issues?

I am not sure anyone can answer that with certainty, but specialists like Hartech will have a pretty good view on it.

I would be surprised if it was more than negligible though, maybe some parts are a bit better, but some are probably worse too! However, most agree that the gen 2 997 engine is a huge improvement, so far anyway.

Why do you ask? I bet you are trying to get your man maths to add up!

[Magic919]

scoobysnacks2 said:

Lol, thanks for the straight answer. Are radiators or condensers not a bit better protected from stones or leaves which promote rotting for example?

For the items mentioned, I can see no improvements and nor do I hear of a sudden reduction in problems with them. Condensers remain on the front line and no extra cover on the Carrera. The rads still sit behind those, as before. Still best to regard them as consumables.

[scoobysnacks2]

mollytherocker said:

scoobysnacks2 said:

But age aside, have some parts not been reengineered with new materials or designs so they last longer from new?

Surely this is likely in some areas of the car after Porsche have gathered years of data on 996 reliability issues?

I am not sure anyone can answer that with certainty, but specialists like Hartech will have a pretty good view on it.

I would be surprised if it was more than negligible though, maybe some parts are a bit better, but some are probably worse too! However, most agree that the gen 2 997 engine is a huge improvement, so far anyway.

Why do you ask? I bet you are trying to get your man maths to add up!

Yes, that's exacly right. Trying to look at everything which will help me decide if I get a 996 or a 997 at some point later this year, hopefully. Not sure if I can stretch to a 997 Carrera S, so considering a nice 996 C4S or a slightly more expensive (up front) 997 Carrera at the moment...