997 Options

[rob1234]

Considering stepping into 997 ownership, appreciate any thoughts on the below!

1)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201291...

2007 997.1 C2S, Aerokit, Sports Chrono, short shift, sports seats, Ohlins, forged wheels, 79k, £32.5k


2)
http://911uk.com/ads_item.php?id=10624

2005 997.1 C2S, Sports Chrono Plus, sports seats, Hartech rebuild 13k miles ago, 92k, £29k

May be in in the minority, but I like the aerokit. But no mention of bore scoring so maybe the top one is a better option?

Interested to hear people’s views of the pros and cons. Thanks!

Edited by rob1234 on Monday 31st January 13:28

[nebpor]

You need details of the Hartech rebuild to understand it's value, to get an idea of what was done. EDIT - I see it says "all cylinders". Given it's had that and the clutch done, then I can't see unexpected large bills on the horizon, if we treat everything else as business-as-usual consumables

The 3.8 engine in the S is more prone to bore score (according to Hartech, the experts), so on balance I'd say that if that has been addressed by an unlucky owner, then that's the car I personally would go for - but that's my choice

Aerokit / other trim options are also personal choices.

[rob1234]

Many thanks - I guess it’s weighing up extras (suspension, wheels, etc) and lower age/mileage vs Hartech…

Any views on the pricing?

[nebpor]

I don't want to proffer much of an opinion because prices are so high these days ... but if pushed I'd say the Hartech car has probably had 10-12K of engine work spent on it, which makes it's price look right, i.e. in terms of uplift over what you'd expect. Honest advert as well - drivers bolster starting to wear, which you'd expect at the mileage

The other one is top dollar for that mileage. They're claiming suspension and aerokit as a way of justifying it, but i'm not sure either adds much - does look lovely in those photos, it's been well-prepared! It's also from a dealer and they have to spend money prepping it, plus stand behind it if anything happens. At that price I'd be looking for a years warranty on the engine. I'd also want to see evidence of work being done, as by that mileage and age there are numerous things that can quickly add up - as said before on the Hartech one ... clutch ... but also the front rads etc

Edited by nebpor on Monday 31st January 16:27

[RiccardoG]

My view is, go for one with rebuilt engine as that is the biggest non-discretionary cost. You can't drive a car with no engine but you can still drive a car even if the suspension is shagged (admittedly, might be somewhat missing the point of a 911 if it drives like crap...). Also, do you want/need/like the Ohlins setup? There are other good options and you may prefer to customise it to your preference, as opposed buying someone else's modifications.

Having said that, I don't subscribe to the view that there is a certain mileage by which all 997.1s will require a rebuild, I think it depends on useage patterns (oil change frequency, warmup procedure, etc.) and luck somewhat too.

Last point, how long do you think you'll keep it? If less than 1 or 2 years go for the one you think is most resellable.

[rob1234]

Thanks very much all - good to hear some other opinions!

Expecting to keep it 5+ years.

Will have think, and also keep my eyes peeled for any Aerokit and Harteched cars...

[nebpor]

You don't see that many 997 aerokit cars (well, I don't) - don't paint yourself into a corner

And agreed - it's no certainty at all that something will go wrong with these cars, but it can be a point of worry for many potential owners and a Hartech rebuild gives you a safety net.

[mike150]

I had one just like it last year......................997.1 C2S manual with a Strasse rebuild



Now I've got this one.....................997.2 C2S manual



I loved the 997.1 and not really sure why I sold it so when I wanted another one it had to be a Gen 2 as it was a little different. I was not 100% sure on the aero kit when I owned it TBH, its nice but a bit OTT on a normal car and without axle lift you'll be crying every time you see a dip in the road or a big ramp. The noise is painful albeit its just the rubber trim which isn't too expensive. I've seen a few with the GT3 front bumper, GT3 wheels or Fuchs and no big wing or one with a ducktail and its lovely.

Anyway, the aero kit is great looking with those wheels and ohlins but the other one is a higher spec car ...............I'd buy the one with the rebuild, the other one will probably go wrong and it will be very expensive.

Edited by mike150 on Monday 31st January 19:30

[pcrawf]

The Hartech one is the safer bet, but *definitely* get the details of the engine work. Hartech will send you the information if you can get the person who paid for the work to agree.

If you really want the aerokit, don't underestimate the cost of getting one fitted. The parts will not be cheap! The engine on the first car may never go bang... it's all about how happy you are to live with (or pay for) the possibilty.

Of course, if you buy the second car, then you can get the aero front spoiler fitted and add a ducktail, then you get the very best looking 997.1 :-)

[MDL111]

I subscribe to the opinion that nearly every car will need a rebuild at some point, so not too fussed ....but when you are pretty ambivalent between a recent rebuild and one without, then it feels a little like tempting fate to take the one without the rebuild

[rob1234]

Thanks again all! I think I've been persuaded to what I already really knew - a Hartech rebuild is pretty much the only sensible choice for a Gem 1.

I just got sidetracked as I think the black Aerokit car (and Mike150's) look fantastic (GT3-lite)!

Not in a super hurry so will keep my eyes peeled. Hoping to spend circa £30k for what it's worth, so Get 2 manuals are pretty much out of scope at the moment.

[pcrawf]

Think that's the right choice, even though (to me) the aero kit with thise wheels just makes for a great looking car!

Just a couple of other things: Having bought the cheaper car, I would really recommend spending some of the diffeence on a short-shift kit. It's not an expensive change, but makes a big difference, IMO. Also (apologies if stating the obvious) there are plenty of expensive things that might be rotten and need replacing on a 92K 911. Make sure you give it a thorough inspection.

Then drive it like you stole it :-)

[rob1234]

Thanks all.

Found some more pics of the Hartech'd car here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porsche-911-997-1-Carre...

Phone number suggests it is the same seller.

Any thoughts on price?

Hard to find comparisons, but best I can find it this one: https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2005-porsche-9... . It had 110k miles, but went for £25k, so including fees £26.5k.

[RiccardoG]

From the pics that seems a well loved car. Nice interior, not too many nicks and scratches (interior marks relatively easily), very clean wheelarches and wheels. I'd be tempted to view it in person if I were after one!

Personally I don't rate the sport seats (uncomfortable for me on the shoulders) nor the BOSE (no point and robs some space in the rear parcel shelf). But these are individual choices and this is just my experience.

[rob1234]

Hartech'd car is already sold...

The search continues!

[rob1234]

Checking out the warranty situation on this now...



https://www.sytner.co.uk/car-search/14092428-16792...

2005 997.1 C2S, 41k miles, "extendable warranty" - up for £30k

[mike150]

I spotted the brakes first ......... Ceramics are rare in one of these and the steel brakes aren't great for fast road never mind track so if say a worthwhile option. Looks like a good car.

I would say from experience while the Gen 2 is a nicer driving car it's very marginal and the only really notable improvement is the PCM module, the Gen 1 is bad with terrible climate buttons that scratch and volume buttons that go sticky like boiled sweets, they can be changed for £100. I actually think the Gen 1 is a nicer looking car and I own a Gen 2.

[julian987R]

rob1234 said:

Hartech'd car is already sold...

The search continues!

I would come at this once you actually are in a position to buy. Above you said you are ‘not in a hurry’…thing is, in front of you are half a dozen buyers looking at the same cars and all of them are in a hurry.

[Gregmitchell]

Yup the 997’s are selling really fast at the moment, if you’re not ready to buy it’s a bit pointless looking? Prices will probably rise again in the next 3 months too, chip situation is as bad as it’s ever been :-(. Happy hunting!

[AyBee]

julian987R said:

rob1234 said:

Hartech'd car is already sold...

The search continues!

I would come at this once you actually are in a position to buy. Above you said you are ‘not in a hurry’…thing is, in front of you are half a dozen buyers looking at the same cars and all of them are in a hurry.

You realise "not in a hurry" means "happy to wait for the right car", not "I'll get around to buying one when I can be arsed", don't you?