Having read a good deal on the 997 and looking over the popular forums I am wondering if I have made a mistake buying a 2005 Carrera 997.1! Please tell me otherwise.


My specific deal is buying a trade-in from the local Porsche dealer. The car is Seal Grey on black, standard leather with heated power seats, sport steering wheel, sport chrono, nav, Bose sound, and bi-xenon lights. The car has 69,000 miles.


The Porsche dealer agreed to do the following work prior to delivery: New starter, replace clutch, fix driver's door automatic window sealing, install two new tires (N rated), fix low tone horn, repair some wheel rash and a small bumper scuff on plastic, and a few other minor things.


As they were replacing the clutch I purchased the LN Engineering retrofit bearing which they are installing at 4 hours added labor to the clutch replacement. During the clutch replacement they noted the slave cylinder was bad and replaced it and the hydraulic line to it. I wonder how much all this would have cost me at a dealer?


I felt this worklist at purchase took the big ticket, known items off the table and made it worthwhile to proceed. I also spoke directly with every maintenance location this car had seen from the Carfax and beyond. It had the 60k inspection at 64,000 miles and recently had a new tensioner and belt replacement.


I will pick it up this week and it is paid for already. Cost just above 30k.
Southeast region.


I appreciate any advice on being a newbie to the Porsche world and specifically to the 997.1. I know about PCA and driving events so thanks for those thoughts already.


What have you learned to keep this car out of the shop? Where do you get parts beyond Pelican and Suncoast? Thoughts on insurance companies? Is this car a maintenance nightmare?! There seem to be lots of horror stories out there. What have I done...should I have remained in the BMW camp? What is momma gonna say? Help


Thanks for your input, especially if it gives me any peace of mind!

 

For $30k dealer replace clutch, starter, new and improve IMS, new tires, door seals, new belt, repair scuff, i think you got a good deal. Don't worry about IMS but assuring you already have new bearing anyway.
If I were you, I would change the spark plugs, flush coolant and transmission fluid, brake fluid flush, cabin/air filter, and oil/filter and make sure the rotor and pads are still good (otherwise change it out). You should have an awesome car after that
Drive in good health my friend.

 

Yeah man sounds like you got a good deal. I payed a lot more than that but mine also only has 41k on it. Anyway I also got the LN bearing so that I could sleep at night. So far I love the car and plan on keeping it for a while. Enjoy... its a great car.

 

You bought a 2005? are you out of mind? it's like driving a ticking time bomb! You should watch this movie =)

 

I wouldn't touch a 997 with those miles.



Hee hee hee hee!

 

Thanks for all the reassuring relies. I feel much better now

I guess only time will tell. Keep the tips coming if you have some solid advice!

 

Sounds to me like you got a great alternative to a honda accord :-)
I have an 06 with 69k miles on it and I can't justify trading up at this point.
Sure the 997.2 is better in many areas but $30k better. I'm not convinced.
Just drive it like it's meant to be driven and enjoy the he!! out of it.

Plugs should have been done at 60k. BTW.
Ask about the water pump.

Congrats.

 

You got one of the world's best cars for $30K. That's awesome. Remember that maintenance will be commensurate with a $100k car. It sounds like the car was maintained well. By 60,000 miles, it seems like most owners start slipping on the scheduled maintenance. Be prepared to spend $4-5k/year, as with any Porsche. If maintained, they can last a very long time.

The only concern should be the IMS issue. It was more prevalent in 2005 997s, but tapered off until the DFI was introduced in MY 2009. I understand that cars with higher mileage are less likely to have the problem, presumably because they are run, which keeps the bearing better lubricated. A few vendors sell preventative fixes that will set you back around $1000, plus teardown. I wouldn't lose sleep. You're going to love your car.

 

Enjoy!! Sounds great. What will be your first hack?

 

WHat would even make you think you got a bad deal? you actually STOLE this car

 

how about some pictures...

 

Great car! Have fun and don't worry about it. You scored yourself a world-class driving experience.

 

OK I am feeling a bit better. Seems like $25k gets you a Fusion these days. So why not spend a bit more for a real car? You only live once right? While miles are high seems better than really low mile garage queen.

Not sure what the work was worth but probably $5k (they say 8k) so thought that made it good deal.

If I did it right there should be a photo attached. It is as received on trade-in. Thanks again for the encouragement.

 

Great looking car maddog88! Congratulations and welcome to the 6. I would say you did very well at that price point.

 

997.1 is the best... enjoy