Maybe I am spending too much time reading posts, but I am starting to get paranoid about all the expensive things that seem to go wrong with our cars, such as cylinder scoring and IMS bearings etc.

This is my first Porsche (997.1 C2S) after a long history with Japanese cars (and one BMW 2002 Tii). I am accustomed to being able to drive my cars aggressively and worry free with normal maintenance.

Can I expect this from the 911?

 

First, you have a 2007 so you have the large IMS bearing. Therefore, don't worry about the IMS. As far as cylinder scoring is concerned, there are all kinds of theories. My opinion is that it is important how the car was broken in (by the book, preferably). In addition, always use a light throttle and keep the revs below 3K until you reach 200F oil temp. Let it cool down ( about two minutes of 1-1.K rpm idle) after driving aggressively/ in hot weather. Change the oil regularly ( at least once per year/12K miles).

Finally, change the brake fluid every two years. Keep and eye out for water pump leaks after ~40K miles. That's it.

Other than that, tires (rear) are the issue. 10-15K mile max per rear set and $$$ to replace. 2007 was a very reliable year for the 911 according to Consumer Reports.

 

Drive it like you stole it!! They are tough little cars and lots of people baby them unnecessarily.

 

I have mine for 5.5 years already, no problems. Drive it and not worry about it.

 

I have a 2007 997S and say like the others on posts...enjoy and have fun. All cars have potential issues no matter what....worst thing if something breaks....get it fixed.
Enjoy your car..they are a blast..

 

Other than some rock chips and a little ding in the fender from daily driving and city parking, this car has had no major issues from me in the past year and 12k miles. I got it with 40k miles, and did the updated IMS bearing as cheap insurance and put in a new starter and harness at 42k, because the car was having issues with slow starting (common problems in the early cars at least as far as I understand). Since then all I've had to do was change the oil, change the tires and inner/outer tie rod ends and alignment. The tie rod ends in these cars are weak so I'm told (makes sense considering the light front end coupled with those big wheels, and city driving wouldn't mix well). Previous owner did pads and rotors all around before I got it, new battery, and I believe coils and plugs as well.

I have a couple minor quirks such as a passenger seat forward/back button that doesn't work (fairly common issue; haven't addressed it yet), passenger window that doesn't auto-up unless you hold it up halfway, and the clock doesn't keep accurate time. Considering all the stories I hear about Ferrari and Aston Martin ownership, they make this car sound like a Toyota Camry. It's been a heluva lot more reliable than my RS6, I can tell you!

 

Thanks for your responses.

More time driving, less time worrying

 

I have a 2006 with 65,000 Miles. No problems EVER. (except, my PCM monitor got wet... expensive mistake) Just routine maintenance.

My 2 cents. (Others may disagree)

1.) Change the oil at least once every year. (AT THE END OF THE SEASON). Do not let the car sit over winter with old oil.

2.) Make sure Oil Temp is at operating range before you "get on the throttle".

3.) Drive it hard! The car likes it.

4.) Save money for rear tires ;-) - They go quickly.

5.) Only clean your PCM Monitor with a dry microfiber... NEVER EVER get them wet.... especially after midnight.

Enjoy your Porsche and quit Worrying... They are GREAT cars.

 

In the 90's I was a huge japanese car guy and worked on them quite a bit. I would say without a doubt Porsche cars are very robust and strong considering the amount of performance you get. Porsche expects their customers to drive them hard and do occasional track days.

I will also agree with all those that say Drive it Like you stole it! I am an aggressive driver and I change my oil more often than most, about every 5k miles, but I don't mind doing it and it's the life blood of any engine so better safe than sorry.
I do 6 or so track days a year and a few fast canyon runs each month. Other then normal regular maintenance, which includes the occasional air oil separator, spark plugs, brake jobs, these cars have been awesome performers. Especially the 2006 and newer models.

Enjoy it!

 

Very well said. I would only add - Regular scheduled service per the book will save you time and money. Lastly, yes drive it hard!

 

Yeah, definitely change your oil more frequently if you do track days. 20k heck no, 10k not advisable unless you go to one or two events per year. More than that, think of changing more often.

 

Hello Guys,
wish to add, it is said at Porsche about 10 - 15 % of engines won't reach 150.000km (don't know mileage). Due to the lokasil coverage of cylinders. There really not much u can do against it.
However, that is not a really high percentage. And, if you are one of the unlucky: Cost for a rebuilt engine are around 10k, in Germany. Elsewhere less, except Japan.

 

Clearly, once my 07' reaches 150,000km I should ship it over to Geneva and drive the Alps than to Germany for a rebuild.
Thanks Frizz, you made this easy for me.
Now to get busy logging those miles.

 

+1 on item 3. I am only one year into ownership, but I swear that whenever I have the chance to give the engine a good workout, the car seems to run and drive better in the days and weeks following. The change is noticeable even on my mundane daily drive. These cars needs to be pushed.