We have 213 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S vehicles for sale that are reported accident free, 102 1-Owner cars, and 189 personal use cars. You’ll hear the M97 flat 6 engine in the 997 make a consistent ticking sound. Also, tests when the car is cold do not reveal the problem – typically the crack in the liner only opens when the car is hot. Maintenance schedules are based on mileage and elapsed time. Even though it’s only the third most recent generation of the 911, the 997 911 generation is an iconic part of the history of the world’s favorite sports car. The Targa, in white with dark tinted windows and roof looks beautiful. The trained nose can smell coolant from the exhaust when the engine is running. ... Porsche Approved Certified Pre-owned Program. Thankfully, Porsche engine management records many things – one of the most significant is an over-rev situation. The brake fluid should be changed every few years regardless of mileage. Low mile examples often miss their regular service intervals. You’re going to pay a little more for an oil change and standard maintenance items, however, don’t try to cheap these. The front radiator fans should come on and the engine should maintain a steady temp. The 997 911 lasted from 2005 to 2012 as an evolution and colossal improvement over the previous 996 car. The ceramic brake setup was a factory fitted option for the 997 and generally seen on the S, Turbo and GT models. Check the tires thoroughly for smooth wear patterns. In general the 997 was shipped with the revised M96-05 and M97 engine that has an improved non-serviceable IMS bearing and does not suffer the failures associated with the earlier 996. Low mileage cars can have hidden issues although rarely is the 997 used as a daily driver, so 10,000 per year would be considered higher mileage. 911 Carrera, Targa, GTS, and GT3/GT3 RS . You’ll want to take a good look through any documented history available. On cars approaching 15 years old, higher mileage is not necessarily a bad thing. The sound your listening for is not a tick; it’s a rhythmic knock and usually shows up first on the passenger bank of the flat 6 engines – although, it can appear on any cylinder. The 997 range includes all of the usual suspects from the standard Carrera through the 2S, 4, 4S, Targa, Cabriolet, etc. Much of this sound is the proximity of your ear to the valve train and the exhaust headers. … High-resolution displays, touch-sensitive buttons, consolidated functions. The Loofa-Cult vintage-Porsche movement is nostalgia-driven, but nobody will be nostalgic about the 996-generation 911. It is based on the 911 Turbo, and uses a similar twin-turbocharged engine, but features numerous upgrades, including engine upgrades, larger brakes, and stiffer suspension calibration. Many owners are enthusiasts and will keep all the invoices from service or repairs performed. Replacement of the top is quite a common job for competent shops. We love the 997s balance of retro and modern styling, and its excellent driving dynamics only add to the car's appeal. The brakes on the 997 are excellent. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) use cross-drilled, carbon fiber reinforced ceramic discs with special composite pads. Many owners miss this wear because it’s so far under the car. You’ll want to see a date that is no more than 5 years earlier. We should probably be snapping them up in droves now. Prices range drastically depending on the configuration but anyone with a budget from $35,000 to $100,000 can easily purchase a 997 that they will enjoy. Porsche made various improvements to the exterior, interior, and engines with the 997.2 facelift but you will pay more as a result. Porsche 997 911. There are however, some early M96-05 engines that do contain the serviceable IMS bearing that is more prone to failure. Many original parts were revised but were reused on the later chassis such as the 991. The number of owners doesn’t necessarily matter with a Porsche – the work and records performed do. Most of the top issues are usually simple and inexpensive to fix, but can be annoying if you only discover them when you want to drop the top on your first sunny day. Many people say the 996 is the worst of the 911 models with its subpar interior and oddly-snapped headlights. However, if you own or are considering purchasing a 996 or 997 generation Porsche 911 (excluding Turbo models), or a 986 or 987 generation Porsche Boxster, and aren’t already aware of the “IMS bearing upgrade” then we urge you to keep reading because the information you’ll … Alternatively, order your copy online for home delivery, … Porsche Advanced Cockpit. If the car you buy has 19-inch rims, you’ll be looking north of $1k for a decent set of 4 tires. The second version of the 997 made some significant departures from the original 997 including a new direct fuel injected engine (9A1) a dual clutch PDK transmission, revised suspension and the all-important from bumper with LED lights! Test driving, it should change gear quickly, sharply and smoothly. The rear camber setting and wear in the rear control arms on the 911 can often produce excessive inside shoulder wear. Cars after that time have no known problems with the IMS until it was completely removed in the DFI engine from 2009 – worth checking the production date stamped on the driver door for clarity of the manufacturing date. The earlier 997 is a bargain for so much car – you can easily have a day out at the track and go out to dinner with it in the evening. We have the answers you need. However, this does present a real bargain opportunity. If a seller wont let you inspect the car, walk away. See our guide to Porsche repair shops for your local expert or contact us and we’ll make a recommendation for you. Where the air-cooled cars are rough and the 996 was raw, the 997 delivers a more sophisticated modern ride. The rear tires will wear quicker than the fronts on the 997 due to suspension setup. Now is the perfect time to buy a 997 before Porsche collectors remember how perfect they are. It’s really important to stay on top of vehicle alignment – any loss of alignment on the rear of the 997 will eat the inner shoulder of the rear tire rapidly. So, if you’re buying from a used car vendor, look for new pads on old rotors. The very early production 997 brings with it some of the issues associated with the previous 996 – cylinder scoring, cracked liners and an IMS bearing. Assuming the engine holds a steady temperature, turn off and take a look at the coolant level – it should have risen and be falling back toward the cold level. If you’re considering buying an earlier 997, lift the car and have a listen from below while the engine is running. 911 Turbo Models. From its launch in 2004 to the end of production in 2012, the 997 established itself not just as the go-to offering in the premium sports car segment, but also as Porsche’s best-selling 911. All Porsche 911 models are powered by a flat-six engine but the 997 generation had many different versions depending on the trim level and year. In our opinion, the Porsche 911 Carrera 997 is the first generation of the 911 water-cooled cars that really lived up to its promise. What are the potential pitfalls? There’s no fluff or niceties here – there are plenty of resources online that bash on about horse power, cosmetic variants, historical significance and the niceties of the 911 Carrera 997. Delivery Programs. The 997.2 concluded with the Carrera GTS model, which produced 408 hp from its 3.8-liter engine. Really pushing the 997 to the limit on track requires skill and a large set of gentlemen’s attachments! While its more conservative styling may keep it out of the hypercar conversation, its heritage and specifications put it at the top of the supercar pile. $88.00 + $46.00 shipping . Consequently, there is a distinct shortage of available cars between these years. The 997.1 Carrera debuted with a 3.6-liter engine producing 325 horsepower while the Carrera S models received a larger 3.8-liter mill with 355 hp. This is a super value for money, everyday super car that has excellent reliability. Many of the known problems with the opening & closing mechanism should have been resolved during the previous owner’s time. Above: MY 2005 911 Carrera (left) and 911 Carrera S. Article by Rob Sass Photos courtesy Porsche For all the controversy that surrounded the 996, the 997 was and remains stunningly devoid of differences of opinion. The early 997 cars are now extremely affordable and can be fun to own. This is the famous “miss-shift” that has caused many engine explosions. When the 997 debuted in 2005, the styling wasn't revolutionary, but probably better described as evolutionary. The 997.1 comes with a little more risk than the 997.2 version, however, there are less of the later version available as new car sales had decreased significantly during it’s production launch. Clearly, low mileage cars attract extra money for the purchase, but make sure you plan additional budget for service work after you purchase the car. Join Date: May 2019. Damaged or corroded radiators and AC condensers cannot be repaired and must be replaced. OK, so the 2005 version has the riskier M96 engine, but you could literally save $25K on essentially the same car. This generation of the 911 is broken up into two categories. It sound… However, save for a few notable items discussed below, the 911 Carrera 997 is solid and reliable. The Smoking Tire 's Matt Farah takes on a 2006 911 Carrera 4S for a one-take video and … Comfortable enough to be driven every day, but equally at home at a track day. Worn rotors crack or disintegrate, which can be particularly unpleasant when driving! The rhythmic knock is the piston changing position at the bottom of the stroke and hitting the liner. Overview. Our guide to buying a used 911 997 will help you find the bargain and avoid the bad investment. Data is permanently stored within the ECU showing running hours and when engine events have occurred. In particular, take a good look at the inside shoulders of the rear tires. This clearly shows a difference in the running efficiency of one bank of cylinders versus the other and further investigation for the cause is necessary. Find a Porsche Repair Shop in the Northwest, Find a Porsche Repair Shop - North Central, Find a Porsche Repair Shop in the Southwest, Find a Porsche Repair Shop in South Central States, Find a Porsche Repair Shop - Southeast States, Find a Porsche Dealer in the Pacific Northwest, Find a Porsche Dealer in the North Central, Find a Porsche Dealer - Pacific Southwest. The 997-generation Carrera 4S might be the bargain to seek out. The glass roof and style of the 997.2 Targa doesn’t seem to age and looks right at home next to a 911 produced 10 years later. As a result, there’s extensive knowledge available of common mechanical problems with these cars and therefore, it’s possible to sort the good used 997 from the bad. Checking history on the car should also reveal any work completed on the PDK. All generations of the 997 are easy to drive, park and have fun in. 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Stunning, one-owner 1997 993 Cab. But if you are loathed to spend well over six figures on a base 911, the 997-generation has a lot going for it with prices yet to go crazy. These front ducts and debris need to be cleaned out regularly or protected by an aftermarket screen. 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 (996 and 997, 1998-2008) Durametric Scan Tool. The root cause of this issue is open to discussion, however, wear in the piston rings and liners causes the piston to wobble. The first step, once you’ve identified a 997 candidate, is to get a thorough inspection by a local Porsche expert. Consider who is selling the car. Find the best Porsche 911 Carrera 4S for sale near you. Porsche went a little mad with colors around this time and there are some greens, browns and pinky reds to be avoided. The 997 improved in both of these areas with a more modern cabin and a return to the 911's round headlight design. Search from 2740 Used Porsche 911 cars for sale, including a 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S, a 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Coupe, and a 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Coupe. Multiple recorded events in the lower over-rev categories could be a sign of how much track time the car has experienced. We concentrate on the technical things that might cost you money later if you weren’t aware of them prior to buying the car. Where the air-cooled cars are rough and the 996 was raw, the 997 delivers a more sophisticated modern ride. If in doubt, use the vin number and talk to a friendly Porsche parts person. There are some M96-05 engines with serviceable IMS bearings. The brake fluid should be flushed every 2 or 3 years. A Porsche repair shop can definitely help here. Also, pay attention to the tire DOT date on low mileage cars in particular. Two units matched together – a manual transmission rear section and automated dual clutch front section. Porsche 911 GTS - 997.2 FAQs (Show) Q: What was the most expensive Porsche 911 GTS - 997.2 ever sold? Porsche Clubs. Both the pads and rotors should always be changed at the same time. Modifications to the design of the suspension for the release of the 997.2 made the car a little more subtle and better balanced. The wobble occurs at the bottom of the stroke and results in the piston skirt dragging against the cylinder wall thereby scoring the liner. Results from a crack vary, but typically the most common is coolant loss with subsequent engine overheating. The first-generation 911 997 Carrera is now close to 15 years old. The design of the 997 has the placement of the coolant radiators and air-conditioning condensers low down in the front bumper. It is also considered to be the pinnacle of modern 911s in terms of driving dynamics, being the last model to feature hydraulic power steering. The early 997.2 should be a bargain, but is hard to find – see our article for more detail. The ride quality and handling improved through the versions, but even the original 997 is nimble and lots of fun to drive. Porsche replaced the 997.1's then-outdated head unit with a more intuitive touchscreen and made various other material improvements including the switch to more visually appealing steering wheel designs. Power could be sent to rear- or all-wheel-drive via a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It’s important to understand where the 997 you’re considering buying falls within it’s recommended maintenance schedule. Brochure Downloads . However, any loss of coolant after a drive cycle should be thoroughly investigated. With a 6-cyl … The GT and Turbo models aside, the Carrera GTS is the ultimate 997. Porsche Experience. The DFI engine, in the newer 997.2, further corrected the problems from the original engines and completely eliminated the famed IMS style design. It is now possible to buy a 997.1 starting in the low $20,000 range but we highly suggest spending more to find a well-kept car with a manual transmission. In our opinion, the Porsche 911 Carrera 997 is the first generation of the 911 water-cooled cars that really lived up to its promise. The position and open vent nature of the design, leaves them not only susceptible to stone impacts, but also to the buildup of debris and dirt stuck close to the radiators. The brand-new 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera is one of the best sports cars on the market right now. When you factor in all of the trim levels, body styles, and drivetrain configurations, there is bound to be a perfect 997 911 out there for you. Yes, parts and some labor costs will be higher than a typical American or Japanese vehicle. Note, this isn’t a definitive test because you could be loosing coolant through an external system leak. The majority of the car is generally reliable and has a near timeless look. However, tires have a shelf life and will degrade while they sit – lots of tread doesn’t always mean a healthy tire. The Porsche 911 has always been an expensive car, but it provides impressive capability at a fraction of some of its competitors' prices, such as the current Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracan. Taycan Models. Each cylinder bore in the engine case half is lined with a one-piece sleeve or liner. So, after a reset, faults may not return for a significant number of miles. It is essential to determining the health of the engine to be able to read this data. The 997 generation cars are still relatively modern and thus include the necessary creature comforts to be acceptable as daily drivers. The revised looks, more sophisticated cabin and improved suspension all add up to a great car and are a world away from the original 996 for example. With the largest range of second hand Porsche 911 cars across the UK, find the right car for you. The car is fun and exhilarating to drive, yet can be used every day. Sounds like a good reason for selling a car! There should be a wear lip on the rotor and the size of that lip will determine how much mileage remains. The result is a very bright and light feeling cabin area, while on the outside, the Targa is very pretty. Look carefully to see how clear the holes are and make sure there are not cracks between the drill holes. Events in the first category suggests the car has been properly exercised, but events in the higher categories could be hiding a potential life shortening engine situation. However, the 997 communicates better with the driver and definitely provides more feedback and warning of driver over enthusiasm. Overview. If you’re just taking the initial steps to buying a Porsche 911 Carrera 997, this guide will highlight some of the technical issues to be aware of before you commit to buy. A car with one black sooty tail pipe and one clean tail pipe is not a car to buy. The secret to the Porsche 911’s lasting appeal is its powerful engines, like the available 443-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine that rockets the 911 to 60 mph in less than four seconds. PORSCHE 911 997 TURBO CABRIOLET 2007 NOREV 187501 1:18. Prices for the 997-gen 911 range drastically depending on the year, body style, trim level, mileage, and condition. Replacement of a PDK unit can run up to $15K, so it’s well worth assessing the health of the PDK through a PPI before you buy. But they are not too old to be considered collectible yet, so prices have yet to skyrocket like the 993 generation. A good mechanical understanding of these cars can help identify issues early and save you money in the long term. First, note the coolant level when the engine is cold. At first glance, the 997.1 model seems to be better than 997.2 due to its newer, larger, and longer design, technologies (electric steering), more performance. The later 997.2 features a Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe which translates to Porsche double-clutch transmission or PDK – now that’s when you really need an acronym! But, if you select the wrong gear, the engine revs to go way over the red line. So, when you are shopping the original cars, make sure you have clarity on exactly what is lurking under the engine cover. PORSCHE 911(997) GT2 RS (SILVER) $105.00 0 bids + shipping . Although it has been six months since its launch, so understated are the visual changes between the 997 and 991 that a second and longer glance is required to confirm the sighting of the newer model.Porsche’s data sheet reveals that the 991 is 2.2 inches longer than the 997, the front track two inches wider (or more precisely, 46mm on the Carrera and 52mm the S) and the wheelbase is increased by a substantial four inches. On track, the car is easy to drive quickly and significantly more forgiving than the previous 996 version. If you want to tackle it yourself, then this is a procedure that can shed some light on the issue. If the engine continues to warm and will eventually overheat, walk away. These events will be recorded if they reach the lower levels of the over rev counter. If you’re considering buying a lower mileage 911 Carrera 997, timed intervals between maintenance is the key thing to look for, regardless of the mileage. Its feats include introducing the PDK transmission and even making a fan out of the otherwise critical Jeremy Clarkson. After the controversially received styling of its predecessor, Porsche returned to a more conventional front-end for the 997. In the fall of 2011, Porsche Rochester became a member of the Garber Automotive Group, family-owned and operated for over a hundred years. This is difficult to see because it’s so far under the car, but check it regularly or you’ll be buying rear tires way more often than you expect. Choose your model . See more examples below. This can cause time related degradation of the service items to be overlooked. Obviously, Porsche must have decided they would use up the parts they had left for the early production cars, before switching to the M97 engine. Taking the engine to the red line for RPM is a good thing, but going over the red line obviously can cause damage. The 911 Carrera 997 is easy to upgrade from both a performance or cosmetic stand point. If you are buying a convertible, make sure you spend enough time checking the operation of the roof, to ensure it goes up and down smoothly. Again, this is easy for a competent repair shop to check or indeed the DIYer using a handheld scanner. You’re buying a Porsche, so don’t compare running costs to a small domestic hatchback! TECHART for the 911 models 997 series, 1st and 2nd generation. Posts: 2 inaminit and Dmitry, thanks for the responses. Sometimes, a crack in the cylinder liner can take a considerable amount of running time to fully open and cause problems. A: The top sale price was $97,999 for a 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 6-Speed on March 07 2019. If it’s a dealer that specializes in Porsche, well and good. One of the potential early signs for significant engine problems is a mismatch in the sooty deposits inside the exhaust tailpipes. A tire that is more than 5 years old could rapidly degrade or fail when you’re driving, despite the amount of tread remaining. Porsche 911 997 C4 (2007) Manual Wide Body - Same as the turbo cars. From the VIN, they should be able to clarify if the car had a serviceable or non serviceable bearing. Just enjoy driving and leave infotainment to your modern daily driver. After driving the car, let it sit and idle for a while. The original 997 Carrera featured a M96-05 engine, while the S models got an M97 style engine that addressed some of the problems from the previous M96 versions. It’s really important to have the car inspected and serviced by a professional with genuine Porsche expertise. That’s enough savings to rebuild the M96 engine if it had problems and still save money on the 2006 car! Porsche 997 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 sold between model year 2005 and 2012. Finding the right car is never simple, but with some luck and armed with the right information, you can pick up a bargain. However, if the dealer’s normal trade is low cost mini vans, you need to do some serious thinking. With General Manager Kevin Parker at the helm, Porsche Rochester has fostered a notable reputation for exceptional service and remarkable vehicles. Comfortable enough to be driven every day, but equally at home at a track day. Of course, like any good 911, it will swap ends on you at a certain point! The ride quality varies a little between the early versions and the later ones. Events & Racing. On the track, gear changes will occur right around the rpm maximum red line. It was an unloved … Wide body, removable hard top, pretty, bright cabin, fast and nimble around corners. I was not expecting this car. The 997 came with drilled rotors. Motorsport. So, if you’re in the market for buying a used Porsche 997 what should you be paying attention to before you commit to buy? If the top is seriously degraded, make this part of your price negotiation. Factor in the Porsche stability-management system and the 911 feels at home tearing up the racetrack and cruising around downtown. A complete brake service with pads, rotors and sensors can be quite expensive. You see, I wasn't a fan of the 991.1 GT3 RS. This results in rainwater dripping into an area of the cabin in which electronic control units are located. Porsche 911 906 996 997 GT3 Carrera Minichamps Misto Highspeed 1/43 Diecast . The manual transmission rear section is very solid and reliable. A clear pattern of servicing on higher mileage cars is essential. Look to see when the last time the spark plugs were changed – 10 years is the limit regardless of mileage. Whether it is a coupe, convertible, or Targa, we believe the 997 generation is the ultimate cross-section between modern reliability and old-school driving enjoyment. Instead of spending well over six-figures on a new 911 that will depreciate, why not buy the affordable future collectible? They produce amazing stopping power and are 50% lighter than a standard brake a setup. One thing you should note when considering the purchase of a high-mileage Porsche 997 is that these cars aren’t necessarily worn, they’re enjoyed; that is, the driver who owned the Porsche 997 you’re looking to buy enjoyed putting miles on their car. Take a flash light and look closely to see whether the front air intakes are full of rotting leaves and debris when you inspect the 997. 991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. To the untrained eye, the fact that the new 911 is wider and the headlights are more oval from older 911 models might be easy to overlook. The Porsche 997.1. 911 Carrera & Targa Models. There is also a good deal of experience and expertise in independent Porsche repair shops to help make the maintenance of your used 911 Carrera 997 cost effective. If you have a larger budget and want the more collector-grade car with an improved interior and more powerful engine, later examples of the 997.2 can command nearly six figures. These engines are restricted to the very early production cars usually in 2005 and 2006. However, there is a distinctly different sound that identifies with a particular issue that you don’t want to hear. The most significant update came in 2009 with the launch of the 997.2 version. The 997 needs large N rated tires. Listen out for squeaks or clunks over bumps and check for leaks from the suspension struts. Check the DOT on the tires – lots of tread doesn’t mean they’re healthy. Clearing the engine faults also resets the emissions system to a state of “not ready.” Emission readiness tests often occur over multiple drive cycles. Cracks between the drill holes can lead to a much bigger crack and rotor failure very quickly under heavy braking. The 997 911 lasted from 2005 to 2012 as an evolution and colossal improvement over the previous 996 car. Parts for the front brakes alone could run you more than $10,000. Who trades there Porsche for a cheap mini van? Getting a repair history on the car, if available, is helpful and will instantly identify or eliminate potential problem areas. Lavishly luxurious, this 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 2S Cabriolet (AKA 997) represents a faultless convergence of unparalleled power and beauty. Once again, power could be sent to the rear or all four wheels via a manual box but the 997.2 saw the introduction of the dual-clutch PDK, which was a drastic improvement over the traditional automatic.