997 purchasing - what's the wiser route? - Page 4 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

Let's say there are 3 potential purchases of different mileages, prices and history, and not worry about the spec for now. The options are The highest-priced option, call it £32k, which has 80k miles on, and has had an engine rebuild The mid-priced option, call it £28k, which has 40k miles on, with no engine rebuild The lowest-priced option, £23k, which has 120k miles and has had a rebuild Which would you be going for, assuming they are all of the same spec?

Who rebuilt the engine?

Option 3 or a 991 for £32k

LastPoster said: Who rebuilt the engine? Let's say it was a reputable place, Hartech or RPM

I'd get the £28k one borescoped and if clear buy that. If you drive them hard after warming up and take them on a few track days every year m97 engines tend to last longer. Labouring the engine and short journeys does them no favours at all. also the 3.6 less likely to score than the 3.8. If your engine does go I'd perfer to spec the rebuild myself. You could always go for a gen 2 DFI like this. Even if it ever needs a rebuild I hear the Hartech 4.2 conversion on these amazing and a bit more exciting than the rebuilds they do on the gen 1. Owned one its as quick as a 997 GT3 and fair bit qucker than the gen 1. Gen 1 does sound better. 2012 61 reg PDK 3.8 4S £28 grand https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286099439423

maz8062 said: Option 3 or a 991 for £32k Can you show me a 991 for £32k? Just under £40k is the current bottom of the market for a base car with high miles. There area couple for c £36k with well over 100k miles miles in a terrible colour on eBay Edited by freedman on Tuesday 15th October 07:14

Appreciate the responses. I had typed out a response before but somehow had not managed to send it. This would be a daily driver with short journeys involved, so perhaps a rebuilt engine is the better route? There is actually a gen 2 car out there, manual C2S which is what I'm after, which seems ideal apart from the grey/black two-tone interior (probably a stupid thing to reject a car for tbh) I know I said don't worry about spec, but now let's get a little more specific. I'd be looking for a manual C2S. Colour doesn't really matter but would prefer a black interior. The plan would be a long-term ownership with gradual upgrades.

maz8062 said: Option 3 or a 991 for £32k Agreed.

Personally, with that budget and daily driver needs I'd get a 997.2 as they are in your budget, perhaps spec being a compromise. Most 997.1s have the rebuild potential "priced in" so unless your can get the creme de la creme Hartech/RPM build on a 997.1 for less than a 997.2 I wouldn't bother on hassle factor/buyers remorse later down the line. They are too close in price in my eyes. Though you didn't ask, a 996 is a different matter as they are much cheaper to buy and rebuilt one can be had for 987.2 Cayman money. Edit to add a 997.2 will always maintain a higher price. It doesn't have the mass borescare/IMS issues pinning it's price back. If you ever needed to rebuild a 997.2 you'll be adding on an already strong price whereas the general 997.1 market will be pinned back for many years until most of them have been rebuilt and it's no longer an issue spoken about anymore i.e. a 30 year old car having an engine build is par for the course so won't affect it's value so much. A 5-15 year old car with low miles as we have seen with the 997.1s over the last 15 years will affect their ceiling price. Edited by VeeReihenmotor6 on Tuesday 15th October 12:08

s94wht said: Appreciate the responses. I had typed out a response before but somehow had not managed to send it. This would be a daily driver with short journeys involved, so perhaps a rebuilt engine is the better route? There is actually a gen 2 car out there, manual C2S which is what I'm after, which seems ideal apart from the grey/black two-tone interior (probably a stupid thing to reject a car for tbh) I know I said don't worry about spec, but now let's get a little more specific. I'd be looking for a manual C2S. Colour doesn't really matter but would prefer a black interior. The plan would be a long-term ownership with gradual upgrades. On that basis I think I would buy the one with Hartech engine rebuild. If you acknowledge there will be ongoing maintenance/upgrade costs then £15k or so is easier to stomach over 4/5 years rather than all in one go

stuckmojo said: Agreed. Go on then, Please show me the choice of 991's available at £32k

Cheapest one I can see on Autotrader is https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406200... Curious to find where there is a solid one at £32k? 🤔

andyglos said: Cheapest one I can see on Autotrader is https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406200... Curious to find where there is a solid one at £32k? ?? Thats Cat D, so whilst a lovely loking car, not representative There are a couple on e bay at £36/37k, but with well over 100k miles, base spec and horrible colour

I might be letting my 997 go. Basalt Black, C2S, 3.6 Manual, 71k. Suspension rebuild by FGP A/C Condensors by FGP New tyres all round, front discs and pads Front coolant hoses etc PCCM+ Sports Seats Major service + spark plugs by Precision Porsche 2k ago All done in last 12 months. £26k Drop me a PM if interested.

997_Sussex said: I might be letting my 997 go. Basalt Black, C2S, 3.6 Manual, 71k. S, but 3.6?

Typo apologies. Base Carerra C2, 3.6.

freedman said: Thats Cat D, so whilst a lovely loking car, not representative There are a couple on e bay at £36/37k, but with well over 100k miles, base spec and horrible colour Yep that’s why I mentioned a solid car

VeeReihenmotor6 said: Personally, with that budget and daily driver needs I'd get a 997.2 as they are in your budget, perhaps spec being a compromise. Most 997.1s have the rebuild potential "priced in" so unless your can get the creme de la creme Hartech/RPM build on a 997.1 for less than a 997.2 I wouldn't bother on hassle factor/buyers remorse later down the line. They are too close in price in my eyes. Though you didn't ask, a 996 is a different matter as they are much cheaper to buy and rebuilt one can be had for 987.2 Cayman money. Edit to add a 997.2 will always maintain a higher price. It doesn't have the mass borescare/IMS issues pinning it's price back. If you ever needed to rebuild a 997.2 you'll be adding on an already strong price whereas the general 997.1 market will be pinned back for many years until most of them have been rebuilt and it's no longer an issue spoken about anymore i.e. a 30 year old car having an engine build is par for the course so won't affect it's value so much. A 5-15 year old car with low miles as we have seen with the 997.1s over the last 15 years will affect their ceiling price. Edited by VeeReihenmotor6 on Tuesday 15th October 12:08 Interesting, I wonder if we'll see the 997's numbers dwindle as more get uneconomical to repair, pushing up the values of those left?

Who really knows what is best, they are now saying the 997.2 is starting to have its own problems, and working on them is harder than on the earlier cars. I wouldn't pay a massive premium for one, not now. The US engine guys, like Jake Raby, are saying the 997.1 is the last car they would buy that is old and higher mileage. Maybe their fuel is not as good as ours and we won't get as many issues? But the DFI engines are having more and more issues as they age. https://lnengineering.com/products/watercooled-por... Might just be best to buy a 997.1 and keep the money back in case it needs doing. I do think the 9A1 engines have less issues, but only time will tell. I remember people saying that the 3.6 didn't really have issues, and as time has passed that is no longer the case. A 997.2 at £30k compared to £20-25k for a 887.1 maybe, but not £40k. The thing is, as they cars now hit 20 years old, there can be so much more than just engine issues to open your wallet. Some are now needing the suspension refreshing for the second time, coolant pipes and all the other stuff that cars of this age need doing too. We are getting to the point where the tatty ones will get really cheap and the good ones will start to climb, they always do. Edited by Ed.Neumann on Tuesday 15th October 20:37

Ed.Neumann said: Who really knows what is best, they are now saying the 997.2 is starting to have its own problems, and working on them is harder than on the earlier cars. I wouldn't pay a massive premium for one, not now. The US engine guys, like Jake Raby, are saying the 997.1 is the last car they would buy that is old and higher mileage. Maybe their fuel is not as good as ours and we won't get as many issues? But the DFI engines are having more and more issues as they age. https://lnengineering.com/products/watercooled-por... Might just be best to buy a 997.1 and keep the money back in case it needs doing. I do think the 9A1 engines have less issues, but only time will tell. I remember people saying that the 3.6 didn't really have issues, and as time has passed that is no longer the case. A 997.2 at £30k compared to £20-25k for a 887.1 maybe, but not £40k. The thing is, as they cars now hit 20 years old, there can be so much more than just engine issues to open your wallet. Some are now needing the suspension refreshing for the second time, coolant pipes and all the other stuff that cars of this age need doing too. We are getting to the point where the tatty ones will get really cheap and the good ones will start to climb, they always do. Edited by Ed.Neumann on Tuesday 15th October 20:37 Interesting read. I was under the impression Baz at Hartech struggled to find a 9a1 engine with problems. There's a post as recent as April 2023 where he said he gave up the search and ended up buying a high milage example instead. https://911uk.com/threads/found-our-gen-2-3-8-manu... I suppose any engine can bore score and perhaps the rare cases of 9a1 bore score are down to bad luck or hard driving from stone cold ?

For that budget of £32k tops, I would go for this https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17328638 £15K Hartech rebuild .... • 6 x re-coated pistons and new rings • 6 x closed deck aluminium alloy nikasil plated cylinders • Timing chain set • Crankshaft bearings • IMS bearing upgrade • RMS bearing upgrade • Cylinder head overhauls • Oil/air separator • Spark plugs • Low temp thermostat • Crank position sensor • Air filter • Exhaust clamps and brackets • Hoses belts and lines • Engine and gearbox mounts • Air con recharge • New front brakes pads and discs • 200 Cell cats ...ad reads like its been well cared for by an enthusiast with great service history of OPC and choice indies.

KittyLitter said: For that budget of £32k tops, I would go for this https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17328638 £15K Hartech rebuild .... • 6 x re-coated pistons and new rings • 6 x closed deck aluminium alloy nikasil plated cylinders • Timing chain set • Crankshaft bearings • IMS bearing upgrade • RMS bearing upgrade • Cylinder head overhauls • Oil/air separator • Spark plugs • Low temp thermostat • Crank position sensor • Air filter • Exhaust clamps and brackets • Hoses belts and lines • Engine and gearbox mounts • Air con recharge • New front brakes pads and discs • 200 Cell cats ...ad reads like its been well cared for by an enthusiast with great service history of OPC and choice indies. I’d say that’s the OPs option #1

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024100146...

Mick Dastardly said: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024100146... for the badge on the back

KittyLitter said: Mick Dastardly said: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024100146... for the badge on the back Indeed, why would a Porsche have a Porsche badge on the back of it?

Mick Dastardly said: KittyLitter said: Mick Dastardly said: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024100146... for the badge on the back Indeed, why would a Porsche have a Porsche badge on the back of it? you know it.

Mick Dastardly said: KittyLitter said: Mick Dastardly said: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024100146... for the badge on the back Indeed, why would a Porsche have a Porsche badge on the back of it? Because it is non-OEM for the model. Putting an aftermarket Porsche script on the rear implies that a previous owner treated the car as a status symbol. Red flag.

KittyLitter said: For that budget of £32k tops, I would go for this https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17328638 £15K Hartech rebuild .... • 6 x re-coated pistons and new rings • 6 x closed deck aluminium alloy nikasil plated cylinders • Timing chain set • Crankshaft bearings • IMS bearing upgrade • RMS bearing upgrade • Cylinder head overhauls • Oil/air separator • Spark plugs • Low temp thermostat • Crank position sensor • Air filter • Exhaust clamps and brackets • Hoses belts and lines • Engine and gearbox mounts • Air con recharge • New front brakes pads and discs • 200 Cell cats ...ad reads like its been well cared for by an enthusiast with great service history of OPC and choice indies. It'll come as no surprise to you when I say that that car was the inspiration for the "higher priced" option in my OP

s94wht said: It'll come as no surprise to you when I say that that car was the inspiration for the "higher priced" option in my OP You won’t find better.

KittyLitter said: You won’t find better. There's also this higher-mileage 997.2 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407302...

Crudeoink said: Interesting read. I was under the impression Baz at Hartech struggled to find a 9a1 engine with problems. There's a post as recent as April 2023 where he said he gave up the search and ended up buying a high milage example instead. https://911uk.com/threads/found-our-gen-2-3-8-manu... I suppose any engine can bore score and perhaps the rare cases of 9a1 bore score are down to bad luck or hard driving from stone cold ? No, the internet doesn’t insist on a borescope ahead of a 997.2 purchase so the state of the problem is not known until the onset of piston slap. On Rennlist for example, where 997.2 are scoped as part of the buying process, scored bores are on a similar scale to .1’s. 997.2’s with Piston slap are significantly more expensive to fix than the .1’s, so much so that a short block for circa £25k is what is recommended. As with any car purchase, the best thing to do is to buy the best car for your budget and carry out the relevant checks. Even then, things can and will go wrong. It’s always been like that.

A friend bought a tidy 997 with not much engine history. Had a full Hartech build (4.1) and going through some mild mods along his journey to make his own, perfect specced 997. It's a lovely car, the engine work cost more than the base car; however, now a solid base for his project. Documenting his car on Instagram if interested.

To the OP: Either option 1 or 3 but definitely not option 2 (Mind you, personally I went for option 2, but that was 12 years ago now and still no issues, so paid off in my case). Between options 1 and 3 it depends on your circumstances. How much do you want to stretch your budget, how long will you keep it, how often you'll drive it. If a daily, soon car 1 becomes car 3... Also depends on what else needs doing on the car. Add up tyres / brakes / suspension refresh / clutch / water pipes / rads and you're soon into engine rebuild spend territory again!

s94wht said: KittyLitter said: You won’t find better. There's also this higher-mileage 997.2 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407302... John Major interior. The other is the better car.

Crudeoink said: Ed.Neumann said: Who really knows what is best, they are now saying the 997.2 is starting to have its own problems, and working on them is harder than on the earlier cars. I wouldn't pay a massive premium for one, not now. The US engine guys, like Jake Raby, are saying the 997.1 is the last car they would buy that is old and higher mileage. Maybe their fuel is not as good as ours and we won't get as many issues? But the DFI engines are having more and more issues as they age. https://lnengineering.com/products/watercooled-por... Might just be best to buy a 997.1 and keep the money back in case it needs doing. I do think the 9A1 engines have less issues, but only time will tell. I remember people saying that the 3.6 didn't really have issues, and as time has passed that is no longer the case. A 997.2 at £30k compared to £20-25k for a 887.1 maybe, but not £40k. The thing is, as they cars now hit 20 years old, there can be so much more than just engine issues to open your wallet. Some are now needing the suspension refreshing for the second time, coolant pipes and all the other stuff that cars of this age need doing too. We are getting to the point where the tatty ones will get really cheap and the good ones will start to climb, they always do. Edited by Ed.Neumann on Tuesday 15th October 20:37 Interesting read. I was under the impression Baz at Hartech struggled to find a 9a1 engine with problems. There's a post as recent as April 2023 where he said he gave up the search and ended up buying a high milage example instead. https://911uk.com/threads/found-our-gen-2-3-8-manu... I suppose any engine can bore score and perhaps the rare cases of 9a1 bore score are down to bad luck or hard driving from stone cold ? They’re really not having engine problems

KittyLitter said: John Major interior. The other is the better car. Re the interior, that's just your opinion, with which I respectfully disagree! I actually bough my 997 specifically because it had the two-tone interior and find it so much "better" than Coal Mine black.

Billy_Whizzzz said: They’re really not having engine problems I have only heard of 2 on 911uk. First one was this thread: https://911uk.com/threads/997-2-engine-failure-reb...

Billy_Whizzzz said: They’re really not having engine problems As I said, in the US they are having issues, more so with carbon build up with the direct injection. Not sure if it is due to them having poorer fuel quality than us? Whether the more extreme weather they get? Whether they just sold more? But if you go on Rennlist there seems to be a few over there. But, like I always say, don't scope your car unless you have real issues. Why go looking? Even more so on a 997.2, some scoring might be there, but the wear rate is much slower than the .1 cars, so don't go panicking. I scoped someone's 997.1 5 years ago and it has some scoring at 80k miles, he has put another 40k miles on it since then and when doing the plugs recently we looked again, looked almost the same. Not using any more oil, not smoking, no noises. He was all ready to get it rebuilt 5 years ago. I think people panic. Same with the 997.2, scope a car with 80k miles and it probably has some. So what? Could be fine for another 10 years and 100k miles. I think Baz reckons it is more a casting issue and will happen within the first 60k miles or so on the .2?

DarkVeil said: Because it is non-OEM for the model. Putting an aftermarket Porsche script on the rear implies that a previous owner treated the car as a status symbol. Red flag. That’s one of the most idiotic things I’ve ever read on this sub forum. So a previous owner put a Porsche badge on the back of his 911 (possibly the most iconic car shape in history), to show off that without any doubt they were definitely driving a Porsche? Blimey, you’re very, very special indeed. Edited by Mick Dastardly on Wednesday 16th October 22:31

I went option 3 - albeit not as cheap as that Took almost two years to find the right car. Owned by a Porsche Specialist who had bought it off a customer and worked on it since it was nearly new, when the inevitable happened. Engine rebuilt by his company, along with all the relevant pipes, hoses, suspension stuff, etc etc etc. The spreadsheet is extensive. No regrets at my end, and being a sub-£30k, 100k miles car with stone chips means I actually use it daily, don’t stress about parking it in the supermarket, etc, and the rebuild brings peace of mind. If I was to do it again however, and it was a second car meaning I can do without it for a few months, I would go secret option #4 and buy the cheapest already scored car I could find and take it straight for a 4.1 conversion.

Reverting to the OP, to answer the question. I’d ditch Option 2 and carefully look at the service histories on Options 1 & 3, including oil change frequency etc. That £9k price differential is quite a chunk of cash which you could use to sort out things that need doing sooner and still have a slush fund for bits that crop up later on. Then when you have a clearer picture of the condition of both cars, get a PPI done at an Indy on whichever one you think is the better bet. You still need to be prepared to walk away tho, if something unexpected shows up in the PPI. My 997.1 had a partial rebuild by Hartech at 55,000 miles, the year before I bought it. 9 years later, it’s now on 123,000 and still going strong.

KittyLitter said: You won’t find better. Unfortunately no longer listed. Someone got a decent car there. I wasn't in a position to buy right now anyway

s94wht said: What would you say to a car that has had a whole new engine from Porsche rather than a rebuild? There is a car very close to me, sub £20k but very high mileage, for which this is the case. It's had a new clutch as well. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409304... I'd have much more faith in an engine built in Stuttgart than one built in Bolton

DarkVeil said: s94wht said: What would you say to a car that has had a whole new engine from Porsche rather than a rebuild? There is a car very close to me, sub £20k but very high mileage, for which this is the case. It's had a new clutch as well. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409304... I'd have much more faith in an engine built in Stuttgart than one built in Bolton The issue is that the Porsche engines apparently are direct replacements - I.e. none of the original design is changed meaning that a reoccurrence of borescore is possible. The Hartech options upgrade these weak points to prevent a reoccurrence.

DarkVeil said: I'd have much more faith in an engine built in Stuttgart than one built in Bolton I wouldn't. And I have had one of both My first Stuttgart built engine (997 3.8s) was already scored when I bought it (from an OPC at less than a year old, and just 7,500 miles). Our second, lasted a lot longer, but was scored at 61K, so off to Bolton and now a 4.1 (with the inherent design faults mitigated).

DarkVeil said: s94wht said: What would you say to a car that has had a whole new engine from Porsche rather than a rebuild? There is a car very close to me, sub £20k but very high mileage, for which this is the case. It's had a new clutch as well. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409304... I'd have much more faith in an engine built in Stuttgart than one built in Bolton Bit unfair that with all the R&D Hartech have done over the years. As others say the 3.8 in particular has inherent design faults. Thats not to say those 3.8 that are used regularly and driven well won't do hundreds of thosuands of miles.

Mick Dastardly said: That’s one of the most idiotic things I’ve ever read on this sub forum. So a previous owner put a Porsche badge on the back of his 911 (possibly the most iconic car shape in history), to show off that without any doubt they were definitely driving a Porsche? Blimey, you’re very, very special indeed. Edited by Mick Dastardly on Wednesday 16th October 22:31 It’s no reason Not to buy that car, but it looks hideous, and out of place Makes the back look like a Panamera…. Original Carrera script or if you have to change a simple 911

s94wht said: What would you say to a car that has had a whole new engine from Porsche rather than a rebuild? There is a car very close to me, sub £20k but very high mileage, for which this is the case. It's had a new clutch as well. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409304... The car is an S, has had a new engine under the current owners ownership and is 7 miles down the road from you. It’s up for £19k and you can probably get it for £18k, less than option 3 above. Yet you still need to ask the opinion of others. Note, folk on forums for the most part advise against a purchase than for a purchase. I’m afraid you’ll have to make your own decisions by yourself.

freedman said: It’s no reason Not to buy that car, but it looks hideous, and out of place Makes the back look like a Panamera…. Original Carrera script or if you have to change a simple 911 From the man who drives a car with gaudy stickers on the side telling all and sundry what he drives. Pipe down, you silly chap.

Mick Dastardly said: From the man who drives a car with gaudy stickers on the side telling all and sundry what he drives. Pipe down, you silly chap. Stickers put there by the factory But it’s difficult to have any kind of intelligent discussion when dealing with an idiot

freedman said: Mick Dastardly said: That’s one of the most idiotic things I’ve ever read on this sub forum. So a previous owner put a Porsche badge on the back of his 911 (possibly the most iconic car shape in history), to show off that without any doubt they were definitely driving a Porsche? Blimey, you’re very, very special indeed. Edited by Mick Dastardly on Wednesday 16th October 22:31 It’s no reason Not to buy that car, but it looks hideous, and out of place Makes the back look like a Panamera…. Original Carrera script or if you have to change a simple 911 I agree it's not a reason to not buy, but it does raise the question of what type of owner would think it looks good.

maz8062 said: The car is an S, has had a new engine under the current owners ownership and is 7 miles down the road from you. It’s up for £19k and you can probably get it for £18k, less than option 3 above. Yet you still need to ask the opinion of others. Note, folk on forums for the most part advise against a purchase than for a purchase. I’m afraid you’ll have to make your own decisions by yourself. Wow, ok then. That's me told. I thought people might have some knowledge on whether replacement engines were any more or less reliable than a rebuild or, Indeed, the engine they're taking the place of. It appears people did, so it seems my question was worthwhile. But I suspect you knew that deep down. Bad day at work?

What would you say to a car that has had a whole new engine from Porsche rather than a rebuild? There is a car very close to me, sub £20k but very high mileage, for which this is the case. It's had a new clutch as well. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409304... Edited by s94wht on Thursday 17th October 21:40

DarkVeil said: freedman said: Mick Dastardly said: That’s one of the most idiotic things I’ve ever read on this sub forum. So a previous owner put a Porsche badge on the back of his 911 (possibly the most iconic car shape in history), to show off that without any doubt they were definitely driving a Porsche? Blimey, you’re very, very special indeed. Edited by Mick Dastardly on Wednesday 16th October 22:31 It’s no reason Not to buy that car, but it looks hideous, and out of place Makes the back look like a Panamera…. Original Carrera script or if you have to change a simple 911 I agree it's not a reason to not buy, but it does raise the question of what type of owner would think it looks good. One with a bit of bad taste? Come right off with a hair dryer.

DarkVeil said: Mick Dastardly said: KittyLitter said: Mick Dastardly said: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024100146... for the badge on the back Indeed, why would a Porsche have a Porsche badge on the back of it? Because it is non-OEM for the model. Putting an aftermarket Porsche script on the rear implies that a previous owner treated the car as a status symbol. Red flag. The idea that the Porsche script on the back is a red flag when you read in the advert about the ownership and the amount of work done on the car is utterly bonkers. Still, I guess it would help filter out those annoying buyers who treat an old used car sale like they're buying brand new from the factory.

s94wht said: maz8062 said: The car is an S, has had a new engine under the current owners ownership and is 7 miles down the road from you. It’s up for £19k and you can probably get it for £18k, less than option 3 above. Yet you still need to ask the opinion of others. Note, folk on forums for the most part advise against a purchase than for a purchase. I’m afraid you’ll have to make your own decisions by yourself. Wow, ok then. That's me told. I thought people might have some knowledge on whether replacement engines were any more or less reliable than a rebuild or, Indeed, the engine they're taking the place of. It appears people did, so it seems my question was worthwhile. But I suspect you knew that deep down. Bad day at work? I think it boils down to the fact you're either prepared to buy a 997.1 with an original engine that hasn't been opened up accepting that there 'might' be some risk; or you want one with a rebuild (by Hartech or someone else with the skill)? I'd be looking at the one around the corner from you, get it inspected and make your mind up. If you get it for £18k even with the mileage it appears better than the other non-rebuilt options you've seen. The elephant in the room is can you live with a car that has an engine with a design flaw that in some cases (not all) will lead to borescore and a likely rebuild? If you can't get that out of your head then this is not the model for you.

Armitage.Shanks said: I think it boils down to the fact you're either prepared to buy a 997.1 with an original engine that hasn't been opened up accepting that there 'might' be some risk; or you want one with a rebuild (by Hartech or someone else with the skill)? I'd be looking at the one around the corner from you, get it inspected and make your mind up. If you get it for £18k even with the mileage it appears better than the other non-rebuilt options you've seen. The elephant in the room is can you live with a car that has an engine with a design flaw that in some cases (not all) will lead to borescore and a likely rebuild? If you can't get that out of your head then this is not the model for you. I do appreciate the feedback that everyone has given; I understand it is up to me at the end of the day. Like you say, it does really come down to whether I want to take the risk or not. £18 or £19k does leave a lot of headroom for a rebuild in the future. It's getting into second car territory to be honest, which would also take some (a lot) of stress off the car. I did contact the seller and got back an itemised receipt of the work carried out.

braddo said: The idea that the Porsche script on the back is a red flag when you read in the advert about the ownership and the amount of work done on the car is utterly bonkers. Still, I guess it would help filter out those annoying buyers who treat an old used car sale like they're buying brand new from the factory. Disliking tasteless mods is not the same thing as expecting a used car to be like new.

It's no brainer really, go for gen 2 or 992.1 You meant to enjoy the car probably, not to ever worry about "when" not even "what if" anymore with those engines...

s94wht said: KittyLitter said: For that budget of £32k tops, I would go for this https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17328638 £15K Hartech rebuild .... • 6 x re-coated pistons and new rings • 6 x closed deck aluminium alloy nikasil plated cylinders • Timing chain set • Crankshaft bearings • IMS bearing upgrade • RMS bearing upgrade • Cylinder head overhauls • Oil/air separator • Spark plugs • Low temp thermostat • Crank position sensor • Air filter • Exhaust clamps and brackets • Hoses belts and lines • Engine and gearbox mounts • Air con recharge • New front brakes pads and discs • 200 Cell cats ...ad reads like its been well cared for by an enthusiast with great service history of OPC and choice indies. It'll come as no surprise to you when I say that that car was the inspiration for the "higher priced" option in my OP That has since sold - did you get it in time? That was the one. Hope its yours.

KittyLitter said: That has since sold - did you get it in time? That was the one. Hope its yours. Alas, no. I wasn't in a position to buy right now and I'm otherwise engaged this weekend as well so it was always unlikely