996 vs 997

I'm looking pretty hard at buying my first 911 after decades of wanting one. Of course all of the IMS and engine failure stories have me concerned. If I do buy a 996 I'm pretty sure I would immediately replace the IMS bearing with the the one from LN Eng. I see that I can get some 997s for not too much more money (but with a few more miles). And am wondering if it is safer to spend a bit more on a 997 vs going with a 996 and a new IMS bearing. I'm aware that the 997 still can have IMS failures, and that it isn't really feasible to replace the IMS bearing in those cars. Does anyone have any gut feelings about the robustness of the 997 compared to a properly upgraded 996 motor? Thanks, Derek

You'll probably get lots of opinions on this one. Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about IMS failure, particularly on a "newer" (2002+) 996. If you buy a car that has been regularly driven and has been properly maintained, your chances of an IMS failure are very low. An upgraded bearing from LN Engineering is no guarantee that you won't have an engine failure in the future. The LN bearing has failed also, although the numbers are very small. The 997.1 cars have an IMSB, and there are reports of them failing too. It's a very low rate, but it can happen. If you're really worried about the IMSB, then buy a 2009+ car that has the updated engine design and doesn't have an IMSB. You might consider a CPO car which will cover you in the event of a failure, or perhaps even a brand new 991 with a factory warranty. The fact is, there's no way to purchase a used Porsche 911 and have a guarantee that there will be zero problems. The newest 996s out there are 7 years old. Stuff breaks. Things wear out. Sh*t happens. Do your homework and try your best to find a trouble-free car. Once you find it, drive it and don't worry about it.

If you buy a 996. Just think of the IMS bearing as a maintenance item that should be replaced when you do the clutch. at about 60,000 miles. I just bought my 2004 996 1 month ago and it had a rms leak and i just had them do the LN engineering ims retro fit kit and will problably replace it again when i do the clutch.

buy the "NEWEST" car you can afford...if that happens to be a 997, then GIT R DONE and have fun.

The truth about all Porsches is that every model has something wrong with it. They always have. From chain tensioners to IMS there is always something to incentivize you to consider a newer model. However, for the most part, these cars are all quite reliable considering what we expect out of them. Just how many cars do you know that can go over 175 mph and still work without spending their life in a shop? There are many good deals on both 996 and 997s today because the 991 has arrived on the scene. Many 996 people are moving 'up' to the 997 while many 997 people are moving 'up' to the 991. That means plenty of cars are ready for the next owner. With so many cars out there (depending upon where you live) you should take your time and study the situation carefully. Look before you leap. A good friend of mine has written a few books on the subject--helping you to figure out the differences between each year. Go to Amazon and check for "The Complete Book of Porsche 911" by Randy Leffingwell. It's the smartest $30 you can spend before you get in too deep! There is also his "Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide," for about $20. (I have to vouch for that one because my car is in it!)

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Wee said.

Well said.(ooops)

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+1 I will add that all cars fail 100% of the time. Ours are just more expensive to fix. If you are so worried about your future car today, a Porsche may not be for you. But I hope it is.

I own both, an '01 and an '06, both Carrera 4s... Both of them have their positives and negatives. The 996 I find to be more comfortable with a larger cabin, but the 997 has some more electronic toys (but not the ones that count i.e. blue tooth, ipod connectivity, etc. plus if you have a car with the phone module like mine does, forget about putting your sim chip from your cell phone in there because the reception sucks...so bad that it is pointless and you will just be angry. And I live in the New York City metro area where we have the maximum of cell phone towers). The 996 has a spare tire, BIG deal for me. Also, the fog lights are better and you can open/close the sunroof and windows from the door key hole. Both cars are great looking in my opinion. As for the IMS, I don't think that is a huge concern.

996 from a bang for the buck perspective. I posted a while back about a friend at work who is a "Porsche guy" and his reaction to driving my 04 C4S as compared to his 2011 997.2. Other than the interior he felt that the 996 drove, handled, and rode very much the same as his 2011. I drove his 2011 and as much as I really, really liked the car, jumping back in my 996 I had to agree with him. His words, there just isn't enough of a difference to justify a $50K + price spread. He also commented that he thinks the 996 is the last of the Porsches that hint at the original, he even mentioned that they "smell" like a Porsche should smell. Interesting comment. Here's hoping that the right car finds you.

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Your point about electronics is a good one. The 996 and the early 997 were both way behind the market in terms of electronics. Even a 996 with factory PCM navigation is lacking compared to today's cars. I upgraded my system to a new double-DIN nav system that includes Garmin navigation, bluetooth, iPod integration, voice control, Sirius/XM, Pandora, etc. The car feels much more modern now with respect to electronics.

996 4S or 6Turbo for wide body appeal. Finding one that has been well maintained and in very good to excellent condition, considering they are over 7 years old for the most part, makes these the better choice, IMO. Of course you can find some 997C4S or 7C2S's out there that you may also consider. Work with whatever fits in your $$ range and the options you are looking for; i.e., X50/X51, PSE, PCCB, Sports Seats, Natural Leather, Aerokit, Nav, etc The Carfax is just a first step; you should also consider whether the seller has knowledge of the car's history or quite possibly, buying from the original owner, which can be a +. GL in your quest and post pics.

I am following this thread with rapt attention because I'm in much the same situation: I'm from Boulder, CO, where 911 SC's were essentially ubiquitous during my high-school years, and where 930's were just plentiful enough to sustain an ownership fantasy long-term. I'm older now (much, in fact), can afford a 911, and have learned NOT to trust my right foot, so I have concluded a 996 C2 or C4 is what makes the most sense for me, and am interested in ANY opinions regarding the ownership experience (996 or 997-- I'm keeping an open mind). Rambling, I know, but I'm all ears.

I drive my C4S all year long here in Colorado. It's a 2002 with 116K miles on it and running strong. I highly recommend the 996 C4S. I'm sure a 997 would be very good too. With proper winter tires, these cars are very good when it gets slippery...

I bought my 2002 C4S about a year and a half ago. No problems. Drive it to work every day except snowy days (in Colorado). Have Blizzaks on in the winter. Fabspeed mufflers & intake. Great stereo, but I never turn it on, love the sound of the car. I could not be happier with this car, I never want to drive anything else!

If I was buying in the same price range it would either be 997 or 996Turbo. Mileage is not something that concerns me with these cars, maintenance is. Nick