997 4S is it what it seems?

Hi All, I have been putting a few posts up ad hoc, and had heaps of great advice but still feeling unsure about the next steps. I’ve been unsure whether I post anything further or wait for further information (ppi), but I think if I just put it out there more experienced opinions may further assist the decision process. So, 2006  997 4S, 30,000k’s it is a mates car who’s had it for the past 4 years (he picked it up with 20,000 (1 previous owner), doesn’t drive it much and when it is driven it’s on longer trips not local. I have the car over the weekend to try out and go over it myself. Obviously love it and want it, but this is where I need to try to remove emotion and install common sense. It’s had 3 services in its life at Porsche dealers (10k, 20k and 24k) From what I can tell the last service was 2013 at Brighton. From what I read in the books its 2 years overdue for a major service. Overall the cars in great condition but have picked up the following things myself Front shock strut bushes look shot Potentially front discs Needs new tyres all round Rear engine RHS underneath has oil all over it  like a long term leak, it’s not fresh though. Oil pump? Seems to have  a slight shudder at 106-110kmh If I can agree for all the maintenance things completed (Tyres, Major service, RWC) I was going to book in for a PPI at Nineauto prior to those things being completed, then everything can be addressed all at once? In saying that I reckon he’s up for $10k+ and I’ve negotiated a solid price, not sure how this will fair, but the way I look at it, its getting the car up to scratch and my minimum standard. Question is based on the service history, even though it was done at PCM and Brighton, do I walk away or let the PPI guide me? Will it pick up potential issues associated with the servicing? Thanks all in advance, apologies for the long winded email, but need to throw it all out there to people who will understand my madness. Regards Jonathan.

I think it depends on the price you have negotiated with him. PPI should tell you what the oil leak is.. I don't know 997 but that would be the only thing that would concern me a bit.. someone should be along shortly to tell you to worry about the IMS too.... You've probably picked up more wrong with the car, than what a PPI will tell you. Well done.

Damn that's a fair few problems I wouldn't expect at 30,000 k's. the oil is the one that gets me. shocks, bushings ect, i suppose to. tyres & brakes, yeah understandable. +1 on the negotiated price. I'd do a PPI.

If you value your friendship with the owner, come up with an excuse and walk away.  Good cars are frequent, good friendships are harder to find. If the friendship is dispensable and you're obviously keen on the car, get a thorough PPI done so that you have a fair and objective starting point to commence negotiations. There are a couple of issues with the car that shouldn't be for a car of that mileage so I would say you should be on high alert.

The fact that the car may not have been serviced for 3+ years would concern me.

2006 997 - apparently bore score is a consideration, maybe something to investigate during PPI if you go further with the car. 997.1 MY2006- 3.6 bore score risk (moderate or high - apparent lower incidence may reflect production numbers rather than lower failure rate) MY2006- 3.8 bore score risk (high) From someones input to this thread - I am completely unqualified to comment on the issue, and have no idea what moderate/high actually means in terms of % http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1604937&r=33823791&hm=44268&mid=44268#33823791

Shocks are a bit of a concern considering the km's. 6,000km since the last oil change isn't too terrible, but then again it was 3 years ago so it's not terrible... but worth taking a sample of the oil if you can. Did the gen 1 have a dipstick or was it electronic by then? Check that for an ultra rough guide if it has one. How much oil does it also indicate on the electronic measurement? It will indicate if it's burning oil, you should expect maybe 2-3 bars down from top depending on if they didn't fill it right up.

Thanks guys, he's a good mate known for years in big crew of us.  He had a ppi done when he bought the car, I know k's are genuine. I have spoke to I him about it tonight and he's happy to send it into nineplus and tell them to go over it and advise what's going on. price wise still up for negotiations as i have offered $95k I know he will want a bit more as he will probably have to sink $10k+ into it, but I know I put forward a fair offer and wouldn't go over $100k for this particular car.

I am a 997 C2 S owner with those issues on a very  low mileage car I would walk away ,,something is not right .........Front and Rear Main seals are common failure on M97 engines if the oil has not been changed frequently ,use of incorrect oil and the car not driving regularly they can leak and badly ,,,,,this fix requires engine removal and a lot of coin...........there are hours of reading on the rennlist forum about this issue ... If you can get the car for the right price to allow for all repairs then go for it if your heart is set on it but be prepared to give up the time and cash for the repairs..........personally I would rather look for a sound example ,,,,my feeling is the car has suffered some neglect in the service and maintenance side of thing over its life ,,,,good luck

Good advice above, these aren't uber rare cars, why take a chance? Whenever you go to sell it someone is going to question that early service black mark. isn't the market for a good example 105-110k anyhow? I see a nice car on car sales with 42000 klm for $114k

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Didn't they close a couple of years ago?

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sorry I meant nineauto!

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That makes more sense, I was thinking if he was still using Nineplus, that might explain the absence of recent servicing!

Seems like a LOT wrong for those km's. Cars that are well looked after would have been serviced every year that is more than 10 times to put it in perspective. I know a C2 997.2 for sale with perfect paint, 34,000 km's and 2years Porsche warranty on it! Bit more coin but a much safer buy at $125k... I only buy cars with a warranty now anything else is a BIG risk imo - I know others may not agree but you can be up for $20k on what seems like nothing

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Stu do you have any details on this car? Thanks Jonathan

Hi mate I will PM you tomorrow, it's not officially on the market yet Stu