Hey guys,
Looking to grab a used 2006 997 and trade in the boxster. Any of you have any suggestions on problem areas to look for etc? What are some of the better forums for Porsche owners?

Any suggestions or comments are welcome! We are somewhat new to Porsches and this would be our first 911

Now the problem is finding one, not many out there.

 

Just from reading around, it looks like these cars are pretty reliable, with the biggest costs coming from tires and regular maintenance. You may want to check around the Porsche forums for similar threads. Good luck with your purchase, those are sweet cars!

 

Think you'd be better off asking in Porsche forums.

 

Thanks guys. Which Porsche forums do you recommend?

 

Rennlist, 6speedonline, rennteam

 

Bingo....

 

Agreed.

Rennlist and planet-9 are also good resources.

 

I will check them out! I'll miss you guys while I'm gone, ha

 

Some of us are there too people there actually own cars lol

 

I owned two 997s and they were very reliable. By and large, the 997 is pretty bulletproof and it is an absolutely fantastic car.

With that said, on older 997s there is a risk of failure on what's known as the intermediate shaft, or IMS. In short, this was reportedly more common on 2005 and older 997s, 2006 and on models had a different design, but any 997.1 model has a risk (albeit small) of IMS failure. The IMS was eliminated completely in the 997.2 facelift, 2009 and on model years. Lots of info on owners forums re this issue, and it's something that most owners have never experienced, but if it happens to your car it can be a catastrophic failure.

Your risk is, I suspect, small - but do be aware of it if you are shopping for a 997.

http://www.imsretrofit.com/ims-101/

 

Thanks for the insight, much appreciated! It sounds like the 2006 and newer 997's are the way to go! We are very excited to find one now!

 

Porsche is usually number two under Lexus for reliability. I think youll be fine , especially since 90% of them on the market are low mileage cars. Good luck and enjoy buddy

 

I have heard of RMS seal and IMS bearing issues and carbon fowling/fuel pump issues in DI engines.

Consumer reports had earlier 997 models with electrical/cooling problems and later models electrical though they don't go into detail.

The PDK trans cost a fortune to replace so make sure it is solid, have a Porsche specialist thoroughly look at the car because parts and labor normally cost a fortune which you know from owning a Boxster. I read they are generally pretty reliable but if something goes bad it can cost a fortune to fix.

I would go on Porsche forums to ask this question.



http://www.callasrennsport.com/tag/porsche/

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...ich-997-a.html

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...on-faults.html

 

These issues (which also apply to the older 986 and 987s) are associated with cars that have been driven hard (tracked) and, I've read, low-mileage cars and cars that have not been serviced properly. When the IMS bearings fail, the engine is instantly wrecked. Does not happen often, but happens enough that Porsche redesigned the engines. If you have a pre-2009 Boxster (especially a 986), you already have this possibility.

So, I recommend a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) to check for accident damage, excessive over-rev and other problems. A good Porsche mechanic should be able to detect signs of IMS problems. Car fax and CPI are not sufficient.

Also, don't rush it. There are plenty of them out there. You should spend some time on the recommended forums and research the car. Learn about the options so you can find one equipped the way you want.

911s are fabulous cars. I want one.

 

Thanks! I've posted recently over on 6speedonline forums for additional advice.