With used Porsche 997s now selling for lower prices, it has become an affordable option to many who are looking for pre-loved cars to own. The prime consideration of buying a used Porsche 997 is really buying a bargain, especially when you’re confronted with the huge price disparity between a brand-new model and a used one.
Buying a used Porsche could also become a very expensive endeavor if you commit some critical blunders and serious mistakes.
Launched in 2004, the 997 is an internal designation for the Porsche 991 model. The most significant changes are both the interior and exterior styling. The model boasts larger 18-inch wheels and other engineering changes that have slightly increased its power.
With its revised engine injection, Porsche 997 models are more powerful than previous models. No wonder that Porsche 997 is the most commercially successful 911 model of all time, with mostly positive reviews from worldwide motoring critics.
Owing to its popularity and well-praised performance, the prices for the second-generation Porsche 997 have remained relatively high. The financial crisis also affected sales of new 911s at the time and so has had an impact on the availability of used cars.
Notwithstanding the high price tag, even for used models, buying a Porsche 997 can give you a great drive that will last for many years, provided it is taken care of and serviced regularly.
However, there are a handful of issues that one must take a careful look at before purchasing a used Porsche 997. Some issues require some special equipment and specifically-trained staff.
Hence, here are some tips that should guide you in buying a used Porsche 997 model, to wit:
Check the Comprehensive Service History
In buying any used car, you need to inquire about the full service history of the car. Preferably, the owner can produce invoices issued for the services and work done on said car. A high-end and high performance car like Porsche needs to be maintained by experts, following the required service regimen.
If there are instances where the car has been serviced by non-specialist garages, it is most likely that the car has not been taken care of well by the owner. This assumption arises because there are certain problems that can be missed by mechanics that were not Porsche-trained.
The service history will tell you what kind of services were performed, the repairs undertaken and the parts replaced. The invoices and service history are particularly useful to prepare for some imminent repairs.
Check if Car is Exposed to Over-Revving
Some car enthusiasts believe the over-revving is a strong indication that a sports car is being driven with the appropriate amount of ardor. However, Porsche takes over-revving seriously, which could result in the invalidation of the car’s manufacturer’s warranties.
The damage to the car’s engine attributed to over-revving might not be readily apparent. Thus, you must be careful in acquiring a used Porsche 997, especially with a unit that has suffered over-revving damage within the last 50 hours.
In fact, the high volume of over-rev events could be a sign that the used Porsche has been overworked throughout its useful life.
IMS Bearing Rule
One of the issues hounding the first-generation Porsche 997 models is the costly IMS bearing failure, which may result in catastrophic engine failure. But in 2006, Porsche corrected such failure with a stronger factory-fitted bearing.
It may pose no problem if you are acquiring a model manufactured in 2007 and onwards, as the bearing is less likely to fail. But if the vehicle is older, one should be more vigilant in checking the car’s bearing.
You need to make it sure that owner has already retrofitted the IMS bearing with a better and highly-effective bearing to avoid problems and failures in the future. If you are not sure as to how and what to look, you would need the assistance of a specialist or a reputable service center like TurboKraft.
Assess the Porsche 997’s Alternator Cable
While Porsche 997 models are excellent with most parts, the model had experienced issues with short battery life and a regular failure to start. This problem has been traced to the original and factory-fitted alternator cable.
This problem has been addressed with replacement of an upgraded cable, which could be fairly an easy job. However, this could be a tricky task which might consume long hours, even for skilled technicians.
If you are planning to purchase a used Porsche 997, TurboKraft can help you do the inspection required to make a good bargain and lessen the risks involved therein. It is important that you do a car check before buying, to make sure that you get the right value for your money.
A reputable service center like TurboKraft has manufacturer-trained technicians and repairmen that has the skills and experience to do the full visual and physical checks.
