Carrera or Carrera S (997). (Purchased!!!!) couple pics in the OP

[lavaheadache]

upon further research the issue looks to be blown out of proportion and really only affects less than 5% of cars or so. Not that it wouldn't suck to happen, but I think I'd roll the dice and get an 05 if it was nice enough.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention as I have a couple more questions to ask the dealer

 

[Vic Vega]

...

 

[halik]

FYI the 2005 997.1 has the older design IMS, you may want to plan for a retrofit

Can't retrofit most of 05+ cars. My car has an 05 motor, the IMS bearing is larger than the opening in the block.

 

[blipblop]

Back on topic, I own a 2009 Cayman Base. I purchased it after driving a Cayman S.

I would highly recommend you drive them both back to back. I have taken my base to a couple of track days and that is when you notice the lack of power compared to the S models.

 

[tweakmonkey]

Yes but the Cayman base has a 2.9 vs 3.4, the 911 base is a 3.6 vs 3.8 (until 2012). Bigger difference in size. Just adding more data to this thread Adding -

I do agree to drive both, I think both the base 911 and Cayman feel less noticeably less sporty than the S, mainly due to the suspension and wheel/tire combos. Bigger wheels and lower profile tires. But you can change this stuff. It's expensive though.

 

[Hugo L.]

McLaren F1. Three seats FTW.

 

[Fritzo]

The S is night and day over the base model. You'll have about 1 second faster 0-60, the best brakes in the world, stiffer suspension, larger tires, and more gears on the transmission. Plus you get more money back on resale.

There's a mantra with Porsche owners: "Get the S"

Also, something to keep in mind, the 06 stereo added MP3 and AUX support, and as mentioned the IMS is improved to prevent failure. I'm eyeing a Cayman for a future purchase myself and I've discounted the 05 for this reason.

 

[Zargon]

You will be sorely disappointed if you're getting a 911 because you think it's got more room in the back. Even putting child seats back and forth would be a huge pain in the ass, I don't think i could do it on my 4S without fucking up the interior. Also the -S cars all come with full leather, which doesn't exactly mix well with kids. Think cleaning sticky stuff from the french seams...


If you have 50K budget, get an M3 sedan / M5.

leather is way better because it cleans alot easier than standard upholstry

 

[Fritzo]

leather is way better because it cleans alot easier than standard upholstry

It does

Also, 911's have back seats in name only---I don't think a car seat would fit back there due to the roof slope.

 

[halik]

leather is way better because it cleans alot easier than standard upholstry

Not exactly, porsche uses semianliline leather, so anything remotely strong will pull the dye right out of it. Also all the french seams are real (obviously), so if you get anything in them, you are boned.

 

[brainhulk]

I like the look of the s better - flared out rear fenders look way cooler

 

[tweakmonkey]

I like the look of the s better - flared out rear fenders look way cooler

Only the 4S and 4 (with 997) have wide body

 

[brainhulk]

Only the 4S and 4 (with 997) have wide body

Oh yeah, that's what I meant. Get the 4s, lol

 

[lavaheadache]

I'm not sure if I want all the complications of an AWD system. Besides, RWD can be so much more rewarding to drive well.

I'm really narrowing it down to a vanilla 997 since S models cost a good deal more which , to me, isn't going to improve my 911 experience. Atleast the first go round anyway =).

I'm going to check this one out tomorrow!

http://www.baliselexus.com/VehicleD...pe_Carrera_997-West_Springfield-MA/2072703773

 

[bolinder]

Not much to add, other than I am jealous. Both cars you linked look very nice. I have been shopping for a while, too, but I will only buy the S. Granted, I am a ways off from buying. Also, I am a sucker for the newest model. Love the 50th Anniversary, but I am sure I will miss it. Good luck.

 

[lavaheadache]

2005 911 carrera has been bought and delivered.

Got lucky, car has a fabspeed exhaust and intake that fabspeed claims 22hp dyno

Pics soon. It is one o the cars linked in the op. The silver one

http://www.baliselexus.com/VehicleD...pe_Carrera_997-West_Springfield-MA/2072703773

 

[Meghan54]

Congrats! Enjoy it!

 

[lavaheadache]

Thanks! Love it. There is a Bird in the oven too. Looks like around May. =) Needed to get the family car squared away.

 

[Fritzo]

I'm both happy for you and hate you out of insane jealousy at the same time.

 

[halik]

2005 911 carrera has been bought and delivered.

Got lucky, car has a fabspeed exhaust and intake that fabspeed claims 22hp dyno

Pics soon. It is one o the cars linked in the op. The silver one

http://www.baliselexus.com/VehicleD...pe_Carrera_997-West_Springfield-MA/2072703773

Check the # on your motor (on the oilpan) to see if you have the early smaller IMS bearing. If so, you should have it replaced with one of the aftermarket versions.

Early 2005 version had the 996 IMS assembly that is fail-prone.

From the pics, your car doesn't have the real leather package, which is actually better when it comes to durability and cleaning (and kids).

 

[Fritzo]

Check the # on your motor (on the oilpan) to see if you have the early smaller IMS bearing. If so, you should have it replaced with one of the aftermarket versions.

Early 2005 version had the 996 IMS assembly that is fail-prone.

From the pics, your car doesn't have the real leather package, which is actually better when it comes to durability and cleaning (and kids).

Do you mean vs. cloth? Leather is 100% easier to clean.

 

[halik]

Do you mean vs. cloth? Leather is 100% easier to clean.

Real leather versus what most manufacturers call "leather" - synthetic material that resembles leather. His car comes with the latter - no stitching on the cluster and dash.

full real leather

 

[Ferzerp]

Does the 911 have the same high-G oiling issue as the cayman of that year range? That is, if you pull too high lateral Gs, you make a nice puff of smoke. It doesn't cause any issue, but it's a little unsightly, and you have to make sure to refill the oil.

 

[Fritzo]

Real leather versus what most manufacturers call "leather" - synthetic material that resembles leather. His car comes with the latter - no stitching on the cluster and dash.

full real leather

Ah. Yes then, "pleather" is much more durable than leather. I think Keith Richard's skin is made out of that stuff.

 

[nerp]

Nice. Now you need to post a pic of yourself doing donuts in it to celebrate.