My Porsche 997 Ownership - The Bad Bits

[@leegreaves4744]

I own a 997.2 they are magnificent to own and definitely drive, not many 911s are better,the size is perfect ❤.

[@StarHuee]

Just got my 997.2 CS last month love this car so much

[@Ossi1979]

Got myself 997.2 just recently and its a great car. Had couple 981 Caymans in the past and while they are better driving machines for curvy roads, 997 is better daily and GT car.

[@jefflethuman9794]

I have had a turbo s for about 5 years now. Just put some new rubber on her. Love it.

[@waywardriley]

The full leather dash and bits really take these up a notch. Great video!

[@coreyegan6751]

Hardcore enthusiasts know that the 997 is the sweet spot. Peak 911.

[@macbook9084]

My favourite 911 997 timeless elegance glad to here you are keeping it!

[@-Grifter]

Love your car without the rear wing. Personally I think they look better. Each to their own but you made the right choice there

[@johnsamson-snell9558]

You said that an engine rebuild would cost about £12k. Where? I was quoted £20k for a full engine rebuild with the upgraded IMS bearing (including the cross over pipes which always need doing) plus it was going to take almost a year because of the backlog there was due to so many cars needing the same! Basically the 3.4, 3.6 and the 3.8 when they get to over 60k miles and 90k miles will need a full engine rebuild. That’s assuming the IMS hadn’t let go before that requiring a fill rebuild anyway.

[@chrisi3030]

20k I want to know where. I was quoted $39k granted that was a 4.2 long block with all the good stuff plus another $6k to do the swap out. I’m sure I could do it for less than that if I did a short block and did new steel sleeves instead of Nickies and even less if I didn’t punch it out and remained a 3.8 bit that’s still $25k

[@johnsamson-snell9558]

I love, really love the 911-997! But, and it’s a big BUT, my last one had the dreaded bore scoring. It had done just over 90k miles and it developed that tick noise. Sounds like a tappet that needs adjusting but it wasn’t. A bore score confirmed the worst. Problem was that I loved that car! I spent many, many thousands of pounds (£UK) on it keeping it pristine. Anything that needed doing was done. It spent the winters in a specialised (and very expensive) storage unit and I kept the mileage down to less than 1k pa. But that tick was the end. I was quoted close to £20k for a full engine rebuild which was unviable. What really made me angry was that, in the US there was a class action against Porsche which meant most were rebuilt under warranty. Not so here in the UK. I eventually sold my beloved pristine 911 with a tick Easter 2023 for just £12,000. I could have bought it back from the person I sold it to a year later (Easter 2024) for just £9,000 but I didn’t. So, although I still love and covet a 911, I don’t think that I will buy another one unless it has had a full engine rebuild and new IMS fitted. Sorry, Porsche, after owning 5 911’s I’ll not be buying another one. Unless it’s the Taycan (no bore scoring there!)

[@GrahamPatterson-w4j]

Got the same gearbox issues with my 986 Boxter S.

[@wynhughes9072]

Very passionate about your car. Don't sell it because you'll always regret it. As for getting old and driving it. I'm 72 and thinking of buying my first one. Always wanted a 911 since I was driving my old Air-cooled Beetles. It was a natural progression. Love the Red Carrera in the garage❤

[@get-fresh]

I would love to own a 997.2 one day

[@johnsamson-snell9558]

I have moved on to the Jaguar F-Type V8-Supercharged after owning 5 911’s. I still covet another 911 but the Jaguar (despite some issues), is a better car. Just my opinion. I will buy another 911-997 soon and keep both. Best of both worlds.

[@brentpowell7889]

🤔 each to their own I guess, but ran a 2017 F Type R , great in a straight line , however the suspension lacked finesse over B roads and the car felt compromised and unsettled. Had if for year then moved it on, had 6 Porches including 3 911’s , just think the Porsche is a more rounded proposition overall 👍

[@abagley2334]

Great video. However as you are helping to educate folks on Porsche, and 997’s specifically, you should really differentiate between 997.1 and 997.2. 👍🏼

[@nickmulley8737]

This, no mention of the 997.2 feels like it was missed on purpose? It’s clearly the 997 to get and fixed most of these issues. Values and sales are holding there

[@alsatch_]

@@nickmulley8737yeah it was missed on purpose because I don’t have a 997.2. This video was a ‘my ownership’ video. Loads of videos on 997.2’s on KZbin 👍

[@Lou_Kyr]

Great video on 997. I love mine and not had it for long and can't see myself selling it at anytime soon. Please do some more 997 content

[@andygowing9677]

I have a 997.2 and sought out a gen 2 to minimise the bore score angst! I still had a bore score inspection before purchase to be certain. A great car. I am driving my dream and like you, I'd like to think I'll still be driving it when im an old man. Had it 5 years now and its part of the family. As expected, its had some maintenence despite it getting light use, mostly age related issues (condensers, rear shocks, coolant leak and a dual mass flywheel - fortunately the last 2 were under warranty).

[@cascade_Luke]

My 997.2 had bore scoring. Once before I bought it at 6800 miles. And on me in the 60’s. Had a powertrain warranty and full long block replacement. Sold it on its 3rd motor at 68,500 miles. Never again with the 9A1 engine. Problem is the cylinder coating. Best of luck!

[@andygowing9677]

Oh. Cheers. Let's hope i don't have the terrible experience you had. That must be very unusual.

[@eggsandwich4026]

Thanks for your honest opinion on this! I’ve trodden the same oath as you…from 997 to a g body. It would he great to see a video comparing the experience between those two.

[@alanross99]

As a life long 911 fan, and a new 991 owner, I love the way the 997 looks. They are beautiful cars. I chose the 991 over the 997 because of the age of the interior. The 997.2 is better, but still just not modern enough for me. Thus I went with the 991. I will say though the 996/997 are fantastic values. I agree that the IMS bearing issues with the 996 scared me, and since I was never a fan of the 996 headlights, it was a non-starter for me. The 997.2 though was very interesting. The availability of CarPlay upgrades for the PCM would go a long way toward making the interior more modern. In the end, I went with a 991.1 because I felt like I should get the newest car I could afford. That said, I think the 997.2 is an excellent bargain right now, and I wouldn't have hesitated to buy one.

[@warrenlucier5796]

Just need to have an inspection by someone who knows what to look for with the M96/M97 powerplants, and if all is well just go ahead with the purchase. If an engine does need a rebuild there is Hartech in the UK and Raby in the US to make these engines all they wanted to be.

[@lukeskywalker1574]

With the 997, Porsche got it right with the styling - the first time in the oil cooled engine specification.

[@9961BE]

Water

[@davieman3443]

IMS is not so much of an issue with 997s but bore scoring is common on the 3.8. You could supply photographic evidence of the bores when selling the car, however I would say many of them do suffer to a degree and the first signs are a darker left tailpipe. I had the 3.8 over 10 years ago but I was lucky to have Porsche warranty which covered the cost of a new engine. Once the car reached the age where the warranty could not be extended I sold the car. I'm probably one of the few ex911 owners who didn't quite gel with the car. I replaced it with a supercharged Lotus Evora which, in my opinion, is a better car and felt more special. I also have a 987 boxster and also refer the mid engine balance to the 997.

[@simonelliott5956]

You’re absolutely correct on the IMS and bore score issues, it’s not as prevalent as people think and you can have it checked. Great video as always.

[@Razimuth]

Great video, couldn't agree more about the IMS. I currently own a 997.1 Turbo (totally get what you mean about the short shifter), but before that I had a 996 Targa. My 996 was a fantastic car and I spent the money to replace the IMS when I got it, but you know what? The thing was pristine when it came out. Don't worry about the IMS and enjoy the car. In the end my 996 was basically bulletproof. I read the same stuff about the Turbo with the cam spinning and coolant lines. If they go, they go, I'll get it fixed and move on. It may sound harsh, but buying older cars requires us to be committed to maintenance and be fine with that.

[@davidkeeley7287]

Good ownership video Al. It's my dream car and I'm constantly looking on Auto Trader for the 'Right' one. I agree IMS probably not an issue as most have had it upgraded anyway. Bore scoring though is still the one big issue with this model. It seems like all the specialists say the same thing on that. It isn't if it will get scoring, it's when. To get a firm like Hartech to fix is 12k so buying a 30K mint low mileage car then 9 months later a massive 12k bill is the problem. I'll still go for one though in the right colour with right spec (Has to be a 4WD Auto for me) but few for sale at the moment maybe as it's Winter. Hopefully have one for next summer though but not sure I agree they've taken a price hit this year. Entry level for a 2005 to 2007 is still around 25k to 30k which for a near 20 year old car isn't that cheap and as for the £735 road tax don't get me going on that 🤣Keep the videos coming though. PS haven't seen a yellow one for sale in ages and ages so always good to see yours.

[@chrisi3030]

You Brit’s are lucky to have an outfit like Hartech that does the rebuild for $12k. That’s 1/2 price for a basic rebuild in the states.

[@fiddyee9]

I adore my 997.1. Not been rebuilt either and don’t worry also ha. Just enjoy and look after it. Be fine.

[@Ossi1979]

Great video and spot on! In terms of the springs, do you have Eibach Pro-Kit 20mm or 30mm? With or without PASM? I guess in inches we're talking either below (20mm) or above (30mm) inch. The stance looks perfect and just wondering which set you actually have.

[@alsatch_]

It's a 30mm drop.

[@Rednospunk]

997.2 owner here. I had a 993 targa before, but I actually get more thumbs up with my newer car. Maybe because it's aquablue.

[@Trophy_R]

Great video, my GT4 981 is worth every penny

[@DMR777-p5o]

Twice the car for the same price, just get yourself a 981 GTS and live happily ever after

[@michaelanderson7708]

As I'm first, would you buy a car off Ebay unseen if everything looks and sounds good? Cayman 987 so not big money

[@Razimuth]

I think it depends on your situation. If you are ok with unexpected issues and are handy then why not? I personally would rather go for a car that I can see and drive in person even if it costs a bit more.

[@michaelanderson7708]

Thanks , the problem is every car I see is always 300 miles away!

[@alsatch_]

tough one it all depends on you individually, how confident you are that the seller has been honest etc. Each situation is different but I've done it before. There have also been situations where I've not gone ahead because the seller just isn't interested in helping. It makes a massive difference.

[@michaelanderson7708]

Thanks

[@713vinh]

We all know you love this car and the brand in general. Don't worry about the haters, they don't know you like we do. 😎

[@peternichols5974]

Beautiful looking car, one of the best 997 I’ve seen. Keep the videos coming Al 💛

[@marklawrence6433]

Good honest and realistic summary ! 👏

[@dannycanavan2987]

i.d love your 911 satch but need to shift my 94 supra first lol

[@johnsamson-snell9558]

I love, really love the 911-997! But, and it’s a big BUT, my last one had the dreaded bore scoring. It had done just over 90k miles and it developed that tick noise. Sounds like a tappet that needs adjusting but it wasn’t. A bore score confirmed the worst. Problem was that I loved that car! I spent many, many thousands of pounds (£UK) on it keeping it pristine. Anything that needed doing was done. It spent the winters in a specialised (and very expensive) storage unit and I kept the mileage down to less than 1k pa. But that tick was the end. I was quoted close to £20k for a full engine rebuild which was unviable. What really made me angry was that, in the US there was a class action against Porsche which meant most were rebuilt under warranty. Not so here in the UK. I eventually sold my beloved pristine 911 with a tick Easter 2023 for just £12,000. I could have bought it back from the person I sold it to a year later (Easter 2024) for just £9,000 but I didn’t. So, although I still love and covet a 911, I don’t think that I will buy another one unless it has had a full engine rebuild and new IMS fitted. Sorry, Porsche, after owning 5 911’s I’ll not be buying another one. Unless it’s the Taycan (no bore scoring there!)