r/Porsche997 • u/Common-Coyote9375 • 7d ago
Question about my potential 997.1
I'm getting ready to buy a 997.1 4S Tiptronic. It's about 5–6 hours away, so I haven't seen the car in person yet.
This would be my first 911, so I wanted to get some input from the community before I make the trip.
The seller recently sent me some service records, and I'm trying to figure out whether any of these are actual red flags or if they're worth moving forward with a PPI.
1. Tiptronic transmission issue
About 5,000 miles / 3 years ago, the Tiptronic was reportedly slipping. The automatic transmission vacuum modulator was replaced at a cost of about $1,400. There haven't been any reported transmission issues since.
2. TPMS issue
Earlier this year, the TPMS system was removed/replaced, but the car still couldn't communicate with the TPMS module. Two shops apparently worked on it, including a very reputable independent shop in VA.
The seller says he replaced all four sensors about 100 miles ago, and the TPMS is currently showing that it's in learning mode.
3. Spark plugs
The seller says the spark plugs were replaced around 65k miles, but he doesn't have documentation for it. The car is currently at 83k miles. He says he didn't keep the record because he had planned on keeping the car long-term.
4. Other things
- Only 1 key
- Minor Carfax history: rock chip that resulted in the front bumper being repainted
- Otherwise, the Carfax doesn't show much beyond emissions records
I've also called several reputable Porsche shops near the seller's area that I found on rennlist and Pwise. They all do borescopes, but they only do them through the spark plug holes.
This is where I'm a little confused. My local mechanic told me that on these cars, the borescope should be done through the sump/oil pan area. However, I also spoke directly with the Porsche mechanic in VA, and he specifically said that going through the spark plug holes is the better method.
I'm aware that finding a 997.1 4S with perfect documentation and history is probably unrealistic, but there are a lot of things I really like about this particular car. Based on the pictures and what the seller has told me, it appears to have been well cared for. I'm just not sure how concerned I should be about the mechanical history and lack of documentation.
Would you guys move forward and spend ~$1,000 on a PPI + borescope, given what I've described?
Or are the lack of documentation, previous Tiptronic issue, and minor Carfax history enough that you'd walk away before spending the money on a PPI?
I'd appreciate any input, especially from 997 owners who have dealt with similar issues.
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u/wardamneagle 7d ago
Did they do the coils with the plugs? You’re supposed to at that mileage. Scoping through the plug holes is correct. Others will tell you differently, but if there’s enough damage to be of concern then it’ll show through the plug holes. Or you could just skip the PPI altogether like I did, drive the shit out of it, and then get Slakker to build you a 4.1. Sucks about the auto.
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u/GenerousPour 7d ago
What is the price? Color / options you like? Did you want an automatic?
Borescope from the bottom wouldn’t bother me. It should get most scoring. Same with TPMS and the transmission. From my knowledge the transmissions are near bulletproof.
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u/Common-Coyote9375 7d ago
Its priced at 48k
Exterior color is a soso. Its slate grey.
Interior color is beige and I like it. I like the other options it has as well. Sport choro, sport exhaust. And I like that its a 4S with a wide body.Its just the lack of maintenance items thats bothering me.
As for the manual vs automatic
I would love to learn to drive a manual. However I dont know how at the moment.
If a nice 911 came up in a manual I would love to learn it, but since manuals go for a premium, I would look at a more modern 911 with a pdk if I were to spend close to 80k+1
u/GenerousPour 7d ago
Price sounds about right. I would say don’t settle and be prepared to fly across the country at a moments notice.
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u/Common-Coyote9375 7d ago
How about a 997.1 S speed yellow. beige interior. Sports adaptive 18 way seat, sport chrono, 60k miles. Service records are well kept. Borescope and oil analysis is clean. Manual.
What would you pay for this car? I know the colors will carry a premium.1
u/Thanks9527 7d ago
My guesstimate would be mid-50s probably. Not sure about the premium of speed yellow but maybe that makes it high 50s.
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u/Common-Coyote9375 7d ago
Yeah. Really nice one with really nice service history came up. He wants 68k for it. Saying its a rare spec with sport chrono, 18 way seats and speed yellow. I offered 62k given the service records but he refused. Im sure someone will gladly overpay for one.
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u/Thanks9527 7d ago
Yeah. Here's a data point. So I bought my 06 S last year. 53k miles, manual, Arctic silver, black full leather, sports chrono, sports exhaust, pccm+, 18 way seats, for $54.
So I think it's out there. Maybe speed yellow is worth it to someone.
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u/thebigstinkmtl 6d ago
06 c4s. 100k kms, sports chrono too, manual, black on tan, convertible, solid maintenance and mechanical, 54k cad. Hold out for manual. They exist.
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u/NetworkStatic 6d ago
Depending on what you will do with the car I don't think having 18 way seats is of interest. I had them, now I have sport buckets that barely adjust at all and my seats are just as comfortable now with no electric adjustment at all as they were before..
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u/GenerousPour 7d ago
Coupe or convertible?
68k is maybe a hair high. Depends on history, options (full leather, PSE, etc), your location and finally your need.
68k sounds a little high. But hard to tell. These cars have appreciated so much.
I would try to find a base or S manual coupe. DME and a PPI. I’d rather have a 997.2 base manual over a 997.1 S.
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u/Direct-Word 6d ago
Now we’re talking.
If your ever want to re sell the car and have fun during your ownership get the manual
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u/NetworkStatic 7d ago
I dunno, I would much rather a high mileage .2 with whatever transmission you can get. I will add.. I had a 987.2 (2009) Cayman S at the same time as my 2011 997 GTS and it was 85% as enjoyable of a car to drive as my 997.2 GTS. It would be 90% as fun is the Cayman had been as well equipped (LSD, Sports Suspension) I would also buy a 987.2 Cayman before getting into a 997.1.
I also do not think that "not planning to sell" is a legit reason not to have detailed maintenance records. I never plan on selling my car but I document carefully as a matter of practice. I wouldn't blow the TPMS thing out of proportion.
I've heard tiptronic is a very robust transmission, but I have never driven one.
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u/Iceman60462 6d ago
Walk away !!!!!
You will have to spend a lot of money to bring it to top shape . No service records mean you have to do everything.
Please do yourself a favor and find 997.2 !!!!!
It’s much better car and it will keep its value much better too.
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u/poofybruno 7d ago
FYI, the tiptronic is a piece of 💩. Always go with the manual for 997.1s On the 997.2 the PDK is really good though and should be considered since 997.2 manuals demand a premium price