CD Article: Porsche 911, 2005-2008

[CD_Editor]

Used Vehicle Review:


Powerful but surprisingly fuel-frugal, the 2005-2008 Porsche 911 models still command decent dollars, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase; he warns to research a few potential problems before you buy, as well.
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[2hondas]

One of my dream cars. 

But damn, all the known problems are engined related. 

[rrocket]

106 of them got ruined in a train wreck, eh?

[Just Bob]

Looks like a beetle, not as good as a Lotus, there you go GD. 

No credit where credit's due, these are fantastic cars, who care where the engine is.  It's just a shame the engine bay doesn't look a little better, it looks like a washing machine inside!





Still, one of my favourite shots... and favourite photoshoots

[rrocket]

Here's the gnarly one my room mate had:





Was pretty fast!

[Jameel]

Here's the gnarly one my room mate had:

Was pretty fast!

^^^... Nice a Gemballa.

[TopGun]

I looked at older 911s before I bought my RX-8.

I found the "fried egg" 996s were the best deal...much cheaper than the much older 993s on account the 993s were the last of the air-cooled generation, and the 996s were pretty ugly outside and the inside.

Reading this article makes me want to go back to the 1987 - 1989...apparently the most solid of the 911s...but really gettin'  up there in age now.

[Just Bob]

I looked at older 911s before I bought my RX-8.

I found the "fried egg" 996s were the best deal...much cheaper than the much older 993s on account the 993s were the last of the air-cooled generation, and the 996s were pretty ugly outside and the inside.

Reading this article makes me want to go back to the 1987 - 1989...apparently the most solid of the 911s...but really gettin'  up there in age now.

Lots of 996's having problems, owners in the UK with silver ones (i.e. commenest colour) are finding them very difficult to sell on, especially in the current climate... A 993 is the better car for sure, I just can't get over the 80's looks though.

[topspd]

One of my dream cars. 

But damn, all the known problems are engined related. 

The problems mentioned in the article are way overblown.  The intermediate shaft problem only affects 2005 cars and only a few have had it happen.  The RMS problem was an issue with the previous model pre 2003 (996) and 2006 and newer cars have an even newer version of the seal that has no problems.

[Demosthenes X]

Fantastic machine.    The 911 Turbo is probably one of my favourite cars on earth.

Actually was looking at a 1993 (IIRC) 911 Turbo over the summer.  Fantastic price, but it was a US import, insurance write-off, and beat...  just not worth the risk in the end.

Still, would have been an awful lot of fun...

[TopGun]

A 993 is the better car for sure, I just can't get over the 80's looks though.

Um...what's wrong the '80's man?!  If I ever get a 993 then can I take out my Miami Vice pastel shirts?

[Honda Owner]

Well, as with most high dollar cars, if you cannot afford a new one, you really can't afford a used one.

Ageless design, though. Kind of useless in a city where one rarely can go above 60 km/h, so I guess I will have to pass on one!

[johngenx]

A 1989-ish 911 is one Porsche that a "mere mortal" could own.  Yes, ownership costs are high, but those older models have tremendous aftermarket sources for parts and clubs have tons of solutions to problems.

The problem that many people have is that the used models are affordable, but they break the bank to buy it.  A $30K Porsche is not a substitute for a $30K Camry.

The trick is to learn to do as much at home as you can, and then find a great indie mechanic.  Oh, and drive it.  911's suffer from sitting.

[Just Bob]

A 993 is the better car for sure, I just can't get over the 80's looks though.

Um...what's wrong the '80's man?!  If I ever get a 993 then can I take out my Miami Vice pastel shirts?

ha ha, and roll up your suit sleeves!

[Railton]

A 1989-ish 911 is one Porsche that a "mere mortal" could own.  Yes, ownership costs are high, but those older models have tremendous aftermarket sources for parts and clubs have tons of solutions to problems.

The problem that many people have is that the used models are affordable, but they break the bank to buy it.  A $30K Porsche is not a substitute for a $30K Camry.

The trick is to learn to do as much at home as you can, and then find a great indie mechanic.  Oh, and drive it.  911's suffer from sitting.

I saw this fellow I know this weekend at his home in Ottawa. He has an '84 Targa and he told me that he's had the motor out of it every Winter for the last six years to fix something or another. He does as much as he can then delivers the block to his Porsche guy then does the install again.
Railton