r/Porsche997

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.

Which car seats fit in the back of 997?
I'm looking at a convertible and has learned that convertible seat backs are much more angled upright than the coupe.

I searched some rennlist posts, but they are very old and specific car seats can no longer be found.

How are you guys haulding around a (tall) 3 year old?

Does anyone have a front facing car seat that does work for the back seat? Fitting a 3 year old. The top of the Radian 3R makes contact with the roofline; I can’t get it to fit in the car.

Any luck with other models?

Hi,

I just want some input from the current owners of 997.1.
Im looking at a 80k miles 997.1 4S tiptronic.

What has it been like owning one?
Do you wish to upgrade to another 911? or is it all the car you can ask for?

I wish to haul around two toddlers when I get one.
Possibly until they grow out of the backseat.

Any input would be appreciated!