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Porsche 997: High-Mileage 911 Buyers Guide

The idea of owning a Porsche 997 is a dream for many, but what about one that has 100,000 miles on it? This can turn many off to the purchase - but should it? The following list includes some of the things you should consider when purchasing this type of "used" Porsche, and why it still might make for a good buy.

By Jeffrey Bausch - March 23, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 997 (2005-2012).

If you’re looking to buy Porsche 997, first and foremost, congratulations. This particular line of car is a fantastic continuation of the company’s long-celebrated 911 series. It features many of the classical elements of its predecessors, but with several technological advancements that make it one of the more enjoyable sports cars to drive today. One thing to note about the Porsche 997 is that the manufacturing of the vehicle was discontinued in 2012. This means if you’re looking to buy one, you’re looking to buy a used vehicle. And if you’ve already browsed some online listings, you’ll note there’s a big difference in price between a high-mileage Porsche 997 and one that’s got hardly any miles on it.

So, the obvious question is — what should you consider before buying a high mileage Porsche 997? Short answer — a ton of stuff. Below is a summary of some of the important things you should consider before buying a high-mileage Porsche 997.

Figure 1. Porsche 997.

Maintenance Costs

One thing you should note when considering the purchase of a high-mileage Porsche 997 is that these cars aren’t necessarily worn, they’re enjoyed; that is, the driver who owned the Porsche 997 you’re looking to buy enjoyed putting miles on their car. And so long as you anticipate and budget for repairs/maintenance, there’s nothing wrong with buying a high-mileage Porsche 997 as it was in all likelihood well taken care of through the years.

That being said, you will spend, on average, $1,200-1,500 per year for maintaining a normally used car. There are two things that make up the majority of this budget. An oil change (with filter) each year will cost about $300 at the dealership. Depending on how much you drive, the tires will need to be replaced: budget roughly $1,200 to $1,500 a year for tires (do the math to factor how many miles, tire-type and durability into your calculations).

Some other things that might go when purchasing a well-used Porsche 997 include the clutch ($2,000-3,000), water pump ($1,000), air-oil separator ($1,000), and spark plugs and coil packs ($500). These are, of course, crude estimates. Rule of thumb: dealer will be most expensive for repairs, independent shops will be more budget-friendly, DIY will be cheapest.

One thing that often goes overlooked when buying a used Porsche of any type is if any part of the car has been re-sprayed. This often indicates some sort of damage to the car. If you see any discrepancy in the quality of the car’s paint, don’t hesitate to question it.

Request a Copy of Service Records

If one can’t be provided, take the car to a shop to have a pre-purchase inspection done. It not only helps determine if the car is a good purchase, it can also provide the buyer with some negotiating angles. Some of the things that are checked include the exterior (tires, glass, lights, and body), under the hood (electrical, heating/cooling, radiator, hoses, belts, fluids), build (structure, drive train, suspension), and safety (brakes, airbags, and seat belts).

It’s a minor cost, but will you do a world of good to have it done.

Ask for an Engine Report

You’ll also want to get a DME scan done on the engine to make sure it hasn’t been over-revved and abused. The DME (engine computer) continuously records what the engine is doing. If the driver over-revs the engine AKA tries to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear, but actually finds 1st, the computer will record the split second occurrence, including maximum engine speed, spark timing, air-fuel ratio, etc. Usually most available print outs are described in "Ranges." For example, if a GT3 readout comes back and says the engine has hit Range 5 or 6, it's time to run away, fast. If and when you get the scan completed, confirm the time and date is accurate on it. This ensures the owner isn’t providing you with a dated report.

If the seller refuses this request, you’d be best served to walk away from the purchase. Chances are, he/she is probably trying to hide something wrong with the car (which may be the reason they’re trying to unload it).

Figure 2. DME over-rev readout values for Porsches, 997 included.

Aftermarket Warranty

Finally, while the car might not come with it, you might want to seek an aftermarket warranty to cover anything catastrophic. Some of the best on the market right now include Endurance, Carchex, EasyCare, Geico, and AWA. Shop around, negotiate, and always make sure to read the fine print.

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