986 owner thinking about another Porsche.... - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

spinedoc · 04-26-2016, 07:48 AM

I know many of you own more than one Porsche. I currently have a 1998 Boxster but am thinking of getting a second car for the stable. I'm thinking of buying a used 2007-2009 997.

I've always loved the 911, and love the body style of the 997 more than the 996.

A couple of questions though.

1. Is the back seat in a 997 big enough for a 10 year old child?

2. Is IMS failure a concern in the 997? I've read differing opinions. One said the issue was fixed after 2006, while another said it wasn't fixed until 2008?

Just wanted to draw upon all of your experience here.

Mike

Heiko · 04-26-2016, 08:50 AM

I will probably be corrected but I believe the IMS issues are present from 97-08... but in 06 they changed the design so the bearing cant be changed like it could prior to 2006. Only way to change it on MY06-08 is to split the cases on the engine. I would lean towards an 09 if you're going to go to the newer 911. As far as the seat goes; personally I think the back seat is ok for a kid but once they turn 16 they may just want to sit in the driver seat

VGM911 · 04-26-2016, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heiko

I will probably be corrected but I believe the IMS issues are present from 97-08... but in 06 they changed the design so the bearing cant be changed like it could prior to 2006. Only way to change it on MY06-08 is to split the cases on the engine. I would lean towards an 09 if you're going to go to the newer 911. As far as the seat goes; personally I think the back seat is ok for a kid but once they turn 16 they may just want to sit in the driver seat

+1

And by the way, the back seat is best suited for "stuff" that you don't want to carry in the trunk, rather than people. Young kids, however, will fit.

RandallNeighbour · 04-26-2016, 10:34 AM

to be specific, you want a mid year refresh 09 Porsche. That's when they introduced the IMS-less motor (and PDK if I'm not mistaken). Half way through the 09 production cycle is when they introduced a new motor and tranny design.

eremite · 04-26-2016, 11:29 AM

I believe the same applies to the Cayman, right? Model year 2009 would be the earliest to consider to avoid IMS bearing worries. When you say mid-year refresh, does that mean that some of the early 2009 Boxster/Cayman models still had the IMS? And if so, how would you tell? Is there a serial number or other determinant of an IMS bearing-free car?

Porsche9 · 04-26-2016, 11:53 AM

How tall is your 10 year old? My daughter is 20 and is 5'9' but no longer fit at about 11. Once I knew her head could hit the glass it was front seat only so no more family drives in the 911. Take him along when you look at a 911 and have him sit in the back seat to see if he fits and if he does for how much longer. If he tall for his age you may be out of luck.