buying 1997 with 30k miles

[eightsandaces]

I have a 1998 with similar mileage, it runs very well, if the car has been looked after that is a true bargain, especially if it has even a few options, hell used motorcycles can reach 10K. Besides a ppi, make sure you check the finish carefully, every seam should be symmetrical, look for any traces of over-spray, observe the finish carefully at multiple angles with a good light source.

PS Get in the car and have someone spray it with a hose check for any leaks.

[jmatta]

Significant number of engine failures due to cracked or slipped cylinder liners

Slipped sleeve or "D-chunk" failures did not occur until the late '98 to '99 models when Porsche ran out of cases and re-sleeved ones they had previously rejected, due to poor casting; you should not see an issue with a '97.

Pay careful attention to the maintenance records, especially oil change intervals. Data suggests frequent changes have helped minimize failures over the extended change intervals Porsche was recommending at the time.

I do not pretend to be an expert; they reside at www.lnegineering.com and www.flat6innnovations.com where there is plenty of good reading.

Good luck if you purchase the car...they are a blast to drive!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by jmatta

Significant number of engine failures due to cracked or slipped cylinder liners

Slipped sleeve or "D-chunk" failures did not occur until the late '98 to '99 models when Porsche ran out of cases and re-sleeved ones they had previously rejected, due to poor casting; you should not see an issue with a '97.

I believe the slipped sleeve issue on the late 98's and 99's is only one cause of a D-chunk failure. D-chunk failures are not unique to just those years also happen on other M96 variants.