DJM Posted 23December, 2012 Report Share Posted 23December, 2012 New to the forum, searched but could not find anything on the topic hence this thread. Having sold my Westfield Clubman, I am now contemplating my first Porsche, a 997 Carrera S coupe manual. I have come across a couple at around $90k but at that price they tend to be UK imports. Australian delivered cars tend to be perhaps $20k more expensive. http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/porsche-911-carrera-2005-13513223?base=1216&vertical=Car&cr=1&eapi=2&__N=1622%204294678014%201246%201252%201247%201282%201216&num=15&silo=Stock&items=%5bMake%3aPORSCHE%2cModel%3a911%20CARRERA%2cBaseEnabledBadge%3aS%5d&sort=%7ePrice The UK cars usually have speedo in kms and a Australian nav disc. Usually they have stamped log book from UK Porsche service centres. I'm assuming remaining spec is pretty much the same whether delivered to UK or Australia. So I am wondering what the downsides might be to buying an imported car? The other question is does Sport Chrono include Sport Exhaust or was that a separate option?. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wasserkuhl Posted 23December, 2012 Report Share Posted 23December, 2012 Hi, and welcome to the Forum! The only drawback that I have seen is that UK imports can and do suffer from bodywork corrosion much more than the Australian Delivered cars. I myself have a UK import Older Carrera 3.0 and its body was largely perfect. I Strongly recommend you have a full PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) done to ascertain its body and mechanical condition. Paying careful attention to the underbody , brake lines and suspension components(for corrosion) The downside is that when you come to sell you will have to pitch the price at 10-20%(perhaps more) below similar Australian delivered cars. Which shouldn't be an issue as you have enjoyed a discount when you bought it. The bottom line is to buy on condition. If the car is in very good condition, has a full history , PPI comes up well and you like the car and driving it (of course) then it should be a no brainer. Sport exhaust was a separate option. *I do recommend you do a search and research the M96(996) and M97(997) inherant engine problems such as IMS failures, Bore scoring, Bore failures, Water pump failures, Oil Pump Failures......... As you are in this price bracket, perhaps you may want to consider a good 996 Series GT3 as the GT cars did not have the M96/M97 series engines. They used the 'Mezger' Six which is a far more robust engine.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugh Posted 24December, 2012 Report Share Posted 24December, 2012 Hi DJM, Welcome to the forum, great to have another member this side of the border (I'm in Frankston South). I too have been watching the 997 prices and noticed a few UK cars at what appears reasonable prices. I agree with Wasserkuhl, condition is the key - so long as you get it for the right money I personally see it as potentially good value. Aus delivered cars are the preference and will always attract a premium, not to say that they necessarily better though. FYI we have a peninsula run organised for the 20th, check out the SMT page - bring the golf along for a run. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 24December, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 24December, 2012 Thanks guys - corrosion is a good one, hadn't thought about that. I had read some stuff about IMS failures etc. I assume tough to identify the potential for these failures even with PPI? Hugh, who do you use for servicing. Are there any worthy workshops down our way or do you need to travel to Richmond to the likes of Weltmeister, Nine Plus etc. Are these the guys to use for PPI? PS here's my clubbie lifting a wheel at Sandown. It has Honda S2000 VTEC drivetrain, 9300rpm, 400hp/tonne, 0-100 in 4 seconds flat. Very fast but potentially deadly! This is now sold and about to exit the garage to make way for the first of hopefully a few Porsches. I thought about a 996 GT3 for similar money ($100 - 120k) to a 997 S but I'm likely to want to use it as a daily driver so 997 S will be more practical. I also prefer the 997 look and interior and I'm unlikely to do much if any track work so the extra performance of a GT3 is perhaps a moot point on the road.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wasserkuhl Posted 24December, 2012 Report Share Posted 24December, 2012 Thanks guys - corrosion is a good one, hadn't thought about that. I had read some stuff about IMS failures etc. I assume tough to identify the potential for these failures even with PPI? Hugh, who do you use for servicing. Are there any worthy workshops down our way or do you need to travel to Richmond to the likes of Weltmeister, Nine Plus etc. Are these the guys to use for PPI? PS here's my clubbie lifting a wheel at Sandown. It has Honda S2000 VTEC drivetrain, 9300rpm, 400hp/tonne, 0-100 in 4 seconds flat. Very fast but potentially deadly! This is now sold and about to exit the garage to make way for the first of hopefully a few Porsches. I thought about a 996 GT3 for similar money ($100 - 120k) to a 997 S but I'm likely to want to use it as a daily driver so 997 S will be more practical. I also prefer the 997 look and interior and I'm unlikely to do much if any track work so the extra performance of a GT3 is perhaps a moot point on the road.. Nine + would do a very thorough PPI, they can, upon request use micro cameras to inspect the Bores via the spark plug holes in search of damage and scoring. If the IMS hasn't been replaced, I would strongly recommend installing the upgraded IMS Kits available from LN Engineering(USA) or Hartech in the UK.(There is a Hartech in Oz as well , no affiliation, see below) Would cost approx $2500 but well worth it to give you piece of mind. As you had a Clubman I naturally thought you'd want to track it! hence the GT3 suggestion. a 997 S 3.8 Manual would be a great car to have as a DD. There is a Porsche specialist in Mordialloc which is < 35ks from you. Adrian Harkin is a genuine enthusiast and Factory Trained Technician, particularly interested in the watercooled Porsches. Give him a Call.... http://www.hartech.com.au/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coastr Posted 24December, 2012 Report Share Posted 24December, 2012 On the uk import, a car this new is probably ok as far as corrosion goes, it can't have had too many owners and has probably been kept relatively well. Just poke your head underneath and look for superficial corrosion on fasteners. As already posted, any import will sell for less than the equivalent aust delivered car. I say this as my dd is a uk import and I know that it is worth less. You may also be restricted with insurance options as many mainstream insurers won't touch an imported car, someone like Shannon's usually will. The car must have been bought in as a personal import due to the year, so check for the yellow compliance sticker somewhere in the engine bay, it should be obvious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugh Posted 24December, 2012 Report Share Posted 24December, 2012 Hi DJM, I use Harrison's RRR in Ferntree Gully and can highly recommend them. In terms of someone closer, I know a few forum members use Jocaro in Braeside - they also have quite a good reputation. On a side note, always have loved the clubmans - sounds like an amazing car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9fan Posted 25December, 2012 Report Share Posted 25December, 2012 Hi DJM, Just wanted to know, what sort of times around Sandown in the clubby ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teknostar Posted 25December, 2012 Report Share Posted 25December, 2012 *I do recommend you do a search and research the M96(996) and M97(997) inherant engine problems such as IMS failures, Bore scoring, Bore failures, Water pump failures, Oil Pump Failures......... If you buy a MY 2006 + 997S, it will have the later IMS part. You can check this from your engine number. Info here http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/997/293354-i-think-i-just-had-ims-failure-5.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wasserkuhl Posted 26December, 2012 Report Share Posted 26December, 2012 If you buy a MY 2006 + 997S, it will have the later IMS part. You can check this from your engine number. Info here http://www.6speedonl...-failure-5.html Indeed, it seems the MY2006 onwards have had less failures of the IMS. Thanks for the Clarity teknostar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niko Posted 26December, 2012 Report Share Posted 26December, 2012 Hugh, who do you use for servicing. Are there any worthy workshops down our way or do you need to travel to Richmond to the likes of Weltmeister, Nine Plus etc. Are these the guys to use for PPI? May I suggest you also keep JOCARO'S in mind as Hugh also mentioned. 61 industrial Drive , Braeside. Calvin on 9587 5664. I have been going there for a couple of years, good service, fair pricing and good clean workshop. No affiliation with them, just happy with what they do with my car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 26December, 2012 Author Report Share Posted 26December, 2012 Hi DJM, Just wanted to know, what sort of times around Sandown in the clubby ? Sandown 1:26 Phillip Island 1:52 Those times are with comfort/road biased suspension setup. Would go faster with track suspension and a skilled driver! There's one home built clubby with a crossflow Ford engine (about half the horsepower of mine) that does 1:47s at PI......! One of the reasons for selling is it is pretty hairy through turn 1 at 180+ with nothing to protect you in the event of an accident. Ran wide there recently which was heart in mouth stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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