conflicting info about a '97 Carrera (4S???)

pfloyd1300 · 05-30-2006, 06:50 PM

I'm new to your forum. I've been lurking for a while, but this is my first post.

I've been interested in buying a '97 or '98 Carrera 4S for some time now and I just came across a 1997 Carrera with only 18,000 miles for $40K. It's in excellent condition. The owner (2nd owner) swears it is a 4s, (it's even described that way on the title) but the emblem on the back only reads Carrera, as does the Aluminum door sill plates. Nothing on or in the car says 4s.

Is there any way this Carrera is a 4S?
Can a Carrera be optioned to include AWD without it being a 4S?
Did they make a Carrera 4 that year???
(it's the AWD I'm actually interested in, more so than any other 4S features)

I am told I can call 1-800-PORSCHE and give them the VIN #
and they can tell me. Is this correct? (I'll try it tomorrow).

I am attempting to include a picture of the option codes sticker. I could also post the VIN # if that would help.

Also, there's two codes at the bottom I'm confused about.
one is 09991 which is the "exclusive program". What is that?

and, right before that is 09981 which I couldn't find. Any ideas?

any input will be greatly appreciated.

thanks

kurquhart · 05-30-2006, 08:54 PM

With the help of Adrian Streather, I can decode most of that label.

According to the VIN, it is indeed a 1997 Carrera Coupe, but the VIN range was shared for all four flavors of coupe.

The transmission code narrows it to a Carrera or Carrera S - not AWD.

It is a US car with 6-speed manual transmission, LSD, and ABD.

I can't decode a few of the options, but the most interesting one is 650: Targa roof.

I can't think why they would add a Targa roof to a Carrera, instead of just ordering a Targa, so it might make sense that this is a Carrera S, but the price is too low (should be closer to $60k). I am a bit baffled by this.

Can you tell if it is a wide-body car? Does the rear spoiler have two segments side by side?

911 · 05-30-2006, 11:04 PM

Can you include the pics of the actual car? Things to look for on a C4S are:

* Big Red calipers inside the rims
* Turbo Twists rims (also check tire size: 235/45/18 in the front and 285/35/18 in the rear)
* Turbo front valance

That's interesting that the door sills don't say Carrera 4S on the '97, but it may have been an option that year. But, then again, you said that it does say Carrera. That's a bit odd.

Just curious, what color is the rear Carrera badge? Is it Silver or Black? If you have any other questions, feel free to email them to me. Good luck w/ your search. Btw, like Kris mentions, $40k for a C4S with only 18k miles is way too low. These cars are fetching at least $55k with those miles.

trader220 · 05-31-2006, 05:03 AM

Post a pic of the car and all the questions on whether its a 4 or 4S can be answered in a flash

kurquhart · 05-31-2006, 06:06 AM

The G50-20 transmission eliminates Carrera 4 and 4S - they used the G64-20. So the only question is whether it is a Carrera or Carrera S.

Given the price and badging, I am thinking standard Carrera. But it is still wierd to put a Targa roof on a Carrera...

pfloyd1300 · 05-31-2006, 07:01 AM

thanks all, for your useful info.

here's a rear view picture. (should have taken a few more)

It doesn't have the widebody, as the rear tires are only
250(or 255?)/40/17. (not 18" 280s)

The calipers are black/dark gray, not red.

Finally, I just got off the phone with Porsche and they tell
me it's a Carrera 2.

the transmission info you gave is the clincher for me
(regarding whether or not it is AWD or not)
out of curiousity,
Did they make just the Carrera 4 coupe that year?
If so, what would the badge on the back read?
(I've seen Carrera 4 Cabriolets, which I believe just
say Carrera, I'm I correct on this?)

one more question, if you don't mind:

what do you think a '97 Carrera 2 with 18,000 miles
is worth? (let's say it's in excellent condition w/ no problems)

thanks again!!!

pfloyd1300 · 05-31-2006, 07:28 AM

one more thing, regarding the option code 650.

I'm getting that code coming up as a sunroof, which the car does have, and not a targa.

thanks all,
appreciate your help.

kang · 05-31-2006, 07:29 AM

Well, that's not a targa roof, which makes me wonder if the options sticker is real.

Edit: nevermind, the post above came in while I was writing this one.

mtelliott · 05-31-2006, 07:48 AM

All I know is, I better get a chance to drive it when I'm in for the wedding. Congrats dude. Most excellent. Glad you finally took the plunge.

pfloyd1300 · 10:38 AM

As my friend mtelliott mentioned, I took the plunge just moments ago

Everything else about this car (besides the 4S) has rung true

though it's not a 4S, I guess I can live with a 2

been a dream of mine for quite a while...

InTheAir · 05-31-2006, 10:39 AM

By the way, I know you already bought the car, but to answer your question above--

A Carrera 4 (i.e. AWD) will have a badge that says just that "Carrera 4".....even on Carrera 4 Cabriolets.

911 · 05-31-2006, 03:08 PM

Congrats on your car! IMO, whether or not you got a C2, C4, C4S, C2S, etc., isn't really relevant as you got a fine looking and well cared for 993! Enjoy your car.

kurquhart · 05-31-2006, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pfloyd1300
one more thing, regarding the option code 650.

I'm getting that code coming up as a sunroof, which the car does have, and not a targa.

Yup, I did not notice that 650 is listed twice in Andrian's book: once for Sunroof and once for Targa sliding roof. The same option code obviously can mean different things on different models. Sorry for the confusion.

pfloyd1300 · 06-01-2006, 07:11 AM

kurquhart: no problem, thanks again for your help.

InTheAir: that's a nice looking cabriolet you've got there.

911: you've got that right!!!

I pick her up tomorrow and I can't wait...

revolution993 · 06-07-2006, 09:09 AM

LOOK for the BIG FAT ASS and you will know its a 4s or 2s

carmad · 06-07-2006, 02:49 PM

Here is a list of the options.

Porsche Option Decoder

Code Option Description
09991 manufacture from the exclusive-programme
159 Motor Sound Pkg
220 Locking differential
224 Active Brake Differential
233 Original tires, Pirelli
329 Radio - ?
398 Left outside mirror - electric - plain [Prior to 1996]
398 17 " 5-Spoke Wheels (P205/50ZR17 front, P225/40ZR17 rear) [1996]
398 18" Technology Design Wheels [1997]
437 Comfort seat left
438 Comfort seat right
445 Wheel Rim Caps with Porsche Crest
454 Automatic speed control
490 Hi-Fi sound system
650 Sunroof
692 Remote CD changer (6-disc)
X54 Oval Chrome Exhaust Pipes
X70 Metal Door Sill with Insignia
X71 Aluminum Instrument Dials
X97 Aluminium/leather shift knob
X98 Aluminium/leather parking break handle