Keep in mind the LN bearing is a wear item with - I think - a 40K miles life span or so....
Dunno about you, but my clutches last a hell of a lot longer....
The benefit of the 997.1 with LN bearing is simple: it's cheap ! way cheaper than the 997.2.
As for LN 997.1 vs regular 06-08 997.1, no real numbers to be had... I know that I'd rather avoid both and go 997.2 but $$$..

I think it is a matter of personal comfort level. I was ok with my 996, and I feel better about my 997 which should have the last bearing design.

Production date and ims - Rennlist Discussion Forums

See post #14.

Great Link thx!

The later style M97 IMS appears to be quite reliable. Of course I still have the original IMS in my 986S so your level of panic may vary.

$37k is a good price?

No.

Even with only 31k on the odo?

How about these?

2005 Porsche 911 Carrera - AutoTempest.com

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/683617054/overview/?aff=atempest&CMP=atempest

https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/5989118766.html

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/692853410/overview/?aff=atempest&CMP=atempest

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/693234086/overview/?aff=atempest&CMP=atempest

https://austin.craigslist.org/ctd/6008331908.html

This makes me wonder if anyone would like to trade a 1978SC targa in very good condition for one of those...

They all smell pretty edgy through the ads, (w possible exception of the one in Austin). The thing to learn from those examples is that if that is what mid-20s buys, what can you get for low to mid-30s? That's where I'd be looking. Still not a lot of $$ and should be able to get an actual nice car. :cool:

You could sell your SC and buy a decent 997 these days. Might have to throw in a couple bucks but maybe not?

I'm taking a look at an 05 997 in an hour. I guess I have a PLD (poor life decision) burning a hole in my pocket...

I'm still waiting for 997.2 S models to go below 40k in my area. Where can you find those? Outside of CA I assume.

Here is a $22k 997:
 

Doesn't look bad. :cool:

2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 997

Damn!

I'm sure you could get it for $20k.

I was looking for a friend very recently, and the experience was identical to when I was looking last year:

- Tons of 2005s for relative peanuts, lots of 06-2008 997s for cheap (def 40 or less).
- Very very few 2009-2012 997s for sale (2012 being a half year), very few sticks, almost all black outside, super expensive, generally $50-55K+ despite high miles. And they sell fast !

You argue whatever you will on IMS, personal risk aversion etc... but the market is pretty clearly defined IMO - and that's my experience as a buyer, not a tire kicker...

That is how I ended up in a 991 instead (same price as a decent 997.2 but way lower miles and less tire noise inside). Not saying it's better, depends on the experience you want...No regrets though.

Spending over $55k on a 997.2 is nutty unless it's a damn nice car. For the same money you can pick up a perfect 996TT, nice 997TT, Cayman R, or Boxster Spyder, all of which are far more special and will likely appreciate to some extent. Or grab a 991 for the same or less. For a little bit more you're in 996 GT3 territory.

I totally agree Matt... (for real you can get a 997TT around 55 now? auction maybe?)

Which is why I went 991. I love the 997.2 but it felt "rough", smaller and noisier inside (not the good likd of noise)... Looked some more today, $55K for a 2009 is pretty common... Seems high to me.