997 gen 2 search but maintenance costs has me concerned

[don911]

Sold my 87 Carrera and starting the search for a 997. I'm hoping to find a gen 2 with less than 40k mileage. I've seen some cars with 50k + on the clock. Coming from a very reliable 3.2L, I have reservations about getting into what seems like a complex car that I can't work on myself.

What's everyone's experience with maintenance costs? Is this a DIY car or will I be at the mercy of a shop or dealership for maintenance?\\

Also, any other sources for cars besides autotrader, cars.com, dealerships?

[occb2]

996 and 997 are very easy to do your own work. Brakes and serp belt, water pump, spark plugs and coil packs and stuff like that. Even the clutch is a basic job if you have a lift and a tool that my friend made to hold up the engine on the cross member. If you can spin a wrench you can have a good time with a 997. Ive seen them a lot cheaper that 50,000 but they are the basic Carrera and not an S or C4 or C4s.

Robert

[KNS]

Everything I've read points to the 996/997 being very DIY friendly but you'll probably want a code reader for the OBDII if a check engine light pops up.

I'm considering a 997 in a couple of years. My 993 really has me hooked on the modern suspension and creature comforts. Perhaps I'm getting old but while I love my '84 Carrera it seems a bit primitive. I know I"d regret selling it, though...

[Hunt3R]

I just sold my 86 911 and bought an 05 997S and so far I'm not missing the 3.2 at all. This car seriously is an amazing piece of machinery. From reading up on the forums and talking to people it looks like I'll still be able to do a lot of work myself although I haven't had it but for a couple weeks now so I don't have much experience doing my own maintenance yet. I think tires are going to be the biggest shock in maintenance costs. 295/30/19's are not cheap.

[don911]

Thanks everyone. That makes me feel better about costs....just hoping no major issues. I'm holding out for an S right now. I'm trying to find one with lower mileage and am hoping to get away with $60k or less. I'm not in any hurry so I can hold out for the right car.