Is a 997 Carrera 4 a dependable daily driver

rfaust6024 · 11-04-2015, 05:59 PM

Hello. Anyone out there with a 2006 Carrera 4 who can tell me about them? I just took a test drive in one my friend is selling and really enjoyed the car, the handling and the ease of driving it.
It has an automatic trans, looks like it just came off the showroom and only 50K miles. I really know nothing about them, and even less in regards to the all wheel drive.
Are these good daily drivers? Do they have a good reputation in regards to low maintenance and reliability? What should one look at or have checked out before purchasing?
At around 50K miles, are there any major required maintenance recommendations?
The car would be used as a daily driver, with just normal city driving and some long distance trips.
Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob
Redwood City, Ca

BHP231 · BHP231's Garage

Not sure this will fully answer your question but this link is a very comprehensive description of a year long road test of a 997.
Porsche 911 Carrera: used 997 long-term test review (2015) by CAR Magazine

racer · 11-15-2015, 10:46 AM

IIRC, 2006 cars still had some IMS issues. Beyond that, it should be fine.

clickaustin · clickaustin's Garage

I bought a 2006 Carrera 4 (997.1) about 2 months ago. Same thing, low miles. Check out the 60k mile service details: filters, fluids, brakes, spark plugs, etc.

Plan on doing a water pump and thermostat replacement. There is a common (catastrophic and expensive) coolant manifold failure to check out (see Pelican and Rennlist).

Get the original build list from Stoddard, you can then tell what parts are not original (wheel/tire) or find original options that have been removed (like a missing Nav DVD).

Otherwise, enjoy driving it to its full abilities!

orange260z · orange260z's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by clickaustin

Get the original build list from Stoddard, you can then tell what parts are not original (wheel/tire) or find original options that have been removed (like a missing Nav DVD).

Hi Click, how can I get this "original build list" from Stoddard? Is this something I have to pay for, or can I just punch in the VIN online and generate?

thanks!