Porsche 911 C4S.

Scroll though this section. there was a nice one listed a few weeks ago.

 

Worth noting there is a big difference between 08 and 09 (model year changeover).

 

Keep in mind the 2005 C4S's were still 996s (I own one) so if you are set on a 997+ model eliminate the 2005 as an option - Good Luck - if I hear of anything in the Colorado Porsche world I will ping you - Cheers

 

Along those lines it's also worth noting that 996 and 997 while cosmetically quite different are quite similar mechanically. There's lots to read about IMS bearing failures (more or less addressed by 2006 with a revised bearing) but it's a $2,000 fix for a permanent solution...if addressed before it fails.

Where I'm going with this is that 2003-2005 C4S is arguably the best looking of the 996 generation and a helluva bargain considering the unibody and chassis is almost identical.

That said, I have a 2006 that I daily drive and it's been just awesome. Bought for 1/3 of it's original MSRP with only 20,000 miles on it. Like a new car. Timeless design.

 

Check out Home | Oxford Motorcars They have a 2007 on their website.

 

Another one at Copley Motorcars Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

 

Gator1 - The two cars advertised are targas. Are you considering targa models? As they have their own set of issues, rattles not being the least. I was looking for 996/997 cars for my son and ruled out targas because they all eventually rattle from what I have heard from friends who own them. Also the '09s are a serious up grade to the 997s - no IMS issues, direct injection and PDK (if you want automatic).

 

Not sure what your price point is but the Novenber issue of the PCA magazine Panorama has some 4S/C4S cars listed on pages 140, 141 & 142. Also have you thought about a 996 turbo, similar price to later C4S but no IMS issues on any turbos or GT3 cars. If not a PCA member the local Porsche dealer will likely have the Panorama in their waiting area. The turbos also have "extra power". The 996 turbos start on page 146. Good hunting!

 

That is not so they made a modification but it was not a complete "fix" the after market kit in the Panorama magazine was a complete fix. The fix increased the oiling to the bearing which Porsche did not do in the 06 fix. Porsche changed the bearing in 06 but not the oiling system to the bearing. The "complete fix" came with the '09 base Carrera engines I have discussed the issue with several independent Porsche garages (while recently looking for cars for my son) which are on top of this issue and they all agree the 09 was the first year the problem was entirely solved by Porsche. For this reason my son ended getting a '10 Cerrara. The '10 Carrera base car has 345 hp vs 06 Carrera S/4S with 355 hp and 03 Turbo has 415 hp so the later base cars have similar power and the turbo has even more.
Go back to Gated's posting number #8 and reread his first comment "more or less" this fix completely did not solve the matter. But that said most Porsche independent techs say that only 8 - 10% of the cars have the problem and it is usually cars not driven often, low mileage and often automatic cars. High milage MT cars do not to seem to have the problem as driving seems to keep the bearing well lubricated. So if the car is to be a daily driver likely less of an issue but if a garage queen more of an issue. But in any event the fix, dependent on the model year is $1,500 - $2,000 fix. So either buy around the problem or factor the fix cost into your purchase.

 

Yes he does enjoy the car. He is 31 so hopefully he is not too much of a boy racer especially since he has a family. He wanted a MT but got such a good deal on the PDK car he went for it. Now he loves the PDK. A couple of years ago I drove a new '11 C4S with PDK in Germany and Austria both on the Autoban and the Alps and had great time with some of my other Porsche friends.
I also prefer the looks of the wider rear end of the S/4S body more like a turbo body. I hope you can find exactly the car you are looking for. It took me 15 months to find the '08Ferrari 612 OTO car I was looking for but then half the fun is in the hunting. Good Luck!

 

The Targa's do rattle, but it's an easy fix (cleaning and lubing the tracks), and so do sunroofs, dashes, etc on the other cars, so I wouldn't let that stop you.

The Targas are exceptionally practical, however. They have the rear hatchback, which is great if you use the car as a daily driver- I can fit stuff through the hatchback that I wouldn't otherwise be able to get into the car very easily if at all.

I have a 2009 Targa 4S that I've been using as a daily driver since May when I bought it. It has the PDK, and is just awesome. Reliable, fast, good looking, what more can you ask for.
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Dom,

Neat car I really like the color and the PDK transmission. It was not available when I ordered my last Porsche only Tip.

I have had lots of cars with sunroofs and never a rattle on the sunroofs. That said my 08 Porsche turbo with 27k on the clock has developed a dash rattle but only on very rough roads particularly bridges where road is particularly designed to be rough. It is intermittent I have had my wife with me when it was rattling and we could not locate. You seem to have some experience with rattles, do you have any ideas where the best places are to try. We have of coarse taken everything out of the glove box but that was not the answer. I hate rattles even if intermittent. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Randy

 

Not sure, as I haven't had these rattles on my Targa (yet?). I would suggest going to the Rennlist 997 forum and doing a search on rattles or dash rattle. There should be plenty of threads on the subject.

On edit: here is something I found:

http://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/810181-have-you-got-a-passenger-side-dash-rattle-possible-fix.html

 

Okay. Just pointing out because it is a huge difference for 09+ vs. the other years. Worth it in my opinion because you avoid any risk whatsoever with IMS. Also, even a base carrera 4 (09) will be on par with performance of a 08 (and earlier) carrera s.

You can likely get a base 09 4 (which is also wide) for same price as an 06/07 4s. May be worth considering.

Sorry I don't know of one for sale but if you are going autotrader route, good luck. It will require a lot of patience.

 

Don - Thanks for the info on rattles at Rennlist. I haven't been there for awhile. Will check it out. I have the car in for regular service today and see what the tech's have to say. My dash wasn't exactly like the picture and am a little reluctant to pull things apart.

I read your thread on your hunt for your 09 targa 4S. The hunt really is half the fun of ownership when looking for special cars - not so much if looking for a mini van.