2006 Porsche 911

Porsche 911 997 (Sports), 2004-2013

The Porsche 911 997 was in production from 2004 to 2013. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive sports car range seating two adults.

In an unusual move, Porsche developed the convertible first, reasoning that if that was adequately stiff then the coupe would be even more so. There was a full range; Carrera and Carrera S from 2004, all wheel drive C4 and C4S versions in 2005, Turbo and GT3 for 2006 and the GT2 for 2007. In addition to the coupe and cabriolet models, there was also a Targa variant of the 4 wheel drive models from 2006. Primary differences from the outgoing 996 included a return to oval headlamps, an interior more closely inspired by earlier 911 models and slightly increased power outputs. The S variants of the Carrera and Carrera 4 offered slightly more power through an enlarged engine, as well as sports suspension and exhaust upgrades. Porsche facelifted the 997 for 2009, introducing direct injection and the option of PDK dual clutch transmission. Production ceased in 2013, when Porsche launched the 991.

These are still new enough to be common, so walk away if there are any issues with the car you're viewing. In particular, ask the seller about cylinder bore scoring and whether the IMS bearing has needed replacement. If you can get the car onto a PAWIS computer to check for fault codes, better still. Only buy cars with full histories from dealers and specialists, and ideally buy from a specialist to ensure you have a warranty in case anything breaks soon after purchase.

The Jaguar XKR and BMW 645i make obvious alternatives within a similar price range for the 997 at launch. Porsche also had in house competition from the Audi R8 and - for more expensive 911s - the Lamborghini Gallardo, while the Ferrari F360 Modena and F430 would also have been on the 911 buyer's shopping list. Today these all make good alternatives, while if you want to get hold of a bargain there is little that an early 997 will do that a late 996 will not. Those looking for a more modern experience should try the newer Porsche 991 911.

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