I'd be leery too, about a deal on a performance car. If it is an individual car, there will be a problem somewhere. Even if the entire model-year is below what you'd expect, there's likely a reason, as mentioned above.

25,000 miles on a 10 year old Porsche is not un-heard of, but keep in mind that's not likely the same as it would be on a Toyota of the same vintage. Likely harder miles. It's been said a lot already, but when something goes on a car like that, best have some funds set aside. Or room to re-finance your mortgage!

Just throwing it out there (because I know more about this car than most Porsches or even the 370Z yet), but try an Alfa 4C while you're out kicking tires anyway. Not as practical as a modern Porsche (but you wanted the small form-factor non-GT car anyhow), but very pretty, still new enough to be under warranty, more economical to fix (it isn't a FIAT, but it does share parts with other FCA cars - only the labour is typically more at dealerships). Might still be a bit out of your price range, but give one a test drive before you decide.

http://www.zeperfs.com/en/duel1727-4686.htm

The late 2006 and all 2007 and 2008 have a larger single row IMS bearing that has a very low failure rate. It's not something to worry about

997 911 s
 

It's amazing to me how the IMS bearing failures in affected 911's and Boxster/Caymans has been normalized. I have never seen this happen with any other car make. I mean, these are catastrophic engine failures and not just minor breakdowns. What does Porsche do? They wash their hands of it even though they knew it was a "critical" design flaw. Just saying.


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This is the same publication that makes up a reason to write B.S. about our Z's that aren't true. Basically, Jalopnik is an American muscle car publication. They can't relate or understand any other type of car.

Fvck Jalopnik

:iagree: Jalopnik is junk. It's more fake news from more fake journalists.:stirthepot:

So picking up an 07+ would be a fairly safe choice then?

Maybe you should check with the gang on the Porsche forum.

On another note, is Google banned or restricted in NY? Just google it...
https://www.google.ca/?client=safari...07+Porsche+911

I know Jalopnik is frowned upon by many, but it's basically open source information just like this forum. I think that really it's the contributor that makes the difference. From the search results link above, there's a really good Jalopnik article setting out what needs to be done, including parts sources and DIY video here:

Jalopnik - how to own a ridiculously cheap and reliable Porsche 911
It may not be flawless information, but in my mind it presents a great starting point for researching the solutions further (on Porsche forums). Just budget $1,000 to $2,500 to fix the problem Porsche created, and hope the engine does not grenade on the trip home.

Might make for a great investment purchase, if you can get a good enough deal.

Good luck!

An 07 has the larger bearing that has a low low failure rate. It's not something to worry about. It's all well discussed and documented on the various Porsche forums.

Here you go guy's, used Porsche 996 review and opinion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr2dzAZEhk4

So would you choose a used '07-'11 911 with 20k miles over a newer 15+ sport Z or Nismo?

I chose a new '16 Z Sport over a used Porsche. And I would do so, again.

I had an 2010 Nismo and a 2007 C4S, then a CTSV and now a 2009 C4S. I liked the Z but just felt it was underpowered and the engine was harsh and not smooth. The flat 6 in the 911 is much better as is the overall feel with fit and finish. But it should given that the sticker price was 105k. That said the Z is good value for the money it costs. If Nissan would take the Q60S engine and put that in the Z with a manual tranny, then hey it's a winner if the price point makes sense. Or you get a Nismo and TT it.

How did it feel driving a car with the weight over the rear axle? Noticeable in corners? Nerve racking at times when pushing it?

Well it's different and a C2S is different than a C4S. Just remember don't lift and don't lift mid corner, and you will be fine. Lift then brake before the turn then as you enter the turn put the power down..... all the way through the apex. It goes right around. It's never felt nervous to me or twitchy the way the older air cooled ones with no driving nannies I'm told feel. On my test drive the Porsche sales guy kept telling me to push it harder and harder. I wusses out before the car did. Go test drive one.