Porsche 997 Carrera S buyer's guide: IMS, bore scoring and prices

The 997 Carrera S and 4S are the classic modern 911 recipe. The 997.1 (2005 to 2008) uses the M97 engine; the 997.2 (2009 to 2012) moved to a new direct-injection engine and offered PDK. That engine change is why the two generations are bought differently.

The models at a glance

What they sell for and what is listed

911 Tracker data as of Oct 20, 2026: VIN-checked sales and live US listings. A median is shown only with 5 or more sales or priced listings; the number of sales or listings behind each median is in brackets. What each car sold for, price history and what each option does to the price are on 911 Tracker with a free account.

How to choose

The 997.2 avoids the intermediate-shaft bearing and most of the bore-scoring worry and adds PDK; the 997.1 usually costs less to buy. On a 997.1, budget for the checks below or buy one where they are documented.

Across the 183 cars in this guide whose gearbox we know: Manual 147 (80%), PDK 36 (20%), as of Oct 20, 2026.

Known problems to check

Model-specific issues documented by specialists. None of them means a car is bad; each one is a question to answer before you pay.

• IMS bearing (997.1)

  The M96 and M97 engines in the 996 and 997.1 Carreras use an intermediate-shaft (IMS) bearing that can fail. Many cars have had an upgraded bearing fitted; ask for the invoice. The 997.2 engine has no intermediate shaft.

• Bore scoring (997.1, especially the 3.8 S)

  Cylinder bore scoring is a known M97 issue. A borescope inspection by a specialist is the way to check; blue smoke, a ticking cold start or heavy oil use are warning signs.

• Rear main seal

  Light oil weep between the engine and gearbox is common on M96 and M97 engines. It is often fixed when the clutch is done.

Checks for every car

• Records and ownership

  A continuous service history from a Porsche dealer or a known specialist, and a clean title. Gaps in the records are worth a price conversation, not just a question.

• VIN, options and window sticker

  Match the VIN to the car, the title and the build record. Options are claimed wrongly more often than you might think; decode the VIN before you pay for them.

• Over-rev report (manual cars)

  The engine computer on these cars counts over-rev events by range. A Porsche dealer or specialist can read them with a factory scan tool; higher ranges deserve an explanation.

• Leaks, brakes, tires

  Look under the car for oil and coolant. Measure pads and rotors (carbon-ceramic rotors are expensive), and check tire date codes, not just tread.

• A specialist pre-purchase inspection

  Have a Porsche specialist inspect the car before you commit, ideally with a leak-down or compression test on older engines. It is the cheapest insurance in the hobby.

Go deeper

Each model has its own market report with the full numbers we can publish: 997.1 Carrera S, 997.1 Carrera 4S, 997.2 Carrera S, 997.2 Carrera 4S. Every car we track is on 911 Tracker by VIN.

Own one already? See what yours is worth on the 911 value page or get a firm offer on your 997.1 Carrera S or 997.1 Carrera 4S. Dealers and brokers: see dealer access to off-market cars and auctions.