Lot 12817: 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera S

This 2006 Carrera S is from the 997.1 generation, and while it’s a significant improvement over the 996 that preceded it, there are a few known trouble spots to be aware of:

The Big Three:

1. Bore Scoring – This is the one I’d consider most seriously. The 3.8L in the Carrera S is somewhat prone to cylinder bore scoring, which can cause oil consumption, tailpipe smoke, and eventual engine damage. A pre-purchase inspection with a borescope is highly recommended to catch this early.

2. IMS Bearing – Porsche improved the IMS design for the 997, but the 2006-2008 cars still use a similar architecture to the problematic 996. At 80k+ miles, if the original bearing is still in place, you’re in the risky window. Many owners proactively replace it or remove the grease seal as a preventive measure. Ask if this has been addressed.

3. Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leaks – A classic 911 affliction. Oil seepage from the rear main seal is common and not catastrophic, but it’s messy and worth monitoring.

Other items:

• Oil consumption – Related to bore scoring, but some 997s just use a bit of oil. Keep an eye on levels.
• Suspension wear – At 80k miles, expect that control arm bushings, shocks, and mounts may need attention soon.
• Clutch wear – Since this one’s a manual, the clutch could be due depending on how it’s been driven.

The good news? The M97 engine in your car isn’t as troublesome as the M96 in the 996, and Porsche made 190,000+ 997s, so parts and knowledgeable specialists are plentiful.

Has this car had an engine inspection or borescope check to rule out bore scoring? And would you like me to find some comparable 997s with documented service histories?