vkachl

Hi, newbie here. I am still researching on buying my first porsche, and I have my eyes set on 2011 997 C4. Should I hold out for 2012 991 or get the 997 C4 now?

Probably porsche reserves all the 991 production cars to preferred customers first, so getting 991 in 2012 will be difficult. 991 C4 won't be out for at least another year, like 2013.

racer

Some believe buying the first year of any vehicles production can be risky. The 997 is as well developed as it will ever be. The only drawback to the 997 is the likely rapid depreciation once the new model comes out.

I also would think Porsche will slowly let models out of the factory.. ie, first a C2, then a C4, then cab, then widebody, etc..

brendo

buy a used 997 now. upgrade later when you know in what you want in more detail.

spiderv6

The order book for the 991 is about to open up 'soon', so if you are able to wait a little longer, that would be the wise financial decision to take advantage of the inevitable incentives that will come on the 2011's or the downward price pressure on the older model years.

saeyedoc

Lease a 997 now, for 2 years or so, then get a 991.

Edgy01

Unlike some car manufacturers (e.g., Ferrari), Porsche does not discriminate when it comes to buyers. They're willing to take money from anyone. You will pay top dollar for a 991 Carrera (S) and the biggest issue to me would be the growing pains on a new model. First year cars are generally more problematic than a second and third year production car. Although the 991 will be heavily based upon the 997.2, there will be enough differences to add up as both Porsche and the 991 buyers discover what Porsche's engineering staff failed to consider.

The 997 C4 is an extremely refined and well sorted out car. Don't fall necessarily for the 991 unless you want the 'latest and greatest' from Zuffenhausen.

USMC_DS1

I've owned two 1st production year cars in the pass... both were problematic. I avoid now and try to buy last production year if possible.

PHDX2

I am looking forward to the 991, but I'll wait to pick one up during the second year of production. Dan is spot on regarding the issues that new models sometimes have when they first hit the streets of the real world.

Perhaps consider buying the 997.2 now. Then, look to move into a 991 in a couple of years.

MacaoGP

As I am in the same situation as you vkachl, I would suggest to either get a preowned 997.2 or lease a 2011 (2 years lease) if dealers are willing to give you 15% discount (as the 2012s are on the assembly lines now.) This way, the total cost for these two years of experience will be limited to approx. $27K - $30K before you get a 991.

awai08

I'm with the rest. Get a good deal on a used 997.2 if you want to have a Porsche now. That way, you'll minimize depreciation when you eventually get a 991. You may not want the 991 now, but you invariably will, once the new model rolls out. Works every time!

FWIW, this post has been useful to me also. I salivate at the 991 as well, but will now hold everything steady knowing that the first year is repeatedly more problematic than following years. Thanks, all.

blk on blk

maybe it is just me, but i have the opposite situation with first year vs alst year production runs. Had a 2004 996 that was quite problematic. Sold it and got a 2005 C2S that (knock on something) has been a trouble free daily driver with the exception of a broken shift cable.

Tcc1999

I'm not so sure that the 991's are on the assembly line now. Orders are being taken up to July on the 997 (maybe later but allocations have been given for July). I don't know what this means but it cold be that, as Dan mentioned, the 997 will be produced alongside the 991, and/or that the 991 and 997 will be similar enough to be able to run two production lines simultaneously w/o major re-tooling. FWIW, I went w/ a discounted 2012 997GTS rather than wait on the 991 and pay MSRP for a car that I may or may not really like. I'll wait for any bugs to be sorted out if and when I ever jump to a 991.

saeyedoc

I think he meant that 2012 997's are on the line now, not 991's. Should be able to get a good discount on 2011's.

CodeRed

I would buy a 2009 and then trade it in on a 991 in 2-3 yrs.

jimand7

I just bought a c4s 2011 brand new. I got a good deal and needed AWD and wanted the S. that will probably not be available for at least a year and a half on hte 991 maybe 2 years. Also first year runs are risky, but having thte latest and greatest is sure fun.
If it's all its cracked up to be I w ill buy a 2nd year 991 c4s in 3 years. my .o2c