evilfij

Why not track a 993? Other than the lack of nannies, there is nothing stopping you from tracking a stock 993 and having a lot of fun. Sure, you won't be as fast as a 997 or 991, but fastest isn't always the most fun.

R_Rated

lol - the other options are actually cheaper at this point.

NoGaBiker

If you're changing anyway in 2 years, I'd start with a well-depreciated 981S or GTS. Why?

There's a nice emotional "hit" from getting your first Porsche. Mine was with an early Boxster. I was moving over from the Alfa Spyder and modified Miata world. I was tickled with that Boxster. Drove the crap out of it. It kept me very happy for a good while. And as said above, the vast majority of commentators I ever encountered simply said something like, "Nice Porsh, man!"

When I left the mid-engine fold for 911s I had a few of them, including Turbos and a 991 GTS. But none of them gave me that "First Porsche" hit, cuz none of them were my First Porsche. So if you can get that with any Porsche, and you're planning to change anyway, why not enjoy a middie first time around. Who knows, you might like it so much you stay in that camp rather than going 911 anyway. (I just returned to a middie 5 weeks ago. Loving it!)

RichAA

991

I love mine. It's a Carrera, 7sp, low options. My wife likes it too, and we use it a lot. It's worth it to us.

Good luck whatever you decide!

evilfij

Also I think upgrading frequently is overrated. Just get one and hold it. Or hoard vehicles like me.

ipse dixit

Something else to consider.

With a 991.1, it's still possible to get a CPO'd car, which means you get the OEM warranty. Nice to have.

This is not possible with a 997.2

fast1

Each person has their own risk level. When I participate in DE track events, I push my car to nearly 100%, sometimes inadvertently to 101%, and I just don't feel comfortable pushing any 20+year old car that hard. To me a 993 is a great car for the street where you may push it to 80% occasionally. OTH if there were a tech that I really trusted and he gave his OK to a specific 993 for track use, I may reconsider.

NoGaBiker

I wonder if Webber or Van Overbeek or Patrick Long would agree with that assessment?

More likely, you're pushing the combination of You and The Car to 101%. As do I occasionally.

Needsdecaf

There is a problematic shift between 2-3? Huh?

Churchill

Agree with this -- plus in another year you'll have a lot more options when it comes to less-expensive 991S's.

However, if you want a manual and you want to buy now, a 997.2S is a fantastic car. One of the great bargains today, IMHO. It's got the 991S 9A1 motor and almost all of the performance at a significant discount, and it's toward the bottom of the depreciation curve. Would much prefer one over a base 991.

Needsdecaf

I'm gonna go against the grain and say a 997.2 S.

Get the S. You want the torque.

Also, I am finding the 991.1 is slightly less engaging than the 997's I drove. Having said that, the rear seats are far more usable, especially in the cab, and the fit and finish is miles above. But the steering and gearbox in the 997 are just more engaging and the whole car feels lighter and more nimble. The experience will be noticeably more raw than the 991.

RCD

This was my reaction as well. I have never had an issue with the upshift from 2nd to 3rd; in fact, I really like the 7 speed manual overall. I am not saying it is better than the 997 6 speed, but the 7 speed is an excellent manual transmission in its own right.

R_Rated

Greatest bargain today is a 996.

wisky

Buy a nice 996.2 for now and wait until the 991.2's become cheaper .

Penn4S

This is good advice. I've had 997's which I loved and Boxsters for different reasons. In the end you will end up wanting the 911 S. Take a little more time to accumulate funds or shop STG's Hot for Sale for the right car.
As much as I love the 993 I would want one as my second Porsche not my primary one. 991.1 is very reliable and will check all the boxes. Don't settle just to put one in the garage quickly.