evilfij

Ain't that the truth. $16k for what looked like a nice one that just sold in the classifieds. The other bargain are the 996 and 997 turbos. I have been looking for the right 997.1 turbo to add to the fleet. Almost bought an 08 turbo cab 6MT with higher miles for under $50k, but it was just not quite right. A triple black cab would be awesome. Given the cost spread between a 997.1 turbo and a 997.2S I would have the turbo.

Churchill

A 996 is indeed a lot of car for the money, assuming you don't mind that it looks like a Toyota Celica. The problem with the "bargain" argument is that a 996 is a great car, and bargain, right up until the moment the engine stumbles. Then it becomes a $16K paperweight. Every 996 engine is a ticking time bomb. I wouldn't go near one at any price.

Dom991.1

I have both a 2013 911S & a 2014 Cayman base, both MT, both Sport Chrono, both PSE, X51 on 911, X73 on Cayman - both are AWESOME to drive, NEVER had a problem with "2nd-3rd" shift on 911 - maybe this is a "red herring" as there are so few out there that it yields more speculation, either that or 2013 was a 'later' build? VERY different rides - there are things that appeal to me about both but the 911 is the superior vehicle but I find the Cayman more "approachable" if that makes sense (maybe because of the more reasonable cost &#128512. Driven both a NEW 911S and the GT4 at the Exprience Center's "Master the Manual" course and preferred the 911 over the GT4 but did NOT feel the need to upgrade to a 2017, just my opinion. All great cars...😀

0302

Wow, way more responses than I expected in 24 hours. I'll try to address all comments and suggestions.

There were a few people that suggested I wait 12 months and keep/track the Golf R. That can't happen because it has already been sold.

There were a few late posters that suggested 996...I'm not interested in going that route for a couple of reasons. I really don't like the interior of those cars. They are really showing their age, and while this would be a third car, I will also be taking it on road trips (different tracks, visit friends, cycling, etc.) and newer technology and comfort is definitely a plus. I also don't want to deal with the paperweight idea. A motor that lets go would definitely ruin my fun for longer than I would like. The Turbo cars are intriguing, but only from a power/speed perspective, and I'm looking for a greater experience than that. I did love that car when it came out, ugly headlights and all.

The 997.2S is most of the performance of the 991, and has a good bit of newer tech and the 9A1 motor. I like the looks of the 997 as well. The fact that it's more visceral is a draw as well. The only negative with it is lack of CPO, and it's starting to age, but that is also good for resale in a couple of years.

To the 993 guys....I'd love to have a 993. I agree with having a 993 as a third car for the street, but not for as many track events as I'd like to do. I went to a local track event and rode in a 993. It was a blast and felt way faster than it actually was. I don't need to be the fastest guy on the track, but I don't think I'd want to put a 993 on the track consistently, especially considering how special that car is in the 911 range.

While we're on the 993 topic, I think that may be my affinity for the 981. It was designed by Hatter, and I must like his design language. It's the first modern non-911 that I've immediately loved.

Other things that make the 991 and 981 appealing is the ability to purchase CPO. I am somewhat risk averse and being able to pass the buck whenever possible is nice.

Things I'm battling with:

Get the 981, have fun learning a different handling platform (mid-engine) and get the 991S that you want in a couple of years and then learn something totally different. That's the beauty of driving right?

Get the 991 base. Start learning the platform I want to master and not waste time with the 981.

I'm going to try to get some seat time in some cars in the coming weeks. Maybe there will be something about one of them I don't like.

Someone asked what price point - <60K. Some of that will be financed.

aggie57

Maybe it's a familiarity thing but I tracked my 997 for 5 years and can't recall one missed upshift.

The other week I did the "master the manual" at the PEC in Carson. In the 991 (a .2 S) had two 2-3 upshifts get 'lost' in the gate. Like there's some sort of 1/2 gate between 3 and 5 that is just enough to trick you into thinking you're actually slotting into 3.

I'm more than happy to accept driver error but point is the system let's you do it and still ain't perfect.

snake eyes

I just jumped myself from 997.2 C4S yesterday to a 991 S and couldn't be happier. The 991 is far superior chassis than the 997...

Of course 991 C2S feels and it is a lot faster than the C4S

michaelp

Thank you all for sharing. I was considering a 997.2 until I found this thread. Hadn't even considered the 991.1, until now. With CPO sounds like an excellent lower risk approach into Porsche ownership.

Now to find a C2S or C4S. Maybe even the base model

JAhmed

IMO, there are no bad choices here.

I own both a 981 Cayman GTS and a 991.2 Carrera. I love them both, but for different reasons. The Cayman is a blast to toss around, while the 911 is more powerful and formidable. The 911 was specified to be my daily, while the 981 is my weekend car. That being said, most of my local friends drive variations of 997.1 and 997.2, and I absolutely love driving them. Compared to the 991, they feel very raw, lithe and engaging...If I was in the OP's position (weekend 911), I'd be hard pressed to look past a 997.2 (older interior or not). The 997.2S combines, for me, the best things about the 991 and 981 platform.

Good luck with your search OP!

WhipE350

You want a 911...ok that is settled. Nothing wrong with a 981 S, that is one fast little car, but your dream is a 911.

The answer is easy to me, get a low miles late model 997.2 S or wait until the 991.2 Base drops in used price. If you like torque skip the 991.1 base. Yes a blast to put bypass pipes on and wind it up but it won't feel like the 997.2 S. And yes it can't be denied the chassis is really nice on 991.1, but if you land a nice 997.2 S you'll still have an awesome 911.

Please go on a lot of test drives.

0302

michaelp

dkmesa

Thanks for the update. I started my search for a 991.1 around the time you started this thread last year. I purchased my 991.1 C2 CPO for a hair under $60k last October. Agate, 7MT, prem plus, PASM, no sunroof (!!). Been thoroughly enjoying driving it daily.

vodkag

Well if the 981 is the 4 cylinder that you are considering...i did say no....IMHO the 4 banger just doesnt feel right....I had a 987.2S, a very well mannered car and loved it

between the 997.2 and the 991.1, I am assuming that both of them are base (non-S) version. If that's the case, then I would go with the 991. But if you are comparing the 997.2S vs the 991.1 base....then I did go with the 997.2S

997.2S is a great car for the track, power is very similar to the 991.1S. very capable....yes it doesnt have the newer tech and interior...and is probably an older car....but if you can find a good condition with good options....you be set :-)

Penn4S

This is very good advice. Don't know your budget as I don't think I saw any numbers from you. I am a fan of both the 997.2 and the 991.1, had a 997 TT and a 991.1 4S. Both great and trouble free. If you are determined to go now and can swing it a 997.2 GTS would be a great pick. Styling of the 997 is right on and the driving is really great.
As much as i like the 991.1 platform I think you will have S envy after owning a short time. The new 991.2 base is very quick but most likely out of your $ zone. Just my thoughts but what Lex said is good advice.

Dan Nagy

I had a 981 and traded for a 991. Both are great cars but very different. I wish to have both. You can't make a bad choice.