0302

I have received approval from my wife that I can purchase my first Porsche. I've been wanting a 911 since my pre-teen years when the 993 was introduced. Fast forward to today and I've been contemplating what to buy.

I've always wanted a 911. We can comfortably afford a 997.2 S, or a 991.1 base. My intent for the car is weekend drives and 2-4 track events per year. While I would like a 991 S, it's just too much of a stretch and still be able to do track events. The issue is that nice 981 S models also fit in this price range. I didn't want a Cayman, but the appeal of having a newer car, that is still very capable is intriguing. We do not have kids, and don't plan to for the next 2-3 years, and she has said that if we had kids, I could sell the 981, and get a 911 for back seats. I feel in the next 2-3 years, I will comfortably get into a 991 S. In other words, this first car is likely my second gateway drug...the first gateway drug having been attending a PCA track event in my Golf R.

What should I get? I'm asking in the 991 forum because I feel it is the most likely area where members have had all 3 cars and could give solid feedback.

Other things of note:

This will be a third car. I have a company vehicle and she has a daily. it will likely see 5-8k miles a year.
I'm only looking at manual transmission cars. I know that PDK is better, but I want to be inferior.
I'm mechanically competent enough to change oil, plugs, brakes, etc.
I live in the midwest, and will likely get winter tires....just in case I want to take it out in the cold.
Most recent cars - '13 Golf R - Just sold, '12 GTI, '06 64

ipse dixit

That basically takes the 981 out of the running.

Between the 997.2 and 991.1, I'd opt for the 991. New chassis, better motor, and a better MT (in my opinion anyway). Only downside is if you prefer hydraulic steering, the 991 is electric, but it is a mighty fine electric setup.

My vote goes to the 991.1

Ssgoku

991.1 for the win!! I have both a 981 Base Boxster with PDK and a 991.1S with manual. I always get excited to drive the 991, but don't have the same feeling with the Boxster.

BlackBeauty

On the 991.1 manual the upshift between second and third gear is problematic. Porsche fixed this with the GTS and and later cars, plus the gears are tall for the street since it shares its gearing with the PDK. I've had both series and clearly the 991 is more comfortable, faster and refined, but I think the 997 has a better MT - six vs. seven gears and with hydraulic steering is going to give you a different driving experience. Drive both, there's a reason why the secondary market is so strong- it's been said before but it's true, sometimes Porsche's biggest competitor is itself.

ace37

997.2. Better steering, more visceral to drive, and I liked the transmission pretty well after adding the short shifter. You may also recover more of your purchase price after resale.

If it were a DD I'd say 991.

DerekS

I've almost had all three! 991.1, 997.2 and 987.

Boxster/911 is really something you need to experience - drive both and compare the feel as they are very different. I consider both excellent and can't give a winner.

As far as 911's go...my 991.1 is sadly my least favorite Porsche, and my most expensive. I've had a lot of rattle issues during ownership as well as some minor warranty-covered failures. I think because it costs so much I am less forgiving of its faults.

That said, my 997.2 was bulletproof and silent. And it actually felt faster than my Targa due to 2WD.

Dennis C

991 is the right choice. While the 997 was a great car 5 - 10 years ago, it will feel very outdated compared to a 991 or a 981. The 991 is lighter, faster, more comfortable, and simply better in all the ways that matter.

evilfij

If your dream was a 993, get a 993.

Especially as a gateway drug, a 991.1 will lose a lot of value over the next few years, a 993 is probably fully depreciated (although market fluxuations may cause a drop in value). Same with the 997.2 and 981. They still have a ways to depreciate.

As a third car, something like a 993 is perfect as you can fix and maintain it. Not that can't be done with a 991.1, but it is more complicated.

tstafford

This is true. I've owned many, many Porsches but never a 993 and the itch is still there.

However OP says he wants to do 2-4 track days a year. I wouldn't want to track an unmodified 993 (or any other 20 year old car).

STG

+991

* See the "Hot for Sale" stickie thread on top of this forum page. Once you look, you're hooked.

LexVan

Save additional funds for 12 more months, and buy a 991S. Continue to track/paly with the Golf R.

Hurricane

What price range are you looking at?

R_Rated

All very different and very cool.

If you want a manual then 6 speed > 7 speed.

Cayman will feel more like a toy, 997 will be the most engaging and 991 will be the fastest and most planted on a track. Lay people won't be able to discriminate what Porsche it is regardless of what you pick.

Hurricane

Ain't that the truth!

R_Rated

Also add that if you want to use the car for weekend getaways then the 991.1 is substantially more refined than the others yet less so than your golf r.