Rmag911

I've been lurking on the forums for a while (and dreaming of a porsche for longer) and now am in a position to buy my first Porsche. I wanted to get thoughts on my options.

First, here's a little about what I intend to use it for. It'll technically be a daily driver, but I pretty much only drive to the office, which is close by. I also travel a fair amount for work, so I only end up putting about 7k miles per year on my cars. With this purchase, I'd like to get into track driving as a hobby.

My budget: Preferably under $50,000, but I can go up to 55-60 if I really needed to.

Options:
1) 997.2 c2s with around 30-40k miles. I've seen quite a few in the market for around $45-50k. Here's one I am considering.
2) 991.1 c2s with around 60-70k miles. I've seen a few for around $55k. Here is an example I am considering https://bit.ly/2zUYmb7
3) 991.1 base carrera with around 30k miles. I've seen a few for around $50-55k.

My initial inclination is to go with the 997.2. While the base 991 seems comparable in performance to the 997 c2s, I think the stiffer ride from the PASM in the 997 would be better for the track. And I'm worried about the miles on the 991 c2s.

Am I overestimating the mileage issue on the 991 c2s? Would a base 991 Carrera be sufficient for getting into track driving?

thanks!

991carreradriver

My vote would be for the 991 C2, but with SC. These cars are great for the street, track or spirited driving. My guess is that after purchasing your 1st 911, you will want to upgrade. The C2 is a great first step. I think I am qualified to speak as I had a 2014 and 2016. I can't recommend this car enough. It thrives above 4.5k and will not be overwhelmed by any car in its class.

Rmag911

Any sense in waiting until the 992 comes out in hopes of 991 c2s prices dropping?

kahane18

Try a Cayman or a Boxter they cant be beat in the Price/Fun department... Perfect way to start out into the brand

GraSox

vodkag

^ This
I would say either a Cayman GTS (used of course) or the 718S

worf928

Bud Taylor

The proposed purchase price may indicate you have not considered the disposable income necessary to track a Porsche. Go to a PCA club track event and talk to some of the people there who track their Porsche's and try to get an idea of how much they spend yearly on say 5 or 6 track days. Put together a spreadsheet that represents those cost including the necessary equipment (HANS, helmet, suit, etc etc). Contact your local Porsche club to find out when the next event is (you can probably find them on FB). From an income level perspective I would say you need at least 350K a year in income to track a Porsche without it killing your budget for other things. An alternative might be to get a Miata and try tracking that to get your feet wet in relation to cost and the experience. Brakes and tires are $$$ on these cars and you run through them on the track (as well as other way more expensive parts). As a daily driver the 997 is not comparable as the 991 is far superior. As others have said test drive both as well as MT vs PDK. For me the sports chrono "SC" package is a must and the S level or higher is the right amount of HP for a sports car. I would always take a low mileage car over high mileage if you want dependable daily transportation.

vodkag

I think that's based on if you track the car monthly, and doing club racing......I hit the track probably 2-3 times a year and the car is not my DD, I dont have a full suit, since is not required for HPDE ( i do have a helmet) I go through a set of front brakes every 2 years or so. (about 4 track days) and tires about the same (4 track days)

Yes if you are going monthly or every other month....it does get very expensive quickly......but i doubt OP is talking about that level of tracking

Rmag911

Thanks for the info. As additional background, my income exceeds the amount referenced (though I'm relatively young, so it's only recently eclipsed that mark). I like to make big purchases with bonuses and just save/live off base compensation. And I try to save a certain amount of my annual bonus, so I am using the remainder of the bonus to purchase the car this year. I plan on using the excess from next year's bonus to fully invest in track racing.

Rmag911

Exactly. a few times a year initially and then more frequently in the upcoming years.

worf928

Track expenses are cut by roughly 50% if you can do your own brakes (flush and pad/rotor changes.)

vodkag

if you really want a track car, then the Cayman is def a better choice IMO (better bang for your money) I feel that the mid engine cars are a bit more better balanced and behave better on the track. That's my experience with the 987.2 with 10+ days at 3 different tracks.

Yes the cost is also less if you do all the maintenance yourself (as always)

Rmag911

I've definitely heard that from quite a few people. But I intend to use this car as mostly a DD (and need the additional space of the 911) with some track time. In the future, I would definitely like to have a dedicated cayman track car.

WestlakeHorn