Pdutto

I am in the process of selecting and buying my first 911.
Obviously you get quickly overwhelmed by all the options, model etc...so I need your input:

Here is my dilemma - with a budget of roughly $110K, would you buy a
1) New 991
or
2) Used (2011-2012) Turbo/Turbo S?

I know it is a personal choice, but getting some point of views from experienced 911 people is always good.

Thank you!!!
By the way, this forum is the best!
PD

LexVan

For my first Porsche 911 I'd want:

Newest.
Warranty.
Normally aspirated.

Get a low optioned 911 base. New. Pay cash. Enjoy.

Quest911

I would get a new 991, keep it simple and enjoy for couple of years and then if the "go big or go home" was a must, then get a 991 turbo(s)

duxsi

Drive them both. You'll know exactly which one you want...

FrstPorsche

This. I was in the same boat although willing to spend more than you. I didn't car for the 997 interior nor did my wife who drives the car more than me. Coming from an E63 mercedes it seemed very outdated. The 991 is in a whole different league. Much nicer. The sound of the NA6 in the 4s was addicting and made the choice easy. Drive them both and you will come out with a favorite.

Pdutto

Thank you all for the input.
Which one will depreciate faster? New 991 or 2012 turboS?

LexVan

Depends how smart you buy them. But probably the new 991.

duxsi

2012 has obviously already taken its initial depreciation hit.
The turbo will hold its value better over time.

Hammer911

Without doing any research...percentage wise, the new car. In absolute dollars, probably similar.

I have owned a number of 911s, including a Turbo. My current C4S is the first brand new one. Recently took it to the track for the first time and was amazed at the capability of the car (not that I truly approached any limits.) While there is some glamorous aspect to having the hugely overpowered Turbo versus the not as hugely overpowered other 911 models, truth be told the Turbo is overkill. Any of the other models of 991 will be well beyond the driving capabilities of all but a few of us, and I think more enjoyable on a regular, long-term basis.
Separately, IMHO making depreciation a factor in the purchase decision is not the point of a car like this. This decision is all about enjoyment not financial sense, otherwise we would all drive Toyota 4Runners which hold value amazingly well.

chuck911

What Hammer said.
Also when it comes to the 911 the best advice has not changed a bit in many, many years: Buy the newest one you can afford in the best condition you can find. Since your budget includes brand new, well there you go.

Zohan

Obviously do a test drive first

If you go with the turbo your budget should be closer to 100k - 10k allocation for possible repairs. Before ordering my new 991 I looked at some lightly used cars and was surprised by how mauch signs of use you can see at 5 to 10k mi and you don't even know how the the car was driven. Some one who is selling the car after a year or two will now to a proper break in and treat the car like a rented mule. Buying new you get exactly what you want Made my decision easy.

Pdutto

What if the 2011 997 Turbo S was Porsche certified?
Would that remove some of the concerns?

duxsi

I love the way the some folks on these boards advise others to drive the snot out of their cars because that's "the way they're supposed to be driven", but also caution against buying a used 997 because you don't know how it was driven.

Well which is it folks?

Pdutto - a good certified car with an extended warranty can be a great deal. All 911 turbos hold their valve quite well, but the 997 interior seems dated to some (highly subjective of course).
Have an independent inspection if it makes you feel better, but most importantly get what makes you happy. Either way you can't go wrong and it's a nice problem to have, because the rest of the nonsense is just noise.

Like most, I lost ~$20k the minute I drove my "new" 991s off the lot - what sort of genius am I?

Hammer911

Sure, that offers some comfort, but you need to do lots of research on your own. Spend time on the 997 and Turbo fora.

For example: Does the Turbo S have PCCB? (ceramic brakes as indicated by yellow calipers.) While it's unlikely you would ever have to replace the calipers and rotors under normal use, you should be aware that it's about $13k per axle (yes, $26k front and back) to replace the whole setup. Now the depreciation question doesn't matter as much, does it?

Hammer911

The kind that made the right decision for himself, got what he wanted, and loves his car. Brilliant!