I'm looking for a 911 Cabrio for $40-50k, maybe $60k on the outside...

there are lots of options out there, several different versions and a couple different chassis as well, even a low mile 01 turbo or a 2012 911 base are in that $ range at the moment ...

Performance is obviously a factor but comfort is as well. I would not want a 'track focused' hard riding version as our streets around here suck...

What should I look for? What should I avoid? For example - I've heard the 996 had a significant engine issue but then have also read how they are a very undervalued and unloved car due to the boxster headlight etc etc... obviously I will have a PPI completed but still I like to know where the problem areas are. I would plan on keeping the car into the 100k mark and beyond so a good lifespan would be preferable to an extra ounce of performance.

Any help is greatly appreciated.


Thanks

Dave

 

Hi Dave. You're in the 991 forum, FYI. 997 is more desirable than the 996, the melted headlights of the 996 didn't go very well with 911 purists and possibly the ugliest 911 ever created. Matter of fact, it almost bankrupted Porsche as 911 sales dropped 25% when it came out. VW had to bail Porsche out.

For your budget, get a 997 C2S or C4S with low miles. Cabs are heavier and add more mechanical problems as the car ages. 911 N/A Flat Six are extremely reliable, no issues keeping the car past 100k miles.

 

It's safe to say that the newer the better apply usually and the longer you can stay out of the shop the happier you will be. That said I really liked my 997.2 base very much. I think that the simplicity of the car was great for longevity and there were no bugs or gremlins that I knew of.

To me the 996 hasn't aged well. I wouldn't consider one because the repairs may exceed the book value in some cases and many will end up at the junk yards.

The chassis development of the 991 was very substantial. They managed to filter out the rear engine feel and the handling is super car like.

 

Always go for the newest, lowest mileage example you can afford. Looks like you have some more research to do.

 

Sorry if I posted in the wrong forum, wasn't sure where to head with this since I'm inquiring about multiple versions.

It looks like my best bet would be an 09 or later (after direct injection etc), I'm seeing these fall into my budget with around 40-50k miles. So a 09 carrera S would be preferable to an 01 Turbo for example? Performance numbers are pretty close anyway....

What kind of lifespan does a daily driver usually get out of a clutch? The automatic transmission offered, is it any good? Again I don't really do any racing, just spirited driving so to speak. Am I going to hate the auto like I do the slow slushboxes mercedes have that shift when 'they get around to it?...? Should I just look for a PDK one and be done with it?

 

So here you go, certified at a Porsche dealerships. There's 18 CPO's listed on Cars.com. When I started looking, I went to my dealership and told him what I was looking to buy. (However, I ended up just getting something new).

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...1208/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...9393/overview/

 

+1

 

Clutch life will vary greatly by previous owner.

If you're considering an auto...PDK all the way. It's awesome (and I'm saying that as a manual owner).

Stick with an '09 through '11 (some '12's are still 997.2's so include those in your search) S Cab or 4S Cab. There are plenty around in your budget. Just keep searching and you will find.

Head over to the 997 forum and you'll get more info on what to avoid and what to look for. Personally, I would not go for a 997.1 because of the engine upgrade and the infotainment upgrade. You can get a good car for $50k.

 

Depends... the old turbos have mezger engines. Are you going to mod and go for big power? Older turbos would be way better.

More of a suspension and handling driver that wants a really fun sports car? A Non turbo may be the ticket and nothing will sound as good as an NA flat 6!

Performance capabilities are very, very different when you start tinkering.

09+ the PDK is fantastic

Really- you need to drive a few things in your price range. The options and variables are endless on these cars and cause significant price swings with a lot of overlap between models. If you want a 991 then surfing the Hot For sale thread would be a good place to start gauging the 991 values. Car Gurus is also pretty good for web/window shopping and getting a feel for prices.

 

again - I'd debate that it depends... You can get a killer 997.1S for 35K that would be an amazing car to drive. So long as the IMS has been addressed... a 997.1 - hell, even a sorted 996 is still a great car and the general public can't tell a 993 to a 991.

This is one of the reasons I love the brand. Most demographics can obtain a really fantastic [REAL] german sports car of some kind within their budget. Remember that non HD trucks are going to 55K + nowadays!

Who cares about the infotainment in a Porsche? Our 991's will soon appear primitive in relation to the next Gen.