996 vs 997 Purchase Questions
06-03-2008, 04:00 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
For 60K you should be able to get a real nice 996Turbo, which would be my choice. I agree with the rest, purchase the newest model you desire, that you can afford.
06-03-2008, 04:05 PM
#17
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I've revised my shopping list too and may also have to raise my budget.
What year is a good Turbo? I've seen 2001s and 2002s with high mileage going for 50-60.
E.G.
2002 Grey Turbo w/ 55,183 miles. Asking price 62K.
What year is a good Turbo? I've seen 2001s and 2002s with high mileage going for 50-60.
E.G.
2002 Grey Turbo w/ 55,183 miles. Asking price 62K.
06-03-2008, 05:00 PM
#18
Nordschleife Master
06-04-2008, 12:47 AM
#19
As others have noted, Turbos are actually often more reliable than NA 996 cars due to their using the GT1 block. If you want to learn more about the Turbo cars you may want to check out the 6speed 996 turbo forum. Although I prefer Rennlist for NA discussion, 6speed seems to have a more active turbo subforum.
Many above have recommended the Turbo. I hadn't looked that direction just because I knew the turbos cost a bunch more new - and figured the higher price would trickle down to the used ones as well. My local dealer has an 05 S that's loaded with all the options for 64k - and I think they would drop below $60k...but it has 30k miles, which based on what I've seen is a little high for a 3 year old Porsche.
As for the turbo, would it not be more expensive to maintain, more costly to repair in the future, and potentially more to go wrong? I don't think I need the extra power...but then again....I'm sure it would be fun!
Thanks for all the opinions. I spent about 4 hours last night reading posts in the various forums and have already learned a lot from the group.
One other question comes to mind. I know there are little improvements each year in the models and the typical feeling is to avoid the first year in a series. With that in mind, were there significant changes to be wary of between the '04 996 series and the '05 997 series besides cosmetics that would make it a good idea to jump to a 06 model if I go with the 997?
Grant
As for the turbo, would it not be more expensive to maintain, more costly to repair in the future, and potentially more to go wrong? I don't think I need the extra power...but then again....I'm sure it would be fun!
Thanks for all the opinions. I spent about 4 hours last night reading posts in the various forums and have already learned a lot from the group.
One other question comes to mind. I know there are little improvements each year in the models and the typical feeling is to avoid the first year in a series. With that in mind, were there significant changes to be wary of between the '04 996 series and the '05 997 series besides cosmetics that would make it a good idea to jump to a 06 model if I go with the 997?
Grant
06-04-2008, 12:56 AM
#21
Racer
My dealer let me spend time in a 997 (2007) carerra C2 S and they are very nice drivers.
They have great power N/A and handle well.
For the money I think a used low mileage 997 CS is a good buy.
There is a big difff between a 996 C2 and the 997 S models.
Good Luck
cabman
They have great power N/A and handle well.
For the money I think a used low mileage 997 CS is a good buy.
There is a big difff between a 996 C2 and the 997 S models.
Good Luck
cabman
06-04-2008, 01:01 AM
#22
Three Wheelin'
But with that said I would still pick the 996 turbo for the better motor and just turn the radio WAY up!
06-04-2008, 01:07 AM
#23
Three Wheelin'
If performance upgrades are in your future, I would suggest 996tt, <$2Kin programming and parts will get you meaningful horsepower.
If you don't want modifications to be part of your future, buy a 997S and get as far away from the online Porsche forums as possible. If I were you I'd wait until the new 997 Mk2 cars arrive this summer, as the extra power and what will likely be insane summer gas prices should put pressure on used 997S cars.
If you don't want modifications to be part of your future, buy a 997S and get as far away from the online Porsche forums as possible. If I were you I'd wait until the new 997 Mk2 cars arrive this summer, as the extra power and what will likely be insane summer gas prices should put pressure on used 997S cars.
06-04-2008, 01:27 AM
#24
Track Day
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06-04-2008, 01:35 AM
#25
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If performance upgrades are in your future, I would suggest 996tt, <$2Kin programming and parts will get you meaningful horsepower.
If you don't want modifications to be part of your future, buy a 997S and get as far away from the online Porsche forums as possible. If I were you I'd wait until the new 997 Mk2 cars arrive this summer, as the extra power and what will likely be insane summer gas prices should put pressure on used 997S cars.
If you don't want modifications to be part of your future, buy a 997S and get as far away from the online Porsche forums as possible. If I were you I'd wait until the new 997 Mk2 cars arrive this summer, as the extra power and what will likely be insane summer gas prices should put pressure on used 997S cars.
06-04-2008, 01:36 AM
#26
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06-04-2008, 08:16 PM
#27
Try to drive a 996 and 997 back to back. The cars are very similar in many respects so that's the best way to tell the difference. Viscerally the biggest difference to me is the look of front end, and the way the clutch and gear shift feel.
06-05-2008, 12:22 PM
#29
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From some comments on the 997 forum, it sounds like the 996 doesn't have a very good ride quality compared to the 997. Also the interior is not as nice. I haven't even sat in a 996, so your advice is good to drive the two side by side to compare. The price difference between an 01 996 and a 06 997 is tempting, but not worth it if I am giving up a lot of comfort.
06-05-2008, 09:26 PM
#30
Three Wheelin'
My personal experience is that a 996 on 18s rides more smoothly than a 997 on 19s, stock US suspension to stock US suspension. The 997 sport suspension is a bit stiffer.
If comfort is on the shopping list, you'll lean toward 997 not because of ride quality I imagine but because of interior upgrade. Aside from the interior, the cars have the same performance and ride characteristics. I am not an interior person at all really, so I chose the 996 because of the savings (bought 02 car Porsche Certified, and at the time certified 997s were trading much higher than they are now so the difference was rather substantial).
If comfort is on the shopping list, you'll lean toward 997 not because of ride quality I imagine but because of interior upgrade. Aside from the interior, the cars have the same performance and ride characteristics. I am not an interior person at all really, so I chose the 996 because of the savings (bought 02 car Porsche Certified, and at the time certified 997s were trading much higher than they are now so the difference was rather substantial).