I have been bludgeoned by time and seduced by the dark side. Last night, driving home, I faced the fact that my reactions and coordination just aren't what they were back in my 993 days. What was once second nature I now have to work for and it still isn't the same.

Maybe this is what has been attracting me to the idea of a 993 with tiptronic. But when I drove one, it turned me off, it couldn't make the sale. At the same time the sirens kept singing the praises of the 997 and how it is the new generation of the 993.

So I knew that I really needed to drive a 997 and I stopped by a local indie dealer that has a large variety and also a full service department. I should pick up the car tomorrow. Oh yes...I did test drive it. A one owner MY 2006 Carrera S...3.8 engine, bigger brakes, etc. 67k miles, has had the 60k service, new Pirellis all around, needs nothing. So the money I was going to spend refreshing my 996 suspension is going into buying me this newer car.

And to sooth my aging skills, I took the tiptronic. It is much better than the old 4 speed version and it has the PDK-like feature of being able to downshift instantly even in automatic mode. Yes there is that lag, the tell tail stain of all autos (save pdk)...but I felt very comfortable with the buttons on the steering wheel...it will be fast enough.

Pluses...all of the above and it isn't a 991. And yes...I appreciate how the wider hips make the car look better...less long and more stubby and nasty.

Negatives...I still like the interior of my 996 much better. And I like the black/black of my 996 vs the Slate gray of this 997. And I like the black instrument faces of my 996 vs the white ones in the 997...though I understand I can change those out. And I'll miss knowing I have a real spare tire...though I'll pick up one of the old inflaters and throw it in the frunk.

Yes I'll poke my head in the door here just to see what you are up to. But for the most part I will now be inflicting myself on the paunches and bald heads of the 997 guys.

Best wishes and warmest regards to all...(and watch me grind the 993 guys with this).

 

The 997 CS is an awesome car and the 3.8 is the best part of the S package. I looked at several and they are great cars. Please post pics soon. congrats!

 

So long, JI. I look forward to watching you make heads explode in the 997 forum.

Be sure to replace your lug bolts every 2 years - heat soak from the brakes, you know.

How long did you own the 996? 9 months? Not a record (Groovzilla), but gotta be close...

The 997 crowd is much more likely to enjoy "what are you wearing" threads, BTW. So you've got that going for you. Which is nice.

 

Sound rationale. Curious why you didn't consider the 996TT?

 

It was just a matter of a specific car at a specific time. One owner...more than enough grunt...and I'm leary of tt maintanence.

The tiptronic also means that my wife could drive the car if she ever had to. It has been so long since she drove a stick that I could get her to even try the 996. Now if she has to she can.

 

Congrats John. You know, some people sell their 996s and still hang around.

 

I bought the 996 on September 26. I really hadn't thought of selling it but I was pissed that I wasn't as sharp as I used to be. Then I went for a four mile run yesterday and I had been using a treadmill during the last year but yesterday I went back on a local track. About 7 pm last night my left big toe started to really hurt...enough that it made using the clutch unpleasant. What's the great Clint Eastwood line..."A man has to know his limitations." Well I started thinking about what mine might be...or will become in future years.

I already ordered two extra full sets of lug nuts. I'll change them every 5k with my oil. And I may start using this indie store for service. They had another 06 that they rebuilt the engine on because of the IMS. The engine came with a one year warranty but the idea of the 3.8 and the extra horse power (sort of like Viagra) appealed more to me...particularly with the tiptronic it sort of evens things out.

It has been fun reading your posts. I will be dropping in here a lot because it is the most fun of the RL forums. And I'll contribute when it makes sense.
The nice thing about the 997 forum is that they like the picture of me in the pimp suit. And they use their Rolexes for facial piercings.

Be well.
J

 

I told you that you'd like the 997 if you drove one! Congrats!

 

Congrats John! Curious: Were did you get it from? And KC is right in saying that some folks depart from the 996 but not from the 996 forum. See you soon.

 

My car is perfect in every way Except it insists upon living in SoCA, & I can't fault it for that as I like it here too! However I tire of the constant chore of shifting the 6-speed manual. I will buy a PDK Porsche as soon as I can afford it. Tiptronic is not acceptable to me.

 

Post pics! I think Slate Gray is a great color, but then again, I own a Seal Gray 996.

 

Wow - your presence and conversation here was nice - sorry to see you move along so soon but that car sounds great!

 

You'll get bored with the 997 guys always agreeing with you and be back soon

 

Congratulations and good luck!

 

Congrats and post up a few 997 pics in our 996 forum, lol. We'll miss ya man!