FLGatorM5

Hey folks,

New here and starting my research. Thank you in advance for having me. I've been blessed to own a few cool cars over the last few years and now looking to make a jump into the Porsche world. So far, I've considered the following:
996 TT
997.1 C2/S
997.2 C2/S
Cayman S
718 Cayman S

I've decided that for my first Porsche, and hopefully my last sports car purchase (well, for a little while) that I wanted NA, rear engine, and RWD. All else equal, I would love to have the updated 997.2 and I think I've ruled out the 997.1 C2. However it seems like there is a significant price jump for the Gen 2 C2S's, so much that it seems difficult to justify (mid $40's to $60's ).

So I guess I'm looking for a little advice... Is it worth it to wait (save) for the Gen 2s? And then, worth it for the S?

Thanks!

ltcjmramos

Conventional wisdom is to buy the latest edition that you can afford. But to advise you, what will be its use, daily driver, weekender, track/autocross,... ?Do your own maintenance?

Frankly, even though it seems you've ruled it out, the 996TT is a hell of a value.

FLGatorM5

That's a fair question. This will be my daily, as well as 2-3 HPDE events/yr. And I've never even seen a 911 engine, much less would work on it...Still not even sure if there is one back there.....

Don't get me wrong, the 996TT is still on the wishlist. Just not sure if I'm ready for that yet. I admittedly don't know much about them other than Mezger, boost and AWD.

Fined

My rationale with choosing 997.2 was partially the fact of wanting to use the car as a daily. I figured for the long term it would be a slightly nicer place to be than previous models. mostly talking about the infotainment here.


Trying to decide whether it is worth it or not partially will have to do with what car you're coming from as a daily and partially from what exactly you want out of it. For me.. 100% worth it. My car was old enough to be a great deal, but new enough not to aggravate me with its old ways... as a daily. If I weren't going to use the car daily then an older 911 would've made more sense, financially. I'd actually have just gotten a 964 if that would be the case.

GTS Sully

997.2 C2S or GTS, imo.

Iceter

There's a guy selling a nice looking '09 C4S with 37k miles for $52k right here on this board.

You ought to take a look at his car. VERY nicely optioned.

Darkhorse

I bought a 997.2 C4S Cabriolet in February, 2017. It is exactly what I wanted; I kept saving money while I looked for the right car. In about 12 months I felt I knew enough about the cars and the pricing trends, prices had come down far enough, and my available cash had grown large enough for me to get the 911 I wanted. I count myself as very fortunate that I found the car for sale at that moment. I wish you good fortune in your search, too.

As to your questions, my opinion is that the 997.2 is, and will continue to be, worth 20-25% more than a comparably equipped 997.1, especially the S models. In the beginning, I wanted a 997.2S because they have the new DFI engines. I bought the C4S instead of the C2S because it came with more standard features and I love those hips; she's got a great ***. That aside, I have 385 hp from my 3.8L motor and I love that. I prefer satellite to DVD navigation, the 997.2 comes with a bluetooth phone connection and a microphone that works with the top down.

The 997.2 S contains so many new and improved features that my research gave me all the ammunition I needed to pony up another 25% for the later series car. I believe they will continue to hold this margin for the foreseeable future. The 997.2S may be the last of the 911 sports cars. 991s are more of the grand touring persuasion.

I agree with others that one should buy the newest and nicest 911 one can afford. My advice is to do a lot of research, drive a few cars, and make your decision about which car you will be happier and more comfortable owning for the long term. Then, do what you need to do to get one of those models.

Anyway, that's what worked for me.

FLGatorM5

I'm on my mobile so I can't thank everyone individually, but I really appreciate the advice above.

I don't need a lot of features but I do really want XM, Bluetooth...that and LED tails (call me shallow).

Found an '09 C2 in S. FL that I may call on today.

MCK Engineering still a good place for a PPI in Davie, FL? Searched here and found some positive reviews.

Thanks again gentlemen.

braymond52

I wouldn't rule out a 997.1. You can get one with low miles, great service history/ condition for a lot less $$ than a 997.2. The 997's are super reliable cars and a blast to drive. You could put a lot of miles on it and not lose much to depreciation at this point in time.

okbarnett

if you have a 997.2 3.8 dfi you have essentially the same engine (and PDK)as the 991 had up to thru 2014

Ben Z

When I got my .1 used I could have got a new .2 for another $20K. I eventually put that much into a new engine at 60K miles due to bore scoring...and it's still worth $20K less than a .2. So from my perspective, while I love my car, money-wise I feel like an idiot.

FLGatorM5

Thanks for all the advice.

Picked up a '09 C2 yesterday and drove it home 300 miles!

BER

Congratulations and welcome to the Porsche world!

Give us some details and pictures of your new C2 when you get a chance.

Darkhorse

Congratulations! You are going to love your new Porsche.