oronymo

I have around $40k budget to get into a 911 (my first Porsche). After a lot of research I've decided it was better to stretch to $40k to get into a 997 instead of the 996. I have some wiggle room if needed.

Given the reliability issues, performance tweaks, etc. I'm wondering if it's better to get an "S" 997.1 (which I think had very minimal if any IMS issues?) vs a "base" 997.2 (which has the newer engine and better reliability). Because of the performance bump in the .2 generation, on paper they seem pretty comparable, although that ignores suspension and brake upgrades, etc. that come with an S.

I don't need tons of speed, but do prefer better handling and also want to try to maximize long-term value (also considering a Targa if I can afford it).

Suggestions?

(BTW, if this has been discussed elsewhere already, let me know and I'll delete this thread - couldn't find this specifically when searching)

bhvrdr

Given that criteria id get the 997.2. I only did 997.1 because i really wanted a factory aero car and this one dropped in my lap for undrr 40 grand. If you can find a well documented good condition base 997.2 for the same price as a 997.1s with the options you want go for it.

Fined

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...7-2-non-s.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...r-997-1-s.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...-base-car.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...s-997-2-a.html

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...97-2-base.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...97-2-base.html

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...rformance.html

dgjks6

997.2 base.

oronymo

Thanks!

cyclrder

.2 base

porscheconvert

sober_owl

ask yourself what kind of car u want...are u gonna leave it stock or modify?

i pick a base over the s because i had plans to do wheels,suspension,exhaust , brakes, some interior stuff..

so buying the s i would have ended up with same car in the end..

in another note the .2 base has a more modern interior and no ims problems to worry about..

Wpgb

jamesinger

I just made this exact decision based on inventory in the end.

I was also looking at a lot of close to stripper level 997.2 C2 models vs. totally loaded well optioned 997.1 C2S models. I was casually shopping for 2 years, and 1 more year seriously with cash in hand. In the end, I really knew what I wanted, and the first car that really ticked all the boxes was a 997.1 C2S, so it has the 3.8 with a what? 1% IMS failure rate? I don't even think about all that stuff though. I just drive it and have fun.

I think a lot of people on here who have bought used will attest to the fact that, I have something specific in mind and probably 85% of the cars for sale did not even qualify. 10% more would not qualify with closer inspection all before I ever even contacted the seller. The last 5% would usually get a closer look but even most of those would not qualify in the end either. I even went months at a time where I kind of just had given up. So, when one did come up that ticked all the boxes, I swooped on it really fast.

awrryan

DesmoSD

I have a 997.1 C2S and if there is a 997.2 Base for 40K, you better jump on it A$AP.

Carsly

Similar budget a few years ago. After carefully evaluating the 997's I ended up going for...wait for it...a 996TT. It feels lighter, more nimble, fewer electronic ninnies, and breathtakingly quick when the Turbos kick in. Also doesn't hurt that they are going up in value as opposed to 997's which are still going down.

The answer is always Turbo.

DesmoSD

Do you have data to prove this?

Fined

Of course not. A tremendous amount of what gets posted here is fully unsubstantiated info based solely on the car a person owns. To 997.1 owners there is a lot of talk about "why get a 997.2".. to manual gearbox owners its "a PDK is so unreliable" (even though there are almost daily threads about clutch problems)... to Turbo owners.. the mezger engine is the be all end all...

It's just a whole circle jerk of "what I have is objectively better than what you have" even though it really only reflects on keeping yourself happy about how you spent your money, and not objective info at all.