All,

I've been lurking on the forums for a while (and dreaming of a porsche for longer) and now am in a position to buy my first Porsche. I wanted to get thoughts on my options.

First, here's a little about what I intend to use it for. It'll technically be a daily driver, but I pretty much only drive to the office, which is close by. I also travel a fair amount for work, so I only end up putting about 7k miles per year on my cars. With this purchase, I'd like to get into track driving as a hobby.

My budget: Preferably under $50,000, but I can go up to 55-60 if I really needed to.

Options:
1) 997.2 c2s with around 30-40k miles. I've seen quite a few in the market for around $45-50k. Here's one I am considering.
2) 991.1 c2s with around 60-70k miles. I've seen a few for around $55k. Here is an example I am considering https://bit.ly/2zUYmb7
3) 991.1 base carrera with around 30k miles. I've seen a few for around $50-55k.

My initial inclination is to go with the 997.2. While the base 991 seems comparable in performance to the 997 c2s, I think the stiffer ride from the PASM in the 997 would be better for the track. And I'm worried about the miles on the 991 c2s.

Am I overestimating the mileage issue on the 991 c2s? Would a base 991 Carrera be sufficient for getting into track driving? Is there anything I am missing?

 

 

you really can't go wrong with any of those choices, however I think the 997.2 is a bit more raw than newer cars. That #1 car looks pretty good to me, just get a clear kit to protect the front surfaces. If your in CA you can always fly to LA and drive at the Porsche experience center in the newer cars and get a feel on track, something you really can't do at any dealership.

 

anything from 09 up, and an S. The 991 kept the same 3.8 and PDK. Every year every car is updated and better which goes w/out saying. So the newer the better. keep looking untill you find a perfect car and get a cpo warranty.

 

Can't go wrong with that 997.2. Basalt black (stunning in direct sunlight). Sport seats. Full leather with deviated stitching. Very nice spec. The driver seat bolsters, however, look totally beat.

 

 

Sums it up right there. Totally different feel and look between the two. No matter how much home office research done, the differences are too wide and deep to get a feel for them on a computer screen. The fact that the prices between late 997's and early 991's are closing in or have actually merged says something too.

 

 

997.2 S and make sure whatever you buy has PASM so you can install TPCs DSC module. That will not only make the suspension fully dynamic based on g-force load, but also let you custom tune the 2 profiles to have a very comfortable street car and then a much stiffer and faster reacting track car at the push of a button. Stock PASM has 2 modes also but they're not fully dynamic and can't be customized.

The 997 is smaller and feels so when you drive it, which you'll also appreciate on the track.

 

Is there something similar for the 997.1 regarding the TPC DSC module?

 

Is this the product to which you are referring? link If so, that's a pretty great upgrade for only a grand. thanks for the info!

 

Yes, I have it in my 05 C2S along with Bilstein Damptronics and an RSS Stage 2 suspension kit, but it works with the stock PASM dampeners too. A .1 needs the module and a 3-axis accelerometer (unless it's a turbo), and TPC sells that as well. The . 2s only need the module as the accelerometer is already there from Porsche.

 

Yup, that's the one. It's great enough that when people ask if they should buy a base or an S, I always tell them the S, just so they get PASM, which is the key to entry. Some non-S cars have PASM but it had to be ordered that way, whereas it was standard on the Ss.

 

I'm leaning towards the basalt 997.2, but I noticed on the build sheet it has the p77 manual seats. The dealer listing says it has power seats and driver memory, but that's wrong according to the build sheet. My job requires us to valet every day, so I think I'd go insane with someone messing with my manual seat every day. Anyone know a company that sells OEM power seats? I haven't had much luck finding any.

 

You're going to find a lot of bias in this section, but with that many miles on the 991, my choice would definitely be the 997 C2S