Help me pick my first porsche
11-14-2018, 07:52 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Help me pick my first porsche
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?
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?
Last edited by Rmag911; 11-15-2018 at 01:39 PM.
11-14-2018, 08:37 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
I think what you need to do is go out and drive both of them to see which speaks to you. The 991 is bigger than the 997 and you have lost the hydraulic steering with the 991. The 997 is dated a little with the electronics, but not bad. You will hear this advice “Buy the newest Porsche you can afford”. Good advice, but drive them both and see which fits you and your driving style.
11-14-2018, 08:56 PM
#3
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.
11-14-2018, 10:01 PM
#4
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.
11-14-2018, 10:02 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
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.
11-15-2018, 01:09 AM
#6
The 997 and 991 are totally different cars and you owe it to yourself to drive both before you research further. For me, as an “occasion” car I chose the 997. The dollars were the same and I ponied up for a mint 997.2 C4S coupe/manual with mileage under 15k. I could have easily bought almost any comparable 991 for similar money. I have no regrets. If it were my daily, I would go 991. Newer is not necessarily “better”. It comes down to you use.
11-15-2018, 02:27 AM
#7
Nordschleife Master
The 997 and 991 are totally different cars and you owe it to yourself to drive both before you research further. For me, as an “occasion” car I chose the 997. The dollars were the same and I ponied up for a mint 997.2 C4S coupe/manual with mileage under 15k. I could have easily bought almost any comparable 991 for similar money. I have no regrets. If it were my daily, I would go 991. Newer is not necessarily “better”. It comes down to you use.
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11-15-2018, 08:15 AM
#8
Racer
All great choices. I have owned a 997.1C2, a 997.2S and a 991 base. Although the performance numbers are similar between the 997.2S and the 991, the 997.2S has more usable low end torque and felt noticibly faster to me. The 3.4 in the 991 winds out nicely but struggles a bit a lower speeds. The 997.2S gets my vote.
11-15-2018, 11:44 AM
#9
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
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.
The 997 is smaller and feels so when you drive it, which you'll also appreciate on the track.
11-15-2018, 11:51 AM
#10
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.
The 997 is smaller and feels so when you drive it, which you'll also appreciate on the track.
11-15-2018, 11:53 AM
#11
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
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.
The 997 is smaller and feels so when you drive it, which you'll also appreciate on the track.
11-15-2018, 12:18 PM
#12
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
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.
11-15-2018, 12:21 PM
#13
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
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!
11-15-2018, 12:23 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
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.
