snaphappy

I've been saving for a 997 TT for years. But I'm never going to make it. It was silly of me to get infatuated with a car so far out of my budget.

So I'm going to pursue a 997.1 C4S (hopefully with Turbo wheels) so I'll get the wide hips. It's a good compromise and I'll still be extremely happy.

But I'm struggling to find a C4S with the options I want. I haven't been looking long, just two weeks, so I probably just need to be patient.

I am finding 997.2 C4 models though, which means PDK and new engine (it's called the 9A1 right?) Oh and updated interior!

So if you had to pick between 997.2 C4 and 997.1 C4S which would you choose?

Kuhl997.2!

Lots of threads comparing 997.1 vs 997.2. Most would agree both iterations are some of Porsche’s best work, but the .2 a better car in almost all respects

snaphappy

But is the .2 better if it's not an S? Likely to have no Sport Chrono, which means no Sport mode, which effects brakes, pedal feel, ride, cornering, exhaust, launch control, and probably other things I don't know about.

Ideally I'll find a .2 S but if I do it might just be out of my budget. We'll see.

street rod

The 997.2 C4 has only 10 less hp than the 997.1 C4S so they are very close in that respect. Then add in all the engine and interior upgrades to the 997.2 and I think that makes it a better choice. However the .1 C4S is a beautiful car so if you got a better deal on that model you really can't go wrong with either. And yes 9A1 is correct.

jeebus31

What's your budget? Any must-haves? Do you need a garage queen, daily driver, or something in between? Do you like to turn your own wrench or get everything done at a dealer?

snaphappy

I'm hoping like $39k but for the right car I might be willing to go up to $44k. I've seen several that are close to what I want for $35ish. As far as driving, I do about 6000 miles a year, I drive 1-4 times a week probably, short distances mostly. I do turn my own wrenches on basic things, such as brakes, AC, alternators, stuff like that. I suck at electric/under the dash stuff.

My dream car is a 4S cab, black w/sand or natural leather, really really want full leather. I want Turbo wheels, but I'll get those later if necessary. Also want under 70k miles. That way I'll probably never reach 100k. Either transmission is fine. I've driven a stick shift for the last 7 years. So an auto might be kinda nice. I don't care about how bad the tiptronic is, but PDK sounds VERY exciting! Manual is great too! The main reason I kinda want to skip the manual = clutch replacement. Autos seem pretty bulletproof.

jeebus31

Good plan. You can get a nice cabrio 997.1 4S or a higher mileage 997.2 for 44k if you’re patient. The only issue is that you say the majority of your trips are short, which can be troublesome for these engines (mostly the .1).

T4S

I'd do your best to get into a .2
4S are sweet - that's all I can say.

snaphappy

I’m finding .2 like this: http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1ece0136

Non-S. No Sport Chrono. So no launch control, no sport mode, no S brakes, etc...

I think I’d prefer a 997.1 4S

But that’s why I wanted to get input from you guys

alexb76

I have 997.1 C4S and cannot be happier. It has the upgraded engine, great brakes, performance, exhaust note (997.2 has muted exhaust/engine), and it does all I want it to do. However, 997.2 would provide you with (a) PDK not available in .1, (b) Better electronics (c) more refinements in looks, and newer engine.

So, as I've suggested in the past, if you want Auto, 997.2 is the only option, if you care about GPS, BT and phone integration, 997.2 (997.1 needs aftermarket), but otherwise, I'd pick the C4S 997.1 if all other options, color, features were the same. Usually "S" cars come better equipped and those non-S brakes in black just doesn't do it for me!

motown12

You mentioned your dream car was a black cab. When I was looking a few months ago, it seems like those were for sale everywhere around Southern California. Many were in extremely nice condition with pretty low mileage. I was new to the P car, so I was surprised that so many cabs that were priced higher than coupes when new, were going for much less now. I remember thinking to myself it's too bad I didn't want a cab, especially in black because there was so many to choose from at really good prices.

MexicoBlueTurboS

There's nothing wrong with that car and a lot to like - you will be very happy to drive it everyday and who gives an f it isn't an S or has all of those other things that will help you destroy it in short order. (launch control) If you want to do impressive burnouts get a Mustang or Camaro.

Figure your all in price - including getting all of the maintenance up to date (time and mileage), extended warranty (you want to enjoy it worry free), sales tax, PPI and other acquisition costs. etc.

Without trying to rattle anyone's cage - my preference would be for the PDK 997.2 for some of the reasons you've mentioned above. The PDK cab non S is probably your most realistic entrance.

Last but not least - think over the long term - this is America - there's probably something you could do to earn a little extra money or reduce your spending (cigarettes, coffee, lunches out) any of these might make a 997.2 S within your budget when stretched out over a few years.

But here's the thing, I have also been looking for a 997.2 S PDK cab lately with full leather and some other options and not finding any good examples under 65K - which crosses over to some 997.1 Mezger Turbos that come in at the range and might be more desirable if they've had the needed fixes already done.

If I were you I'd get very serious about the black cab you've found - looks like a solid deal from a private seller.

Petza914

My brother just bought a 997.2 S cab. He didnt care whether it was a 2S or a 4S and ended up with a 2S. I can tell you that 4S CAB Manual cars with lower mileage aren't in the price range you mentioned. Even with normal options 2Ss we're above $50k and 4Ss in the upper $50s and low $60s with some overpriced into the $70s putting you into 997.1 Turbo range.

S cars have PASM which by itself is OK, but as a building block for the TPC DSC module very important in my mind. At your budget, I'd find a .1 4S manual cab. If you need a 2-pedal car then it needs to be the .2 with PDK and you'll have to decide if you can swing an S or need to go with a base car.

Tj40

Remember you can add sport chrono to a pdk car - you won't get the dash wart/stopwatch but no-one ever uses that bit anyway. you will get the launch control and the sharper shifting.

I love the sharper shifts but I will admit I've never used the Launch control feature yet!

MexicoBlueTurboS

Petza always has sound advice and especially if you really must have an S.

I looked around last night and the 997.2 prices are up across the board. By 15-25%. I was also wrong about the turbos for 997.1 - they are all very high (see this post)

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-turb...6-18-19-a.html

If you're not sticking to the classical 911 shape by buying a cab then why not consider a boxster S* or even cayman S - I drove a 2010 base boxster w PDK and thought it was a blast and a bargain at 25k.

Most people won't know the difference and that leaves plenty of room for a Fidelity Platinum warranty and years of no worry.