When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
After great advice on this forum, finally took the plunge and bought at 2007 C4S. Wanted the C4, the S was a bonus. In love with it already.
Couple of questions:
1. Am thinking of upgrading the navigation / audio equipment to something bluetooth / touchscreen - thoughts? Would it devalue car in long run?
2. Interior - it's pretty sound, but was thinking of fixing some of the wear & tear - again, any thoughts?
3. Paint protection - worth it or not?
Congratulations! I can say that, for me, finding a 997.1 with upgraded audio/nav is a huge plus as I've been looking for one myself. At this point, I'm just factoring the cost of upgrading that into my assessment of any car that doesn't have that already done.
Nice looking ride. Rather than answer each of your questions, I'd just say it's your car so do what makes you feel better about it and don't get too caught up in the valuation thought process.
Gretchen, my '09 Carrera after paint correction and ceramic coat.
1. It's your car, but will it be a Forever Car? If not, keep that in mind as you ponder mods. I'd say take your time, especially with things electronic. Get any service/maintenance history with it? Will you DIY some tasks or have to take it elsewhere for service? DIY section of this forum has some great tips, and there's YouTube videos for help.
2. Cleaning and protecting interior/exterior is beneficial and satisfying. Forget using a drive-through car washes as the equipment and chemicals there will damage your paint in the long run. Start looking around for some good car detailing products - there's a bunch of good companies out there. As you sample some of them you'll find products that you like. There's a lot of really good videos on YouTube for tips and advice.
3. Paint correction/coating is expensive, but improves the look of the car, and will help you keep it looking good as time goes by. I recently had mine done and am very pleased with the results.
Nice looking ride. Rather than answer each of your questions, I'd just say it's your car so do what makes you feel better about it and don't get too caught up in the valuation thought process.
Exactly. We need more of this. It's a car. It's your car. Part of enjoying it is making it work for you. Keeping an age old PCM that you have to deal with every time you drive it is not the answer.
When I was shopping for my 997, it was a must to have an upgraded system with android auto and apple carplay. And as someone said, if I didn't find one with it, it would have to be done quick.
Well I was lucky enough to find one with a Pioneer system. Nice to have all the tech I want in my 2007.
As for value, if it worries you, just keep the originals of anything you change. That way if the next buyer wants them......
1. The LaPower bluetooth module takes your stock PCM into the modern age with streaming music and hands free calling using factory controls. I've had mine for 2yrs and its transformed my car. I hated the stock PCM and really debated getting an aftermarket but im so glad I didnt. This does everything you need while keep the car true to the original design. Personally I think the flat panel units really look out of place. I've come to appreciate the retro look. Just search LaPower in the forum and you will find a huge thread on everyones install tips, etc. Its $150 and the best value add-on in my opinion.
(Another tip is to set your main screen to the trip computer. This makes it feel a bit more modern vs the Apollo 11-era UI for the stereo.)
2. Re interior, yea thats the first thing guys hit. If you AC buttons are worn you can buy new ones from www.macarbon.com for $150. Everyone knows my opinion on the other guy at Climarepair. The center console can also be taken out and resprayed with excellent results. As for the leather bits, my recommendation is to go to your local Porsche dealer (or BMW) and ask them to give you the contact of the interior guy that fixes all their cars coming off lease. These guys are geniuses and can make interior leather and bits look like new for a couple hundred bucks.
3. Re paint protection, I've never done it but saw the results from swingwing and its stunning. The silver cars really age well, but im amazed whenever I polish mine how much more pop it has.
Enjoy!
Ps - take a spin through the new buyers guide if you already havent. Interested to know if that was helpful or impacted your purchase decision in anyway.
Gretchen, my '09 Carrera after paint correction and ceramic coat.
1. It's your car, but will it be a Forever Car? If not, keep that in mind as you ponder mods. I'd say take your time, especially with things electronic. Get any service/maintenance history with it? Will you DIY some tasks or have to take it elsewhere for service? DIY section of this forum has some great tips, and there's YouTube videos for help.
2. Cleaning and protecting interior/exterior is beneficial and satisfying. Forget using a drive-through car washes as the equipment and chemicals there will damage your paint in the long run. Start looking around for some good car detailing products - there's a bunch of good companies out there. As you sample some of them you'll find products that you like. There's a lot of really good videos on YouTube for tips and advice.
3. Paint correction/coating is expensive, but improves the look of the car, and will help you keep it looking good as time goes by. I recently had mine done and am very pleased with the results.
Congrats on your 997 - you've got the best color!
I use the Dension unit in my 997 to have the streaming audio and BT phone capability. Music and nav parts work perfectly and the phone works well enough - not crystal clear and a fair bit of noise to the person I'm talking too. Honestly, I prefer it that way as I'd rather usually be listening to my engine than the person on the other end of the phone and it keeps the calls short
I use Opti-Seal sealant on my cars. $30 bucks buys you a bottle that will probably do 6 cars. Works on paint, clearbra, plastic, metal trim, etc Lasts about a year and takes 30 minutes to apply. I can't see paying someone $900-$1,000 to seal one of my cars even though it lasts for years when I can do it myself annually and achieve a similar result for a fraction of the price. The other problem with those multi-year sealants is that if they don't get the car perfect before it gets applied, that imperfection is sealed in there and difficult to correct.
Shiny cars look beautiful. Swingwing, what are the 5 spots that run from behind the rear tire up to the corner of the bumper. Are they touch up paint locations or some type of sun reflection off the camera lens?
No touch-up paint blemish. It's reflection from the camera. Pics taken at the detail shop - owner said he had to wear sunglasses to take them.
As a photographer that's struggled with this, I am going to guess the photo was taken with a mirrorless camera and those are actually dust or water spots on the sensor after a wet cleaning.
It's one of the reasons that when it matters - I lug around a Nikon D850 or D810 - the sensor stays clean for 50,000 clicks if you're careful about lens swaps and the environment you do them in.
My First 997!!
