997.2: Base vs. S opinion
#16
Instructor
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I've owned both at the same time, and I can tell you that the 997.2 base is the sweet spot. Much more improved than a 997.1, but as fast as a 997.1S. You'd be hard pressed to find the difference day to day between a 997.2 C2S. The C2S tends to come with more options which are desirable, but if someone tells you the extra 40 or so horsepower on the S are a huge deal - they are dead wrong as someone who lived with both cars side by side.
#17
Instructor
#19
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I personally went from a '07 997.1 base Carrera to a '11 997(.2) GTS.
While not germane to your exact question, I do have an opinion to share:
The improved PCM, PASM, and 9A1 engine (no IMS failure exposure) were game changing upgrades
from the .1 (and the 83hp bump was pretty cool, as well).
Re: 997.1S vs .2 base- for me, it would totally depend on how the two cars were optioned.
You really have to compare build sheets to evaluate which is the better car.
While not germane to your exact question, I do have an opinion to share:
The improved PCM, PASM, and 9A1 engine (no IMS failure exposure) were game changing upgrades
from the .1 (and the 83hp bump was pretty cool, as well).
Re: 997.1S vs .2 base- for me, it would totally depend on how the two cars were optioned.
You really have to compare build sheets to evaluate which is the better car.
Last edited by Liste-Renn; 09-15-2020 at 06:22 AM.
#20
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Definitely the 997.2 base. The mileage shouldn’t be an issue as many have driven over 100k with no problems. Plus, the 2 years of CPO will let you sort out any remaining issues under warranty. I just purchased a 997.2 base manual and I’m absolutely loving it. Such an incredible car and so much more refined than my old 996 C4S.
Last edited by ewc; 09-15-2020 at 10:48 AM.
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dashanin (09-15-2020)
#22
RL Community Team
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The only issue with a base car is it tends to have fewer amenities, so it depends on what type of buyer you are. If you're going to be totally thrilled just to be driving a 997,then the base car is 90% of what the S car will be. If you're the type of guy that will park next to an S and see the larger brakes, sport seats, lower stance, etc and say "I should have held out for an S" then there's your answer.
The full leather option is a deal breaker for me and few base cars have them. Having stitched leather on the dashboard and door tops makes a significant look and feel difference to the interior when you're in the car. The only other reason to buy the S is for the PASM suspension, not so much for the way it behaves in stock form, but because it gives you the builfing block foundation to be able to install TPC's DSC controller that makes the suspension totally customizable and fully dynamic based on g-forces. It's truly the first and best upgrade anyone with a PASM equipped car should do, well maybe after the clear side markers
A 997.2 MT in the $30s is a pretty good find.
The full leather option is a deal breaker for me and few base cars have them. Having stitched leather on the dashboard and door tops makes a significant look and feel difference to the interior when you're in the car. The only other reason to buy the S is for the PASM suspension, not so much for the way it behaves in stock form, but because it gives you the builfing block foundation to be able to install TPC's DSC controller that makes the suspension totally customizable and fully dynamic based on g-forces. It's truly the first and best upgrade anyone with a PASM equipped car should do, well maybe after the clear side markers
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A 997.2 MT in the $30s is a pretty good find.
#23
Instructor
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Concur with opinions of others. It all comes down to maintenance records, warranty and options. Since this is a CPO car that protects you from anything going wrong for the next 2 years. I will say that due to Covid there is a high demand for used cars and it has inflated prices for all used cars. Moreover, 997.2s are rare so expect to pay a premium. Unless your mind is set on this particular car my recommendation would be to wait until next year and pick one up with fewer miles. Just a thought.
#24
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My apologies if my comment out of the echo chamber, I did not have time to read all the replies.
I had the opportunity to drive both the 997.1s and 997.2 base before purchasing my .2 base. In my opinion, the .2 took what made the .1 good and made it great. The base has plenty of hp but I do find myself wishing for more low end torque coming from a turbo car. I would try to drive a .2 base and s back to back.
I had the opportunity to drive both the 997.1s and 997.2 base before purchasing my .2 base. In my opinion, the .2 took what made the .1 good and made it great. The base has plenty of hp but I do find myself wishing for more low end torque coming from a turbo car. I would try to drive a .2 base and s back to back.
#28
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#29
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997.2 base is almost just as quick 997.1 S ! 997.2 base is by far the best buy if the price is right, and it fixes alot of 997.1 issues and offers some upgrades along the way.
under 40k mile car will fetch $45-50k these days,
45-60k mile car will be around $40-47k,
60-90k mile car should be somewhere around $33-40k
100-120k mile car is $28-35k
120k+ mile is $20-28k car
under 40k mile car will fetch $45-50k these days,
45-60k mile car will be around $40-47k,
60-90k mile car should be somewhere around $33-40k
100-120k mile car is $28-35k
120k+ mile is $20-28k car
For me, I stretched the budget a bit and went with the 997.2. What I considered in the .2 over .1s was the HP difference was not significant, but the refreshed interior, PCM, LED lights, and bulletproof engine all favored the .2. I have had mine for awhile and its not going anywhere. I won't sell it. I have full confidence in it at 80k or 150k. One of the most reliable cars I have ever owned.
Last edited by jimwood; 09-19-2020 at 12:59 PM.
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Liste-Renn (09-20-2020)
#30
Burning Brakes
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I followed the market for 10 months looking for a great 997.2 manual coupe......I had decided to buy one when my car was offered the day before I was going to commit on the other (lucky me!)......before the dealers picked up on it and now most know, the recession and new PDK trans influenced the build in 2009 - 2011. When you disregard cabs, manual coupes are not in great supply. I wanted .2 because of the new engine design and greater reliability (this coming from my Porsche-trained mechanic). My opinion is they have bottomed out in price (Covid market or not) and will be a great car and good value going forward. Cab or coupe I would buy a base 997.2 over a 2005 - 2008 997. (Turbos being a different story.)