RABjr

Smart Answer!

RABjr

I did the same thing and would do it again!

Ripking

I chose a 997.2 base model in manual, no regrets.

Liste-Renn

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.

ewc

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.

Steph1

Of course the mileage plays on the resale value, but it's completely irrelevant since you should be paying less to buy the car to begin with. 😎

Petza914

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.

dashanin

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.

alchu

Very good find. CPO'ed 997.2 the 30s with MT is not overpriced at all. check the 997.2 2020 pricing thread that's going on right now....

93Jaffe

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.

nicogri

.2 base and no regrets at all ;-)

kdu

Lot of car for the money here, 997.2 c2 6s for $41,900

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203109125808

Petza914

Pretty unusual to find a base model with PASM. That sea blue interior is kind of cool too as long as you don't plan to do any interior mods where you'll be looking for matching accessory pieces. Sometimes it looks blue, sometimes purple, and sometimes grey.

jimwood

I disagree. At least in California. I would buy a 997.2 for 20k regardless of mileage to track it or just to have. Plus, it's worth that to part out. I think these car's are hitting a base level of depreciation. I do not think the 997.2 manual will be easy to find with no accidents and clean title below 30k regardless of mileage. However, I'm totally biased and blinded by my love for the 997.

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.

soundbehindyou

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.)