PUZZ1

Hi everyone,
After a 13 year hiatus I'm looking to get back into a 911. My last Porsche was a 2003 Targa that I sold back in 2007. Looking to spend between 40 and 50. Prefer under 50 but I would stretch to low 50s for the right car. All that I know is that I definitely want a coupe.

So with that, I'm looking for some advice. I've thought about a 996 C4S, a 997.1 S or base, and same for 997.2. I prefer the manual but willing to listen to PDK fans. I would also consider a 996 Turbo which is likely the "investment grade" play of the cars on my list.

Thanks in advance. Interested to hear different philosophies.

Bxstr

Buy whichever car you like driving the most, consider the investment potential last as cars are not always a great place to park money. As you probably already know.

I'd consider a 996 Turbo, 997.2 C2 manual, or a 981 Cayman S. All great cars, depends how new you want and what you're planning on using the car for. If you're a speed guy, go for the 996 Turbo. If you're an analog feel guy, 997.2. If you're planning to put a lot of miles on the car, use it often and want newer tech or interior, 981 Cayman S. If you like a manual, go with a manual. I have owned both and in a weekend car, I still prefer manual. PDK is fantastic though, especially in the 997 Turbo.

Best of luck with your search.

feta911

997.2 base manual. It's objectively way more car than a 997.1S in terms of driving, more reliable, more desirable if resale in the future is a concern.

Target: 45k mile car, $45k. Above that and you're overpaying, and below that you're getting a deal.

Source: 3x 997.2 owner.

Porschejam

As much as you make this claim, it's not you who sets the market value for these cars.

Ironman88

Good point.

Plus the 997 market is one that is very much in transition now. Availability is very low, and prices continuing to trend higher.

feta911

Sold two of those cars in the second half of this year and the third I got several offers on, but decided to keep. I think I'll stand by the numbers and what I've seen.

Porschejam

Sounds like you're trying to make your own market.

feta911

Not how it works, but I am collecting data. I'm watching 997.2 transactions where possible, closely.

Petza914

A 997.2 coupe S MT is a hard car to find right now and probably in thehigh $50s to low $60s from what I've seen, so that's out. I think yiu may be able to find a medium mileage base 997. 2 coupe in your price range. The base car won't have as many options usually, probably won't have full leather (a deal breaker for me as I despise plastic dash and door panels in a $100k car), and won't have PASM which means you can't add TPC's DSC module who h is the single best upgrade available for either generation of these cars. I think you will be able to find a PDK base 997. 2 in your price range, but with PDK, I'd factor in a Fidelity Platinum warranty or find a CPO car.

Mid $40s you can probably find a nice 997.1 C2S with MT

I don't know what 996 Turbo prices look like these days as I just can't get past the headlights and interior design of those cars, but for smiles / dollar and longevity, that's a great choice if you don't mind the design elements.

fastb4ck

Maybe a high mileage 997.2 S?

I know the low mile (under 35k) ones are going for 60ish+

PUZZ1

Thanks for the reply's. Agree that it seems like most 997.2s are PDK. How are the pdk cars? I really prefer manual but the pdk seems compelling on some level.

Porschejam

Removed.

Porschejam

When I was shopping, I sort of preferred a manual, but I found a car that checked all my other boxes so I ended up getting that one instead. If one falls in your lap, take it. But for me, it wasn't a show-stopper in terms of options. The PDK is awesome.

voiceprint1

997.2 PDK base is a great car, but very different from the 996 turbo in driving and "feel" although their specs are closer than you think. I think the first year PDK is great to drive, but later ones seem like they are bit more refined. In terms of an investment, you may not be able to buy a car in the 45k range that will have the factors that might lead to collectability, (very low miles, rare colors, fully optioned packages, or limited models like GTS, GT3 ect.), but you might get a nice solid car, and the 997.2 has a very nice and updated interior, unlike the 996.

mjposner

I am not seeing nice 997.2s below 50k, and manuals are ultra rare and command a premium. In the 40s there are many very nice 997.1s, or even below 40k, with room to mod and plenty of manuals.