Need some advice. My sister called me up to tell me she wants to buy a 911. I thought she was joking but she's going for it. 50th birthday present to herself...

I don't know exact budget but I think she's looking under 100k. She asked about leasing a new one and told her that seemed like a waste of money considering how well older gens are holding their value. So my question is what would you guys recommend?

- 997.1: I ruled that out as she wants PDK.

-997.2: If she put 15k miles over 3-4 years this seems like it would make the most sense financially. But it looks like prices on 997.2s are about the same as 991.1s now ($65-75k? for a sub 50k mile car). I found a GTS with 20k miles that was selling for something like $85k. I told her she would be the GOAT mom driving a GTS.

- 991.1: looks like the best bang for the buck. I know people didn't like the steering on these and the styling is a bit soft for my taste but I don't know anything about maintenance issues. My assumption is these will depreciate the most.

- 991.2: seemed like she could get a base model for about the same as the .1 S. Pros/cons on the new turbo engine vs 9A1?

What would you recommend?

 

991.1 base Cab PDK will probably accomplish what it is she is after I assume (maybe not ?). Not a cab guy but 991.1+ Cab prettier than 997 cabs IMHO

 

If she wants one just because she wants one, there's no bad answer. Maybe a 997.2 now so she can experience something more on the analog side of things and if she loves it, she can lease a 992 in 3-4 years when things are back to "normal."

A 997 GTS will up the ante on cool factor with the center lock wheels.

 

More questions than answers ...

Commute car? Comfort expectations? Trips? Does she want a 911 after driving your 997.1 MT? Does steering feel (early electric vs hydraulic) matter? Is she a car aficionado (in which case the GTS might matter)? Is she planning track time or HPDEs? Will she be entertained by early morning back road drives? Which does she enjoy most, the feel of a car or the looks? Does she turn her own wrench? Does she wash, wax, and detail herself? Is the sound of the motor or the sound of the stereo more important?

Answers to these questions (and more) start to define the different cars to keep on the list as well as the options required. Good luck helping her with her search.

 

If she just wants to have a 911 go with a 991.1 Base cab. If she plans on doing track days or is a real motorhead the S might be worth the additional money, but 98% of the people wouldn't /couldn't/can't utilize 70% of what the base car is capable of.
The 991 is more roomy, has many more modern features and is newer. Newer brake lines, newer fuel lines, and other components that are prone to wear as cars get older. The newest 997 is still 10 years old.
For her budget she can get a nice 991.1 CPO car with a plethora of options. Lets us know what she gets.

 

Thanks for feedback. I was thinking base cab too, but she says she wants a coupe so maybe she's legit

She says she put 15k miles on her last car in 3 years. Kids will be able to drive themselves soon so she's looking for something fun but practical.

Here are a couple I found so far:

2014 Carrera 4 - $79k w/ 40k miles.
2012 GTS - $8
2013 Carrera S
2013 Carrera 4S - $79k w/ 30k miles...seems very low.

 

The 991 Robot style targas are pretty slick too imo.

 

I would go with a 991 S or 2016+ base....

 

If she wants something a little more refined with a PDK, a 991 would probably be the answer. I would say 991.2 non-S. I had a 991.2S prior to my 997. The turbo motor is fantastic.

 

997.2 Targa. If she wants some utility with her sports car experience, the rear opening glass is very handy for actually using the back for groceries, golf clubs, beach chairs etc.

I mean she could get a 991 if she prefers techno stuff and screens and a larger car feel, but if she likes yours I'd keep her in the 997 generation, though a base 991 will likely be less expensive than a 997.2

 

I know she wants pdk but I just drove a 2008 base Carrera manual for the first time in years and it was so fun and easy to drive. If she already knows how to drive a stick, keep it in consideration. Even if she has to learn, it shifts so smoothly and just adds to the 911 experience.

 

IMHO, ^^^^^^^^ THAT ^^^^^^^^^^

 

Just a random thought. If your sister is local, and you're inclined, come up and borrow mine for a few hours. That will give her a better feel of a 997 with PDK. You can play with PASM and other things to get a better feel for the must have options.

 

I'd say a used Boxster for less than $20K.

 

I agree with everyone here that's recommending a 991 for just the electric steering rack. It's a less physically demanding driving experience. After a couple of days commuting in my 997.2, it's actually kind of relaxing to follow it up with a commute in my 970.2 Panamera 4 with the electric steering.