billh1963

I am in a real dilemma and need some advice. I’m at the point of making a decision between two cars: a 2004 996 40th anniversary or a new base 997.

I have driven both 996’s and 997’s (but not these specific cars) and like them both. That is my dilemma! There is no clear cut answer for me…I think I am too close to be objective.

The particulars are:

2004 40th Anniversary. 8,400 miles. Factory warranty expires in June. CPO warranty picks up from there for the additional two years. 1 owner (I have talked with the original owner). Clean carfax. I have never laid eyes on this particular car, but, from the pics it looks great. Price is $55k (original MSRP was $94K)

2007 base 997. New (only 4 miles). Options include Nav, Xenons, Bose, power seats, heated seats plus a few smaller options. Price is $74K (MSRP is $83K).

(Let’s take the “S” out of the mix - I am NOT interested in spending the extra $10K for a 997 “S”. My driving style is touring and very occasionally moderately spirited in the mountains….nothing that would necessitate the need for an “S” in my mind)

I like the 40th because it is different and unique. The 40th was loaded with options like X-51, Xenons, leather, etc. However, it is still the older body style and is 4 years old. The 997 is a newer car but is pretty much “run of the mill” with no unique character.

My decision comes down to logic (I am an engineer, after all)!

2004 40th Anniversary:

Pros: Cons:
Unique model Old body style
Many options Still lacks many options std on 997
Well into depreciation cycle 4 years old already
X-51 power kit Is X-51 more expensive if engine blows?
CPO warranty Less time than new warranty


2007 Base 997:

Pros: Cons:
New Will depreciate heavily first few years
Several great options It’s a base model with limited appeal
Full warranty None
Improved over 996 Lacks features on other marques ½ its price


I’m trying to make a decision today. My last car was a 993C4S so I have no experience with daily living with a 996 or a 997. Could those who have moved from a 996 to a 997 chime in with thoughts? Also, I have never driven a 996 with X-51 and wonder if it makes a difference?

Yes, I know I am being a wimp asking the forum; however, it helps having some experienced input. Thanks!

Alstoy

997

robbonds

40th and 20k in your pocket

MartyB

Since you posted this on the 997 board, most folks here will have a bias in favor of the 997, myself included. I'd go with the new car for interior and exterior styling reasons, especially if you won't use the extra power of the X51 option on the 996. Full new warranty will be nice, and although only time will tell, many believe the 997 will hold its value better than the 996. If you really want something different, you can find a base 997 in an unusual color or you can buy a common color and do some mods to your taste.

Ronnie

997 without a doubt.

From what I understand, the 40th 996 was a parts bin special to boost sales figures of the then ageing 996.

No doubt Porsche Marketing will demand a 4xth year special when the 997 comes towards the end of the product life cycle.

Le Chef

40th. Enjoy the uniqueness/character of the older car, and with X51 it will probably be faster than the 997. The 997 will be around for a few years to come, no doubt at bargain basement prices, should you wish to change at some point. In the meantime the bulk of the depreciation on the 996 has already happened, and you're $20K better off, or less poor, depending on your situation. 40th!

Jim 'n' SC

No question the 997 is the better car. Looks are subjective, but there are lots of other improvements over the 996. The question is it worth the extra $$$ to have the 997? Only you can make that call. If you keep your cars a long time then the difference in price gap narrows. You could also consider a used 997. There are lots of them out there...you may have to drive a bit to get to it, but driving it back home is a lot of fun!

Jim 'n' SC

Are you selling the 993 in your avatar?

Alstoy

I just noticed the 993 in your avatar (thanks Jim). That's a beautiful car. Why change.

RonCT

997, but why get new? Why not get a CPO 997 and equalize the dollars? Or is it a coin toss on the cars and you don't mind spending the extra $20k is for new and more warranty?

I just checked Porsche's used website and see there are 109 base 997 coupes from 2005 to present. There's a nice looking 2006 Silver / Black 997 at Boardwalk Porsche with the options you want and more with an asking price of $65k and you have to believe they'll negotiate and add in the CPO for you. There appear to be many 997 and 997S in the Porsche dealer network in the mid 60s...

I would think that if you spend more time driving and examining both cars, you'll pick the 997 platform.

kevinrubin

997 for sure. Just picked up a C4 cab (with CPO) with 1,900 miles with a MSRP of nearly $110K, for a steal. Love my 996, but a FAR CRY from the 997. My 996 is a C2 Coupe and I LOVE IT...but love the 997 EVEN MORE!!!

There is just no decision here...go for the 997 or you will regret it in 6 months.

Good luck with your decision. The reality is either decision will be a great one!

Dr_KarlB

I agree with Ron,
Get a 997 a few years old, and you can have an S for much less the $74k for the base 997.
Get CPO if you can so warranty will be like new on a 2 year old car.
Someone has take all the big depreciation of the first two years, and any options they paid for on the car are yours for 20cents on the dollar (mostly)

Thats what i did anyway :-)

Edgy01

As long as there are 997s the 996s will take a higher depreciation. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going with a Carrera over a Carrera S. The only big thing lost are the bi-xenon lights and the PSM. Drive both just so that you can appreciate the differences. Try and take one out in the dark so that you can see how much better the lights are. I suspect only about 30% or less of the 997s coming to the States are non-S versions. The straight Carreras are more popular overseas as any 997 is much more expensive than they are here in the USA.

DanR

997 all the way for me. I did not want the 'old' shape, but thats just personal choice

Dr. No

You should drive the 40th before deciding. If you're a tourer, I've read that the suspension can be a little harsh and you could be happier driving the 997. Maybe someone on the 996 board could comment. X-51 package supposedly made a big difference over the stock 996 at higher RPMs, but it might not be too far off the base 997.

See: http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/por...2709945-1.html

If I were you, I would look for an 06 997.

(Still wish I'd had the coin to buy your C4s at the time, by the way)