I'm looking at both of these cars and they are within a few thousand dollars of each other with comparable miles. Any opinions? I've test driven an 996 but not a 997. At the dealership, the 997s seemed to have a little less rear passenger room (required for me to fit a child seat back there).

 

Correction - the 40th has 42k miles and the 997 has 59k miles.

 

The 997 S would be my choice. Drive one and you will be surprised that the 997 S is a much better ride.

 

Having owned a 996 & 997. definitely the 997. And if they are CPO'd you have the warranty longer on the 997.

 

Strongly consider our sage advice. "Purchase the newest Porsche that you can afford."

There are significant changes for the better in the 997. The suspension, alone, is worth the change.

 

my vote would be the 997S, assuming is in good shape of course

 

997S has much nicer interior (assuming that one has full leather like the 40th does). Only advantages for 40th (assuming that particular 997S not optioned like this) are limited slip, M030, and perhaps Xenons (don't recall if '05 S had those as standard).

 

'05 S models have standard HIDs.

I've obviously voted w/ my dollars. Just not a fan of the 996 headlights, interior and more narrow booty.

Dynamically IMO the 997 is happier going down the road as well.

 

997S

 

+100 on the 997, fit and finish is much better on the 997, the front end is also much nicer IMO

 

I suppose that I should have expected this response based on posting in the 997 forum.

 

I have both, and I am partial to the 997. You must drive the 997 before you decide.

 

997S.

 

Ok. The dealer is basically selling the car for wholesale at a loss based on what they claimed was owed on the car. They state that it was a daily driver with no track miles. Are there any folks in Houston who wouldn't mind taking a look at the car for me? It's at the North Houston Dealership. Seems like it could be a good buy at $42.3k.

 

You're considering a high-mileage car that will be very expensive to fix if there is any deferred maintenance or repair required. You should be asking if any folks in Houston know of a reputable independent Porsche shop to have the car throroughly inspected. Don't believe a word the dealer says.