kennyPride

What do we love about the 997 over the 996. May we count the ways or is a 04 996 for 30K a better choice over a 06 997 for 40K (all things being equal ie condition miles)?

CBnAT

Sorry, but I can't stand the headlights on the 996.

Edgy01

You're asking the wrong forum for an objective opinion. As an old time 911 guy I feel that the interior is much closer in design to the earlier 911s. The 996 interior design seemed to be an excursion someplace else. The 996 is clearly dated, compared to the 997. I would probably not buy a 997 for 40K because it seems too inexpensive. The 996s have been relegated to the role of being the least favored (for looks) Porsche. The 996 and 997 cars are the most popular as far as the numbers manufactured. But even the 996 guys will probably tell you to go with the 997 over the 996. They benefit from several more years of experience that the 996s lack. Recall that the 996 was breaking new ground with a water cooled 911. The 997 has that stuff a bit more sorted out. Always choose the later model--you will lose less on the 997 over the 996 in the future.

Graygoose997

We love the chassis of the 997 over the 996.

Kuhan

I too cannot stand the 996 lights, especially the 996.1 fried eggs.

I think that's why the 996 prices are lower than they should be - there is a little price edge on the 997. You also see a larger drop in value between a 05 997 and a 04 996 than the normal curve.

Purely economically, buying a 996 gets you into a porsche for a great price and the depreciation will not be as much as a newer car.

kennyPride

Agree the 997 is closer to the legacy of the 911 (minus the water-cooling). The 996 misses on shear "take your breathe away" from a looks standpoint but the performance is comparable and pricing is attractive. Does money really matter that much?

yemenmocha

There are dozens of cars I'd rather have between the 997 and when I would consider a 996. Looks may be subjective, but both the interior and exterior of the 996 are horrendous to me. Look at a lineup of each generation of 911 and it's easy to spot the stepchild.

Alfaguy2

When I was buying my Porsche I had thought the best I could have afforded was a 996 but once I established I could afford a 997 there was no more consideration of the 996.

The pics above say it all - a bland characterless car with a horrid interior.

Nugget

Agreed. If all I could afford was a 996 I wouldn't buy a 911. For the same money there are other cars I'd much rather have (including a 993 or a 987). That's largely a cosmetic decision, though, so YMMV.

utkinpol

only 996 car that is still better than 997 is 996 GT3.

996 'S' is worse than 997 base, by too many reasons. get 06 (or 07 now as clock is clicking) 997.1 for $40K by all means, but make sure it is a CPO car and you have at lest year or so to cover any engine issues.

alexb76

Are you kidding?!?!

10K for a much newer car, better looking, better performing, much more classic? Both are bargains as far as I am concerned, but 997 is a MUCH BETTER bargain! Can't even believe we're talkin 40K for a 997! makes me sad... eventhough I paid pre-owned price.

996 is by far the worst looking, least favorite Porsche of all times. PASS!

At Law

I agree. If you have found a 997 for $40k, there are going to be
a few skeletons in that car's closet.

The first year of the 997 (2005) which is in good shape, decent miles,
and good history will be more in the $45k - $47k range.

At Law

The 996 is such a horrible P-car, I wouldn't even talk to someone
who owned one.

In fact, if I saw a 996 owner in person, I would most likely punch him
in the kidneys.

utkinpol

i got my 997.1 C2 for $39K - no skeletons, tip-top shape, etc. Look for a right private seller and negotiate. Asking price I started with was $45K and it took 2 months.

jumper5836

love how you find the worst looking photos

to the op. go with a 997.1 S or any 997.2, forget the 997.1 non S it sucks

here are some of the 996