911Gr8tness

Thank you for all the responses.

Since my post I've narrowed it down to a 993 or a 997. I've driven about 5 different 993s and 2 997s.

The general consensus and input I've received leans towards the 997. The first 997 I drove didn't impress me very much. It was an 05 S with 40k miles, but it looked like it wasn't taken care of very well (black rubber around the windows was aging as well as other plastic parts of the car). It had quite a few squeaks and rattles and the overall driving experience was somewhat plain.

After that test drive, I began giving the 993 a serious look. I drove a 98 with 40k miles, 95 with 58k, 95 with 56k, and a 95 with 89k. Each of them varied in condition, but all of them gave me that "I'm driving something special" feeling. In terms of power I felt that it was adequate, but other bits about it made up for it like the solid feel of the doors, compactness, sound, and overall feel.
The only problem though the 993s seem expensive to me given all of them I've seen would need some reconditioning/maintenance to make right. Add in suspension and wheels and its a sizable chunk for a car 15 yrs old.

I then drove a 06 S with 68k miles on it. It was in perfect condition and the test drive was amazing. Performed with gusto and got the heartbeat going pretty good. Felt like a special car, not like the other 997 I drove. The miles seemed a little high so I passed on it.

That was about a month ago, since then I'm limbo again. One day its a 993, the next its the 997.

Too bad I can't afford to have both. Part of me is saying get the 993 and enjoy for a couple of years and then jump to the 991. The other part is saying get 997 now and be done.

It won't be a daily driver for those who have asked. The creature comforts are nice to have, but not a necessity.

ADias

^ high mileage in a well maintained 911 should not be a deterrent to buy.

slicky rick

i totally agree. a high mileage well taken cared for car is more desirable than a low mileage not as well taken cared for example. the high mileage one would have gone through the normal difficulties and should already be bullet proof.

bella1

I have some experience to share. My first 2001 Carrera is now my dedicated track car. For me, it has been a great car to DE and Race.

For street, over the past four years, I have bought and sold: 2005 Carrera S (Used), 2006 Cayman S (New), 2007 Carrera 4S Aero (New/Built and Delivered), 2004 Boxster (used), 2006 Carrera S Cab (Used), 2009 Carrera S (New), and finally my current street car 2003 Turbo (Used $127,000 MSRP)) with Aero and GIAC Flash, EVO Intake.

I sold the 2009 for a good price and decided to put some of that money in the bank. I found this 2003 Turbo 21K miles within 100 miles of my residence for $49,000. First Turbo I have ever owned. Drives very well on the street and is very tame. BUT when you step on it holy crap!

Bottom line is I am liking the 996 better than the 997. Of course the Turbo motor is different from the M96 Carrera 996 and 997.1. It was not until the 997.2 in 2009 that a lot of the motor issues were addressed.

That is my experience. Hope it helps.

911Gr8tness

I agree, but I'd expect to pay less for a higher mileage car than one in the same condition with less miles. That was the reason I held off. The one with 40k on it was priced even lower than this one.