I had an interesting conversation with my dealer today... I was discussing when is a good time to unload the 997 in light of 991 coming to market next year... here's his response!

Looks like even he is getting negative feedback about 991 from customers and DFI engine long-term reliability is still a bit of an unknown.

 

Well I got a 997.1, like it even better now. I do think the 997 is an incredible looking vehicle, has the curves in the right places. Hopefully it will be a classic for years to come!

 

I've made the 997 comment before in other contexts, comparing it to the 993 as the one to have because Porsche tries to go "space age" and change things liked they did with the 996 mistake. You'd think they would have learned from the 996 mistake but it is plausible that they haven't. The interior of the 991 with the obnoxious center console is not at all traditional 911, and the bigger body size isn't exactly a plus for most of us either.

What's more disturbing is how so many people are still buying the Panamera with its appearance as it is. So, a borked 991 could possibly sell well too and leave those of us who loved the traditional 911 aspects behind.

 

I suspect my next Porsche will be a 993TT

 

If Porsche had kept building cars the same way as the 993 they may not have survived. They were too labor intensive.

 

Not sure in 10 yrs time whether people will really be slicing and dicing 997s (as in 997.1 vs 997.2) but I do think the 997 will age very well. It obviously has many aesthetic similarities to the 993 and in 10, 20, 30 yrs time these cars could become iconic. I have a 997.1 and don't plan to sell it. Is this my last P-car? definitely not, but my first 911 stays with me for life.

 

I don't see post-993 cars carrying any long-term cache (obviously ignoring perhaps a few rare variants). Yes, I do think Porchse blew it with the transition to 996, and 997 was a serious and welcome correction. But I just wouldn't bet on any 997s having some special non-depreciating value.

 

I agree. There were too many 997's built to really be the future 993. Also, the 993 has "last of an era" thing going for it that the 997 will never have.

That being said, I believe they will be more more prized than the 996.

 

funny you said that, I just saw one for sale yesterday and it made me think about it for a while... it is a very tempting thing to consider.

 

The 993 has a few things going for it.

First, it looks good. Secondly, it is not so big. Thirdly, it is the last of the aircooled era.

Porsche looked to broaden the 911's appeal by making it larger and more comfortable. They had to go to water cooling to reduce noise and emissions. The 996 was the result and the 997 somewhat returned the look and harder edge of the earlier cars.

It looks like Porsche is on this kick again. They want to increase sales. They are increasing the size of the car again ( with a larger back seat area). This will broaden the appeal...again. I am sure the new models will be smoother and quieter ( Carreras) and one will need to move to the the GT3 to get anything like a real sports car in the futiure ( I hope I am wrong). I notice the new commercials are trying to reinforce the mainstream capabilities of the 911 ( going to HomeDepot, picking up the kids, etc).
These ads show the current model lineup but I am quite sure they are preparing the world for the new bigger, smoother, quieter, roomier, more luxurious 911. If this is true, the 997 will be the "last of the real 911s". I fear the new 911 will be another model in the Porsche showroom with the SUVs and four door sedans.

 

A nice looking women pulled up next to me in a 993 cab yesterday - we both exchanged friendly "I like your car" smiles - and sure, she seemed to forgive my envy - maybe that part was my imagination. ;-)

 

911 desireability has typically skipped generations; the 1970-73, 1978-89, 1995-98, and 2005-11 typically being more sought after than their preceding models. That said, while the earlier cars within these generations have their merits, the later cars bring significantly more money. In the long term, I expect the same with the 997 series; while I personally like the 997.1's exterior appearance better, the suspension and interior improvements - and, yes, the drivetrain, despite any DI concerns - of the 997.2s will always make them more desireable.

 

I'm getting the bug for an RS America clone. You can easily get them around 2500 pounds and over 300 hp, which are just magic figures IMO.

IMO the 997 will not be like the older cars. It's not as rare, not as special. It's a very good car, I love it, but it's just a good car.

Also the old engines have tons of potential. You can take a 1980's Porsche engine and bring it up to modern competitive power levels. I don't think the M97 will have that potential. It's not like the old engines that were over-engineered, it's barely well enough engineered to hold up to its factory level of power.

 

I hope the 997.1 maintains/achieves some long term allure.

But, in the end, I sure love mine, drive it daily, and plan to drive it deep into the 100,000 mile region. After that, we'll see if anyone wants it, but until then, I'm enjoying every mile with it!

 

From a mechanical point of view the 997.1 might as well be called a 996.3.

In particular, the difference between the 996.2 and 997.1 3.6L Carreras boil down to aesthetics and electronics. So there's not enough clear air between them to call one a mistake and the other a classic.

The 997.2, for better or worse, has a new engine design which distinguishes it mechanically from the 997.1 to (arguably) a greater degree than the 997.1 is distinct from the 996.