Khalid Kassim

I've got a budget of around $90k to buy a P-Car. I'm looking for either a 4WD PDK or Tiptronic 997.

Its come down to a 997.1 Turbo or 997.2 C4S or Targa 4S (if i ever find one)

What do you recommend? I know the new 991's are coming out but I'll definitely be priced out of those and I have my heart set on a 4wd since I'm shipping it somewhere with crappy asphalt (slippery stuff).

Edgy01

If you really want a 4WD 997 or Carrera then you should limit your range to the 997.2 cars. Porsche revised the AWD system significantly with the introduction of the second generation 997 cars in MY09. The system is much more sophisticated than the earlier viscous-clutch system, and so far the newer electronically/computerized version appears to be worry free. Keep in mind that moving to a turbo introduces significantly more maintenance expense. Everything is more because much more has to be removed to access things. The value of Tiptronic cars has plummeted since the introduction of the PDK cars (also in MY09). My suggestion is to refine your search to the MY09 cars to the MY12 cars. For $90K you can actually do quite well on the used market. Easily, you should be able to get an 09 or 10 car.

Dr. Strange

What Edgy01 said...90K is a very healthy budget...you should have no problem finding a 2009 or 2010 997.2 C4S. I just did a search on CPO cars on the Porsche.com site and limited it to $80K (assuming 90K was out the door)...three C4S cars popped up right away. No Targa 4S's came up, but a little patience and you should be able to get your car...

X51

I'd go for a 997.2 C4S as per Dr. Strange's findings. You won't be disappointed in the car and as Dan suggested, maintenance will be less with a "non turbo" car. Enjoy the search!

Domer911

I will sell you my 2010 C4S for 90. 1600miles, and treated like a baby. Already has the new HPFP and clutch switch.

It's probably worth less, market-wise, but 90 sounds really good to me.

Will sell with interior leather mods, smoked tail lights, smoked side markers, tinted windows, powder coated wheels with color shields, ceramic coated tips, EVOMS sport exhaust, and custom Porsche car cover.

Farfelc2s

During the last 12 months, I had an 08 T4S,Tip w every crazy option. Was great untill I drove and bought my 09,C4S,PDK,Cab. Faster for sure, easy to drive every day. Then, I dove and bought my TT Coupe that I think is it.

SBPORSCHE

I debated the same thing about 2 months ago. I don't think you could go wrong with any pcar....but with that said I went with an 09' C2S with very low miles CPO.
997.2 VS 997.1 Turbo: New engine, Sound of engine, LED lights, PCM with touch screen, Nav and IPOD, lower miles VS impressive difference in power.
C2S vs C4S: I love the look of the C4S, but couldn't pass up the light, nimble feel of the 2s in the turns....you can very controllably swing/drift through the corners for an insane adrenaline rush. VS the 4S felt planted, firm, secure it pulled you out of the corners rather than "sliding" through...
Again you can't go wrong in any direction... just spend some seat time in each so that your sure you get what you personally really want....enjoy the hunt!

kyrocks

997.2 C4S. I made this decision 3 y ago when I bought mine. Debated on the 997.1 Turbo, but wanted newer DFI engine, more sophisticated worry free awd system, and great engine note. Don't regret it.

KeninBlaine

If you really want a Targa, you'll likely need to be very patient, as there aren't nearly as many of them as other models. Just be sure to get what YOU want, because all of them are fantastic cars. Good luck. This should be the fun part, as long as you're patient for the right deal.

TOMDEG

Just bought my 2010 C4S PDK 3 weeks ago and LOVE IT.

Heres a few targas. Funny thing, they are same colors and the vins are only 28 numbers apart

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FACTO...t_11863wt_1167

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FACTO...t_13273wt_1167

Khalid Kassim

Thanks for the advice and insight guys.

I am very close to wrapping up a deal on 997.1 Turbo w/ 15k miles (non-CPO) since I will be shipping overseas but I'm gonna get a DME and PPI done by the dealer prior to purchase...

I love the PDK in 997.2's but if I'm gonna be driving an older model come May (new 991's), I'd rather it be a Turbo and for the budget a 997.1 seems the smartest investment. I'm not much of a trader w/ cars, I like sitting on em and babying em for years and hopefully decades...I think the 997.1 will remain respected and a desirable vehicle in the future...one worth adding to a keepers collection.

I'll add bluetooth and iPod connector with the Dension Combo and some red taillights to give it a bit more of a unique look...