Another New 997 Owner

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06-07-2013, 03:01 AM

megsfolks

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Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: Spokane, WA

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Another New 997 Owner

Yippee! I am moving from lurking on the 928 forum to (hopefully not lurking on) the 997 Forum!

3 years ago, to the day, I found a 1983 928S in pretty good shape and had been nursing it back to health as my daily driver. For 30 years old, it drives amazingly! Well, that's what I think. Momma just thinks its a 30 year old tank! Anyway, I started dreaming 911 over the last year or so and decided to make my move this summer.

I targeted a 996 C4S and found a lovely looking 2003 with 72k miles in Seattle, not too far from Spokane, where I live. PPI checked out and I bought a plane ticket to head over tomorrow to do a live inspection and test drive and with any luck, fall in love and drive it home!

Before I made my trip, I was somehow compelled to stop this afternoon at the local Spokane Porsche dealer. They had an almost identical C4S just show up (only in black), a year newer at 2004, but similar miles at 77k. What luck! I got to get a great sense for the car early. And Wow! Really really cool. I think I made a good choice. My research said that the C4S would be a great drive. It was. I was liking this! How great to build the excitement a day early!?!?

But, as Paul Harvey said, "and now for the rest of the story...."

Next to it sat a 2006 C4 with only 16k miles. You guessed it. They gave me the keys to both to try out. After jumping in the 997, there was no turning back. Nicely optioned. Sold and maintained by the dealer so all records are known and clear. CarFax confirming the one local owner. I shared my low miles/garage queen concerns, so they offered a deal with a 4 year B2B extended warranty. I thought about it. How much was 3 years newer worth to me? Not a lot. How about 60k miles? Hmmm.. that made me think. 996 vs. 997? Both are amazing, but this 997 really really moved me.

I argued that the math seemed simple. Over time the price differential would have been likely covered in additionally maintenance costs on the 996. Not cuz it was a worse car, per se, but because it had lots more miles and parts had to be nearer to wear out, right? Given that we hope to make long weekend trips on this, the lower mileage seemed easy to rationalize as a nicety. But, most of all, I loved that darn 997 the first moment I sat in it. I slapped my forehead, proclaimed a good Homer Simpson "DOH!" and buckled on the 997. After a short negotiation and some paper signing, I now have a997 sitting in my garage!

Reality is that the Rennlist Forum discussion and dialogue on the 996 really helped me. Differing opinions were insightful and challenged me on what I was looking for. That really made me think. I would be overjoyed with either rig--who wouldn't be--but I have hit an extra emotion with the 997 that I didn't expect. Some may feel like I made a good decision. Others may think I didn't. For me I have achieved that smile across my face feeling that can't be wiped off and I feel like I found the perfect rig while I realize a dream for less than what I almost bought an Audi for last fall. I was treated well by the dealer (a bit of a surprise), got a great deal judging by internet comps, and I have piece of mind on a platform that should be my forever toy. A shocking end to a day that I didn't plan.

Eager to participate, learn, and contribute to the community!