hjles

Still shopping for my first 911, I had all but decided to wait until next spring.

Then my local dealer took in a car I am interested in, and I just test drove it, needless to say I feel an irresistible urge to buy it. I decided to look around using Porsche's used car locator, and found another I am also interested in.

Car #1 - 2009 S Cabriolet, PDK, 32k miles, CPO, local to me.

Car#2 - 2011 4S Cabriolet, PDF, 32k miles, CPO, full leather, not local to me.

Car #2 is priced higher, I think they are both within reach, though. I guess I am wondering if there is enough of a difference between 4S and S - I live in the northeast and this car will be coming off the road once the salt starts flying - to justify the extra expense and uncertainty of buying it from a distance.

What else should I be looking at or thinking about as I make my decision?

LexVan

Rain? Daily driver ? Buy the 4S and newer model.

hjles

In the late spring, summer, and early fall I will probably drive it about 1/2 the time.

Otherwise it will be in a heated garage, the amount of salt on the roads here in the "snow belt" are obscene.

LexVan

I'd still take the newer model. 4S hips and full leather. Fly out. Drive it home. Become 1 with the 911.

Ezkill

It really depends how much higher the non-local car is priced I suppose. It has full leather and AWD, which are worth something. The question is: Are those options worth the premium to you?

Overall, being late in the season, I think you'll get a better deal now then you might in the spring when the number of buyers is higher. The downside is you'll store the car soon for the winter and won't get a huge amount of time to enjoy it. I've purchased a few of my fun vehicles during the winter while living in Canada. When the nights are hitting -70 not a lot of people are buying exotics and sports cars, which meant large discounts.

TommyV44

Lover the 4S…….and full leather…..go for it!!

Tom

Collin Chapin

I was under the impression the 997 models had the same "wide hips" on non AWD models?

I could very well be wrong but I thought the 4S was the same width as a "traditional" S after the 997.

hjles

Hmmm, no, I think the 4S is something like 0.8" wider on each side?

Ezkill

Yes, its wider.

In retrospect, you should really try to drive a 4S. It's going to be a bit of a different experience then a 2S. Some people love the way they corner, some people don't, and others don't care. Maybe find one locally and test drive it? It might make your decision easier by eliminating an option or making it more desirable.

stefang

On the 997 the AWD models are wide body.

Also, put snows on and hose it off once a week.

will gaston

i had a Cayman S for 7 years prior to the 911. i test drove a GTS and found the steering 'light', as compared to the handling and feel of the Cayman...I settled on a 4S and found the feel of it when driving more to my liking. it just feels more firmly planted on the ground....but then this is after driving a mid-engine car for a long time...it suited me better....and the 4S has some other things i like...wider hips and wider rear tires. Enjoy the search and the decision!

Collin Chapin

Interesting, i'm glad to know that... I knew they were different on the 996 but I thought I remembered reading they did away with that on the 997.

Good to know, thank you.

LexVan

CC, same on the new series 991. The 4 has the wider hips. FYI.

iammulva

Full leather would be worth some premium to me. After I've had my car for a while now, I think the extra leather would really make the car look like an ultra-high-end car from the inside.

SIPCAR

Was in the same boat..decided to fly out to Ohio and drive the 4s back to NY. Very glad I did. I also thought I wouldn't drive it in the winter as I have a jeep also but picked up a gently used set of winters to enjoy it all year round.

You'll love either car. Buy and enjoy!

Matt