Chris Ramos

Newb here interested in 08 Carerra S fixed roof with about 45k miles on it.. price is $46k and I am close to securing but want your input on options, as there are so many. Note I did perform a search and did not answer my questions.

The cars has 6 speed with full brown leather package, sport wheels, thicker steering wheels, xenons, but no bose, no navi, no x51. Anything else I need to look for in terms of options that will help me evaluate this deal?

Thanks for any feedback on options and input on price given absence of stereo upgrade, nav, x51.

Chris

Schpee007

Chris,

Listen to the stereo and if it works for you I wouldn't worry about not having the Bose upgrade. The navigation in the 997.1s doesn't have a great reputation on usability. If it's clunkier than what I have in my 997.2 then I would use your mobile phone and call it a day. X51 cars are few and far between. If you like the power and look of the one you are looking at I would pursue it and not look back.

Hope that helps in some way. Good luck!

FLT6SPD

If you can find a 09+, lots of improvements over 05-08.

gota911

I agree with Test Jet, best "option" to get is a 997.2

hot nikon

No Bose, good.

No Nav, good.

If you can get a 997/2 (09 was 1st year) do it.

I would hold out for an S. (PASM, 385hp, larger brakes)

Good Luck.

onewhippedpuppy

Nav in the 997.1 is pretty much worthless. I still use my iPhone instead. The Bose audio gives you better bass thanks to the powered sub, but that's about it. None of the Porsche audio options are really all that good, it you're an audiophile you will want to upgrade the system. For me, neither of those would be a deal breaker. X51 is great, but they are few and far between.

Sport wheels, sport steering wheel, full leather, and xenons are all excellent options. You said an S, so it should have PASM. The only other option that I REALLY like are the sport seats, but that's really a personal preference thing. The standard seats don't agree with my messed up back. Sport exhaust is another nice one, but you can just Fister modify your cans for a few hundred.

cvtbenhogan

IMHO, full leather and sports seats are the best options to look for, apart from your color preferences. You get PASM and the bigger brakes in the s, and its lower. I like the carbon fiber interior, but I'm surviving without it. I'm okay with NAV, handy on road trips. Somewhat bizarre in inputting destinations.

Plenty of usable power in stock form. I don't think the x51 power package adds much in total to the specs. Waste of money for the orginal buyer.

You can always tweak the exhaust later, if you must.

Wayne Smith

IMO, Waze on your smart phone is your best bet on Navigation. Tie this into your car speakers or use the phone speakers if they are loud enough. Knowing the limitations of OEM Nav, that option was off my list of needs. I see having it as a negative.

I try to not have phone conversations when I'm driving, so the 997.1 without Bluetooth was tempting ... Kind of the opposite from most people. There have been many conversations on this Forum on how to add this feature to the 997.1 while it is available OEM on the 997.2.

There is a lot of audio discussion on this Forum. I am not qualified to comment.

X51 is rare. If you put this on your list, I hope you have patience and no immediate need to upgrade your stable. Getting philosophical, how much power is enough? I would love another 100 HP in my 997.2 C4S, but who doesn't want more power? My car is still fantastic. Power is a personal thing. A turbo is an easy (available, more so than the X51) option but I admit that I don't miss the turbo world that I almost re-entered before my car appeared. It's just that I could have had more ... !!! If the turbo works for you, don't forget that as a choice. These cars have a wonderful way of putting the power they do have onto the ground. You won't win every drag race, but in the turns you will not be able to wipe the grin off of your face! If the X51 package still matters to you, the second generation will get you about the same power and more torque, but the 997.1 will be a blast as well. Sorry for the rambling ... Hard not to when it comes to HP!!!

Tarek307

my list of must haves are:

-Bose system , people here knock it but i love it.
-Full Leather
-Chrono pkg.
-Adaptive Sports Seats.

Wayne Smith

Just saw a post by Sniff that you should check out. 2006 is same motor as 2008, and this does have the X51. Are you good with AWD?

mk3boy

ceramics is nice..

newmexicomatt

one item I missed on mine that I wish I had...auto dimming mirrors!

Chris Ramos

Great feedback all.. really appreciate it. 997.2 appears to go for a big premium (+~10k) and although the extra HP is enticing, I want a manual so PDK doesn't do much for me on the 09.

@Wayne I live in SD so 4S seems like it is just going to add unnecessary weight -- with that said I would certainly look at one.

The 08 I'm looking at is missing a few options for sure (no sport chrono either) but nothing it seems I cant live without. Dealer is asking $45.6 I'm gonna offer $44 given missing options and see what happens. With 45k miles and solid color combo seems like a pretty good deal and will hold its value based on what I've seen.

s4alex

I was just in your position on looking at a 997.

My wifes boxster got totalled in december. Insurance paid us out.

Started looking at Boxsters, then decided, **** it, time to move up..
Started looking at 05 - 08 997, started to gravitate to the C4S Cab (has to be a convert, she never uses it,but its what she wants)
Started learning more about the negatives of the 997, dated console look, crappy software, lack luster "tiptronic", IMS issues.

Decided to push it and looked at 09+ 997.2's

We ended up with a 09 997 C2S Cab with about 17k on the clock. Love it. Never looking back and no regrets.

Better engine. Better performance. Better looks.

If you can hold out for a little more, the 09's should hopefully be in your range.

Thedips

wow no bose and no navigation ! sounds like a god send to me... hard back seats and leather are the only things i wish i had in mine! otherwise sounds like a great car