chuckcintron

Newbie here to both the site and Porsche in general. I am thinking of picking up a sports car sometime within the next year, having driven pickup trucks the last 20 years I figure I deserve something a little nicer ;-)

I was on the hunt for a Ferrari 360 but just too many stories about people having their bank accounts consumed in $10K chunks with all sorts of unexpected failures. Sad, because I think the car is a work of art.

The Carrera keeps ticking off all the key boxes for me, as well. I am in the range of up to $70K for the budget.

Before posting here I did do a lot of reading. I would like to minimize my exposure to unexpected/catastrophic repairs. My conclusion is that a 2009/2010 997 (S model with PDK) would be a pretty good bet. No IMS, no Turbo, no clutch to wear out - and still "pre-VW" for the most part. Also, it's past the midpoint of the 997 model run so maybe the bugs were worked out by 2009/2010?

I want a more "modern" car so nothing vintage or older than this year range - I appreciate the older cars but just not what I'm looking for.

My second choice is a used (newer) Cayman GTS but I'm not sure I want to give up on the power (and torque) the 911 platform provides.

My third choice is a GT-R but I just have a hard time sensing any soul in that car. It's a beast but it's still got a Nissan barcode on it.

Do my thoughts on the 997 make sense? Or are there other serious issues that tend to crop up in that model/model year?

Thanks...

KNS

You can't go wrong with your choice. As I'm sure you've read, have a Porsche garage check out any car (Pre Purchase Inspection - PPI) before you make the leap.

BIG smoke

Drove my friends GT-R for a few days. It was a lot of fun. But for me and a DD. It was too ... ready shoot aim. I could live with the 997. Drove it four seasons. One water pump, plugs, a few oil changes.
Next one will be a 997.2 C4S with rear wiper. Currently car funds are in reforming wellhead gas. Hope to back in the saddle shortly.
If you like tight pants, tight shirts, and tinny shoes. Get the Ferrari.

9114Scab

I would consider a Cayman S also. I absolutely love my 997 4S cab, but today I had an opportunity to drive a Cayman S (Panamera was in the shop) . It too, is a wonderful car, I really enjoyed it. It did not feel like it was lacking anything to me. honestly, I might get one myself.You can get a beauty for 70,000 grand. IMHO

Quadcammer

sounds fine

3Series

If you don't need back seats, I'd go with a Cayman GTS.

jc9elfer

I had a 2003 996 and now a 2008 997.1. Loved both of them even though everyone talks bad about the 996. I like the 997, the 991 is growing on me but not enough move on.
IMO, the Cayman is a great car, but other than a GT4, I can't see myself in one.

chuckcintron

Thanks for the replies. A Cayman GT4 would be sweet but probably out of the budget unless in a couple of years they trickle into the used market, shedding some depreciation.

I don't need back seats.

I totally agree on the PPI point and will make sure to hire someone with the integrity to do that right when the time comes.

I'm happy with these two choices (997.2 or Cayman GTS), as long as there are no obvious weak spots I will likely trip over and require me to put the Porsche mechanic as joint owner on my bank account...so far I'm hearing there are none to worry about (?)

9114Scab

You're no where near a Cayman GTS for 70 grand, just saying. (Sticker on a GTS is 105,978.00 here in the Chicago area.

Umm, maybe a 09, 10 or high mileage 997.2 11'.

To be honest , the 2015 Cayman S' are 81,000 here.

BrakingBad

with $70K I'd wait for mid winter and buy a 2011 Carrera GTS. Easy.

snake eyes

I love my 997.2 4S. Just the right amount of everything for me..( Hense why after over a year of ownership I'm still in love with it )
Fast, practical, relaible, and fun at the limit.

I honestly didnt get a Cayman S because of the STIGMA (yes they drove great) - No they do not get all the goodies a 911 gets / No E diff, No Mechanical Diff etc etc etc-.... that and if I wanted a 2 seat sports car I would have bought a Z51 Corvette stingray brand new with a bunch of options.

I feel the corvette is a better deal for a two seat sports car than the cayman..

Now if you want something fast with 4 doors. You can get a Panamera Turbo for 70k easily CPO ( certified pre owned ) - The Panamera Turbo will be faster than a 997.2 4S and GTS
Might be my next car if I MUST have four doors in my third car.

kcheves

Base prices from Porsche USA Website:

Cayman: $52,600
Cayman S: $64,100
Cayman GTS: $75,200
Cayman GT4: $84,600

snake eyes

Ahem,
Porsche Options...

The best buy is actually the Spyder since it comes with everything you need.
Now the GT4 is sold out....but that would be the best deal.
http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/bo...oxster-spyder/

johnireland

I would recommend, since you are new to Porsche, that you find a very nice and relatively cheap 996...look for a 1999 or 2000...give it a dPPI and buy the car for about $18k...and drive if for year. It is a great car and if you buy wise you will face no more unpleasant surprises than with any other used Porsche. You don't want a clutch and manual, go drive a 996 with tiptronic...it is 90% of a PDK and is very very entertaining. Don't take my word for it, go drive it. And if you buy it, drive it a lot and wring every mile you can out of it. It will teach you more about what a Porsche is than all the newer cars put together. And at the end of the year you may even decide you've got all the Porsche you want...or you'll move up and have a nice trade in plus $50k still in the bank.

chuckcintron

I wouldn't buy brand new. I'm thinking a year from now...should be able to find near $70k, no? I saw a couple for sale like this listing, if I can believe the ad and the car is not flawed:


http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...4512/overview/

I do feel like the 997.2 is higher on my list, however.