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I'm starting the search for a manual transmission car again after a 3 year hiatus.
One of the cars I'm considering is a 997, possibly a GTS version. I've spent years on the 991 forum, so I'm pretty well versed in them, but don't know as much about 997s.
I had a few questions I'm hoping you can help me with:
Value: When new, GTS models seem to be considered a pretty good "value" because it would be priced less than a comparable S model with equivalent options. Is that still true today in the used market? Or, have market forces essentially negated that "value" making an S with performance options a materially better value? You'll be hard pressed to find a 911S with the X51 Power Kit. Even if you did, remember that the 997 GTS only ran from 2011 to 2012. The 2012 gets the upgraded steering wheel used in the 991.1. The 997.2 911S ran from 2009 to 2012. That makes it possible for you to find a 997.2 911S with X51 package that is a little older and perhaps less costly than a GTS. A same/similar year 911S with X51
will list for the same if not a 5K less than a GTS, but you will be lucky to find one. I have a 2012 GTS manual. I can tell you the power bump is significant compared to a regular 911S.
On the depreciation front, would it be fair to say that a GTS is likely to depreciate a lot less than a equivalent S if I'm only adding less than 4K miles/year? I think the GTS will depreciate less, and hopefully..will eventually appreciate but that is hit or miss.
On 997s, do the GTS models get the wider (Carrera 4) rear hips like the 991 GTS? Yes, all GTS gets wider hips and rear track.
I also was looking for a 991 C2S when a 2012 GTS cab with 14k miles showed up at my dealer could not resist . Supper happy . I feel it's a very unique car love the steering and the feel of the 997 gts compared to 991 c2s. It's a keeper
I have owned the 991s and 4 different 997s and gts. the 991s has indeed become a luxury gt cruiser. its a fine car but i have come back to the 997 gts after a few yrs. I think the 997 is truly the last model with the old school 911 squirks but yet the refinement required to drive daily. the values have leveled off and are starting to move up. there are those that claim the 991 is superior. its is indeed if total comfort and luxury is what you desire. how bout those turbos? I and many enthusiest desire the awesome steering feel, the stiffer ride and nod to the older cars interior. cant go wrong either way but from someone who has had both i stil love the 997.2 better
nice to have some newer owner feedback. I came away with the same feeling regarding 991. But I'll definitely be adding a 991.2 to the stable in due time.
I have owned the 991s and 4 different 997s and gts. the 991s has indeed become a luxury gt cruiser. its a fine car but i have come back to the 997 gts after a few yrs. I think the 997 is truly the last model with the old school 911 squirks but yet the refinement required to drive daily. the values have leveled off and are starting to move up. there are those that claim the 991 is superior. its is indeed if total comfort and luxury is what you desire. how bout those turbos? I and many enthusiest desire the awesome steering feel, the stiffer ride and nod to the older cars interior. cant go wrong either way but from someone who has had both i stil love the 997.2 better
Totally agree. Gave a couple of 991's one last chance at the dealer last week but it's just not happening. Drove home in the GTS and then bought a 3 year Fidelity Platinum policy from Mike at Mossy Motors. Can't seem to let go of this car given the options available.
I love the GTS too; the local dealer had one, but I walked away as it was so much more expensive than my C2S purchase was; they were asking a $28k premium for a car that had more miles. The wide hips are sexier, and I loved the carbon trim, but from a driving perspective, there was basically no difference. That is both good and bad: those who want performance very close to a GTS can snag a clean 997.2 C2S in the mid to high 50's, and those who really want the GTS widebody and package can get that as well, without going all out to a GT3 and losing the rear seats (at a $20k premium, of course).
The X51 C2S models do come up from time to time, but as I couldn't tell a difference between the GTS I drove and my C2S from a power perspective, I wouldn't pay additional money for the X51 standalone kit. The real magic in the GTS is the bodywork (not the CL wheels or Alcantara, both of which I would skip if given the choice).
My car just doesn't have those same sexy hips. Nice, but not quite as nice as the GTS.
IMO the GTS hits the sweet spot - sitting nicely between the S & GT3 as a more exhilarating slice of Pork that can also work as a daily driver/tourer. Prices have firmed up so it does have a premium over an S but demand remains strong, so residuals should be good going forward. The concept has proved popular and Porsche have also done very well with the latest 991 GTS, which has also won numerous tests. Ultimately I would test drive both and look at the extra premium for the GTS and decide if that works for you compared to a very nice gen-2 S...... Best of luck.
Of course for the full fat detailed information, you know where to go
Is the GTS PDK different than an S PDK? I spoke with a dealer about a GTS and they were convinced it was different.
It's not any different to my knowledge. Sport Chrono will make a difference to PDK. But, for example, a 2011 Carrera S and a 2011 Carrera GTS will have the same PDK hardware and same PDK performance, assuming both cars have Sport Chrono. It is possible that the two different cars would have different Porsche software (since there was an update that folks have said impacted PDK performance).. so a 2011 Carrera S without the update and a 2011 Carrera GTS with the update might have a different PDK performance. But that difference would change once they were on the same software release
RWD, wide body, manual transmission, great options unique to the GTS and purpose built by Porsche with few examples makes it a pleasure and gives a drivers response I just keep being amazed by.
For anyone looking for these cars, you're on the right track. When you find your car, enjoy it and never sell it! You'll be rewarded, their just great.
10-25-2017, 10:33 AM
