Talk me out of / into a 911 - Page 2 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

i don't claim to be rolling in cash, but I am hoping next year to stabilise a few things financially and be able to potentially scratch an increasing itch of recent times. I am very aware that ICE cars have an uncertain future, and I have a long list of cars I would love to own.... so I am also slightly feeling like I need to act even if it costs me more money than I would like to spend, as if I don't go for it now, I may lose the opportunity in future. Budget is back of a fag packet £1000 a month or so... no I can't buy one outright. I drove a 911 GT3 RS at an airfield in Spring and just can't quite get it out of my mind... now I definitely cannot stretch to one of those, but I might through some squeak and what appears to be softening market values a 'normal' GT3. However, I have two kids (4 and 6) and so the lack of back seats probably rules it out sadly (although I know it's possible to do a conversion, it may end up being £7k or something to do it (and unclear impact on resale value for the car). So this sort of led me to something like a Carrera GTS... I would be able to afford a newer example than a GT3... i do think one of the modern targas could be great. I don't really like the full convertible. Although, would that interfere with the ability to use a roof box for trips away? i don't really know what I am asking... many just for opinions and views, things I haven't considered etc.

Do it. Even if you only have it for a year and sell it. If you don't you'll always wish you had.

Go for it. I wouldn't put rear seats in a GT3 personally. I was in the same boat - wanted something "pure" and driver focused but didn't want to chuck more than £45k into something. Ended up with a 996.2 with a 3.9 Hartech engine and full suspension refresh. It's not "hardcore" but is a cracking fun road car which I can take the kids along (they are 7 and 4). And it feels like a 911 which the newer cars may not. Arguably still too fast for UK roads though. Depends what you are after really

So long as you can afford it and your circumstances aren't liable to change, go for it. Life is very short and to experience a car you've dreamed of owning is a lovely experience. I'd suggest a good 991.1 GTS, either manual or PDK, you get the rear seats, you get the modernity of a Porsche built in the last decade century, they'll come with warranties and you can put it back into the OPC warranty for peace of mind. It'll be super quick enough to scare you/lose a license, it'll be comfortable on those boring trips on motorways, it'll be weirdly practical and it'll be something you'll likely enjoy driving. Have a look around, find a local Porsche specialist that sells; JZM, RPM, Paragon etc and take one for a test drive.

i tend to not always have an interesting car, but then when i find something that excites me my mind goes into full planning and research mode. It's amazing how much of a positive difference it can make having a car you love as it turns even mundane trips and commuting into an event. I had The lessened practicality worries me a wee bit as I have come out of a C63S estate which was an excellent all-rounder. We do love a road trip but i think some careful though will be needed for things like state of roads and likelihood of rocky car parks etc. Maybe I should just not worry about that as it would be solved at the time. Also I am not sure how big the seats are in the rear although I can see Porsche sell child seats designed for the mini back seats of the 911. I saw a DMS remap on one of these to something fairly crazy as with all the 3.0T models... possibly i need to drive one to see how doable it all is but wouldn't want to be branded a timewaster by a dealer as I am not ready to buy!

991.1 GTS would be an excellent choice. I'd keep an eye out on CC or similar auction sites, there are bargains to be had these days, unlike AT where there are loads of ambitious sellers who haven't adjusted to this current market. Don't get a targa, they're heavier than a convertible and you get lots of buffetting. Looks nice but the worst pick dynamically.

Blown2CV said: i don't claim to be rolling in cash, but I am hoping next year to stabilise a few things financially and be able to potentially scratch an increasing itch of recent times. I am very aware that ICE cars have an uncertain future, and I have a long list of cars I would love to own.... so I am also slightly feeling like I need to act even if it costs me more money than I would like to spend, as if I don't go for it now, I may lose the opportunity in future. Budget is back of a fag packet £1000 a month or so... no I can't buy one outright. I drove a 911 GT3 RS at an airfield in Spring and just can't quite get it out of my mind... now I definitely cannot stretch to one of those, but I might through some squeak and what appears to be softening market values a 'normal' GT3. However, I have two kids (4 and 6) and so the lack of back seats probably rules it out sadly (although I know it's possible to do a conversion, it may end up being £7k or something to do it (and unclear impact on resale value for the car). So this sort of led me to something like a Carrera GTS... I would be able to afford a newer example than a GT3... i do think one of the modern targas could be great. I don't really like the full convertible. Although, would that interfere with the ability to use a roof box for trips away? i don't really know what I am asking... many just for opinions and views, things I haven't considered etc. What a refreshing post! I’d say go for it and the only advice I have is try a few before you buy, most Porsche centres and specialists will have a broad selection and I’d like to think that they’d offer you a few test drives to help you make your decision. You may find that you don’t need to spend as much each month or that your prefer the way a certain model drives - only you can decide! I’ve had a 991 and now have a 992, loved the 991 but prefer the 992. Good luck

What everyone has said above really.... had the latest greatest 992 C2S a few years back, loved it, scratched the itch, no, didn't have £100k up front, but put enough in to get the monthlies to £750ish. Now have a 997 C2S, which I bought outright following the sale of the 992. Currently holed up in a garage on a trickle charger for winter. Both are 911's, both are brilliant in their own way, depends what you want. 997 manual is much more of a raw car, I'd imagine that a 996 is probably even more so, especially with a 3.9! When bore score inevitably strikes my 997(!), I'm going 4.1, no ifs or buts. If you earn it and can afford it, keep an eye on re-sale in case things change and just do it. Life is too short. Don't regret my 992 (on finance!) one little bit. Love my 997 just as much though.

Maybe you should look backwards a bit. A late 997 would be lovely, nice, lighter and more raw. Potentially cheaper so you're not spending a grand a month.

Go drive some different options - definitely don't discount the older cars until you have tried them. Personally I think a good 996 is about the optimum 911, especially when value for money is taken into account, but am very much biased as a repeated 9x6 owner. Prices are dropping on some rather special cars such as 997.2 GTS, lots of options out there.

I agree with going earlier/older. Also they're narrower so easier to deal with parking and tight urban and country roads. Also, for normal roads (read: potholed, cracked and lumpy), a non-GT car might be a better prospect. If you can ignore the headlights (easy when you're sitting inside the car), then the 996 is very affordable. And crazily so in Carrera format. It has the nicest interior, too, unless you prefer Audi interiors.

I admire the optimism and life's short sentiment here but the 4 and 6 year old will be growing quickly. Will they really want to sit in the back of a 911 and go touring? Having previously bought a car that I thought would make for great family days out I'd be testing that element first. 997s and 991s are fabulous cars. I'd be very happy with a C2 in either and 991s look to be getting cheaper by the week.

indeed, 4 and 6 year old, you've got maybe 4 years tops before they become too big for the rear seats of a 911. clock is ticking, get it bought. the time has already passed you by for strict 2 seaters, have to wait until both kids are grown up and flown the nest before you can realistically get one of them again. on a similar vein, im seriously considering ditching my very sensible, but high miles BMW 330d and getting an audi S6, with a v10. even if i only run it for a year and put up with barely 20mpg, at least when i look back at my life, i can say i had a big petrol V10 at least once. then after a couple of years, can sell it on and go back to normality with something even more sensible like a 120d. fortunately for me, we're happily childfree, so my weekend car can remain a 2 seater, currently its a boxster, though a 370Z or even an R8 would be lovely in the future.

Maxus said: I admire the optimism and life's short sentiment here but the 4 and 6 year old will be growing quickly. Will they really want to sit in the back of a 911 and go touring? I was squeezing into the back of my dad's 996 Turbo when I was 15 for cross-continental trips! I loved the car, which helped.

Well when the kids get too big I can just buy something else. I looked at a Panamera or a cayenne but they just don’t have an excitement factor despite being no doubt very capable.

Shaoxter said: 991.1 GTS would be an excellent choice. I'd keep an eye out on CC or similar auction sites, there are bargains to be had these days, unlike AT where there are loads of ambitious sellers who haven't adjusted to this current market. Don't get a targa, they're heavier than a convertible and you get lots of buffetting. Looks nice but the worst pick dynamically. Good shout re the targa

Trufit said: What a refreshing post! I’d say go for it and the only advice I have is try a few before you buy, most Porsche centres and specialists will have a broad selection and I’d like to think that they’d offer you a few test drives to help you make your decision. You may find that you don’t need to spend as much each month or that your prefer the way a certain model drives - only you can decide! I’ve had a 991 and now have a 992, loved the 991 but prefer the 992. Good luck Ha refreshing in what way?

Now getting the man maths itch and wondering whether a 991.1 turbo S is in reach……

I would be inclined to go for the 991 -little bit more space. plus the electronics are a lot more current. I have a few GT Porsches which are really not great DDs and as noted, no little rear seats. I would go for the 991GTS. Unless you are going to track it there is not much practical advantage in a GT car, and pretty much any 911 is a quick and responsive car to drive.

Blown2CV said: Well when the kids get too big I can just buy something else. Exactly. Do it. Once they get to about 8/9 they just need a low booster and none at all once they hit 135cm, which frees up room in the back for a while longer. I prefer the older cars to keep the steering feel and smaller size. A 997.2 Carrera would be the sweet spot for me.

Blown2CV said: Trufit said: What a refreshing post! I’d say go for it and the only advice I have is try a few before you buy, most Porsche centres and specialists will have a broad selection and I’d like to think that they’d offer you a few test drives to help you make your decision. You may find that you don’t need to spend as much each month or that your prefer the way a certain model drives - only you can decide! I’ve had a 991 and now have a 992, loved the 991 but prefer the 992. Good luck Ha refreshing in what way? I would agree "refreshing" because it's such a sensible question in a place where many of us have asked ourselves the same question ... and obtained similar advice and spread of opinions. For myself I would suggest 997 Gen2 / Coupe / with a lot of research on price and local support options ... the local specialist being my personal preference. It's not just about buying the car, it's also about the support to take any fear out of the possible windfalls of owning an expensive car at whatever level Enjoy the journey ... !

Blown2CV said: Trufit said: What a refreshing post! I’d say go for it and the only advice I have is try a few before you buy, most Porsche centres and specialists will have a broad selection and I’d like to think that they’d offer you a few test drives to help you make your decision. You may find that you don’t need to spend as much each month or that your prefer the way a certain model drives - only you can decide! I’ve had a 991 and now have a 992, loved the 991 but prefer the 992. Good luck Ha refreshing in what way? You were open about what you’d like, what you can afford and you seem to actually want to buy a car that you can drive and enjoy. Made a “refreshing” change to some of the value drop, flipping and we’re all doomed posts on here recently - that’s not to say I don’t find some of the comments very entertaining! Have you made a decision yet?

Trufit said: Blown2CV said: Trufit said: What a refreshing post! I’d say go for it and the only advice I have is try a few before you buy, most Porsche centres and specialists will have a broad selection and I’d like to think that they’d offer you a few test drives to help you make your decision. You may find that you don’t need to spend as much each month or that your prefer the way a certain model drives - only you can decide! I’ve had a 991 and now have a 992, loved the 991 but prefer the 992. Good luck Ha refreshing in what way? You were open about what you’d like, what you can afford and you seem to actually want to buy a car that you can drive and enjoy. Made a “refreshing” change to some of the value drop, flipping and we’re all doomed posts on here recently - that’s not to say I don’t find some of the comments very entertaining! Have you made a decision yet? ah nice one yea i am purely after it based on drive and injecting enjoyment into my life, not profit. Decision will likely be drawn out and researched endlessly for 6+ months! There are financial constraints which means I can't quite move forward with it today. Also things like Mrs wants a new bathroom and patio and things like that...

My suggestion for your budget situation would be a 991.2 manual GTS. The 997 are fabulous cars (I have one myself) but they are classic cars by now. If I had your budget, a nice example, low mileage 991.2 GTS with OPC warranty would be the way forward.

Blown2CV said: Talk me out of / into a 911 We will not. You should buy one

Filibuster said: My suggestion for your budget situation would be a 991.2 manual GTS. The 997 are fabulous cars (I have one myself) but they are classic cars by now. If I had your budget, a nice example, low mileage 991.2 GTS with OPC warranty would be the way forward. The other issues with 997 (and also 996) is that they are smaller than 991 and with 2 kids in tow, that's a consideration. Also, the cars are getting too old to run OPC warranty and there have been a lot of issues with engines in those (non GT or turbo) cars. I'd tend toward a car with Porsche warranty if you can. Which exact car is personal choice, but 991.1 or .2 is starting point IMHO.

I also used the kids/4 seater justification for 911. Reality for me was I very very rarely used them as family transport. So much so, that "my" car (usually 911) was only really used by me - went through numerous BMWs/Volvos to use as family transport. Then I realised I spent far more time in XC90 than I did in my car. So made sense to get a better "family" car & something for my personal use. I know this is a bit of a rambling post, but in my scenario - 911 was not a family car - I don't think it ever would be for most families. But once to get the itch - you MUST scratch it - if you can.

Any 911 is better than no 911. - Do it!! Drive a few, and then buy the best example of the model you like thats within your budget.

It does seem that the 992 911 has become better value over the past 3 months I was in the market for a Turbo S recently however pleased I did not pull the trigger then Will wait until new year as a lot of new pre reg cars well below list being hawked about Always felt the GTS is the sweet spot

I think the sweet spot of all 911s has to be a nearly new 992 C2 or C2S pdk of which I have seen a number sell for mint examples sell at around £80k with 5,000-10,000 miles on the clock. These have need cherished cars from 2020. What more car could you ask for? These are real sales prices, not asking prices.

Nurburgsingh said: Any 911 is better than no 911. - Do it!! Drive a few, and then buy the best example of the model you like thats within your budget. Very true. In fairnes also a Boxter or Cayman is 1,000 times better than no Porsche. Wonlt fit kids, but there is an argument for buying a cheap one and spending a bit to fix and just have as a purely fun car. Similarly, 996 and 997, although you might need to budget a bit more for fixing up to standard, are far, far cheaper and, in many ways, more of a pure, raw experience.

I have a 981 Cayman, my wife a Macan S. I still get the Porsche driving experience when (mostly) driving the Macan. With the grandkids in the back of a 911 you'd be driving more sedately anyhow. But if you must have a 911, you must.

I went from a Cayman R to a 991.1 GTS this year as I have a daughter who's nearly 3 years old and wanted more use from the car. For what I wanted and like in a sports car the 911 is one of the few cars that meets the criteria. I've done over 5,000 miles including a trip to the Pyrenees and 12 days to the 'ring and Alps. I was originally looking at a 997.2 GTS but went with the 991.1 due to the size (100mm longer in wheelbase I think) and isofix, which might still be a consideration for your youngest. It's also my favourite engine outside the GT cars and I prefer the interior (and wanted a change of interior too) over the 997. It's surprisingly practical as most 911's are if you're willing to put the effort it; I took all this to the Alps without using the shelf behind the rear seats, front footwell or anything loose around my daughter in the back: If you want to go camping with the family though and you have an inflatable tent you'll probably need a roof rack! Edited by MadsMan on Thursday 23 November 12:53

Absolutely buy one. I drove my mates 996.2 GT3 a few years ago and I was smitten. I’d always liked the 911 prior to that but after experiencing one for myself I was sold. Earlier this year I made a purchase in the form of 997.1 C4s Manual with a Hartech rebuild. It’s used sparingly, 6 months into ownership I still have to pinch myself I have my own 911. Even if you only intend to “scratch the itch” like me, I can almost guarantee it will get under your skin. It certainly has for me.

MadsMan said: I went from a Cayman R to a 991.1 GTS this year as I have a daughter who's nearly 3 years old and wanted more use from the car. For what I wanted and like in a sports car the 911 is one of the few cars that meets the criteria. I've done over 5,000 miles including a trip to the Pyrenees and 12 days to the 'ring and Alps. I was originally looking at a 997.2 GTS but went with the 991.1 due to the size (100mm longer in wheelbase I think) and isofix, which might still be a consideration for your youngest. It's also my favourite engine outside the GT cars and I prefer the interior (and wanted a change of interior too) over the 997. It's surprisingly practical as most 911's are if you're willing to put the effort it; I took all this to the Alps without using the shelf behind the rear seats, front footwell or anything loose around my daughter in the back: If you want to go camping with the family though and you have an inflatable tent you'll probably need a roof rack! Edited by MadsMan on Thursday 23 November 12:53 Love it, great story, the 911 is supremely versatile ..

I was in a similar situation to you in early March this year; always wanted a 911 and have 5 & 7 year old girls so need rear seats. Very similar budget. Looked at the 991.1 couldn’t get over the backwards sequential shift on the PDK using the stick and once I’d tested a 991.2 GTS the engine in the 991.1 whilst sounding great felt a bit low on shove. Then tried a 911.2 Carrera T which was nice but wanted the extra power. I had found in the GTS. In the end I settled on a 992 C2S mainly due to the excellent deals about at the time from OPCs which meant on a PCP the cost was less than the 991.2 GTs but also as it wasn’t quite as low as the GTS (I have a high spot on entry to my drive that a reasonably low car will scrape on). The interior is also a step up and it’s probably the last ICE only Carrera. I love the thing and will probably keep it for ever (unless one day I can afford a GT3 touring). Perfect daily for me and can happily ferry the kids to school etc. We have an X5 for family duties so it will never be needed for long trips. Hope that helps, do it, you won’t regret it. Probably some good deals to be had at the OPCs at the end of the year too. Edited by 9k rpm on Saturday 25th November 23:34

9k rpm said: I was in a similar situation to you in early March this year; always wanted a 911 and have 5 & 7 year old girls so need rear seats. Very similar budget. Looked at the 991.1 couldn’t get over the backwards sequential shift on the PDK using the stick and once I’d tested a 991.2 GTS the engine in the 991.1 whilst sounding great felt a bit low on shove. Then tried a 911.2 Carrera T which was nice but wanted the extra power. I had found in the GTS. In the end I settled on a 992 C2S mainly due to the excellent deals about at the time from OPCs which meant on a PCP the cost was less than the 991.2 GTs but also as it wasn’t quite as low as the GTS (I have a high spot on entry to my drive that a reasonably low car will scrape on). The interior is also a step up and it’s probably the last ICE only Carrera. I love the thing and will probably keep it for ever (unless one day I can afford a GT3 touring). Perfect daily for me and can happily ferry the kids to school etc. We have an X5 for family duties so it will never be needed for long trips. Hope that helps, do it, you won’t regret it. Probably some good deals to be had at the OPCs at the end of the year too. Edited by 9k rpm on Saturday 25th November 23:34 nice one thanks, food for thought there!

Filibuster said: My suggestion for your budget situation would be a 991.2 manual GTS. The 997 are fabulous cars (I have one myself) but they are classic cars by now. If I had your budget, a nice example, low mileage 991.2 GTS with OPC warranty would be the way forward. Agreed.