Drove a 997.2, somewhat disappointed

Just my thoughts to add to the knowledge base. Drove a very minty 40k mile base 911, manual, dealer wants $45k for it. Came away thinking "how is this worth $25k+ MORE than my car?" I'd really like the peace of mind for winter driving, hpde, etc no more internet fears of "Oh no bore scoring! Oh no cylinder cracking! Oh no oil starvation!" I feel (maybe incorrectly) that the new 9a1 motor would withstand what I want to do with my car vs what I currently do with my car. These still have a little depreciation left in them my opinion, might wait another year. -shifter was heavier, more notchy, a little less play than my 104k mile 996 but not better in any way. Isn't this supposed to be an upgrade? Subjective, YMMV -engine sounded noticeably different, power felt slightly better everywhere, barely noticeable in regular around town test-driving -suspension felt good, better damping than my original? dampers and slightly more comfortable over bad pavement -front end feels better, less pogo-effect over mid-corner upsets- this car is easier to hustle along -some interior pieces are the same or nearly identical- feels familiar even with the window switches in a stupid location on the door -turn signal stalk still feels like a flimsy econobox special, I use this thing 50 times a day and it's still ****. oh well -oil temp gauge, that's nice! oil pressure always lower than my old m96, probably some efficiency thing -frunk space is slightly different, no spare tire. huh -trip computer only displays a couple things, maybe somewhere in the options they need activated? -very nice touch with the venturis in the mirrors, it was raining and side windows seemed? to stay cleaner. maybe the marketing got to me -feels like a 911 getting in, seating position, pedal feel, all very familiar and pleasant. WHOA the steering wheel telescopes now? wait, is this steering wheel thinner than mine? mind must be playing tricks on me -different throttle response, rev matching will take some re-learning, thank god the revs don't hang up like many newer cars when you push the clutch in -6th gear seems about the same, expected it to be more overdriven. Wouldn't mind a 7th for <3000rpm highway cruising -brake calipers are grey (mine are black) and look filthy/pitted/something? How do mine look better after double the age/mileage -engine is different, but hey those motor mounts look identical to the ones I just replaced... all kinds of stuff in here is the same and a nice topside filter too -louvers on the spoiler go the other direction? guess those won't catch leaves and other tree-junk anymore Just my take on a 30-minute or so drive and quickie review. I'm seeing more 997.2 under $40k, local cars seem to be bringing much more. I expect them to lose another $4k in value in the next year, then start to bottom out. Seeing more and more 997.2S for just over $40k now <70k miles, similar base cars should be in the mid $30s

The correct answer is...It isnt worth that much more. Both are used cars at different spots in the depreciation curve and that is the price difference. The 996/997 are generally the same animal both with pros and cons with each car. They are lumped together. The 991 is the next evolution.

You are not alone in your quandary. I've been looking at 08 997.1 vs 09/10 997.2 The 08 (whatever good it might be worth) will have the very last/latest/best version of the intermediate shaft/bearing. The 09 has a whole new engine without any intermediate shaft at all. However the direct fuel injection has some weak links of its own. My third alternative I just drove today...an 05 997 launch edition loaded with everything. In excellent condition and a manual trans. It is an amazingly tight example of the car and the manual trans really does have a razor's edge that neither the tiptronics nor the PDKs I have driven have. The manual isn't as fast at executing a shift as the others, but it does have a feeling of being connected to the car that the others do not give. But it is a very early 05 and that means it is right in the center of the 8% failure rate of IMS issues. But it also has 105k miles and if it was going to break it should have by now. All prices are going down...low 40s for a 997.2...mid to low thirties for 07/08 997.1...and low 30s for the launch edition. I'm only looking for a daily driver so it might be wise to wait until Jan. 17 and look for a 997.2 to come along in the high 30s...stick or pdk...getting the latest car in the best condition for the budget. And a 997.2 has only a few less horses than the 997.1 S models. But that launch edition was sweet...the only thing I'd do is dump the ceramic brakes, they are just an expensive but fragile system that adds no value to regular street use. Better to swap them out and put the cash difference into the rainy day fund. Are any of these worth 20k+ more than a 996? Sure or we wouldn't be discussing it.

I think if and when I upgrade for my next daily driver it'll be a 991. I've already gotten used to all of the buttons and electronic gadgets with the Cayenne so it'll be a natural move for me. It's enough of a difference that it won't feel like an incremental move over the 996. But for driving enjoyment I still like what the 996 provides for me.

i wouldn't even consider a 997 unless it was a C4S - i've driven both and big difference in handling/etc - C4S far superior ...and even more superior with lobster fork wheels

For that money, get yourself a nice decent mileage 996 Turbo and you won't regret it - just my $.02!

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You know what, I keep telling myself that once I feel it's time to move on from my car, that a 997.2 c4s with pdk is next. I can't believe I forgot about the turbo!

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Problem with the Turbo is it will be an older car. The newest Turbo is 5 years older than the oldest 997.2. Not that this is a bad thing but could end up being more maintenance intensive and not have some of the incremental improvements that Porsche adds to each refreshing of their models.

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Very true, but the performance and ease of modification for power adds on the Turbo is so much better. I'd say if the OP is a DIY'er, then the Turbo would be a great bet. But then again, if you are buying a Porsche out of warranty I think I'd rather have a Turbo than a 997.2 with a PDK - the Turbo "fixes" are well documented and supported and indies know them well whereas the 997.2 doesn't have that kind of support yet - dealer fixes will be expensive.