who would trade up for a 997?

Who would trade in their 996 for a 997 in a heartbeat?

Can we have an option for a Cayman instead? I'm waiting for an S to hit my $40-45k sweet spot.

I love the looks of the exterior, but can't stand the interior - especially the steering wheel w/buttons on it. It looks too Cayenneish to me. The 997S I drove felt very tight and quicker then my car, but I can't justify the hit on a trade in. Used 996s are the bargain of the century in P-car terms right now.

I could see myself going to a C4S Targa in a few years. My C4S stickered at $90k, and I saved almost $30k by buying it a few years later. My next Porsche will probably be a 2007 Targa in 2010. Don't laugh, it will be 2010 before you know it!

I'm with Rob, the exterior is fine, but I don't like the interior of the 997.

My next will be a 997 GT3.

I keep trying to warm up to the 997s but they just leave me cold. Maybe it's because it took me 15 months to find what I consider to be the perfect 996 for my wants and needs. Looked at 100s of cars during that time and finally found it with all the right colors and my tall option list. I may get flamed here but in my opinion the 996 has better lines and less Asian influence in certain areas. The 996 has a more substantial look, whereas the 997 shares certain styling ques with Mazda, Hyundai and such. The 996 interior, dash layout is decades ahead of the 993 design wise and handsomely executed. The 997 interior looks too plastic and is a radical departure from the elegant 996 design. I'm sure the 997 will draw customers, as many buyers just have to have the newest only for that reason. I will remain perfectly happy with my 996 for now anyway.

I would only complement my 996 GT3 with a 996 C4S cab. The 997 does not justfy a new model # as it is nothing but a facelift 996 in my opinion.

IF they do not fix the quality issues both mechanical(engine failures) and interior (excessive rattles) my bnext car will be back to BMW. Probably an M5. Certainly a totally different car, but I have had my 996 one year and to say the ownership experience to this point has not met my expectation would be an understatement. I love the way the car look, drives, and handles, but the rattles and other issues are not what I would expect for an 80k car. If these things are no longer an issue with the 997 then yeah I would sign up for one when the time comes. If it is not better then on to something else.

I can't really answer the poll the way it is. I don't see a point in trading for the same model such as going from a 996 3.6l Carrera to a 997 3.6l Carrera. There is no difference in performance and the rest is aesthetics: different seats, dash, door panels, stereo, etc. If you are looking at moving up to a different model, that is different. Price should not be an issue since 2005 997 Carreras are now in the 60's and Carrera S models are in the low 70's. I am considering getting a 997 GT3, but I would not consider moving to a 997 Carrera or Carrera S. I would rather go to a late 996 Turbo than go to an S. I find the 997 interior hit and miss. I like the door panels in the 996 better. They are more integrated with larger storage. I like the shape of the dash in the 996 better, but the gauges and illumination in the 997 is far improved. I like the fact that the cup holders in the 997 are larger, but not thier location on the passenger side or the flimsy door that covers them. The center console in the 997 is a little better. I think the 997 seats are a huge improvement in both shape and cover mate.rials. The standard 997 seats are more comfortable than 996 seats but also hold you in better than 996 sport seats. The rest of the 997 interior...is directly from a 996. When I do the pros and cons, half I like more and half I don't like more and hence why I would spend more to buy one in the same model. I find the exterior of the 997 also hit and miss. I really like the front end of the 997. I think it looks best without the sero front end. I don't like the mismatch of lines of the back end of the 997. The lines of the tail lights, bumper and engine lid line up so much more smoothly on the 996.

My plan is to get a 997 when my 996 lease runs out in about 18 months. I don't know yet if it will be a new car or a 1 to 2 year old pre-owned 997. It all depends on what I can find in the used market at that time. If I can't find what I want in the used market, then I'll special order a new one, because I don't want one of the "dime a dozen" Silver/Black/Gray colors that will be on the dealer's lots. Also, I dislike Black interiors. Just those two criteria will automatically eliminate 60% - 65% of the 997's on the market at that time.

After six months of 996 ownership I find myself looking at adds for 928GTS'

I recently test drove an 05 997S, to see if I liked it (probably going to get a new car end of 07, 08), and "see if it was worth paying up for a 997 vs a 04 996C2 or GT3 (inspired by Dell!). Impressions: 1) Looks. The back end is a little cleaner with the newer spoiler, but the front end is pure VW... I actually like the 996 front end, so I may be biased...but Porsche could of been a little edgier with the front, i.e. I think the 987 boxster front headlights are awesome. The lobster fork wheels, which I originally didnt like, have grown on me... I hesitate about 19s though... tri-state area is definitely rough on wheels. However, the wider rear fenders are much sexier than the 996, which at ~1" tighter makes a noticeable difference. 2) Interior - Got Honda? Dont like it at all... I think the 996 interior was the best of the three (993 vs 996 vs 997). I see what Porsche was aiming at by trying to make it more 993ish... but they fail miserably with the doors, and the seats are very boxy. The 996 interior is more "edgy" more fluid, more european... specifically the instrument cluster, I think it looks awesome how the different instruments roll into each other. The 997 interior is functional and Asian-inspired, and whats with the controls on the door? However, I did like the 997 shifter. I was suprised at the PCM... the navigation was very cool, and despite the fact I am an analogue fan, could see using it a lot. Oh and the seats look crappy, but were very comfortable and form fitting. 3) Driving. I was most looking forward to the test drive. And to sum it up, 996 rebadged. The car was mildly faster, specifically in the lower range (I am coming from a 300hp 3.4l), but once you gut up there I didnt notice much of a difference. The handling was mildly tighter, but no different than a new car. The braking however was awesome, could be due to the fact that it is a new car, but I definitely noticed a difference. In summary: I felt like the 997 was not worth paying up for. I told this to the salesperson, and he was shocked. I summed it up as, this car is much more user friendly, and definitely for a wider audience, but it felt more mass-produced, more asian inspired... less european. (Caveat: I have only owned european autos, so I think if it doesnt feel European it feels Asian). The salesperson agreed that it definirely wasnt as "German" as the 996, or 993, but its a more modern car. Hope this helps... will I own a 997 one day? yes. But I am going to ride the 996 train for at least another 3-5-years. Ross

I like the 997, but my 996 has plently of life left in it, so I have no need for a new car right now.

I would not trade my 996 4S for a 997 4S. Not even if it were an even trade. Though I would trade up to a 997 TT or a 997 GT3 if it were an even trade but that ain't gona happen.

thats what I want, although I may bite the bullet and buy new with a nice discount...

None of the choices applies to my response, so I didn't vote. My answer is no, however. 997 TT or 997 GT3? Absolutely! I just simply don't like the VW-ish front-end of the regular 997. Yes, it's all about looks with me. What can I say, I'm a shallow bastard.

ditto on the 997 GT3... amazing!

I was faced with a very similiar question when I bought my 996 early this year. I had more or less set my heart on a 997, but was open to a 996 as well. So when the time came to get serious, it basically came down to two cars... 1. 2005 997 C2 (not S) - 11k miles, Silver/Blk, Bose, Nav, Standard 18" wheels, and a few other minor options --- Price: $71900 2. 2003 996 C2 - 15k miles, Red/Blk, Aerokit II, 18" Sport Techno, SSK, H&R Springs, Gemballa mufflers, and a few other minor options --- Price: $56500 I had casually looked at the 996 first, but actually test drove the 997 first. While it was a good drive, it lacked that "edge" that I was accustomed to from Porsche (NOTE: at the time my 964 C2 was my daily driver). The ride was almost, dare I say, BMW 330i-like (I do mean 330i w/OEM sport suspension, but still a 330). After we returned to the dealer we parked next to a late model 996 (i.e. 02-04), and both my wife and daughter commented on how the they really liked the 996 front end better, especially the headlights. I had never compared them so closely side-by-side and I must say, I agreed with them. I then test drove the 996. Man was it a revelation!!! The modifications it had made all of the difference. The Gemballa mufflers made the car sound much more like what I expect from a Porsche, and the stiffer, lowered stance, and SSK made the car feel much more agressive. It had the "edge" I was looking for. Of course the bright red color, aerokit II, and lowered suspension just made the car scream to be stared at (something I grossly underestimated, and which sometimes can be a bit uncomfortable). So the decision became an easy one. 996 with an "edge" for $56500 or "BMW 330-like" 997 for $71900? Obviously I went for the 996 and have not looked back. I realize that my 996 had some mods that made it better fit what I was looking for, and if I was comparing the standard 996 to the standard 997, the 997 may have shined a bit more. However, I still have my doubts as to whether 997 would have been the obvious choice because the price differential would have been even larger. So the question is... Given $70K today, what would you buy? For me that is a simple answer... The best 996 turbo I could find (and hopefully not in silver, grey, or black). Or I might just invest it all in a Geoffrey-inspired rebuild of my 964, but that is another topic altogether.

I like the 997 better for the styling. I like both the inside and out, but that is simply not that big a deal to me. There just isn't enough difference to justify changing cars. The S is nice, but even it doesn't feel very much faster. So, yes, I would trade mine in on one, but not until I am done with the 996. I don't expect that to occur anytime soon. I tend to keep my cars forever. Last two were 11 years and 10 years.

I wouldn't trade my 4S for a 997 unless it was a GT3 or Turbo. I got a chance to test drive the 997S with m6, and it didn't seem a lot faster than my 996 with a tip! At least, not a night and day difference. The Turbo or the GT3 would be a big step up in my mind. Otherwise, I see no point. I do like the PASM and the extra wide body of the 4S, but I'll stick with my 996.

As many have noted in other posts, every 997 looks similar except for the turbo and targa and GT3........996 C4S is very distinctive car and I know that I receive more comments on that particular car from the same people who don't know Porsche and who also saw me driving a 997S, which has not illicited the same enthusiam from the same people...... it is ironic how the interior of the 996 with full leather, which was disrespected is now gaining newfound appeal over the 997 Japanese car look......, if not donme already.....should do a poll on 993vs996vs997 interior appeal while the 996 C4S is "underpowered", not on American roads and short straightaway tracks...I may go for a 996 TT in a few years or mod the C4S......or if I want to break the bank the newest TT....

its funny,after owning 2 boxsters.a base and an s,i swore i would not get a 911 with "that interior".i currently drive an 87 911.i love the old interiors and since the new breed of 987s and 997s,i like the 996 interior..the 997 looks like an infiniti or something..it dawned on me that the boxster and 997 interiors are from the cayenne..its sad.

Why do you call it trade up ?

Choices #2 and #3 look the same. One should read: " I enjoy my 996, no need to swap." I don't understand the last choice... what makes the 997 whimpy?

True Dat, I didn't vote coz' there's no appropriate choice for me.

I vote for a 997 GT3 or Turbo.

its funny,after owning 2 boxsters.a base and an s,i swore i would not get a 911 with "that interior".i currently drive an 87 911.i love the old interiors and since the new breed of 987s and 997s,i like the 996 interior..the 997 looks like an infiniti or something..it dawned on me that the boxster and 997 interiors are from the cayenne..its sad. I feel thae same way about the interior.. Loks to touring car less sporty.

has anyone who owns a 996 ever test driven a 997S, I would like to know your impressions..

i want the turbo...... i do like the way the 997 looks....much nicer then the 996.... but the interior just doesn't do it.... way too much noise.... but the power is awesome though.....

With the 996 GT3's current prices, I would never buy a 997 carrera.

I've got some seat time in a 997S, and as I've said before, it felt significantly quicker ( unlike an updated 996 or a base 997 ) and tighter than my car. I was also impressed w/the PASM; in Sport mode, it felt very similar to the RoW M030 and I could see wanting to soften up the suspension on long freeway road trips. Twice as nice? Not. +1 If I was in the market for a C2 coupe -- Mk II 996 GT3 hands down.

I only like the new gt3 or a lowered modded 997 twin turbo. Let the newness wear off and then swoop in..... They will all drop like rocks. For a base model or S model, no way. I can smoke them now, what's the point?

Caymen sp? is cool in s or techart but it's still a boxster, not a good investment unless you buy really cheap. I still love them. Give me a techart for $45k and I'm there.

I'll pass on a 997. The next addition to my little fleet will be a 996 GT3.

I would move up to a turbo or GT3, but the 996 is too good to lose for the same model 997. I don't like the volkswagen bug headlights of the 997 either; the front end looks like it's "smiling". Not nearly aggressive enough. The 996 GT3 is the sweet spot for me.

I too drove a 997S. In fact I posted a significant number of comments a while back. Rob obviously had a different experience since me since he didn't have as apples to apples of a comparison. He drives a much heavier (his C4 Cab vs. my C2 Coupe) with less power (his 3.4l vs. my 3.6l + power upgrades). I had more of an apples to apples comparision coming out of my C2 Coupe to a 997 S Coupe. I drove a brand new S and didn't find it any faster than my Carrera in acceleration. Part of this I am sure was due to the engine not being broken it, which I asked about break-in period in another thread. Powerwise it feels like the 3.6l with the same push in your back from the torque. It even has the same torque ramp-up you notice with the 3.6l from 2500-3000 rpms. Driving one back to back with a regular 997 Carrera, it is very difficult to notice the difference in power. I can positively say in sport mode that it is similar to the feel of a ROW M030, except a little more understeer and better compliance over bumps. Some of the understeer may be induced by the wider rear tires. It feels just a tad softer than my ROW M030, but this may just be due to the extra sidewall height the 997's get in back. The steering feels the same. The shifter has a shorter much more direct feeling than the 996 standard shifter. It has signifiant longer throws, but still feels as direct as the sport shifter in my 996. Driving it, it didn't feel like a step up. Now that the Cabs and 4WDs are out, I would be curious to see if Rob would have a more similar experience as mine if he test drove a 997 C4S Cab?

The reason I ask is because I was wondering if a 997S is performancewise night and day compared to my car (a '02 C2 6sp with 32k miles), I got my car for $44k last summer and back then a 997S was worth twice as much.. I never test drove a 997S because I could not afford one

Just curious, did you buy your car from Valley Motors?

no, they had 2 996s back then, one of them was in a accident, had 26k miles and basically no options, they wanted $54k for it. The other one they had had the same mileage and had no accidents but the wanted $56k. Both cars had light grey interior wich I didnt like. Later I found a dealership in Fallston MD that had my dream 911, the exact right color inside out and the exact options I wanted . The car had 32k miles but they wanted $48.9k. I haggled the price for 1 month they sold it to me for $44.2

Yes I drove a C2. If a 997S didn't feel faster than your car you must have some major power upgrades and/or not driven it faster than 70 mph ( i.e. on the street ). It's around the 100 mph mark and up where the 997S really shines. It beats an 02 C2 on the 'ring by 12 seconds, that's fairly significant. Besides the interior, the thing that turns me off about the 997 is that they didn't fix the RMS/IMS issue. More reason to go w/a GT3 if you're in the market for a C2.

Nope. Had the choice (and budget) for either a 996 C4S or a 997 C2S and I went with the 996. It's more distinctive and has a really aggresive look to it. Drove both choices and I didn't think the 997S was noticeably faster... and it sounded wimpy without the PSE.

All above interesting comments confirmed in my eyes that the 997 is actually only a facelifted 996. I own a 3.4 C2 Cab and test drove a 997 C2 (willingly not an S). If was just disappointed; too less improvement for 5 years down the road. The car felt heavier to me and not faster at all. The 996 seams to have a directer handling, steering, feel .... I like the reshaped look of the 997 but it's not worth to upgrade and spend the $. I guess different topic on the GT3 and TT.

I like the 997 because it is the next stage of evolution. Call me a snob but having a 996 when there is something called the 997 is like having windows 98 when you can get XP. I still own a 996 but will probably get a 997 turbo next year.

I hope you don't say the same thing about your wife...................

Exactly what I said/feel.

i have an 87 911,so do i need to trade to a 964 and then a 993 and then a 996 and finally a 997..at this rate,i will get a 997 in 2020