Looking to buy my first!

Hi all! I�ve been looking at some preowned cars for a few months, and I think for my price range I have 2 options so far for my first Porsche. I just turned 48 and my back is starting to go on me so I wanted to experience this before I was too far gone to enjoy. i found that the 996 Turbo, and the 997 C4S or CS are in my price range, and would love some advice. I know each has pros and cons. This will be my DD. Would love to hear some thoughts from some experienced folks. Thanks!

997.2 c4s or 996 turbo would be both a no brainers....good luck and have fun

Quotes source post: 15508565

The turbo is a 2001 auto, and the c4s is a 2009 pdk. Both under 50k miles, both about $45k

For a DD, I’d favor the 997 C4S. I’d really consider the 996 Turbo for a fun/weekend car.

Quotes source post: 15508621

I think you mean the 2001 996 Turbo is "Tiptronic" vs the 997.2 pdk? Both are considered automatic... some would argue the pdk with paddle shifters is a manual car, but in my book, the only true manual is one that has the third pedal. Both cars are amazingly reliable. The 996 has the bullet proof Mezger engine and the 2009 C4S is going to have the newer 9A1 engine that eliminated the intermediate shaft. The 996 is still going to retain most of the "analog" experience that many of the old school Porsche enthusiasts love while the 997.2 is going to be a more refined experience. Many people love the sounds and feel of the older Porsches like 996 turbo, but if you like tamed a beast for daily driving, then the 997.2 is your car. Keep in mind that although the 996 Turbo is a Mezger based car, it's still an 18 year old car that will probably need a little more attention to common wear items (belt, suspension, water pump, fluids flushed, etc. etc.) Also, be mindful that it's not uncommon to dump an additional $5,000 in the car getting it up to spec. If you're concerned about any serious problem, then I highly recommend having a PPI carried out on the car you are seriously considering. Good luck!

I don't see a downside to either 911. I would drive each one and see which you prefer.

Hope I am not breaking any rules, but this is the listing of the 996TT. 996TT Does anyone see any glaring issues that a trained eye would not? The 2009 C4S has not even made it to list yet. I think I saw it the day they got it, but it was in queue to be detailed, so I could not drive it.

Quotes source post: 15509625

Christian, it looks like a well-kept, beautiful example of a 996 Turbo. Of course, no one can see inside the engine from just looking at the pictures. That's why a pre-purchase inspection is vital when buying one of these cars. If you choose to not have a PPI done on the car, then you'll need to be prepared eat crow when something pops up down the road and with Porsche it can be VERY expensive. As I mentioned above, normal wear items will probably need to be addressed. The only thing that I can see from the pictures is the coolant expansion tank is turning yellow - a clear indication that it will need to be replaced soon. It doesn't appear they're offering a warranty and so if you buy it, it's as-is and YOURS warts and all. Overall, looks pretty stock and taken care of by the previous owners.

I like the color of the 996tt. They have had it in inventory for 5+ months. The milage posted is probably the milage when they first got it. You may want to check and see what the current milage is. I looked at a BMW X5 at a dealership recently that they had had on their lot for about nine months. It had 30k miles more than advertised! Folks at the dealership had been driving it a lot. The 996tt has the base interior and seats, so you may want to check and see what the options are on the car. It may be a low option 996tt. Not a big deal to me, but it does affect the value.

Quotes source post: 15509739

[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:] https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/948x625/996_turbo_al_deb43d906069bcf0901c00d9f240a2726a74edff.jpeg

I love the "999 - special instructions". Upside down 666 - mark of the beast. lol "Special Instructions" is Porsche's way of formally saying "Hand over your bank account information."

So this is a low option car. Not necessarily a deal breaker, but does this still look like a decent deal? Is the expansion tank something that I could DIY? I currently have a 2015 Wrangler that I have DIYed almost everything on. Replaced all springs and control arms when I lifted it, and I replaced the front brakes with Willwoods 4 pistons to get stopping power back after the 35" tires.

Quotes source post: 15509823

I wouldn't call this a low option car at all. Natural Brown Leather is a sweet box to check. Exterior color is desirable as well. Sure, the sky is the limit with the options you can choose with these cars. 6TT already came with a few key options (like full leather and alcantara headliner). Good luck. For the record, I'd take the 6TT all day over the 7.2C4S, but I'm biased

If the 996 turbo were manual, I would choose it, but, between a 996 auto and a 997 pdk, no doubt for me.

PDK. But! The interior of the TT weigh heavily in its favor. OP, you’re lucky to have such a decision! TC

Not so lucky. Called to schedule an appointment. Car has been sold. oh well.

I just sold my 2009 C4S with PDK after owning it for 9 years only because a guy at the office wanted to buy it (he knew I am meticulous about my cars). The car is bullet proof especially with the DFI engine. It gave me an excuse to upgrade to tuned 991 Turbo S which is quite different. So when I think about your dilemma, I am not sure I would start with a Turbo as the first Porsche. I drove a 2001 turbo for a week a few years back and I loved it but sometime with the turbo lag , the rear kicked out a few times and scared the cr*p out of me so I declined buying it since I didn't feel ready at the time. 997 C4S was completely predictable all the time...dry, rain and snow. Great first Porsche but frankly and Porsche is a good option, just be prepared for the slippery slope. oh, I would consider a manual for the turbo.

Quotes source post: 15511002

Thanks for the feedback. Manual is not an option... wife rules...

Wow....my wife is not allowed to drive any of my cars! anyway, if your wife is driving i would go with 997.2 C4S. though i guess i am being a bit chauvinistic presuming she is not a car gal. Also, i do believe 997's have the best looking interiors of any Porsche. it captures elements of the old aircooleds in a modern way. The 996 and 991 kind of missed it...the 992 looks even worse. you'll be happy with whatever you decide!

If you choose the 997.2, must get one with the sport chrono +, driving it in normal mode is just like any other car. Not that fast and engaging. Push the Sport + button and then it turns into a beast.

Link for turbo did not work for me. Curious, is this the lapis blue 01 that was in Alabama?

Quotes source post: 15512080

Yes I believe it was the same. I called on it yesterday but it had already sold.

If it was, that car would smoke during startup (believe from drivers side) when it would sit for several days and had a small leak from the Turbo on that side. Chances that turbo's needed to be rebuilt based on what seller told me. Seller seemed to be upfront. This is a good time to buy, not to sell. Keep an eye on the Marketplace here and 6speed. Also, look at the Porsche direct website, https://nationalpreownedporsche.com/ , as not all Porsche dealers put their cars on Autotrader and such. Best of luck with your search.

Quotes source post: 15512149

Glad I didn't make the trip out there!

Looks like it is going to be a Black/Black 2009 C4S PDK! Dealer is fixing a few items, and it should be mine! I guess I’ll start a new thread on the 997 subforum. thanks all!