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YOUR RESEARCHHelp me make a decision....please!
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The way so many of us care for these cars, there are some really great used car choices.
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Suggestion · Original poster
The 997 is a newer car but is pretty much �run of the mill� with no unique character.
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(Also posted on 997 forum)
I am in a real dilemma and need some advice. I�m at the point of making a decision between two cars: a 2004 996 40th anniversary or a new base 997.
I have driven both 996�s and 997�s (but not these specific cars) and like them both. That is my dilemma! There is no clear cut answer for me�I think I am too close to be objective.
The particulars are:
2004 40th Anniversary. 8,400 miles. Factory warranty expires in June. CPO warranty picks up from there for the additional two years. 1 owner (I have talked with the original owner). Clean carfax. I have never laid eyes on this particular car, but, from the pics it looks great. Price is $55k (original MSRP was $94K)
2007 base 997. New (only 4 miles). Options include Nav, Xenons, Bose, power seats, heated seats plus a few smaller options. Price is $74K (MSRP is $83K).
(Let�s take the �S� out of the mix - I am NOT interested in spending the extra $10K for a 997 �S�. My driving style is touring and very occasionally moderately spirited in the mountains�.nothing that would necessitate the need for an �S� in my mind)
I like the 40th because it is different and unique. The 40th was loaded with options like X-51, Xenons, leather, etc. However, it is still the older body style and is 4 years old. The 997 is a newer car but is pretty much �run of the mill� with no unique character.
My decision comes down to logic (I am an engineer, after all)!
2004 40th Anniversary:
Pros:
Unique model
Many options
Well into depreciation cycle
X-51 power kit
CPO warranty
Cons:
Old body style
Still lacks many options std on 997
4 years old already
Is X-51 more expensive if engine blows?
Less time than new warranty
2007 Base 997:
Pros:
New
Several great options
Full warranty
Improved over 996
Cons:
Will depreciate heavily first few years
It�s a base model with limited appeal
Lacks features standard on other marques � its price
I�m trying to make a decision today. My last car was a 993C4S so I have no experience with daily living with a 996 or a 997. Could those who have moved from a 996 to a 997 chime in with thoughts? Also, I have never driven a 996 with X-51 and wonder if it makes a difference?
Yes, I know I am being a wimp asking the forum; however, it helps having some experienced input. Thanks!
Go with the 996. Price is too high, get 5K off it. Bank the 20K you save.
X-51 aside, I probably wouldn't notice too much of a difference in terms of driveability. X-51 would again push me towards the 996.
Let's not start the debate but the 997 is basically a lightly tweaked 996.
Always buy the newest car you can afford is wise advice, but a 2004 with 8K miles IS a new car.
Almost a 20 grand difference between them, and you say that the 40th anniv.is loaded w/ options vs. a plain jane 997...I think I'd go w/ the 40th w/ low miles and a lower sticker. Guess the real determining factor for me would be which car drove and handled better, and did one of the choices just 'feel' better to you? Good luck.
From initial purchase cost, factored in future depreciation and "loaded" features of 996, I think that your answer is there!
Good luck with you decision...........you'll love either.
You can't go wrong either way. I would probably be looking at a used 997 with CPO or added warranty instead of either of your selections. The way so many of us care for these cars, there are some really great used car choices.
The 40th is sweet but honestly I dont think I could ID one passing by me. You can find 997's with a little more miles over the one you are looking at for just a little more price over the 40th.
I am hung up on the niceness of the 997's interior, base model or not. You can add things to spruce up the looks (exterior) of the 997, it is an awesome platform to start from.
I'll be honest and say 997 > 996.
I own a 2001 996 which I track and it is street legal. I also own a 2007 C4S with AeroKit and I do not intend to drive this on the track. The 997 is far and away a more technologically advanced car. The 997 is much smother especially on the street. So I would go for the 997. Of course, the 40th anniversary 996 seems to have some value and it is certainly an excellent ride. Also, this version of the 911 might be in higher demand over the years. Who knows. A new 997 is still an awesome car nonetheless. Good Luck
imo it just depends what you are looking for. from a performance standpoint both cars share similar engine platforms and there is really not a big difference. from an asthtetic standpoint the 997 probably looks nicer and a bit more modern. i would make my decision based on performance and this is why we mainly buy these cars, therfore i would go for the 996.
good luck on whatever you decide.
if you can afford it... go for the newer one..... 20k is substantial, but if it's not an issue, play with that......the 996 model is starting to look a little old.
If you really like the 997 look over 996, another option is to look for nice 2005/2006 997 Carreras. First 2 years of depreciation is gone so you should be able to find a very low mileage 997 in the low 60's.
Heck, back in February I was sssooooo close to picking up a 14k mile 2005 997 red/black, heated sport seats, sports chrono, 19" S rims and a few other options for $59,500. It was just out of my price range for the time, and I really wanted Lapis Blue, so I waited and found my 996 C4S.
This really boils down to dollars and cents.
You are looking at arguably the best 996 vs. the worst 997. The 996 will have more power (345 vs 325), is lighter, and has more options.
The 997 will have the newer interior, exterior look etc.
IMHO, 20k is a meaningful difference.
I would lean toward the 996, just because of the 20k difference. That is a big difference considering the 997 is "only" the base model. If the price was closer I'd take the 997 though. Remember that the base 997 really isn't much faster than the 996 at all, but it will handle a little better and be "tighter".
Can't go wrong either way, but I think the 996 is the better buy since it's depreciated already.
Just remember- just because new cars/models come out, it doesn't make the older models any less fun or lesser quality. The 996 is still an awesome car and you won't be missing anything.
Maybe own it for a few years and get yourself a used 997S when the new models come out.
