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YOUR RESEARCH996 vs 997 Purchase Questions
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Suggestion
I would recommend instead to look at a 997 Carrera S if you can afford one.
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Suggestion · Original poster
After driving the different models, I was definitely set on the Carrera.
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If I were you I'd wait until the new 997 Mk2 cars arrive this summer, as the extra power and what will likely be insane summer gas prices should put pressure on used 997S cars.
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Suggestion
As others have noted, Turbos are actually often more reliable than NA 996 cars due to their using the GT1 block.
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If I were you I'd wait until the new 997 Mk2 cars arrive this summer, as the extra power and what will likely be insane summer gas prices should put pressure on used 997S cars.
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Hi Everyone,
I'm brand new to this forum - and am currently shopping for my first Porsche after admiring them from a distance for the past 30 years. I initially thought I'd need to buy a Cayman in order to carry 2 sets of golf clubs, but after a trip to the dealer, I soon discovered the clubs will fit just fine in the Carrera. After driving the different models, I was definitely set on the Carrera. So, now the question comes as to the base model, the "S" or the "4S". I had budgeted about $60k for the purchase, so I'm looking for used - and had even considered the 996 series to save some money...but I like the look of the 997 and from what I've read, it's a significant improvement from the 996.
I would just like to hear some advice from those who've owned these models to help steer my choice. Right now, an '06 C4S has caught my eye - but it's listed for $83k...so any help in feeling better about something else would save me some money!! (I'm beginning to think my $60k budget needs to be revised upward).
Is there really a big difference between the 996 and 997?
Should I even consider the base model (not "S" or "4S")?
If I don't plan to drive the car in the winter, do I need the "4S"?
Does the "S" drive better than the "4S"?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The standard advice on a Porsche is always buy the newest you can afford. Each year they improve something, or at least that is the theory. The 997 is an improvement on the 996 but then you do have to pay extra for it. If the money is close I would go with a 997.
As for a 4S versus a 2S or plain C2, it all depends on how much the looks mean to you and whether you will ever really notice the difference in power. I drive a C2 through the winter and it has never been a problem although a 4 would be better in the snow. If you aren't someplace it snows or is wet a lot, the 4 may not be necessary.
The important thing is to find a car you like with the options you want and within the budget you set. A $60K you should be able to find some nice cars. I would definitely be looking at certified cars first though. That warranty could be worth a lot of money.
Welcome.
You need to help us out a little more to get relevant advice.
If you want to carry golf clubs, a Cayenne will carry a foursome and all the clubs plus a big cooler.
Maybe you can get an early 997 S in your budget.
Performance wise, there is no real advantage Carrera vs. Carrera. Both have the same 3.6l engines. The 997 has a slightly revised intake box, exhaust and accessory drive. It is rated a mere 5 hp higher at the same peak power rpms, but no increase in torque. It is also 120 lbs heavier. Porsche gives both cars the same acceleration figures. The 996 due to different gearing is rated 1 mph faster than the 997. Both use the same brakes, except for different finishes to the calipers. With the 997 you could get 19" wheels with the backs 1" wider than the 996. The 997 does have nicer seats and a better instument layout, but hardly worth justifing the extra dollars between the 2.
Comparing a 997 Carrera S versus a 996 X51, both again have the same acceleration figures. The Carrera S has 30 hp over the Carrera. The Carrera S is rated at 3 mph higher top speed due to better gearing. The big advantage here for the 997 Carrera S is the larger brakes sourced from the 996 Turbo.
Personally, from owning a 996 Carrera I would not go to a 997 Carrera particularly due to no performance advantage. I would recommend instead to look at a 997 Carrera S if you can afford one.
I think with 60 you should be looking either at the 996 Turbo, or you can find a nice 997S for that money at this point. Most certainly you can find a 997 Carrera for that money, but an 05 S should be in range too. I have had both a 996 carrera and now have a 997 Carrera S. May will argue there is no reason for the upgrade, but I disagree. we can go on and on about why or why not. Point is buy the newest you can afford that fits your needs. You won't regret it.
If interior rattles and sqeaks matter to you pick the 997
They are driving me crazy
But with that said I would still pick the 996 turbo for the better motor and just turn the radio WAY up!
In line with the above posters if I had 60k to spend on a Porsche it would be spent on a 996 turbo, no question. It slaughters other Porsches at the same pricepoint in almost every appreciable way. Plus it seems that they have a better reliability track record than the NA 996 range although I maybe mistaken on that.
Many above have recommended the Turbo. I hadn't looked that direction just because I knew the turbos cost a bunch more new - and figured the higher price would trickle down to the used ones as well. My local dealer has an 05 S that's loaded with all the options for 64k - and I think they would drop below $60k...but it has 30k miles, which based on what I've seen is a little high for a 3 year old Porsche.
As for the turbo, would it not be more expensive to maintain, more costly to repair in the future, and potentially more to go wrong? I don't think I need the extra power...but then again....I'm sure it would be fun!
Thanks for all the opinions. I spent about 4 hours last night reading posts in the various forums and have already learned a lot from the group.
One other question comes to mind. I know there are little improvements each year in the models and the typical feeling is to avoid the first year in a series. With that in mind, were there significant changes to be wary of between the '04 996 series and the '05 997 series besides cosmetics that would make it a good idea to jump to a 06 model if I go with the 997?
Grant
A 30k mile car means it was on the roads being driven which is where it supposed to be as opposed to those garage queens who sit 10 months a year then end up in the shop when they do finally get driven.
For 60K you should be able to get a real nice 996Turbo, which would be my choice. I agree with the rest, purchase the newest model you desire, that you can afford.
I've revised my shopping list too and may also have to raise my budget.
What year is a good Turbo? I've seen 2001s and 2002s with high mileage going for 50-60.
E.G.
2002 Grey Turbo w/ 55,183 miles. Asking price 62K.
As others have noted, Turbos are actually often more reliable than NA 996 cars due to their using the GT1 block. If you want to learn more about the Turbo cars you may want to check out the 6speed 996 turbo forum. Although I prefer Rennlist for NA discussion, 6speed seems to have a more active turbo subforum.
My dealer let me spend time in a 997 (2007) carerra C2 S and they are very nice drivers.
They have great power N/A and handle well.
For the money I think a used low mileage 997 CS is a good buy.
There is a big difff between a 996 C2 and the 997 S models.
Good Luck
cabman
If performance upgrades are in your future, I would suggest 996tt, <$2Kin programming and parts will get you meaningful horsepower.
If you don't want modifications to be part of your future, buy a 997S and get as far away from the online Porsche forums as possible. If I were you I'd wait until the new 997 Mk2 cars arrive this summer, as the extra power and what will likely be insane summer gas prices should put pressure on used 997S cars.
Thanks for the advice - - I don't think I would be doing any modifications to the vehicle once I own it. Right now, I'm leaning toward a 997 "S" model. What do you think of the 997 C2S versus the C4S? I realize I'll have to bump up my budget, but I figure I'm only going to do this once (I'm getting "up" in years)- and so I want to get the right vehicle the first time. I expect to use it as my daily driver - but I don't put many miles on (about 5000 per year) - so this should last me 20+ years.
Try to drive a 996 and 997 back to back. The cars are very similar in many respects so that's the best way to tell the difference. Viscerally the biggest difference to me is the look of front end, and the way the clutch and gear shift feel.
From some comments on the 997 forum, it sounds like the 996 doesn't have a very good ride quality compared to the 997. Also the interior is not as nice. I haven't even sat in a 996, so your advice is good to drive the two side by side to compare. The price difference between an 01 996 and a 06 997 is tempting, but not worth it if I am giving up a lot of comfort.
My personal experience is that a 996 on 18s rides more smoothly than a 997 on 19s, stock US suspension to stock US suspension. The 997 sport suspension is a bit stiffer.
If comfort is on the shopping list, you'll lean toward 997 not because of ride quality I imagine but because of interior upgrade. Aside from the interior, the cars have the same performance and ride characteristics. I am not an interior person at all really, so I chose the 996 because of the savings (bought 02 car Porsche Certified, and at the time certified 997s were trading much higher than they are now so the difference was rather substantial).
64k Might not be bad if it is a launch car with all options. That would have full leather interior, power sport seats, PCCB, Nav, etc. 64k would not be a bad number for a low mile C2S with all that equipment.
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