I am torn....trade in 996 for 997 or 997S?

I have driven both and just don't feel that much difference in the 2 cars. I did drive a 997 base w/pasm and maybe that is why... I know. I did not rev the S up high end where it is better but who really will drive that way on a daily basis. I am scared, my 2000 996 is out of warranty and at 22k miles, with mostly spirited driving, I am wondering how high the repair bills will go in the next year or 2! Would you buy 1. base 997 w/19' 5 spokes,bose and xenons? for 75k approx or 2. base 997S with manual seats, bose and other standard items for 83,700k? Your input is appreciated.

oh god here we go again looking at those two options Robert, go for the S you won't regret it. if not for any other reason, for this reason, i've never heard of anyone regretting getting the S, saying they wish they went for the base ive never heard of anyone trading down to the base, where ive heard of many peopel trading up to the S this applies to the boxster argument as well i suppose if money isnt an issue, and you are really torn, go for the S just my humble opinion, im sure there are other equally or more valid arguments out there.

I say keep your 996 !!!

Kilrgt, my wife just smiled!

LOL SORRY............OK if i were going to buy a 997 and i was thinking about it pretty hard......I would get a White 997 S..........If you cant deside, just mod the hell out of yours....Good luck with what ever you do!

Keep your 996, the worst that could happen is to need a rebuilt engine,~7500$ is all that costs, porsche marks them way up. The tranny is another issue, if it goes, and they usually don't, it's a nonservice item, 8k from porsche, 1-4k from salvage sources. RMS, 800 dealer, 500 independent shop. These are just ballpark figures i've come across.JMO Buy a sc and be done with it, if it breaks, fix it and you're still money ahead. A 997S like you want wil run close to 100k. Like moogle said, who want's a base model? If you want a new car and cash is a major concern, consider a remaining C4S(new), there are a few out there on lots, and they want/need to sell them.

Dollar wise you're almost certainly better off keepinig your 99. Here's a shot in the dark: next 5 years: 996 depreciation: 5-10k 996 maintenance: most likely 5-10k. yes, it would cost you more, but the odds are pretty darn low 997s depreciation: ~50k (these cars depreciate roughly 50% in 5 years 997s maintenance: ~1.5k 997s sales tax on purchase?: ?

I would keep the 996 or get the 997S. The base 997 is not much of an upgrade -- and its going to cost you a *lot* more than any repair costs on your 996.

Save your money and buy a performance boat!

996 engine $7500? If you can get the part for that . Don't forget $2,000 in labor, another $1,000 for minor gaskets and misc replacement parts needed, $1000 in sales tax. and if the core blows, another $2700.... total engine replacement cost = $12,000 to $15,000 minimum (depending if the core is usuable) from a porsche dealer per replacement engine.. replacement tranny with labor was $9000.. (i know this as well) Of all people, trust me, I know. i've done this twice..

I love my '02 C2, and really have been interested in a 997S, but for a little less you can pick up a cherry '01TT. I think I may be more swayed to do that. Any thoughts? Brad

If you have the dosh then 997 way to go! New car warranty is peace of mind. But how about one these babies instead.....

Here is my suggestion. Spend a few dollars on some fun mods (unless you already have). Wait till the middle of next year and pick up a slightly used 997S for at least 10K off original cost. Trust me, they will be out there--I've bought many high end cars with less than 5000 miles and the first--and greatest--depreciation out of the way (unfortunately, I had to have my present '04 C4S cab when it came out, so this time I had top bite the bullet and buy new!). By then, you will also have a good handle on first year reliability issues. C4S Surgeon's idea about a left-over (or low mileage) C4S is another good way to get a new and warranteed car.

Get the "S" while you can enjoy it, besides that it's fun to have a new car. I'll the need the competition in P/SS Your current 2000 is now N/S

that orange ruf one is quite nice... i can only imagine the cost to replicate it.. i'd think $35k-$50k in body work alone... incredible paint job.. even though the orange looks a bit overboard.. maybe silver or black might be nice...

I would not buy the first year run of any Porsche. That being said, I'd only buy and "S" with the sport crono option... To the other posts, if you keep your car a year your risk of major failure are pretty low. You can get a new "S", with the first year fixes, next year Good luck. Roy

Thanks guys for all the input. I think I am going to keep and enjoy my 2000 w/22k miles on it. If something happens then oh well I'll fix it. Next year I can get a deal on the S instead of paying sticker etc... Robert

22k miles? Heck, you just got her broken in!

you've waited this long; i'd wait too see if there are any fixes/upgrades coming on the '06, (i.e. skip's gremlin). you will probably also find some 997S out there with low miles at a decent discount.

Tarpon1, You sound like you have a nice big garage....The wife seems pretty cool too!

Keep your 2000. Mine has almost 75,000 miles on it, and no big problems so far. I'll probably need a clutch in a year or two, but that's about it.

I'd get the 997S if money is not a real concern. It's outright better in every way than any regular 996 Carrera. I'd personally mod it up with the full Techart kit and wheels. Stunning combination, I must say. The Ruf kit is amazing as well.