gkirkl

Well it's time to jump in! I just sold my daily driver and have decided to stop dreaming.

I have $50-$55,000 to spend on some 997 variant. I am thinking I should be able to find a CLEAN '06 C2S with less than 30,000 or maybe an '07.

Does anyone have strong opinions on non-S v.s. S models? Is the S worth the extra $?

Any thoughts on other models, prices or places to look. It seems the dealers want WAY to much for their cars. Thoughts.

Thanks in advance from a long time lurker!!
Kirk

No HTwo O

That's a good budget.
Buy the "S".
Buy from a Rennlister!

mdrums

06 or 07 Carrera S is right in your spending ball park.

No HTwo O

For example:

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...new-price.html

JG 996T

996 Turbo X50

Alstoy

I would start by test driving the particular cars you like. While I am happy with my '05 C2, if I were to do it over again I would get a S with the X-51 package. The current market has narrowed the price difference a lot. Take your time and get something that makes you happy. The advise about buying from one of our members is very sound. In payment for all the sage advise we require lots of photos once you buy the car.

Cheers

buckwheat987

My preference would be a 6 speed, coupe. Probable an 06 S but maybe an 07 base or S if the miles are higher.

Good luck

aaks38

I just bought a 07 C4S non cpo(but has remaining factory warranty) with 28k miles for 58k from a Porsche dealer in NJ, so i think your in good shape pricewise. Definitely get the S as its the more desirable model and not much more than the base especially when buying used.

Like you i was a lurker and it was a dream of mine to own one. Its a buyers market and you can do well these days. I also had the same budget as you, so shop around and im sure you can land something.

wiggy

I bet you could get this one for $55k

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...po-loaded.html

Good luck!

Def go with the S!

Kuhan

That's always the way unfortunately. The main benefit of buying from a dealer is the CPO warranty. A couple of months ago I bought a 06 C2 with 18.5k miles from a dealer for $52 and the reason I went with the dealer is the CPO warranty keeps me safe for 2 years plus the 3 months that was left on the factory one. I could have got a cheaper car without the warranty BUT I just had a lifter on the engine replaced and if not for the warranty the repair would have easily blown away any savings from buying privately.

Having said that, Wiggy's car would be an absolute steal and if was me, I would have bought his rather than the one I have now. It still has over a year warranty left so well worth it...

rijowysock

add 10k, buy my 09PDK ;-)

2K7TTMIA

mglobe has his 997S with Champion wheels , 31K for $50,5. Riley's is also super nice. "buyer's market" as they say; you can pick and choose your flavor.

FWIW, there's also a Seal Gray 06S ( CAb, Tip) at Carmax in Ft. Lauderdale Vin WP0CB29976S765935 price is 45,8 (IIRC) but 67K miles, and unknown maintenance history.

StanThePorscheFan

I'd put $10K on my line of credit and move to an 09. New motor, more power, LED lights (front and rear), PDK, much much more. If you are going to spend $55K, might as well go the extra mile. Otherwise, why spend so much on a 997.1 when you can find an 05 for UNDER $40K. The only reason I can justify spending $55K on an outdated 911 is getting a Turbo.
Spend $10K more, dont be a fool.


+1 for Riley's car above - best buy for your buck.

Edgy01

Prices have come back up from a low two years ago. So the only coupe you can get for $50 would be an 05 or perhaps an 06 with more miles.

alexb76

First off, please DO NOT listen to people advising you to get out of your budget. Stick to it no matter what. Maintenance on these cars are not cheap so you gotto have some room.

Secondly, it comes down to features vs. Power to choose betwen C2 and C2S (in you price range). If you track or plan to track definitely only look for "S" models. If not, you might find a nice C2 with all the luxury options as "S" price that might be better for your preference.

Stick to 06+, try to get CPO, or, buy from a rennlister who we know took great care if the car.

997.1 is actually (to me) much more enjoyable to drive as it has a MUCH BETTER exhaust and engine tone. You'd be more than happy with it.

Good luck!