doctorjb

I am considering trading in my 2007 manual Carrera S with 20k miles for a 2011 Carrera PDK with 13K miles. What will I be losing or gaining? Any insight welcome as I am worried I would be downgrading going from a S to base model.

RazrPorsche

I don't think it would be a downgrade. The base 997.2 is very similar to the 997.1 S as far as power. The 997.2 DFI engine might be less worrisome for potential troubles down the road but this is negligible.

I looked at a 997.2 base and a 997.1 S when I was buying last year and ultimately went with the 997.1 S based on color combo, etc. But as far as how they drove, very imperceptible to me. I really liked the base 997.2....plus the PCM was better (touch screen) and ipod controls.

I think it would be more of an upgrade if the base 997.2 was a color that you wanted or had more or better options than your 997.1...plus it's newer and still has some warranty associated with it. Only you can make that decision of what's better in your mind.

Edit: Also, if you are tired of driving a manual and want to get into a PDK for awhile then that helps the decision & makes it "not" a downgrade as well.

wanderingwheelz

One very common rule of thumb is to buy the newest of whatever it is that you can afford.

Mspeedster

I often think about what I would upgrade my '06 C2S for. For me, the 997.2 base C2 isn't enough of an upgrade, plus the sound of the exhaust is a downgrade IMHO. I still love my manual C2S, it's been super reliable and I lose no sleep over IMS fears that many others seem to go over the deep-end with worry.

For me, the only 997.2s I'd consider enough of an upgrade to get me out of my 997.1 C2S would be the GTS, Turbo, GT3 or GT3 RS. Performance of the 997.2 base will be similar with PDK, but for me, PDK is a turn off. Performance of a manual 997.2 C2 would be a slight downgrade in my mind. When I look at a 991 S, equipped with similar options in my 997.1 S, it's easily around $117-120K. The looks of the 991 don't evoke enough "lust factor" for me to spend that kind of money.

OTOH, I can find no fault with anyone who does decide to upgrade from a 997.1 to a 997.2 in any form. Overall, I do feel the 997.2s are an improvement.

Edgy01

Seems like a waste of money to me. You are barely driving your 07 so what's the point of buying an 11? Seriously.

doctorjb

Considering the upgrade to PDK primarily because I am starting to get knee and back issues from the stiff clutch and also my wife can't drive the manual but I don't want to go to a traditional automatic transmission.

s329

How much is the upgrade going to cost you? Out of pocket?

slipangle77

then it's not really an question of upgrading but one of health and comfort. if PDK makes the car more enjoyable for you then by all means go for it.

especially if it means you will drive it more.

unclejosh

I "upgraded" from a '07 C4S in Tip (slushy) to a '12 GTS in PDK. I have to have a manumatic because of long commute. The 997.2 is a significant upgrade on many levels-engine, tranny, electronics, and looks from the back especially.

According to a few dealers I spoke with, many new buyers are picking up 997.2s at a deal after driving 991.

Go for it and enjoy!

UJ

Bob in NY

If the 11 Carrera doesn't have PASM you will regret it in my opinion. The S rides much better than the fixed suspension and also enables you to firm it up when hitting the twisties.

Palmbeacher

I'll give you the benefit of doubt that's not a bollocks rationalisation. I bought mine with 20K on the mileometer and I felt the clutch was inordinately stiff. Dealer said it was normal. But when my CPO expired @30K I had the IMS bearing done, and the (indie) mechanic said the clutch was 75% gone so for another $700 I let him put in a clutch kit. The difference in the pedal feel was night and day. Just FYI.

That's hardly a reason to trade. Mine can drive a proper manual, and it creates rather a challenge for me to keep her away from it whilst at the same time preserving my conjugal privileges.

The fact is, PDK may be arguably referred to as a non-traditional manual, it is quite certainly a traditional automatic. Place the lever in D and away you go without ever changing a gear yourself.

docfink

I could have written that response myself! I agree completely.

alexb76

Assuming both have Nav, and basic options...

Gains:

- Better electronics
- Better Fuel Economy
- Lower effort shifting (i.e. PDK)
- Newer

Losses:
- 10HP
- Exhaust note
- Lack of adjustable suspension
- Bigger Brakes
- More engaging drive (manual)

Overall, it's definitely not an upgrade, but if it's for health/comfort reasons, then you gotto do what you gotto do.

PS. If clutch is too hard, and it's harder than before, it may need replacement... not sure if that helps with the knee/back issues, but for sure it'd be improved.

mjsporsche

Sometimes, you have an itch that needs to be scratched. I have changed from a perfect vehicle to another perfect vehicle because I wanted a change. And I have kicked myself many a time when I look back as some of my car moves.

You have an itch. Go for something that makes you happy and try to really upgrade to something really different. Your 997.1 is a great car (I am biased) and a 997.2 seems like a lateral move, at best, or maybe a wrong move at worst. As was mentioned in an earlier post to this thread, move to something really different (a turbo, GTS, GT3) and have some fun.

And make sure your base model is properly equipped or you will be missing the upgrade you are trying to achieve. Better yet, save the money and buy Apple stock.

wanderingwheelz

Don't buy Apple stock with anoy of your 911 funds. Use all your available funds on your car. This is the entertainent fund we're talking about on this forum, hopefully something entirely separate from your investment funds. If you do have extra money left over after buying a 997.2, upgrade the exhaust.