997.2 C4S Cab Options / wish list
Discussion
Morning all, I imagine you get these kind of posts fairly often, but it seems a real minefield with spec / options for a newbie and when you are spending a chunk of money you hope to do only once and right if possible.
So after many years of planning and pondering, I want to buy my first 911 and this is after having a few years of normal cars whilst other things took up time and money.
I have wife and kids 10 / 8 and so want 4 seats, driven C63 and M3 great cars but my wife really didn't like them and anyway my regular commute / work miles 15-20K mean this it expensive daily drive so I am looking to keep my Audi estate as a daily drive and then have a useable 4 seater toy which I can use with the boy, but also take the 4 of us out as and when. A friend lent me a Boxster S 3.2 2002 and I enjoyed the roof down, the noise and the wife loved it!!! I felt good in that car, but it was just a shame my daughter was in tears as she could not come with the boy and vice versa.
I admit I am not gods gift on the roads and the RWD experience for me is less enjoyable (spun Mr2 Turbo back in the day (cheap Tyres, No real driver skillzz!!!) so I want some wind in the face noise, that feeling, the family with me and I am a happy bunny.
So having read everything I can find, it would seem for me 997 Gen 2 C4S Cab annual mileage probably 5-6K. I want the car to drive, it will be pampered but used and I have always lost money on my cars so expect this, but it would seem careless to not spend my 40 odd K wisely with one eye on the right to have options / spec. I note people suggest Manual might be prudent when considering future values.
I would start grey / silver / black and black interior. Heated Seats seems logical after this most things are nice to have, so to those who live with these cars what is really vital and what is nice to have or would you do different?
But then I see a car like this, which my wife would hate but I quite like!! http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Anyone with kids similar age who may need to piddle on my chips and suggest the boy will be too big at INSERT age and so consider another option?
I assume this is a good time to buy, but pricing seems quite hard to follow, who are the well respected Independents to consider and benchmark and has anyone parted with £40K ish on a private sale before and lived to tell the tale - as I do understand this is how I would inherit a Porsche warranty. I am drawn to this one http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Anyway thanks for reading and hope you can help me out.
So after many years of planning and pondering, I want to buy my first 911 and this is after having a few years of normal cars whilst other things took up time and money.
I have wife and kids 10 / 8 and so want 4 seats, driven C63 and M3 great cars but my wife really didn't like them and anyway my regular commute / work miles 15-20K mean this it expensive daily drive so I am looking to keep my Audi estate as a daily drive and then have a useable 4 seater toy which I can use with the boy, but also take the 4 of us out as and when. A friend lent me a Boxster S 3.2 2002 and I enjoyed the roof down, the noise and the wife loved it!!! I felt good in that car, but it was just a shame my daughter was in tears as she could not come with the boy and vice versa.
I admit I am not gods gift on the roads and the RWD experience for me is less enjoyable (spun Mr2 Turbo back in the day (cheap Tyres, No real driver skillzz!!!) so I want some wind in the face noise, that feeling, the family with me and I am a happy bunny.
So having read everything I can find, it would seem for me 997 Gen 2 C4S Cab annual mileage probably 5-6K. I want the car to drive, it will be pampered but used and I have always lost money on my cars so expect this, but it would seem careless to not spend my 40 odd K wisely with one eye on the right to have options / spec. I note people suggest Manual might be prudent when considering future values.
I would start grey / silver / black and black interior. Heated Seats seems logical after this most things are nice to have, so to those who live with these cars what is really vital and what is nice to have or would you do different?
But then I see a car like this, which my wife would hate but I quite like!! http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Anyone with kids similar age who may need to piddle on my chips and suggest the boy will be too big at INSERT age and so consider another option?
I assume this is a good time to buy, but pricing seems quite hard to follow, who are the well respected Independents to consider and benchmark and has anyone parted with £40K ish on a private sale before and lived to tell the tale - as I do understand this is how I would inherit a Porsche warranty. I am drawn to this one http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Anyway thanks for reading and hope you can help me out.
Good choice! It always feels like the question of "I want a weekend car that can hold two kids but also be usable day to day" comes back to a 911.
I wouldn't worry about a private purchase, as long as you get a good pre-purchase inspection. The Porsche pre-warranty check is ok, but not a patch on an inspection from a good independent like Nine Excellence or GT One (to pick two I've used). I once spent £63k on a 997.1 GT3 in a private purchase and had no problems; it's just a second hard car, albeit an expensive one.
On manual versus PDK, only you can decide. PDK seems to be almost essential for resale on the newer "cooking" 911s, but that's the modern bias toward autos for daily drivers for you. Once you're looking at slightly older cars and the enthusiast market then you'll trigger a holy war argument from both sides. I love my manual 996 turbo, which is also a weekend car, especially the feeling of extra involvement compared to our auto family bus. If you do go for PDK (obviously you should DRIVE BOTH!) then look for a car with the sport style steering wheel, with paddles rather than buttons. They are relatively expensive to retrofit.
Otherwise, PCM3 navigation was an option, and although not cutting edge is still acceptable by modern standards. Bluetooth was an option, separate from nav, and can be either a phone module in the car with its own antenna, or just a conventional hands-free profile bluetooth setup. iPod / USB connectivity was also a separate option to nav, listed as the Universal Audio Interface. Bose audio gets mixed reviews; it's ok in my 996, but not great by hifi standards, but it is a lot better than the sound pack upgrade in my old GT3.
Lastly, if you want to keep the car under the Porsche extended warranty, look for a car with the factory Porsche Sports Exhaust (PSE). You can make a 997.2 sound nicer with aftermarket options from places like Sharkwerks, but you won't get a Porsche warranty if the car has any mods at all, so your options depend on your approach to risk.
As for reputable indies, then 911 Virgin get great feedback, also RSJ in Slough, JZM out near Hemel Hempstead, and Northway near Reading, but I'm biased toward my part of the South East.
Good luck, and get test driving!
Pete
I wouldn't worry about a private purchase, as long as you get a good pre-purchase inspection. The Porsche pre-warranty check is ok, but not a patch on an inspection from a good independent like Nine Excellence or GT One (to pick two I've used). I once spent £63k on a 997.1 GT3 in a private purchase and had no problems; it's just a second hard car, albeit an expensive one.
On manual versus PDK, only you can decide. PDK seems to be almost essential for resale on the newer "cooking" 911s, but that's the modern bias toward autos for daily drivers for you. Once you're looking at slightly older cars and the enthusiast market then you'll trigger a holy war argument from both sides. I love my manual 996 turbo, which is also a weekend car, especially the feeling of extra involvement compared to our auto family bus. If you do go for PDK (obviously you should DRIVE BOTH!) then look for a car with the sport style steering wheel, with paddles rather than buttons. They are relatively expensive to retrofit.
Otherwise, PCM3 navigation was an option, and although not cutting edge is still acceptable by modern standards. Bluetooth was an option, separate from nav, and can be either a phone module in the car with its own antenna, or just a conventional hands-free profile bluetooth setup. iPod / USB connectivity was also a separate option to nav, listed as the Universal Audio Interface. Bose audio gets mixed reviews; it's ok in my 996, but not great by hifi standards, but it is a lot better than the sound pack upgrade in my old GT3.
Lastly, if you want to keep the car under the Porsche extended warranty, look for a car with the factory Porsche Sports Exhaust (PSE). You can make a 997.2 sound nicer with aftermarket options from places like Sharkwerks, but you won't get a Porsche warranty if the car has any mods at all, so your options depend on your approach to risk.
As for reputable indies, then 911 Virgin get great feedback, also RSJ in Slough, JZM out near Hemel Hempstead, and Northway near Reading, but I'm biased toward my part of the South East.
Good luck, and get test driving!
Pete
pete said:
Good choice! It always feels like the question of "I want a weekend car that can hold two kids but also be usable day to day" comes back to a 911.
I wouldn't worry about a private purchase, as long as you get a good pre-purchase inspection. The Porsche pre-warranty check is ok, but not a patch on an inspection from a good independent like Nine Excellence or GT One (to pick two I've used). I once spent £63k on a 997.1 GT3 in a private purchase and had no problems; it's just a second hard car, albeit an expensive one.
On manual versus PDK, only you can decide. PDK seems to be almost essential for resale on the newer "cooking" 911s, but that's the modern bias toward autos for daily drivers for you. Once you're looking at slightly older cars and the enthusiast market then you'll trigger a holy war argument from both sides. I love my manual 996 turbo, which is also a weekend car, especially the feeling of extra involvement compared to our auto family bus. If you do go for PDK (obviously you should DRIVE BOTH!) then look for a car with the sport style steering wheel, with paddles rather than buttons. They are relatively expensive to retrofit.
Otherwise, PCM3 navigation was an option, and although not cutting edge is still acceptable by modern standards. Bluetooth was an option, separate from nav, and can be either a phone module in the car with its own antenna, or just a conventional hands-free profile bluetooth setup. iPod / USB connectivity was also a separate option to nav, listed as the Universal Audio Interface. Bose audio gets mixed reviews; it's ok in my 996, but not great by hifi standards, but it is a lot better than the sound pack upgrade in my old GT3.
Lastly, if you want to keep the car under the Porsche extended warranty, look for a car with the factory Porsche Sports Exhaust (PSE). You can make a 997.2 sound nicer with aftermarket options from places like Sharkwerks, but you won't get a Porsche warranty if the car has any mods at all, so your options depend on your approach to risk.
As for reputable indies, then 911 Virgin get great feedback, also RSJ in Slough, JZM out near Hemel Hempstead, and Northway near Reading, but I'm biased toward my part of the South East.
Good luck, and get test driving!
Pete
Thanks Pete, most useful. I wouldn't worry about a private purchase, as long as you get a good pre-purchase inspection. The Porsche pre-warranty check is ok, but not a patch on an inspection from a good independent like Nine Excellence or GT One (to pick two I've used). I once spent £63k on a 997.1 GT3 in a private purchase and had no problems; it's just a second hard car, albeit an expensive one.
On manual versus PDK, only you can decide. PDK seems to be almost essential for resale on the newer "cooking" 911s, but that's the modern bias toward autos for daily drivers for you. Once you're looking at slightly older cars and the enthusiast market then you'll trigger a holy war argument from both sides. I love my manual 996 turbo, which is also a weekend car, especially the feeling of extra involvement compared to our auto family bus. If you do go for PDK (obviously you should DRIVE BOTH!) then look for a car with the sport style steering wheel, with paddles rather than buttons. They are relatively expensive to retrofit.
Otherwise, PCM3 navigation was an option, and although not cutting edge is still acceptable by modern standards. Bluetooth was an option, separate from nav, and can be either a phone module in the car with its own antenna, or just a conventional hands-free profile bluetooth setup. iPod / USB connectivity was also a separate option to nav, listed as the Universal Audio Interface. Bose audio gets mixed reviews; it's ok in my 996, but not great by hifi standards, but it is a lot better than the sound pack upgrade in my old GT3.
Lastly, if you want to keep the car under the Porsche extended warranty, look for a car with the factory Porsche Sports Exhaust (PSE). You can make a 997.2 sound nicer with aftermarket options from places like Sharkwerks, but you won't get a Porsche warranty if the car has any mods at all, so your options depend on your approach to risk.
As for reputable indies, then 911 Virgin get great feedback, also RSJ in Slough, JZM out near Hemel Hempstead, and Northway near Reading, but I'm biased toward my part of the South East.
Good luck, and get test driving!
Pete
In terms of SE bias I have to accept living on the Welsh border, whilst access to some great roads it is not so convenient for specialist dealers in 911's I travel to London occasionally on work and have family on the south coast so get around the place so looks like some road trip planning to do.
Cheers.
I don't think 4WD is a necessity, the traction and grip in the 2WD models are far better than in an MR2 Turbo (especially if the one you spun was one of the earlier revisions...)
If you're buying a cab you need to be aware that the rear seats are less useable than the coupe due to the angle of the backrest.
Essential options I'd say are PSE, Sports Chrono (if PDK), Bose and a non grey/silver/black car FFS!!!
If you're buying a cab you need to be aware that the rear seats are less useable than the coupe due to the angle of the backrest.
Essential options I'd say are PSE, Sports Chrono (if PDK), Bose and a non grey/silver/black car FFS!!!
If you are going for a "4" Cab I'd be going PDK. People that want manual cars tend to want "2" coupes...if you want want buy it but I think it'll be harder to shift come sale time.
Must have's are
PCM
Telephone
Heated Seats (it's a cab)
Universal Audio Interface
Very nice to have
Leather Dash - transforms the interior IMHO (and a few other people's on here!)
Adaptive seats
Most people want
Bose
Park Assist
Dimming Mirrors
Sport Chrono
Things that aren't standard that you might want
Cruise - Possible to retrofit
Isofix on front seats - without this option you can't turn off the passenger airbag if you are carrying kids in the front. Airbag switch an be retroftted but not cheap.
Good luck!
Must have's are
PCM
Telephone
Heated Seats (it's a cab)
Universal Audio Interface
Very nice to have
Leather Dash - transforms the interior IMHO (and a few other people's on here!)
Adaptive seats
Most people want
Bose
Park Assist
Dimming Mirrors
Sport Chrono
Things that aren't standard that you might want
Cruise - Possible to retrofit
Isofix on front seats - without this option you can't turn off the passenger airbag if you are carrying kids in the front. Airbag switch an be retroftted but not cheap.
Good luck!
Shaoxter said:
I don't think 4WD is a necessity, the traction and grip in the 2WD models are far better than in an MR2 Turbo (especially if the one you spun was one of the earlier revisions...)
If you're buying a cab you need to be aware that the rear seats are less useable than the coupe due to the angle of the backrest.
Essential options I'd say are PSE, Sports Chrono (if PDK), Bose and a non grey/silver/black car FFS!!!
It was a Rev 1 Turbo, but I feel when I press a RWD at some point it will kill me, but with 4WD I don't.If you're buying a cab you need to be aware that the rear seats are less useable than the coupe due to the angle of the backrest.
Essential options I'd say are PSE, Sports Chrono (if PDK), Bose and a non grey/silver/black car FFS!!!
So first job is get the kids in the back then, only likely to be short ish runs but even so want them comfortable (ish)
Options noted.
Yeah I know my colour choice is safe / boring. I think this is the wife's view and I need to keep her happy. It was funny with the M3 was a comp pack in black, with carbon roof. Sales lady was here we go Mrs C a nice understated, M3 and my wife just gave me the look that we weren't fooling anyone.
I always wanted a red 911 as a kid!
Cheib said:
If you are going for a "4" Cab I'd be going PDK. People that want manual cars tend to want "2" coupes...if you want want buy it but I think it'll be harder to shift come sale time.
Must have's are
PCM
Telephone
Heated Seats (it's a cab)
Universal Audio Interface
Very nice to have
Leather Dash - transforms the interior IMHO (and a few other people's on here!)
Adaptive seats
Most people want
Bose
Park Assist
Dimming Mirrors
Sport Chrono
Things that aren't standard that you might want
Cruise - Possible to retrofit
Isofix on front seats - without this option you can't turn off the passenger airbag if you are carrying kids in the front. Airbag switch an be retroftted but not cheap.
Good luck!
Cheers for this, there was loads of talk when I considered the M3 about full leather dash making a huge difference, point noted. Must have's are
PCM
Telephone
Heated Seats (it's a cab)
Universal Audio Interface
Very nice to have
Leather Dash - transforms the interior IMHO (and a few other people's on here!)
Adaptive seats
Most people want
Bose
Park Assist
Dimming Mirrors
Sport Chrono
Things that aren't standard that you might want
Cruise - Possible to retrofit
Isofix on front seats - without this option you can't turn off the passenger airbag if you are carrying kids in the front. Airbag switch an be retroftted but not cheap.
Good luck!
I will go and google adaptive seats see what they do!
No need for Isofix - no more kids been told!! but she has not got the secateurs out just yet though!
Clarkeysure said:
It was a Rev 1 Turbo, but I feel when I press a RWD at some point it will kill me
Seriously it won't, go and try one. I went on a wet trackday in my 2S recently and didn't come close to spinning, the electronics won't let you! If you want 4WD for the widebody and red strip then fair enough, but otherwise you'd get a much better 2S for a £40k budget.Clarkeysure said:
I always wanted a red 911 as a kid!
Then tell your wife you're fulfilling your boyhood dream 
I'm pretty sure leather dash is standard on these cars, it's not on my options list and I don't think I've ever seen one without (GTS aside).
I bought a 997.2 C2S Cab late December to fulfil a similar boyhood dream.
This is my second 911, first cab. I can't disagree with anything said above, all good advice.
One thing I would say is there's less 4S out there, so try both out at an OPC and if you're happy with a 2S then you have more options to choose from.
You will always have to compromise on cars, as did I, when it comes to features. Decide what's important to you but I'm sure when you sell in a few years time it won't make that much difference as the next buyer too will have to compromise.
Having said that if you find a car with all the most popular options then you will pay a bit more for it/it might sell very quickly.
Definitely get an inspection unless you're buying from OPC with 2 year warranty which gives you peace of mind especially as it's your first one. There were 8 997.2 C2S Cabs in the OPC network in December, a lot have been sat there a while as no one is buying cabs in winter so a good time to strike a bargain!
This is my second 911, first cab. I can't disagree with anything said above, all good advice.
One thing I would say is there's less 4S out there, so try both out at an OPC and if you're happy with a 2S then you have more options to choose from.
You will always have to compromise on cars, as did I, when it comes to features. Decide what's important to you but I'm sure when you sell in a few years time it won't make that much difference as the next buyer too will have to compromise.
Having said that if you find a car with all the most popular options then you will pay a bit more for it/it might sell very quickly.
Definitely get an inspection unless you're buying from OPC with 2 year warranty which gives you peace of mind especially as it's your first one. There were 8 997.2 C2S Cabs in the OPC network in December, a lot have been sat there a while as no one is buying cabs in winter so a good time to strike a bargain!
Ok seen one, driven it, love it
But it's 55k and those back seats feel to me potentially torture for a 10 yr old growing boy.
Wife has done the your call, but probably break the spine of your kids- but it's fine if you want it.
I want to be able to do a couple hrs tops and the kids be ok.
Can anyone confirm their kids 8 - 12/13 yrs are fine for an hour or two in the back of the cab?
If not - it's back to drawing board
Cheers.
But it's 55k and those back seats feel to me potentially torture for a 10 yr old growing boy.
Wife has done the your call, but probably break the spine of your kids- but it's fine if you want it.
I want to be able to do a couple hrs tops and the kids be ok.
Can anyone confirm their kids 8 - 12/13 yrs are fine for an hour or two in the back of the cab?
If not - it's back to drawing board
Cheers.
Back seats are really only good for up to age of maybe 4-5.
I had one before and swapped it for a Maserati Granturismo which has proper rear seats that adults cd go in, and a proper shaped boot. It's not got the handling of the 997 but the looks and sounds are next level and way more practical. much more special than the m3 and c63 you mentioned
I had one before and swapped it for a Maserati Granturismo which has proper rear seats that adults cd go in, and a proper shaped boot. It's not got the handling of the 997 but the looks and sounds are next level and way more practical. much more special than the m3 and c63 you mentioned
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