996/997 purchase advice

[m66hol]

Hi, having had lots of sound advice in the past from the pistonheads community, when making previous purchases (jag XJR/TVR Chimera/Merc SL) i thought i would ask a few daft questions of the Porsche crowd.

Next purchase is going to be a 911 as its another car ive always wanted to own. im getting a bit older now and the want list is getting shorter so want to keep this for a while.

Ive been looking at the 996 Carrera 4S and am aware of the key issues (again via the forum), and the intention is to buy lowish miles, well maintained/cared for example at the top end of the price range. However the budget could stretch to circa £28k which means a decent but lesser spec 997 gen1 model could be considered, again my intention would be lowish miles well maintained etc, i would rather pay a bit extra and get a good example rather than something thats tired. im not hung up on the whole turbo thing as the non turbos are quick enough for me.

so would appreciate any advice/experiences as to the relative merits of 996 vs lesser spec but obviously newer more expensive 997 from someone who has maybe owned either and or both.

thanks