I've made my decision!

[rog007]

Just thought I'd share some recent deliberations and hopefully get some pointers going forward from the assembled experts.

I have recently sold my 2003 Lapis Blue (it really is the fastest colour by the way) 996 Turbo manual after 4 fantastic years of ownership. I'd doubled the mileage and only spent on service and minor bits and pieces; tyres and fuel on top of that. Drove it in all weathers and was under Porsche warranty for first two years so rads and condensers and the like all done for free (really terrible design fault). Passed every MOT with flying colours.

Woke up one day and thought I'd like to try a Ferrari; initially a 360 came to mind. So up for sale the Turbo went and sold within a few days for exactly what I paid for her 4 years ago. I was quite surprised by this but I hear good full OPC service manual cars are in demand.

So, buoyed by the quick sale my hunt for a new car began. I joined the Ferrari forums, took part in discussions and looked at cars. But then I heard someone mention Maserati. Looked at a Granturismo and was very impressed.

I joined the Maserati forums, took part in discussions and looked at cars. Then someone mentioned Aston Martin. Looked at a DB9 and was very impressed.

But I didn't pull the trigger on a Ferrari, a Maserati or an Aston. Based upon my needs, none met those needs as well as I had hoped and throughout I kept glancing back at what Porsche could offer; and offer they could.

A 997.2 C4S manual/PDK cabriolet in black is what I have decided upon.

This car I am convinced is the right one for me next. Want turn-key reliability. Want all-weather driveability. Want predictable running costs; want to carry 2 others for s short distance. Want to scratch the convertible itch. Want to scratch the black car itch. Want to be able to leave it (within reason of course) anywhere at anytime. Don't want outright pace (can't believe my licence is still intact after the Turbo; it really is a key concern because it is so rapid (particularly in Lapis Blue!!)).

So, who's got my next car for sale? £40k or thereabouts. Some OPC warranty would be nice. As would a car that has been looked after.

Couple of queries if I may. What are considered essential options? Are hardtops really necessary? What should I think about IMS if it's an issue with this model?

Thanks for any insights.

[Andrew911]

Great post. I was in a slightly similar dilemma; but couldn't really afford italian. I too sold my 996 turbo 16 months ago, it was my daily drive (short commute to work & usual weekend jaunts); really loved it & tbh probably regret selling it (also prices are on the increase). Didn't know what i wanted at the time plus wanted to release some money so decided on a 325d coupe which I have been running. I found the beemer too boring & 'soft' after owning a few porsches. So I really fancied something different. I started off looking at the RRS 2, Macan & I even put down a deposit on a new Cayman GTS. I really regretted selling my last two 911'S would I feel the same about the Cayman? So yesterday I bought a 997.2 C2S PDK in black from a good Porsche indie . It's a shame though I can't swop my deposit on the CGTS to a GT4. So, next call next week will be to ask for my deposit back - don't think they'll be happy bunnies.

Good luck with the search dude. They really are great every day, usable cars.

[g7jhp]

Having listened to a friend talking about the basic service cost and depreciation on his Maserati Quattroporte I feel lucky I chose a 996 turbo.

For regular use I think a Porsche is a better choice. Personally I'd choose the C2S and steer clear of black as it's a PITA to keep clean (although looks great when freshly cleaned).

This 2009 997 C2S with sub 10k miles in Meteor Grey looks stunning!



Good luck!

[Andrew911]

Also, no worries with IMS on the 997 Gen 2 cars & much better engine reliability than the Gen 1 cars.

[m33ufo]

Sounds like a good bet.

Personally wouldn't get tied up on a specific colour. It'll give you a little more choice.

Andrew911 said:

don't think they'll be happy bunnies.

I don't think they'll they'll be too bothered!

[kazino]

sport exhaust option is something worthwhile especially if you are keeping the Porsche warranty I do not think you would want to risk putting on an aftermarket exhaust

[rog007]

Thank you for the responses and insights. The hunt begins!

[monthefish]

Hello Rog - you might recall we were 996t purchase brothers all those years ago.

When I sold my turbo a couple of years ago, the problem, much as it is now, is that there is nothing even remotely in the same price bracket that offers everything the turbo does, and that is probably why, as yet, it hasn't really been replaced
I have a Carrera (not as much of a down-grade as I expected) as a stop-gap, but that doesn't really count. Think I'm likely to get a Gallardo, or possibly a 360/430 (I feel I'm a bit young for an Aston yet).

Must admit, I'm surprised at your choice of replacement. Given the choice, I would still choose a 996t over any any 997 Carrera/GTS. I drove almost the exact model you seek at the Porsche Experience Centre (Coupe though) and, as nice as it was, I was glad to get back into my turbo.

Anyway, just make sure you have a good drive in one to make sure its what you want.

[rog007]

I remember it well!

And I can't disagree with anything you've wisely said. A 997 Turbo would be nice but I really, really could lose my licence; I have little self restraint!. So having never owned a soft top before and maybe wanting to see how it is driving at normal leptons I thought I'd give a C4S a go. They're not exactly slugs anyway, but you know what I mean. At worst if it doesn't work out then moving one on shouldn't be too difficult; they seem in short supply. Good luck with the new car when you decide.

[ORD]

rog007 said:

I remember it well!

And I can't disagree with anything you've wisely said. A 997 Turbo would be nice but I really, really could lose my licence; I have little self restraint!. So having never owned a soft top before and maybe wanting to see how it is driving at normal leptons I thought I'd give a C4S a go. They're not exactly slugs anyway, but you know what I mean. At worst if it doesn't work out then moving one on shouldn't be too difficult; they seem in short supply. Good luck with the new car when you decide.

I don't really get why you want the AWD, to be honest. It will just add weight and reduce the car's delicacy and how much you can enjoy it at sensible speeds. A C4S is basically a slow Turbo, especially in cabrio!

[LeighB]

Hey up Rog, hope you're keeping well mate.

Was nice to get the card off you, I do apologise for not thanking you for it but my excuse is:

I was spending waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much time googling for the fastest Porsche colour and not one webpage so far lists Lapis at the top. But deep down you know that anyway as it's another hue of blue that sits up there

Hope you find your 'perfect car' and let me know if you're back oooop north, sure I can rustle up a bacon butty in a flash!

[rog007]

Hi Leigh; great to hear from you. Not got it wrapped in a proper colour yet then!!

And re 4WD; I'm a jessie! I've never owned a rear wheel drive car; they've all been front or 4WD and that just seems to suit my poor driving skills and requirement to get about whatever the weather.

[ORD]

rog007 said:

Hi Leigh; great to hear from you. Not got it wrapped in a proper colour yet then!!

And re 4WD; I'm a jessie! I've never owned a rear wheel drive car; they've all been front or 4WD and that just seems to suit my poor driving skills and requirement to get about whatever the weather.

Unless you live in the North, that's literally insane

Any utter fool could drive a C2S as fast as all st quite safely even in the wet. The RWD scare stories are about 20 years out of date and were probably myths at the time.

[monthefish]

ORD said:

rog007 said:

Hi Leigh; great to hear from you. Not got it wrapped in a proper colour yet then!!

And re 4WD; I'm a jessie! I've never owned a rear wheel drive car; they've all been front or 4WD and that just seems to suit my poor driving skills and requirement to get about whatever the weather.

Unless you live in the North, that's literally insane

Any utter fool could drive a C2S as fast as all st quite safely even in the wet. The RWD scare stories are about 20 years out of date and were probably myths at the time.

It's not insane at all. It makes a lot of sense.
A C4S will be quicker, more of the time anywhere in the UK.

I wouldn't consider a 4wd track car, but for a fast road car, a 4wd Porsche makes a lot of sense, especially with the porsches 95% rear-drive bias.

[ORD]

monthefish said:

It's not insane at all. It makes a lot of sense.
A C4S will be quicker, more of the time anywhere in the UK.

I wouldn't consider a 4wd track car, but for a fast road car, a 4wd Porsche makes a lot of sense, especially with the porsches 95% rear-drive bias.

Really? The roads are usually dry in this country. And a couple of hundred kilos is a lot to drag around.

More importantly, you cannot (and should not) be driving at anything like 10/10 on the road. If absolute grip levels are the limiting factor on your speed, your licence won't last long and you are probably quite a dangerous driver. Sight lines are what limit road speeds (and speed limits), not grip.