New Car Conundrum
Discussion
Hi folks
I’ll cut to the chase. I’m in the market for a new motor and a 911 (like many) is always a box I’ve wanted to tick.
I’m based in Dubai but it’s possible that I’ll move to Spain within the next couple of years. It’s likely this car will come with me if the process is easy.
In the meantime, I’ve got a few choices to make.
My budget is between 200k to 300k AED (circa £40k to £60k).
In this budget there is a range of choices in the UAE which I am beginning to narrow down.
Sticking with the 911 theme I’ve looked (or looking) at the following.
991.1 C PDK
991.1 C Manual
991.1 C4S
991.1 GTS (viewing tomorrow)
As other options I’ve also tried the following
981 GT4
Mercedes AMG GT s
So some varied choices but in Dubai there can be some stunners and some sheds (some of the above have been the latter).
I think I’m ruling out the standard Carrera, but I loved the C4S. I’m hoping the GTS is more of the same tomorrow, as the one I’m viewing seems fairly well priced.
The GT4 was lovely and the youngest of the lot, it felt special and I could be tempted away from the 911. I don’t think the GT4 would be a great car in Dubai but once back into Europe it would be great.
The Merc is a curve ball and I utterly loved it. Definitely at the higher end of the budget but still obtainable. Last year I had a 2014 C63 AMG 507 Coupe and it made a lasting impression. Since then I’ve got a thing for Merc’s too, but I’m swaying towards a Porsche.
On a final note, nearly all 911’s of this era (in Dubai) are fitted with the god awful buttons instead of paddles. I can’t for the life of me understand why they’re specced like this but I’d be sorely tempted to get a sports wheel with paddles retro fitted.
Assuming the GTS is as good as described which would you pick out of these, or which represents the best deal on paper.
All still have some warranty remaining. Full service history and have had a decent expat owner.
2013 C4S - 50k miles £43k
2015 GTS - 52k miles £46k
2016 GT4 - 20k miles £52k
Many thanks
I’ll cut to the chase. I’m in the market for a new motor and a 911 (like many) is always a box I’ve wanted to tick.
I’m based in Dubai but it’s possible that I’ll move to Spain within the next couple of years. It’s likely this car will come with me if the process is easy.
In the meantime, I’ve got a few choices to make.
My budget is between 200k to 300k AED (circa £40k to £60k).
In this budget there is a range of choices in the UAE which I am beginning to narrow down.
Sticking with the 911 theme I’ve looked (or looking) at the following.
991.1 C PDK
991.1 C Manual
991.1 C4S
991.1 GTS (viewing tomorrow)
As other options I’ve also tried the following
981 GT4
Mercedes AMG GT s
So some varied choices but in Dubai there can be some stunners and some sheds (some of the above have been the latter).
I think I’m ruling out the standard Carrera, but I loved the C4S. I’m hoping the GTS is more of the same tomorrow, as the one I’m viewing seems fairly well priced.
The GT4 was lovely and the youngest of the lot, it felt special and I could be tempted away from the 911. I don’t think the GT4 would be a great car in Dubai but once back into Europe it would be great.
The Merc is a curve ball and I utterly loved it. Definitely at the higher end of the budget but still obtainable. Last year I had a 2014 C63 AMG 507 Coupe and it made a lasting impression. Since then I’ve got a thing for Merc’s too, but I’m swaying towards a Porsche.
On a final note, nearly all 911’s of this era (in Dubai) are fitted with the god awful buttons instead of paddles. I can’t for the life of me understand why they’re specced like this but I’d be sorely tempted to get a sports wheel with paddles retro fitted.
Assuming the GTS is as good as described which would you pick out of these, or which represents the best deal on paper.
All still have some warranty remaining. Full service history and have had a decent expat owner.
2013 C4S - 50k miles £43k
2015 GTS - 52k miles £46k
2016 GT4 - 20k miles £52k
Many thanks
Thanks for the comments.
I tend to agree and I do hope this one turns out to be the one.
I hinted above but cars here will either be amazingly well kept or almost the opposite. I’ve seen many cars that are just neglected by their owners after they approach 3 or so years old, as they move onto something brand new. Cars are very disposable in that way which makes a 2nd had buy tricky.
The GTS appears to be loved and cherished by a western expat, so I hope that’s reflected in its condition and history.
Prices here are always quite decent. The GT4 is a showroom sale but still very very well priced. I get the feeling that manuals are hard to shift here (excuse the pun). Many people don’t even know how to drive them!
Thanks for your thoughts. I’ll feedback soon.
I tend to agree and I do hope this one turns out to be the one.
I hinted above but cars here will either be amazingly well kept or almost the opposite. I’ve seen many cars that are just neglected by their owners after they approach 3 or so years old, as they move onto something brand new. Cars are very disposable in that way which makes a 2nd had buy tricky.
The GTS appears to be loved and cherished by a western expat, so I hope that’s reflected in its condition and history.
Prices here are always quite decent. The GT4 is a showroom sale but still very very well priced. I get the feeling that manuals are hard to shift here (excuse the pun). Many people don’t even know how to drive them!
Thanks for your thoughts. I’ll feedback soon.
Is it a daily driver?
The GT4 would be more of an 'Event' car to drive but you've got things like low front spoiler to deal with.
Merc AMG GTS strikes me as a good alternative buy if you fancy that muscle car feel. Although with AMG moving away from their traditional 5+ litre NA or SC engines then it loses some of that classic AMG thing where the engines were relatively easier to maintain as the miles increased.
The GT4 would be more of an 'Event' car to drive but you've got things like low front spoiler to deal with.
Merc AMG GTS strikes me as a good alternative buy if you fancy that muscle car feel. Although with AMG moving away from their traditional 5+ litre NA or SC engines then it loses some of that classic AMG thing where the engines were relatively easier to maintain as the miles increased.
Yeah it would be a daily (for me). The Mrs has a big 7 seat Ford Explorer Sport, so that’s the family wagon.
There’s actually a choice of 2 GT4’s in the same price bracket. One in white and one in blue. I’d be siding towards the blue if I was to take that avenue.
The GTS viewing was pushed back, so I’ll have to wait and see with that.
There is another curve ball in the form of a 2017 Carrera which, but performance aside (which the newer engine hugely compliments) I think maybe some of the specialness will be lost??
There’s actually a choice of 2 GT4’s in the same price bracket. One in white and one in blue. I’d be siding towards the blue if I was to take that avenue.
The GTS viewing was pushed back, so I’ll have to wait and see with that.
There is another curve ball in the form of a 2017 Carrera which, but performance aside (which the newer engine hugely compliments) I think maybe some of the specialness will be lost??
MTK1919 said:
Yeah it would be a daily (for me). The Mrs has a big 7 seat Ford Explorer Sport, so that’s the family wagon.
There’s actually a choice of 2 GT4’s in the same price bracket. One in white and one in blue. I’d be siding towards the blue if I was to take that avenue
What blue is it? Did they come in Riviera or Voodoo...great colors for cars like the GT4.There’s actually a choice of 2 GT4’s in the same price bracket. One in white and one in blue. I’d be siding towards the blue if I was to take that avenue
To bring up to date.
The 911 GTS turned out to be a lemon. In fact, I never viewed the car as the owner appeared to be not happy with my questioning about the car (I don’t think it turned out to be an expat either).
I was very close to pulling the trigger on a GT4 in almost perfect spec but it was sold before I could do much about it (snaps).
Stunning car but not meant to be.
So after a few more weeks of umming and arrring, I’m still deliberating on what to go for.
We are about to move house so the theoretical budget has probably taken a small hit which is brining a few more options to the front. 2 of which are:
1. 718 Cayman S Manual in Sapphire Blue Metallic. 2017 with just 21k km on the clock.
2. 981 Cayman GTS PDK in Sapphire Blue Metallic. 2015 with 40k km on the clock.
Both more modern that the 911’s I’d looked at and both in good condition with decent sounding previous owners.
The 981 is about £3k cheaper but I’ve yet to see it in person.
The 718 was a hoot to drive and looks fresh but I’m running into the same challenge as many, and that’s the boxer 4 they used in it. To drive it’s fantastic, really responsive and gives it great drivability, however there is no getting away from the noise and the lack of excitement it brings. It’s not bad I don’t think when compared with other modern motors but it’s clearly not a wailing boxer 6. I read many owners learn to love the noise from these but that’s subjective.
The conundrum goes on!
The 911 GTS turned out to be a lemon. In fact, I never viewed the car as the owner appeared to be not happy with my questioning about the car (I don’t think it turned out to be an expat either).
I was very close to pulling the trigger on a GT4 in almost perfect spec but it was sold before I could do much about it (snaps).
Stunning car but not meant to be.
So after a few more weeks of umming and arrring, I’m still deliberating on what to go for.
We are about to move house so the theoretical budget has probably taken a small hit which is brining a few more options to the front. 2 of which are:
1. 718 Cayman S Manual in Sapphire Blue Metallic. 2017 with just 21k km on the clock.
2. 981 Cayman GTS PDK in Sapphire Blue Metallic. 2015 with 40k km on the clock.
Both more modern that the 911’s I’d looked at and both in good condition with decent sounding previous owners.
The 981 is about £3k cheaper but I’ve yet to see it in person.
The 718 was a hoot to drive and looks fresh but I’m running into the same challenge as many, and that’s the boxer 4 they used in it. To drive it’s fantastic, really responsive and gives it great drivability, however there is no getting away from the noise and the lack of excitement it brings. It’s not bad I don’t think when compared with other modern motors but it’s clearly not a wailing boxer 6. I read many owners learn to love the noise from these but that’s subjective.
The conundrum goes on!
MTK1919 said:
1. 718 Cayman S Manual in Sapphire Blue Metallic. 2017 with just 21k km on the clock.
2. 981 Cayman GTS PDK in Sapphire Blue Metallic. 2015 with 40k km on the clock.
Absolute no-brainer for me - the 981 GTS is one of the best cars Porshce has made in the last decade. For me, PDK suits the car incredibly well, and they look far better than the 718 too.2. 981 Cayman GTS PDK in Sapphire Blue Metallic. 2015 with 40k km on the clock.
Yeah having seen the GTS tonight I have to agree.
I since found out the 718 has been tuned and whilst that’s quite common in this day and age (particularly turbo based cars), I still find that a turn off.
Irrespective, the GTS just felt a lot more special. The noise and the entire package really. No doubt even a standard 718 S is a quicker car, but that isn’t the be all and end all.
I know I’m saying the obvious but for similar money, I’d be getting a more dated 911 C2S. Itself might be more special than a CGTS? Subjective, but I think the CHTS fits the bill.
For reference car in question is listed for almost £36k which seems decent.
I’m going to sleep on it and take it from there. Some snaps.
I since found out the 718 has been tuned and whilst that’s quite common in this day and age (particularly turbo based cars), I still find that a turn off.
Irrespective, the GTS just felt a lot more special. The noise and the entire package really. No doubt even a standard 718 S is a quicker car, but that isn’t the be all and end all.
I know I’m saying the obvious but for similar money, I’d be getting a more dated 911 C2S. Itself might be more special than a CGTS? Subjective, but I think the CHTS fits the bill.
For reference car in question is listed for almost £36k which seems decent.
I’m going to sleep on it and take it from there. Some snaps.
Edited by MTK1919 on Friday 12th February 17:31
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff