Discussion
Never owned a Porsche, it always wanted a 911, ideally I’d love a 991.2 Turbo S but can’t justify the expense at the minute, so looking for something a little cheaper and a relatively safe bet.
Initially was convinced the manual was the only way forward, as it was the last of the manual turbos, relatively rare, shouldn’t lose anything over the ownership aside from maintenance, but then saw the price of tiptronics and they suddenly became interesting.
I know it’s an argument that’s been had many times, but, I’m not looking to track the car, or hammer the life out of it, so would a tiptronic be ok, or are they really just not great, hence the much lower cost?
Initially was convinced the manual was the only way forward, as it was the last of the manual turbos, relatively rare, shouldn’t lose anything over the ownership aside from maintenance, but then saw the price of tiptronics and they suddenly became interesting.
I know it’s an argument that’s been had many times, but, I’m not looking to track the car, or hammer the life out of it, so would a tiptronic be ok, or are they really just not great, hence the much lower cost?
Both are good cars and will put a smile on your face. Tip or manual? Down to personal choice in my view. I have a manual version but can see why a tip would appeal.
The manual turbo is a very different proposition to the 991.2 turbo S. Love driving my Turbo S too but, to me, it always feels good to get back into the 997. If you put a PCCM+ system in the 997 it makes a huge difference to have easy access to carplay.
The manual turbo is a very different proposition to the 991.2 turbo S. Love driving my Turbo S too but, to me, it always feels good to get back into the 997. If you put a PCCM+ system in the 997 it makes a huge difference to have easy access to carplay.
You'd need to get at a minimum the 997 (gen 2) turbo - from late 2009. This has the PDK transmission instead of the tiptronic (which really isn't very good).
If you're not fixated on a 'Turbo' (they actually aren't the best 'drivers' cars) - then I would recommend a 997 GTS (PDK).. All depends on your budget - but in my view the Porsche 997 gen 2 cars are the perfect 911 - before they became too 'GT', with too much technology and bloat.
If you're not fixated on a 'Turbo' (they actually aren't the best 'drivers' cars) - then I would recommend a 997 GTS (PDK).. All depends on your budget - but in my view the Porsche 997 gen 2 cars are the perfect 911 - before they became too 'GT', with too much technology and bloat.
Aside from not regretting my 996 Turbo Tiptronic which I found to be great for getting stuck in traffic and having fun on wiggly A and B roads, you will probably need to try them yourself. I've watched and read a fair few reviews on 996s and 997s, and I'd agree with the above mention of the 997 GTS if you want that balance of driver's car and daily usability. That said, I suppose any car is usable by the right person. I used to commute in London traffic in an imported Skyline R32 GTR drag car (single dustbin lid turbo with 650bhp) when I was much younger - but nowaday I wouldn't even bother driving that on an empty road! 
If you think you'll get stuck in traffic a lot then get a Tip. I suspect that 80% of the time I'm stuck in traffic and an autobox makes a lot of sense. You can always shift it into manual mode which I do sometimes do until it gets tiresome.
I'd advise looking into aftermarket exhaust systems if you go down the Turbo route. And in fact even if you get a non-Turbo. The standard sound of a modern 911 is pretty disappointing.
If you think you'll get stuck in traffic a lot then get a Tip. I suspect that 80% of the time I'm stuck in traffic and an autobox makes a lot of sense. You can always shift it into manual mode which I do sometimes do until it gets tiresome.
I'd advise looking into aftermarket exhaust systems if you go down the Turbo route. And in fact even if you get a non-Turbo. The standard sound of a modern 911 is pretty disappointing.
16610LV said:
You'd need to get at a minimum the 997 (gen 2) turbo - from late 2009. This has the PDK transmission instead of the tiptronic (which really isn't very good).
If you're not fixated on a 'Turbo' (they actually aren't the best 'drivers' cars) - then I would recommend a 997 GTS (PDK).. All depends on your budget - but in my view the Porsche 997 gen 2 cars are the perfect 911 - before they became too 'GT', with too much technology and bloat.
This ^^^ pretty much reflects my opinion. If you're not fixated on a 'Turbo' (they actually aren't the best 'drivers' cars) - then I would recommend a 997 GTS (PDK).. All depends on your budget - but in my view the Porsche 997 gen 2 cars are the perfect 911 - before they became too 'GT', with too much technology and bloat.
Had a new 997.2 PDK Turbo S for three years.
PDK was definitely a big step up from the outdated ‘torque converter’ Tip.
However, it would have been a much more enjoyable car, and much more ‘911’ with a Manual gearbox (never available on the ‘S’ and very rare on the 997.2 Turbo).
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