Newb considering base 991 - input would be appreciated
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You will in the end, do what you think is best for your situation whatever that may be. There is a middle ground however: I agree with the rent theory, unless you can find a suitable home and get financing that makes your monthly payment almost like renting in this market today. The downside is the maintenance on a home, there will always be a cash outflow for maintenance which can be budgeted for but it's not easy to do.
Then after the above decision: look for a good used last Gen Cayman or Boxster (2010,11,12) to start out with. They are incredible Porsche's also. Yes, they are down on power but the handling is superb. I had a last Gen Cayman before my 911S and I was constantly amazed at how it handled. Mine was a base manual with no add-on handling aids and it went through corners better than any other car I have ever owned or driven, yes even better than my 911. Relatively speaking a very satisfying, much lower priced alternative to start with.
Then after the above decision: look for a good used last Gen Cayman or Boxster (2010,11,12) to start out with. They are incredible Porsche's also. Yes, they are down on power but the handling is superb. I had a last Gen Cayman before my 911S and I was constantly amazed at how it handled. Mine was a base manual with no add-on handling aids and it went through corners better than any other car I have ever owned or driven, yes even better than my 911. Relatively speaking a very satisfying, much lower priced alternative to start with.
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Just get your Obama Porsche 911. If we all don't have one, it's not fair.
People and their Veyrons, Lanborghinis, and Ferraris... Just give a little more so we can ALL enjoy Porsches.
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Really people?? We're back to this.
It's amazing how many times these threads degenerate to political soapboxes.
The OP asked our advice, not our political opinions - Common courtesy should prevail.
Peace.
It's amazing how many times these threads degenerate to political soapboxes.
The OP asked our advice, not our political opinions - Common courtesy should prevail.
Peace.
Last edited by dux; Nov 12, 2012 at 11:58 AM.
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Thread Starter
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Thanks for the input guys (and girls if there were any). I will hold my horses and wait for a bit. I read up more on 997 and they were incredible as well, especially the GTS. I have a feeling in this economy there will be some bargains for 3-4 year old 997.
I read plenty that Boxster/Cayman are superb cars, but so are Miata, FS-R, M3, C63 etc... All or nothing for me (i.e. 911 or I will just continue driving my SUV). If I needed a daily driver, it would be a different story, but my wife and I put less than 8k miles a year on our one and only car.
Oh and yes, I want 911 from Obama hahah. Funny enough, when I was buying my Benz it was when Obama passed law allowing you to deduct your sales tax from purchase of a new car on your tax return even if you don't itemize. Just another proof that all these subsidies don't work as intended, but thanks anyways.
I read plenty that Boxster/Cayman are superb cars, but so are Miata, FS-R, M3, C63 etc... All or nothing for me (i.e. 911 or I will just continue driving my SUV). If I needed a daily driver, it would be a different story, but my wife and I put less than 8k miles a year on our one and only car.
Oh and yes, I want 911 from Obama hahah. Funny enough, when I was buying my Benz it was when Obama passed law allowing you to deduct your sales tax from purchase of a new car on your tax return even if you don't itemize. Just another proof that all these subsidies don't work as intended, but thanks anyways.
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Hi 991 owners and wannabes, first post here.
As some of you have in the past, I’m considering 991. I test drove 991 S back with all the bells and whistles (PDK, PSE SC, etc) and was amazed. I don’t think I even put it in sport mode, but still what a car. I currently drive Benz GLK350 (small SUV). Test drive was back in April. The decision was, I will certainly get one, it’s just matter of when. Since it seems that there are quite a few older and hopefully wiser folks on this forum, I would appreciate some input and some perspective.
Here is my dilemma:
Me and my wife are pretty young (27), and have been fortunate to have pretty good jobs. So I could swing a 991, but don’t know if I should. It is 20k per year for next 5 years that will have to come out of somewhere else (potential savings, vacation, etc), and at my age it’s not an insignificant amount of money. Also at my age I don’t have any other financial commitments. Additional complication is that we rent, and probably should buy in near future with low rates and depressed real estate prices, but I’m not really sold on real estate ownership in my area (high taxes and condo fees). We are also happy where we rent and our building is on the road where Formula 1 is coming to in 2014 (I’m pissed they delayed it by a year).
So right not I’m thinking base 991 with just a few options keeping it under 90k to test the waters (I don’t want older 997 model). Options would be PDK so my wife can drive, sunroof, heated seats and sport steering wheel. Where I live and drive, for the most part my GLK is fast enough, so I think base 991 will be more than adequate. I would also prefer 19 inch wheels as roads are not the best in NJ/NY. But I haven’t driven base 991 yet. I hope that I won’t notice lack of power/torque that much worse compared to S. Even in 991 S I noticed lack of torque off the line compared to my GLK, but I understand that torque curves are very different.
So here are few questions:
1) Should I get 991 now or should I wait a few years for my financial situation to crystalize a bit more? I know you are all biased here, but I’m sure many of you went through similar situation, and maybe some of you did delay you purchase. Also maybe if I wait, I will be able to get better optioned 991 S.
2) Given my driving situation, input on decision to get base vs 1-2 year old S would also be appreciated (I read all S vs base discussions, and seems that base is 99% of S for 85% of the price, but if not for the price everybody would get S).
3) How much dealers are willing to discount their cars in December? I know for example Benz discounts unsold AMG cars by 10-20k at the end of the year.
4) Should I get premium package? My main concern is difference in the seats. How are the standard seats?
5) What haven’t I considered? Although I loved PSE and I’m sure SC makes a difference, 991 is sporty enough for me as my first 911.
Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post and typos. It’s great spending time on 991 forums, much more mature discussions than on M3, C63AMG and GLK forums where I used spend some time.
As some of you have in the past, I’m considering 991. I test drove 991 S back with all the bells and whistles (PDK, PSE SC, etc) and was amazed. I don’t think I even put it in sport mode, but still what a car. I currently drive Benz GLK350 (small SUV). Test drive was back in April. The decision was, I will certainly get one, it’s just matter of when. Since it seems that there are quite a few older and hopefully wiser folks on this forum, I would appreciate some input and some perspective.
Here is my dilemma:
Me and my wife are pretty young (27), and have been fortunate to have pretty good jobs. So I could swing a 991, but don’t know if I should. It is 20k per year for next 5 years that will have to come out of somewhere else (potential savings, vacation, etc), and at my age it’s not an insignificant amount of money. Also at my age I don’t have any other financial commitments. Additional complication is that we rent, and probably should buy in near future with low rates and depressed real estate prices, but I’m not really sold on real estate ownership in my area (high taxes and condo fees). We are also happy where we rent and our building is on the road where Formula 1 is coming to in 2014 (I’m pissed they delayed it by a year).
So right not I’m thinking base 991 with just a few options keeping it under 90k to test the waters (I don’t want older 997 model). Options would be PDK so my wife can drive, sunroof, heated seats and sport steering wheel. Where I live and drive, for the most part my GLK is fast enough, so I think base 991 will be more than adequate. I would also prefer 19 inch wheels as roads are not the best in NJ/NY. But I haven’t driven base 991 yet. I hope that I won’t notice lack of power/torque that much worse compared to S. Even in 991 S I noticed lack of torque off the line compared to my GLK, but I understand that torque curves are very different.
So here are few questions:
1) Should I get 991 now or should I wait a few years for my financial situation to crystalize a bit more? I know you are all biased here, but I’m sure many of you went through similar situation, and maybe some of you did delay you purchase. Also maybe if I wait, I will be able to get better optioned 991 S.
2) Given my driving situation, input on decision to get base vs 1-2 year old S would also be appreciated (I read all S vs base discussions, and seems that base is 99% of S for 85% of the price, but if not for the price everybody would get S).
3) How much dealers are willing to discount their cars in December? I know for example Benz discounts unsold AMG cars by 10-20k at the end of the year.
4) Should I get premium package? My main concern is difference in the seats. How are the standard seats?
5) What haven’t I considered? Although I loved PSE and I’m sure SC makes a difference, 991 is sporty enough for me as my first 911.
Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post and typos. It’s great spending time on 991 forums, much more mature discussions than on M3, C63AMG and GLK forums where I used spend some time.
Hey there OP...
Well we just might be two peas in a pod. I myself have just undergone this thought process. I am also 27, and my wife and I hold recession resistant careers that put us into the mid 6-figure range. See the thing for me before I say what I chose to do and why; is that cars have been my passion and life ever since I was a little kid. Growing up I remember in elementary school saving up for a month to buy a poster of an RT/10 Dodge Viper at the library over anything else. Sometimes I feel like even if its a bit of a stretch, and you pull a little from here or there, it's worth it if it means that much to you. For me, a car isn't just a car, or replaceable after the model year is up or the mile counter hits 40,000 miles. When I'm on the road it feels like home. And something like a brand new Porsche for the first time in my life of living a straight line is worth the risk.
All in all I pulled the trigger and have put a build on the new 991 C4s. We rent as well and have found that to be a suitable way of life lately. Two things crossed my mind when I signed the sheet...
1) this day may not come again...being as young as we are, if it all goes downhill from here- we had a chance to be on top...if it all goes up from here- then it was a hell of a start
2) being that we had to pull a bit from here or there makes this journey all the more special. Sometimes I like to think of it as this...10 yrs ago I wanted to buy a video game- worked my tush off cutting grass to do it, now I simply walk in and buy it. The game has the same effect either way, but the journey vastly different. I'll remember purchasing FF7 (for any gamers out there
for the rest of my life. Take meaning if the things that sing a specific tune to you is all. Didn't mean to get too lengthy or philosphoical on a car forum...but take away what you may and I hope it opens a bit more insight.
Either way- best of luck, and I hope for the best!
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Hey there OP...
Well we just might be two peas in a pod. I myself have just undergone this thought process. I am also 27, and my wife and I hold recession resistant careers that put us into the mid 6-figure range. See the thing for me before I say what I chose to do and why; is that cars have been my passion and life ever since I was a little kid. Growing up I remember in elementary school saving up for a month to buy a poster of an RT/10 Dodge Viper at the library over anything else. Sometimes I feel like even if its a bit of a stretch, and you pull a little from here or there, it's worth it if it means that much to you. For me, a car isn't just a car, or replaceable after the model year is up or the mile counter hits 40,000 miles. When I'm on the road it feels like home. And something like a brand new Porsche for the first time in my life of living a straight line is worth the risk.
All in all I pulled the trigger and have put a build on the new 991 C4s. We rent as well and have found that to be a suitable way of life lately. Two things crossed my mind when I signed the sheet...
1) this day may not come again...being as young as we are, if it all goes downhill from here- we had a chance to be on top...if it all goes up from here- then it was a hell of a start
2) being that we had to pull a bit from here or there makes this journey all the more special. Sometimes I like to think of it as this...10 yrs ago I wanted to buy a video game- worked my tush off cutting grass to do it, now I simply walk in and buy it. The game has the same effect either way, but the journey vastly different. I'll remember purchasing FF7 (for any gamers out there for the rest of my life.
Take meaning if the things that sing a specific tune to you is all. Didn't mean to get too lengthy or philosphoical on a car forum...but take away what you may and I hope it opens a bit more insight.
Either way- best of luck, and I hope for the best!
Well we just might be two peas in a pod. I myself have just undergone this thought process. I am also 27, and my wife and I hold recession resistant careers that put us into the mid 6-figure range. See the thing for me before I say what I chose to do and why; is that cars have been my passion and life ever since I was a little kid. Growing up I remember in elementary school saving up for a month to buy a poster of an RT/10 Dodge Viper at the library over anything else. Sometimes I feel like even if its a bit of a stretch, and you pull a little from here or there, it's worth it if it means that much to you. For me, a car isn't just a car, or replaceable after the model year is up or the mile counter hits 40,000 miles. When I'm on the road it feels like home. And something like a brand new Porsche for the first time in my life of living a straight line is worth the risk.
All in all I pulled the trigger and have put a build on the new 991 C4s. We rent as well and have found that to be a suitable way of life lately. Two things crossed my mind when I signed the sheet...
1) this day may not come again...being as young as we are, if it all goes downhill from here- we had a chance to be on top...if it all goes up from here- then it was a hell of a start
2) being that we had to pull a bit from here or there makes this journey all the more special. Sometimes I like to think of it as this...10 yrs ago I wanted to buy a video game- worked my tush off cutting grass to do it, now I simply walk in and buy it. The game has the same effect either way, but the journey vastly different. I'll remember purchasing FF7 (for any gamers out there
for the rest of my life. Take meaning if the things that sing a specific tune to you is all. Didn't mean to get too lengthy or philosphoical on a car forum...but take away what you may and I hope it opens a bit more insight.
Either way- best of luck, and I hope for the best!
Rep points to you.
Goes very much with my own sentiments of "if it was easy, everybody would be doing it" and where's the challenge or sense of accomplishment in that...
I also agree that these types of vehicles are not just a mode of transportation!
The bond between man and machine has always been a mysterious one to be sure (just ask our better halves!
).But somewhere along the line, if you find the right car... we somehow inject this inanimate object with a soul and a character all it's own... real or imagined... no mere piece of metal could make us feel the way we do.
Yep I have my Benz to get from A to B but for pure enjoyment... there's nothing like my 911.
I LOVE MY 991!!! and I don't even have it yet!
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Now that is a great post!!
Rep points to you.
Goes very much with my own sentiments of "if it was easy, everybody would be doing it" and where's the challenge or sense of accomplishment in that...
I also agree that these types of vehicles are not just a mode of transportation!
The bond between man and machine has always been a mysterious one to be sure (just ask our better halves!).
But somewhere along the line, if you find the right car... we somehow inject this inanimate object with a soul and a character all it's own... real or imagined... no mere piece of metal could make us feel the way we do.
Yep I have my Benz to get from A to B but for pure enjoyment... there's nothing like my 911.
I LOVE MY 991!!! and I don't even have it yet!
Rep points to you.
Goes very much with my own sentiments of "if it was easy, everybody would be doing it" and where's the challenge or sense of accomplishment in that...
I also agree that these types of vehicles are not just a mode of transportation!
The bond between man and machine has always been a mysterious one to be sure (just ask our better halves!
).But somewhere along the line, if you find the right car... we somehow inject this inanimate object with a soul and a character all it's own... real or imagined... no mere piece of metal could make us feel the way we do.
Yep I have my Benz to get from A to B but for pure enjoyment... there's nothing like my 911.
I LOVE MY 991!!! and I don't even have it yet!
Wait til you get your 991 and you will discover something new everyday that you will love about the car! The more I drive her, the more I like her...the car is breaking in nicely and I am getting hints of the kick in the stomach acceleration that awaits me when the needle goes past the 4k rpm mark.
I love the dual nature of this car! It pootles around like an M3 when in normal mode but push that Sport Plus button and nudge the pedal past 4k rpm and you feel like you are in a super car!
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Sid,
Wait til you get your 991 and you will discover something new everyday that you will love about the car! The more I drive her, the more I like her...the car is breaking in nicely and I am getting hints of the kick in the stomach acceleration that awaits me when the needle goes past the 4k rpm mark.
I love the dual nature of this car! It pootles around like an M3 when in normal mode but push that Sport Plus button and nudge the pedal past 4k rpm and you feel like you are in a super car!
Wait til you get your 991 and you will discover something new everyday that you will love about the car! The more I drive her, the more I like her...the car is breaking in nicely and I am getting hints of the kick in the stomach acceleration that awaits me when the needle goes past the 4k rpm mark.
I love the dual nature of this car! It pootles around like an M3 when in normal mode but push that Sport Plus button and nudge the pedal past 4k rpm and you feel like you are in a super car!
I've been fortunate enough to have had a few Ferrari's and Porsche's but I've got to tell ya, I've never been this excited!
Like you the thing which really drew me to the 991 apposed to the SLS, Maserati GT-R, F 430 etc... was it's Jeckell and Hyde nature.
I really got to a place where I was cursing more and more because of the bone jarring ride on the ever worsening roads... the 991 is the best of both worlds, more comfy than my Benz when I want it to and an absolute beast in sport+ when you put your foot down... damn that thing is fast, agile and at the same time so incredibly composed!
I've been lucky enough to have driven various 991's for many weekends... lets just say showing up in a SLS, Maserati, Ferrari demo's etc... will have that effect.
All joking aside, I think they could tell I was actually considering getting out of the Porsche experience...
Lets just say it did get real close but in the end all those days and weekends of 991 demo's convinced me... Porsche, there is no substitute.
Now I live vicariously through guys like yourself until I get my 991 C4S cab at the end of Feb... time sure is going slow though
.Cheers!
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From what I have seen to date with 991 deliveries, your wait might not be as long as you think. The factory tends to over estimate build completion.
Hang in there! My dealer here in PA is about to receive their very first 991 C4S in the next day or so for customer delivery. I cannot wait to see the C4S in person.
Hang in there! My dealer here in PA is about to receive their very first 991 C4S in the next day or so for customer delivery. I cannot wait to see the C4S in person.
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Hey there OP...
Well we just might be two peas in a pod. I myself have just undergone this thought process. I am also 27, and my wife and I hold recession resistant careers that put us into the mid 6-figure range. See the thing for me before I say what I chose to do and why; is that cars have been my passion and life ever since I was a little kid. Growing up I remember in elementary school saving up for a month to buy a poster of an RT/10 Dodge Viper at the library over anything else. Sometimes I feel like even if its a bit of a stretch, and you pull a little from here or there, it's worth it if it means that much to you. For me, a car isn't just a car, or replaceable after the model year is up or the mile counter hits 40,000 miles. When I'm on the road it feels like home. And something like a brand new Porsche for the first time in my life of living a straight line is worth the risk.
All in all I pulled the trigger and have put a build on the new 991 C4s. We rent as well and have found that to be a suitable way of life lately. Two things crossed my mind when I signed the sheet...
1) this day may not come again...being as young as we are, if it all goes downhill from here- we had a chance to be on top...if it all goes up from here- then it was a hell of a start
2) being that we had to pull a bit from here or there makes this journey all the more special. Sometimes I like to think of it as this...10 yrs ago I wanted to buy a video game- worked my tush off cutting grass to do it, now I simply walk in and buy it. The game has the same effect either way, but the journey vastly different. I'll remember purchasing FF7 (for any gamers out there for the rest of my life.
Take meaning if the things that sing a specific tune to you is all. Didn't mean to get too lengthy or philosphoical on a car forum...but take away what you may and I hope it opens a bit more insight.
Either way- best of luck, and I hope for the best!
Well we just might be two peas in a pod. I myself have just undergone this thought process. I am also 27, and my wife and I hold recession resistant careers that put us into the mid 6-figure range. See the thing for me before I say what I chose to do and why; is that cars have been my passion and life ever since I was a little kid. Growing up I remember in elementary school saving up for a month to buy a poster of an RT/10 Dodge Viper at the library over anything else. Sometimes I feel like even if its a bit of a stretch, and you pull a little from here or there, it's worth it if it means that much to you. For me, a car isn't just a car, or replaceable after the model year is up or the mile counter hits 40,000 miles. When I'm on the road it feels like home. And something like a brand new Porsche for the first time in my life of living a straight line is worth the risk.
All in all I pulled the trigger and have put a build on the new 991 C4s. We rent as well and have found that to be a suitable way of life lately. Two things crossed my mind when I signed the sheet...
1) this day may not come again...being as young as we are, if it all goes downhill from here- we had a chance to be on top...if it all goes up from here- then it was a hell of a start
2) being that we had to pull a bit from here or there makes this journey all the more special. Sometimes I like to think of it as this...10 yrs ago I wanted to buy a video game- worked my tush off cutting grass to do it, now I simply walk in and buy it. The game has the same effect either way, but the journey vastly different. I'll remember purchasing FF7 (for any gamers out there
for the rest of my life. Take meaning if the things that sing a specific tune to you is all. Didn't mean to get too lengthy or philosphoical on a car forum...but take away what you may and I hope it opens a bit more insight.
Either way- best of luck, and I hope for the best!
! Wish you all the best and I'm sure this is a great start for all - it all goes up from here. Congrats to you and Op on accomplishing this in your twenties!!
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I've been fortunate enough to have had a few Ferrari's and Porsche's but I've got to tell ya, I've never been this excited!
Like you the thing which really drew me to the 991 apposed to the SLS, Maserati GT-R, F 430 etc... was it's Jeckell and Hyde nature.
I really got to a place where I was cursing more and more because of the bone jarring ride on the ever worsening roads... the 991 is the best of both worlds, more comfy than my Benz when I want it to and an absolute beast in sport+ when you put your foot down... damn that thing is fast, agile and at the same time so incredibly composed!
I've been lucky enough to have driven various 991's for many weekends... lets just say showing up in a SLS, Maserati, Ferrari demo's etc... will have that effect.
All joking aside, I think they could tell I was actually considering getting out of the Porsche experience...
Lets just say it did get real close but in the end all those days and weekends of 991 demo's convinced me... Porsche, there is no substitute.
Now I live vicariously through guys like yourself until I get my 991 C4S cab at the end of Feb... time sure is going slow though.
Cheers!
Like you the thing which really drew me to the 991 apposed to the SLS, Maserati GT-R, F 430 etc... was it's Jeckell and Hyde nature.
I really got to a place where I was cursing more and more because of the bone jarring ride on the ever worsening roads... the 991 is the best of both worlds, more comfy than my Benz when I want it to and an absolute beast in sport+ when you put your foot down... damn that thing is fast, agile and at the same time so incredibly composed!
I've been lucky enough to have driven various 991's for many weekends... lets just say showing up in a SLS, Maserati, Ferrari demo's etc... will have that effect.
All joking aside, I think they could tell I was actually considering getting out of the Porsche experience...
Lets just say it did get real close but in the end all those days and weekends of 991 demo's convinced me... Porsche, there is no substitute.
Now I live vicariously through guys like yourself until I get my 991 C4S cab at the end of Feb... time sure is going slow though
.Cheers!
Wow... nice rides there Mr. Sid.. you really love black PS: Apologies to op (off topic...)
Last edited by Fester; Dec 19, 2012 at 08:11 AM.
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NCY911 and Kenshin I have to say it's great to see you guys being this successful at such a young age, good for you and power to ya!
Go get 'm.
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OP - my two cents:
Buy a 997, preferably a 4S. IMO if it's your first 911, you live in NY and ur not tracking it, 4 is the way to go. I think you will have a blast with the 997 at half the price of the 991. If im wrong and you do decide it's not enough car for you, you won't take much hit at all getting out of a 3-4 year 997. At the end of the day, I think the 991 is just incredible but especially if it's your first 911, you will get 95% of the thrill in a 997.
Buy a 997, preferably a 4S. IMO if it's your first 911, you live in NY and ur not tracking it, 4 is the way to go. I think you will have a blast with the 997 at half the price of the 991. If im wrong and you do decide it's not enough car for you, you won't take much hit at all getting out of a 3-4 year 997. At the end of the day, I think the 991 is just incredible but especially if it's your first 911, you will get 95% of the thrill in a 997.