I'm relatively new to the forum and currently have an 08 Turbo in production. I plan on using it as a mostly daily driver. My dilemma is this: Since I will be commuting a lot in it, ipod/XM radio and bluetooth connectivity is important to me. I'm trying to decide if I should just wait and order an 09 so I can get everything factory installed and supported, or should I just add everything aftermarket? I'm not a big fan of adding aftermarket electronics. I've had bad experiences with ipod integration in past vehicles, and have heard mixed reviews of the Mobridge and Dension stuff. I guess the other advantage to an 09 is new PCM and updated Nav. I'm stoked to get my first Porsche. Thanks.

 

You have to ask yourself if it's worth 25K to jump into a new car which is the same car just to have some gadgets . I would pass it up but I understand that these items really might be must have options. I agree with you on aftermarket issues with technology.

Tough choice . In the meantime I have all the techno gadgets in my other cars (particulary my M3 with technology package) and sometimes I get more consumed with the tasks of finding short cuts to use them that it takes the fun out of driving the car .

Lastly -- The few minor techonogy things with my 997tt does have -- are so awful and dated that I wish the car came without them . I do wonder if the new car will improve it or simply offer another headache .

 

My new '08 will be here in about 3 weeks. I briefly considered changing to an '09 awhile back when I started seeing some of the details, but the added entertainment gadgets just weren't high on my list and not enough of an incentive to delay any longer. The car itself will be entertainment enough! A tough choice though no doubt.

 

If you can wait, go for an '09 model.

 

What is the price difference?

If the price gap is small I would wait for the 09 since you also have to consider the depreciation value of the 2008 models as it is near its end of production cycle.

I do see your points on the bluetooth and nav unit being much more advanced but if it is another $5k-7k I would think twice.

 

Tough call...

Base price jumps $2500 to $128,700. Some options are the same price others have increased substantially from 2008, i.e.: 431 - 3-spoke multi-function wheel goes from $250 to $870.

2009 U.S. allocations are pretty tight. Demand is also down so the limited allocations probably do not mean much. Rumor has it that in early 2009, the 2010 MY cars will start production. No dealers have 2009 cars with build dates after December so this seems to make sense. It sounds like the 2010 will have the "new and improved" 3.8L engine that does not utilize the GT1 crankcase.

In the end, it depends on when you can get a 2009. Is it worth waiting several months? Perhaps your dealer will offer a slight discount on the 2008 since you are considering delaying the order. As a single point of reference, I have a late July build/Aug 22 completion 2009 coming. Good luck, you can't go wrong either way.

 

I think I'll probably hold out and get an 09 if I can get an allocation soon. Thanks for the insights.

 

no pdk doesn't worth it

 

It depends on when you can get the 09. If the difference is 3-4 months or less and you can wait, I'd give that a lot of thought. Six months and I'd go 08.

The current PCM is truly awful. I've used it like twice for directions, and if I needed to use navigation, I'd buy an aftermarket Garmin, it's so bad. Occasionally I'll use just the map. Having iPod and Bluetooth would be worthwhile -- assuming they work ok, which remains to be seen. After all, if Porsche shipped something as awful as PCM for years and didn't seem to care, I wouldn't automatically assume the new one is going to be a big improvement.

The BT feature is especially relevant since in WA the hands-free law starts today so I'm looking at adding a Tooki Bluetooth. In the meantime I'll use a BT headset; it's not that big of a deal. Correct me if I'm wrong but I doubt they'll be passing a hands-free law in Texas any time soon; heck, it wasn't that long ago that Texas (finally) passed an open container law.

That said, the real joy is driving the car. The extra gadgets are a tiny bit of frosting.

 

Can the new PCM be retrofitted ? Not for me --but to save him from taking the depreciation hit on one car to go into the other .

 

I totally agree about the PCM nav...I often just use my blackberry nav as it's so much better and easier to use!

 

Not to mention the fact that the engine block may (or may not) be changing for 09. It's all speculation...here's the risk analysis.

Do you splurge now, enjoy the car sooner, with the GT1 engine block engine, and sacrifice a few techno-gizmos, or do you splurge later, get the "latest and greatest" at a higher price, with a risk that the greatest asset to the 911 Turbo (the engine) may undergo a design change?