I would like to get some thoughts on the purchase of my first Porsche. I am not looking for another debate over which car is better so assuming I like both cars equally, which car is the best deal/financial decision.

One is a 07 997s arctic silver with black from a reputable dealer with some nice options but without full leather and it has original warranty plus CPO going out about 2 1/2 years with 16,000 miles for $59,000. The other is an 07 turbo black on black with nice options also from a reputable dealer, no CPO or warranty with 39,000 miles for $65,000. Both are one owner cars with good service records in good condition.

I know it’s hard to ignore the s vs tt aspect but there is something to be said about the turbo rush and speed but also about the feel of a lighter/simpler NA car.

Cross posted to 997 forum.

 

for $10K more, I go for the turbo any day.

 

If it is your first car, I think CPO warranty would be really important. You might be able to get them to add a CPO to the turbo at a local dealer. The last time I checked, the price was about 3000 plus any parts that needed to be replaced. That was several years ago though and the prices may have changed.

This turbo probably has depreciated a little more already but the CPO on the S is tempting. I would drive them both for an extended period. make sure there is no bodywork on either car too. I have been burned by clear carfax reports before.

In summary, I'm probably in the minority here but I would likely choose the 997S in this situation. You could always drive it for a year or 2 and then sell it while it still has a warranty. If you open up your search to other cars though, you might be able to find a turbo with fewer miles for a little bit more money. Since this is your first Porsche be really careful about purchasing on price alone.

good luck.

 

These are good points and I do think I am leaning to the 997s. My real concern in the miles on the tt. If I drive it for 2 or 3 years, then I am selling a car with 60K miles where the s would only have 35K miles.

 

I'd go with the S, not the Turbo. I went from a C4 to a Turbo and I'm glad for the time I spent in the slower, still amazingly fun car. My Turbo X50 is a whole different animal and the experience you'll get in the S will come in handy if/when you get a Turbo. Plus, it gives you room to upgrade!

 

there is not a bad choice there, but the turbo has an engine that is considered more reliable than the regular 911. That alone would make me choose the turbo

 

get the TT

 

no brainer, smoking deal on a 997tt

 

No brainer Dry sumped motor 997tt with much more resale value @ 65k IMO

Mike

 

Eclou said it. You can read about it--997 engine failure – fact or myth?

 

Dead link

 

Sorry, try this one: http://www.total911.com/news/466/

 

$65K for an 07TT is just an unbelievable deal. If it had 75K miles on it then I'd understand the cheap price. IMHO getting the TT is an absolute unequivocal no-brainer. Get it checked out by an independent authorized dealer and make sure it isn't a salvage title or something to that effect. Bottom line is that you just can't go wrong at that price unless the car has some sort of serious defect (ie. check for prior accidents, etc.).

 

I know in the Turbo section and we are probably a bit baised but I would definitely go with the turbo and save yourself $$ down the road from the step up process once you realize 355 HP doesnt do it for you.

Cabman

 

It looks like the 997 section might be leaning that way too.