I rarely post here, so please excuse what may seem like basic questions/comments. I've done a lot of research and have lurked in these forums for quite a long time, so this is what I came back with. I hope to soon join your ranks.

So I'm close (depending on your answers below) to purchasing a P-car, preferably a 997.2 Turbo. Currently they're just out of my price range, but during this time I'm saving and doing a lot of research. Since I have so many things in my head right now, I think the easiest way is to just list some questions. If any of you have comments or answers, please fill me in. Thanks!!

In no particular order...

1. Is it possible to obtain a 09 (997.1) Turbo for $85K or less? Most I've seen, while they are very low mileage or cabriolets, are at $95K+.

2. Should I "settle" for a C4S now? I love the car, but I've always dreamed of a turbo. I don't want the S since I like the wider rear end of the 4S.

3. The 997.2 started in 2010 with the 3.8L (vs 3.6L of the 997.1). There are rumors that the earlier ones have a stronger engine. But then again, the newer ones have more power. The longer I wait, the cheaper both the .1 and .2 will get over time. In a year, the .2 may be more affordable, especially with the 991 just coming into play? Thoughts?

4. Porsche Ceramic Brakes (PCCB). Almost no dusting, but rotors are ~$15K or something I heard. Track duty is almost a no-no since it puts so much wear on it. For the street and maybe 1 track day a year, is it worth it? I hear the initial bite is amazing.

5. I've had manuals all my life, but since owning the M3 and hearing about their DCT (Dual Clutch), I've always wanted to try it. I sat in a DCT M3 and it was simply amazing. Because of that, I really want the PDK. However, the PDK in the Turbos started in 2010, right? Very pricey. The PDK in the C4S started in 08 or 09 I believe, but paddles started in 09. Is it possible to swap the tiptronic style thumb buttons on the wheels for paddles? Don't get me wrong, if I find a Turbo in my price range, and it had a 6 speed, I would get it.

6. Vert or coupe? I've had an S2000 in NJ and I never used the soft top. I threw on the hardtop and left it there. This is in NJ where you can't put the top down much of the year. I just relocated to Southern California (Irvine/Los Angeles). Is having a vert really that much better? Thoughts? I realize this will probably be just based on personal preference.

7. I don't intend to modify the car other than flashing/chipping the Turbo. Is Sport Chrono even necessary if I plan to flash it? From what I've read, all C4S from 09 forward have it standard. Is that right? Most Turbos have it. With that in mind, is there any reason I really need to have a 997.2? Can I get the first year 997 (which I think is like 2006 or something) and be happy? I definitely don't want those "fat" headlight years.

8. Is there anything I should look out for specifically? I will 95% get a CPO, but is it really THAT necessary? My M3 was CPO and the only thing I did in the past 30K miles is take it in for an oil change. Nothing else went wrong.

9. My motto has always been, "Buy the newest model/car you can afford". Does this remain true for P-cars? BTW, I'll be buying, not leasing. Will be a weekend car, but I'm not too keen on leases in case I go over mileage. I do drive a lot when I feel like it.

10. Finally....for those of you in the Southern California area (hell, anywhere in CA for that matter)...can you suggest me a dealer that will treat me nicely? Know any sales folks you can refer me to? I went to Beverly Hills Porsche just because it was down the street from my office. The guy was nice and had plenty of CPOed cars. I went to Pasadena Porsche last night and they only had 2, one insanely out of my price range, and the other was a yellow 07.

Hope this post isn't all over the place, but with all the things going on in my head, I thought this would be the easiest way to ask. Thanks!

 

Shamoo - <O</O
<O</O


Searching for your turbo is a fun process, so be sure to enjoy. It's hard to answer some of these questions as it's personal preference. Can't go wrong with any TT...you'll love it. Start by determining what you’re really wanting to do with the car (your end goals, reasons for buying, usage of the car, what you consider 'fun' to be) and it will be easy from there.

<O</OFor example:<O</O
> do I need blutooth/ipod integrated or is it a nice to have? (09+ has this)<O</O
> do I plan on tuning the car - sounds like a yes, therefore the extra 20hp the 997.2 has is irrelevant, it would be better bang for the buck to get a 997.1 and apply a tune<O</O
> how important is handling to me? 997.2 has improved suspension, but 997.1 can be modified to any level of performance you want, if you're not tied to keeping the car's mechanical parts stock<O</O
> do I want year round, any weather driving, or is this a car for warm sunny conditions only?<O</O
> turbo 6speed shifts great (one of the best around), and the pdk is fast. experience both before making a call. <O</O
> porsche builds strong cars, but to each his own on determining value of CPO (note that modding will likely void chunks or all of the CPO)<O</O

 

I think if you are going to get a 997.1 turbo then it makes more sense to get a 2007 or 2008 unless of course you think it is worth spending an extra 10-15k for just upgraded electronics. The engine in the 997.1 turbo is more proven and imho more desirable than the 997.2 turbo. BUT, if you do not plan on modding the car and prefer a PDK then I would go with a 2010 997.2 turbo. If no PDK, I would much rather get the 997.1 turbo. I would not bother with a C4S if I were in your shoes...

 

My wife buys P cars and from experience I can tell you make double damned sure that you get a warranty, CPO is the best on a used P car. Even the most simple and stupid "fix" can cost many thousands and there are some inherent problems that can run big bux. We always stick with a manual transmission, they have less issues for sure. If you're planning on turning up the hp a PDK based car there's some limits you have to be careful of, not so much with a stick.

Don't worry about the navigation even the PCM3 stuff, it just plain suks, get a good Garmin and you'll be a load happier trust me. The only thing that interests my wife with the PCM3 is the blackberry / bluetooth integration which once you get used to it is pretty good. I've heard some bad things about earlier versions of PCM.

My vote is for the 997.2 ... Again based on experience.

Good luck !

--CC