After having a replaced engine, replaced starter motor, 3 engine recalls, and various electrical issues w/ my E46 M3, I've decided that it's time to move on.

Currrently, I am looking at the 997 S. There are people telling me not to get first-production cars. However, the sales guy (doing his job, very convencingly) says that's the least of my concerns.

What are your feelings about this? Should I be moving into a 997S or perhaps a 996 C4S? I understand they are completely different cars, but wouldn't the 996C4S be a safer choice?

Thanks, great website.

 

Wow. Problems with the M3? No way! Just kidding.

Well, I personally stay away from first year production cars, no matter how much I may like the car. The 997S is going to be a bit quicker than the 996 C4S. Also, you will get the 4 wheel drive on the C4S and rear wheel drive on the 997S. The nice thing about the 996 C4S is the wide body look.

You may be well served to investigate the 996 TT market. The 996 TT engine is a very reliable piece of equipment. You can probably pick an 02 with reasonable miles for a reasonable price. If you take that route, I'd act quickly. The 996 TT market is getting stronger.

Good luck.

T

 

I had an 02 M3, and after several mechanical problems in a short period of time, I traded for a 996 C2. My M3 was not a first year run car, and gee, there were problems. So, you damned if you do, damned if you don't. I then fell in love with the 997S and made an impulse trade before my 996 depreciated thousands of dollars more. If you are going to buy, I would suggsest the 997 or 997S, assuming you will keep it.

as for a late model TT, I looked into it. The prices are going up as we speak. INMO, I would want to spend my money on a new car, but that's me being OCD.

 

I too suffer from OCD ... and I hate not knowning exactly how a used car was driven by it's previous owner. I mean ... everyone says "I drive it really nice, never abused" when it comes to selling their cars.

How do you like your 997S? Any problems so far?

How long is the wait anyways? I've heard people say they are getting their car in december? 3-4 months for first-production run cars, sounds about normal.

 

I did test drive it, and loved it. I don't anticipate any problems. The motor is essentially the same, with a bigger bore, and different intake and exhaust. The technological improvements come mostly from the Cayenne. But think of it this way, 996's have been plagued with RMS leaks since 99. So, like I said before, damned if you do, damned if you don't. Anyway are u near New Jersey? I can refer you to my dealer if you like for eaithe BMW or Porsche.

 

Hey Kevin, you can't come on this site without your avatars.

You really should check out an '02 tt - there are many which have not been abused. Plus, you can get them up to a reliable 500 h.p. or so very inexpensively.

Drive them both, then decide if you can walk away from the tt.

Whichever you choose, you prolly won't be sorry.

 

Sounds good guys. Joe, I was in NJ but I recently moved away (across the country), but thank you for the advise nonetheless.

I'll go test drive the 997S this weekend, appointment already made. They have a couple 996TT on the lot too. We'll see what happens.

ROFL! Perhaps after a while when I actually know a few people here, I'll whip out my avatars. Don't want people to know my true "postwhore" and "sick" side yet. It's weird having only 4 posts.

 

I went with 997S and will probably move into a 997 or 998(whatver happens)TT a few years down the road. The 996 TT is a sick car, and if you drive it you will want it instantly. It all depends on you. You can try hunting around the board for owners who are selling their TT's. For me, moving into TT is a dream, and when I do it, I want it brand spanking new.

 

Kevin;

I just made the move from a M3 to a GT3 so I can relate. I had the M3 for 18 months and enjoyed every minute of it. It is a fabulous machine, however, the GT3 is on a totally different plane. You will be so impressed with the 997S you will never think about a M3 again. I would suggest that you order what you want in October / November for February / March delivery. The production problems will be worked out by then. As someone points out above the 996 and 997 are very similar but the only thing that would concern me is the electronics that Porsche has incorporated in the new 997. We could see some problems in that area over the next 4-6 months. Not nearly as bad as BMW had with I-Drive but small problems none the less.

Desoto

 

Desoto:

You mean the Idiot-Drive? I hate that POS. It's like browsing 6speedonline.com while driving, it's both wreckless and just impossible.

Thanks for the suggestions ... I'll definitely wait atleast til Oct to order my 997. Let's hope that I have a better ownership experience w/ Porsche then BMW.

 

Kevin, they are already taking deposits, even though the orders will go through end of October. If you decide to order then, you will be behind everybody who put a deposit now till then. My dealer has taken $2,500 CAD now, and will charge further $2,500 CAD when the orders are processed in October, and then pay the rest when picking up the car around Feb/March.

 

Hey Kev.......M3forum is too bored for you???? Anyway....welcome to the board!

 

Some of your posts on M3froum are hella funny. I'm just glad you're not bitter.

 

i used to be on m3forun as well. Welcome to the next level.

 

ROFL! Is it a good thing that you guys know me from M3Forum?

Went for a test drive today, here's what I've decided.

- I definitely want a 997S.
- I don't want to order it now, I want to order it say March - April timeframe. Why? I don't want to go through the "first-production" pain ever again.

I figured, the longer I waited, Porsche may change options and gives them time to sort out the problems.

997S Pure Awesomeness.

OT: The crono clock is so pretty. ROFL!