Made mistake of test driving 997 C2S... help...
Agree with utkinpol's suggestions. Would even add that the C2 is available with PASM, Xenons and even sport chrono for a lot less money than a C2S. I personally find the throttle response quite sluggish on a C2 and in my car without the sport button. Particularly noticable when double clutch downshifting. Just my impression, may not be a factor for others.
KMK: Don't know how far away you are from Penn, but take a look at this: http://don-rosen.porschedealer.com/2007/Porsche/Carrera+S+Coupe/Conshohocken/PA/Atlas+Gray+Metallic/grey/496347/info.php
RYE: I think this might be the other PDE car but its the 6sp. I think Rosen is affiliated w/Princenton. Decent ask.
RYE: I think this might be the other PDE car but its the 6sp. I think Rosen is affiliated w/Princenton. Decent ask.
Why on earth are you double-clutching your downshifts?
-------update--------
Considering my budget and preferences (sub-50k as much as possible and low miles, preferably under 30k), I think a Carrera 2 might be more accessible and appropriate than a Carrera 2S. There seem to be more to choose from, and the prices for CPOs fall in the mid to high-40s with decent options and miles.
The other thing I'm looking at is the Cayman S for a few reasons... they can be had cheaper and with many options, or the ones in the mid-40s will be newer and low-mile, meaning more CPO and in some cases, plenty of original warranty. This is the more logical choice... the CPO CS is plentiful at or below 40k with great miles and options. Haven't driven one yet.
There are some concerns, though. The first is power; I'm corrupted with torque so I'm not sure the 295hp/250tq of the CS will satisfy or disappoint. Next is looks; I think the car is attractive and quite beautiful, but at certain angles, the rear end has some intersections between planes and lines that aren't as pleasing. Finally, and I admit this may be shallow, but it's not a 911. I know objectively this is immaterial, but I enjoy owning the iconic model of the brand. Basically, though the CS would be a good choice, it'd just be a stepping stone to the 911! And I guess that's the ultimate downfall of the CS for me: the mere existence of the 911.
Anyhow, currently eyeing an 06 C2 in seal gray, 25k miles, asking 49k. Black interior, BOSE, sport steering wheel, appears to have the supple leather interior, heated seats, has PSM button in pics (does this mean it has PSM?), looks immaculate in pictures, CPO, 19" sport wheels (those multi-spoke ones, I prefer the Carrera Classics in 19"). Still has amber reflector. Screen but no nav. Curious if it will captivate me the same way the C2S did.
Three hours away, everything's so far in TX.
Considering my budget and preferences (sub-50k as much as possible and low miles, preferably under 30k), I think a Carrera 2 might be more accessible and appropriate than a Carrera 2S. There seem to be more to choose from, and the prices for CPOs fall in the mid to high-40s with decent options and miles.
The other thing I'm looking at is the Cayman S for a few reasons... they can be had cheaper and with many options, or the ones in the mid-40s will be newer and low-mile, meaning more CPO and in some cases, plenty of original warranty. This is the more logical choice... the CPO CS is plentiful at or below 40k with great miles and options. Haven't driven one yet.
There are some concerns, though. The first is power; I'm corrupted with torque so I'm not sure the 295hp/250tq of the CS will satisfy or disappoint. Next is looks; I think the car is attractive and quite beautiful, but at certain angles, the rear end has some intersections between planes and lines that aren't as pleasing. Finally, and I admit this may be shallow, but it's not a 911. I know objectively this is immaterial, but I enjoy owning the iconic model of the brand. Basically, though the CS would be a good choice, it'd just be a stepping stone to the 911! And I guess that's the ultimate downfall of the CS for me: the mere existence of the 911.
Anyhow, currently eyeing an 06 C2 in seal gray, 25k miles, asking 49k. Black interior, BOSE, sport steering wheel, appears to have the supple leather interior, heated seats, has PSM button in pics (does this mean it has PSM?), looks immaculate in pictures, CPO, 19" sport wheels (those multi-spoke ones, I prefer the Carrera Classics in 19"). Still has amber reflector. Screen but no nav. Curious if it will captivate me the same way the C2S did.
Three hours away, everything's so far in TX.
I was literally in the same boat as you 1 week ago! I was debating between a Z06 and 997 S for what felt like an eternity. When I finally made time to test drive them both it was simple: the 911. Mostly for the reasons you mentioned in your original post, but mainly because it was simply so much more engaging to drive.
I bought an atlas grey, 2005 911 S from Pioneer Porsche in San Diego for $49,999. It's certifed pre-owned and has only 20,000 miles. It has the supple leather option, full leather interior, sports chrono plus, and 19" carrera classic wheels. No navigation.
The CPO warranty is the equivalent of the factory warranty from what I understand. It's for 2 years from the date of sale or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. An additional benefit of the CPO program is that it allows you to qualify for 4.99% financing for 60 months, which I took. You may want to take that into consideration when deciding between a private seller or CPO.
Good luck with your search! Just keep an eye out on the inventories and you'll know a good deal when you see it.
I bought an atlas grey, 2005 911 S from Pioneer Porsche in San Diego for $49,999. It's certifed pre-owned and has only 20,000 miles. It has the supple leather option, full leather interior, sports chrono plus, and 19" carrera classic wheels. No navigation.
The CPO warranty is the equivalent of the factory warranty from what I understand. It's for 2 years from the date of sale or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. An additional benefit of the CPO program is that it allows you to qualify for 4.99% financing for 60 months, which I took. You may want to take that into consideration when deciding between a private seller or CPO.
Good luck with your search! Just keep an eye out on the inventories and you'll know a good deal when you see it.
-------update--------
Considering my budget and preferences (sub-50k as much as possible and low miles, preferably under 30k), I think a Carrera 2 might be more accessible and appropriate than a Carrera 2S. There seem to be more to choose from, and the prices for CPOs fall in the mid to high-40s with decent options and miles.
The other thing I'm looking at is the Cayman S for a few reasons... they can be had cheaper and with many options, or the ones in the mid-40s will be newer and low-mile, meaning more CPO and in some cases, plenty of original warranty. This is the more logical choice... the CPO CS is plentiful at or below 40k with great miles and options. Haven't driven one yet.
There are some concerns, though. The first is power; I'm corrupted with torque so I'm not sure the 295hp/250tq of the CS will satisfy or disappoint. Next is looks; I think the car is attractive and quite beautiful, but at certain angles, the rear end has some intersections between planes and lines that aren't as pleasing. Finally, and I admit this may be shallow, but it's not a 911. I know objectively this is immaterial, but I enjoy owning the iconic model of the brand. Basically, though the CS would be a good choice, it'd just be a stepping stone to the 911! And I guess that's the ultimate downfall of the CS for me: the mere existence of the 911.
Anyhow, currently eyeing an 06 C2 in seal gray, 25k miles, asking 49k. Black interior, BOSE, sport steering wheel, appears to have the supple leather interior, heated seats, has PSM button in pics (does this mean it has PSM?), looks immaculate in pictures, CPO, 19" sport wheels (those multi-spoke ones, I prefer the Carrera Classics in 19"). Still has amber reflector. Screen but no nav. Curious if it will captivate me the same way the C2S did.
Three hours away, everything's so far in TX.
Considering my budget and preferences (sub-50k as much as possible and low miles, preferably under 30k), I think a Carrera 2 might be more accessible and appropriate than a Carrera 2S. There seem to be more to choose from, and the prices for CPOs fall in the mid to high-40s with decent options and miles.
The other thing I'm looking at is the Cayman S for a few reasons... they can be had cheaper and with many options, or the ones in the mid-40s will be newer and low-mile, meaning more CPO and in some cases, plenty of original warranty. This is the more logical choice... the CPO CS is plentiful at or below 40k with great miles and options. Haven't driven one yet.
There are some concerns, though. The first is power; I'm corrupted with torque so I'm not sure the 295hp/250tq of the CS will satisfy or disappoint. Next is looks; I think the car is attractive and quite beautiful, but at certain angles, the rear end has some intersections between planes and lines that aren't as pleasing. Finally, and I admit this may be shallow, but it's not a 911. I know objectively this is immaterial, but I enjoy owning the iconic model of the brand. Basically, though the CS would be a good choice, it'd just be a stepping stone to the 911! And I guess that's the ultimate downfall of the CS for me: the mere existence of the 911.
Anyhow, currently eyeing an 06 C2 in seal gray, 25k miles, asking 49k. Black interior, BOSE, sport steering wheel, appears to have the supple leather interior, heated seats, has PSM button in pics (does this mean it has PSM?), looks immaculate in pictures, CPO, 19" sport wheels (those multi-spoke ones, I prefer the Carrera Classics in 19"). Still has amber reflector. Screen but no nav. Curious if it will captivate me the same way the C2S did.
Three hours away, everything's so far in TX.

I had a Cayman S but much prefer the C2. The Cayman while excellent on the track, just didnt have it for day to day driving.
ex covette owner
i bought a used 2006 zo6 c6 and a paid alot for it in 2007 when it was a hot item. i had a tranny problem w it and i filed a complaint with the dealership owner and of course i traded it for a new 08 zo6. i put 1000 miles on the car in 18 months. i sold it to friend and i kinda miss the car until i bought my first porsche about a month ago. 2007 c2 w all the up grades exept nav, and it had only 950 miles, and paid 55k. i am obsessed w my car. i have no regrets.
I am surprised that potential C6 Z06 owners are looking at the base 911 instead of the turbo. And the non 'S' versions at that. Any Carrera that is not a turbo (or GT) is too slow in my opinion. I understand the whole 'driving experience thing' but still. The main purpose of buying a Z06 is pretty much to embarass most automobiles at the track. Very few are being bought for daily drivers. That's what a base C6 is for.
And no i am not anti porsche, i am close to finalizing a deal on an '08 turbo. Just stating my opinion.
And no i am not anti porsche, i am close to finalizing a deal on an '08 turbo. Just stating my opinion.
I am surprised that potential C6 Z06 owners are looking at the base 911 instead of the turbo. And the non 'S' versions at that. Any Carrera that is not a turbo (or GT) is too slow in my opinion. I understand the whole 'driving experience thing' but still. The main purpose of buying a Z06 is pretty much to embarass most automobiles at the track. Very few are being bought for daily drivers. That's what a base C6 is for.
And no i am not anti porsche, i am close to finalizing a deal on an '08 turbo. Just stating my opinion.
And no i am not anti porsche, i am close to finalizing a deal on an '08 turbo. Just stating my opinion.
If had the disposable income - I would have bought a GT3 instead of a C2S.
In case any of you are wondering, the reason the test drive changed my mind so much was the total package of the car. Yes, Corvettes put up good numbers at any sort of track, but regardless of track times that only a professional (not me) could attain, the total experience of the 911 just blew the 'vette out of the water. It made my car feel like a toy in some regards, whereas the 911 seemed like a solid, cohesive piece of automotive engineering oriented towards giving the driver the maximum amount of enjoyment. It's not going to rip off the line like a big V8, but I didn't find myself missing that at all. The car as a whole also felt so much more mature and refined, and rewarding in a subtle way. Finally, the dealership was full of PCA members and pure car enthusiasts... yeah. Nobody wanted to sell me a Cobalt! So this was a mistake because it set my car search back!


The way you described this is exactly what I have been telling people about my 911 experiance. I am the same muscle head you are, but your foe in that world! lol I am a mustang and currently have my fourth. It's a P51A Roush and has violent gut wrenching torque and acceleration w/ cpu mod it has 560hp/560tq and is also worked to the bone in every performance aspect. Probably as good as it gets american muscle wise, like the C line of Vettes. As you said, the 911 is phenominal. It's the next level friend, welcome to it!
Last edited by Sargepug; Sep 27, 2009 at 05:51 AM.
Either the turbo is overpriced or the Z06 is underpriced.
This being said, is the new PDK that much faster than the turbo considering the price difference?
Believe me, I love American muscle!!





