I hear you on the dark colors, silver is the easiest color to keep clean

 

Yes it is. Silver by far is the most forgiving color. I used to have a BMW in titanium silver which was great. I am proud to say i am an expert detailer now from owning a carbon black m3. I had to learn how to remove the swirls via a polisher which annoyed the hell out of me. Now I an confident i can restore any paint....but just don't want to deal with it like on a black car.

 

What was a must for ME (and for some, why I waited several years until the 997.2 came out):

1) Bluetooth handsfree phone integration (and removal of the useless (with Verizon) keypad on the PCM.. thus getting a larger PCM screen to boot)

2) PASM

3) Navigation (new hard drive based solution better than DVD based)

4) NavTraffic data

5) 6 spd manual

6) Targa

7) Speed Yellow

8) 18" wheels


All the rest of the things I got I could have left off the options list or taken an alternative for.

 

Is it possible to retrofit the new screen or navi? I like having the latest technology as well... but want to save ont eh car by getting a v1 porsche as that is more in my current budget at the moment.

 

I was told that the electronics are totally different in the .2s and that this was not possible. But that was a dealer sales rep that told me that so take it for what it's worth...

 

What was a must for me when I bought my 997 C4 late 07 was to have as few options as possible (only Xenon, 4WD and self-dimming mirrors) Why? First the depreciation curve of a car flattens after 3 years, while options keep going down until reaching zero with 5 years and mods negative value eventually. Second, if you intend to keep the car for a long time, bear in mind that everything electronic gets obsolete within 2 years or so. Navigator software will keep improving and end up free of charge on your Blackberry. PASM and the new 4WD system are electronic assistance I'd rather not depend on. Everything based on sensors and microchips breaks down unexpectedly regardless of your maintenance. Tiptronic and PDK cost fortunes and the next thing you know there is a new software, a faster clutch, etc. You can have a 7 gear PDK on a VW Golf! SMG 7 gear of M6 and M5 are already as obsolete as last year video games since BMW and Merc now come with 8 gear systems they sell on all cars.
For me a naked 911 is pure performance, one of the last remaining bubbles of automobile freedom.

 

heated seats, pcm 3.0, full leather interior, OEM SSK.

If your not going with a S then all that plus

Xenon and PASM

 

Get yourself a basic 6-speed manual, add a full AWE exhaust, BMC-F1 panel filter and damptronics (and optionally a Softronic flash).

Now you won't need any other options - you'll be far too busy driving the car and grinning from ear-to-ear like a village idiot every time you put pedal to the metal

No need for sound systems (you'll be driving with the window open to hear the car). No need for NAV (getting lost will be a pleasure as you can drive for miles looking for somewhere familiar) and no need for a million other options that do nothing to enhance the driving experience.

Just my $0.02!!

 

I second that - 200 cats plus oiled filter plus softronic flash - and you`ll get a completely transformed car. Very easy to do, and not overly expensive. In case of C2S car - also need new headers.

As of mufflers replacement - I am not sure it has much of relevance to power, it mostly about sound only.

 

For me, this list is pretty short, and includes some must haves and don't needs. Since it's a a 6-speed 'S':
Upgraded seats - depending on your shape, as aggressive as you can find.
Dimming mirror - annoying not to have it, and shocking for it to be omitted in a car of this price. Anyone who makes a weight argument on this point should be driving an Exige.
Factory SSK (short shift kit) - it makes a great 6-speed even better
Nav - it's actually a terrible implementation but I don't like looking at a stick-on unit. And I have a terrible sense of direction
Soft leather - tough call on this, and I don't have it but the Porsche leather seems pretty harsh - even for a sports car.
No Bose - it's just weight, doesn't sound that good, and you have a better sound system under the rear hood
No PSE - I'd recommend saving the money and buying an aftermarket exhaust. Equivalent sound and less weight.
No CD changer - just add a MoBridge or equivalent for iPod and bluetooth
No power seats - unless the upgraded seats require it. Extra weight for no value (how many times to you need to adjust your seat? Just get it right and leave it there).
Remember to focus on those things that you cannot add (or delete) after purchase versus those things that are immutable (e.g. seats, leather, etc.). Much of the car is a blank canvas that can be changed as you choose. But you have only one chance to get the right canvas.

 

Great thread for me as I'm on the prowl for one now. Any real benefit with going 07/06 c2s vs 05 c2s (aside from resale)?