I have an 05 997S that is in excellent condition with very low miles...approx. 19K which had the engine replaced by Porsche at 15K. I find myself thinking of upgrading at either a turbo or Lambo G, but when all of the dust has settled I probably am looking at an additional $30K!! I drive the car usually on weekends and is not a DD, but today I was parked in a lot and when I was walking back from the store I found myself saying "what an awesome looking car" so.....then I started thinking of "turbo" or "FI" kits and rear tail addition (already did the GT3RS bumper) and would probably be approx. $10K complete...??

Trying to get other opinions, what would you do???

 

The first idea is usually the best choice. (Turbo or Gallardo)

 

If you still get that "what an awesome car", then why change anything? I'd not mess with SC or anything like that, I'd instead trade in for a 997 turbo if that's what you really want. Consider little things like SSK (I was a doubter, but got an OEM one for $299 from a dealer and am very impressed with it), different wheels (saw some Champion 98s for $3k posted yesterday), etc.

 

You've got a car that is only a few years old that has a factory engine that only has 4k miles on it. You still think the car looks "awesome". Why spend $30K on something that you will also obviously think looks "awesome", but will still only drive on the weekends? Upgrade what you have; wheels/tires, engine mods, body, suspension pieces and parts, etc. You'll end up with something "newer" that will have the increased road performance that you want without spending the really big bucks.

 

Get a turbo? It will obviously be several years old too if you are only spending an extra $30k

 

Car is out of warranty. Price of add-on FI kit is about of $13K installed whether it will be VF-E SC or TPC turbo and it will make your car (almost) as fast as stock 996 turbo.

Other way to go is to buy '07 997 turbo - I just do not think it is wise ever to buy a used car more than 3 years old - and it will be much more money up front. If you still love your '05 car - I would put FI on it now, then wait for year 2013 and get 2010 PDK turbo car then as I think it is one truly awesome car to have.

I will try to stick to this plan at least.

 

As far as a lambo goes, I would think it would require much more out of pocket than $30K to get into a good car with no issues.

Don't be fooled by the "cheap" G's you see for sale for $80K - $90K. They're cheap for a reason. Many of those cars need new clutches ($6K) and all are out of warranty.

Unless you can drop that kind of $ without batting an eye, I think you might end up in a money pit.

I think you'd be happy in a 997TT or you might even test drive a 997.2S.

 

Let me know where you can get the trade in deals, I would bet you are looking at least $50 to move to one of these cars.

All joking aside, I say keep your S if you still really like it.

 

turbo is a great choice, but what year turbo? and a gallardo is also a great car, but you may get too much unwanted attention.

 

The $30K number seems extremely optimistic. Especially for the Lambo. And that car is a completely different experience than your current one - even if it is a weekend car.
A lot of attention, limits as to where you'll drive it, park it, who you allow to care for it and the price of parts and labor, unless you have a friend at a shop, makes Porsche looks like a Subaru.
My thought is that if you can come upon your car and still be thrilled, an upgrade is unnecessary. If you want to up the thrill, upgrade the exhaust, intake, suspension or go with FI. I've had my 997S for three years now, and it is more thrilling to see every morning than ever.
I also have saved enough money on not-upgrading the 997 to buy a very fresh 930. Why swap when you can add? But that's me

 

i would go for a Ferrari 430

 

Sometimes i think gallardo. But then I see a 997 on the road and I go :-)

 

I guess it depends what the priorities are. I would not mind to own a gallardo but i do not know at all where could i drive it. I am not a millionaire and do not belong to social circles where such a car could make any statement. So show factor of this car for me would be 0, usability factor - 0 and I would be too afraid to knock down cones with it most likely. so, I can hardly see the point.

still it probably would be nice. keep her in the garage 100% of time and visit her like in museum.

 

My opinion is that if you're still in love with the vehicle and it still drives fine, then don't change. Why fix it if nothing is wrong. If you're afraid that being out of warranty and something might happen and set you back to get it fixed, then I would upgrade. I think variety in life is good, so I would opt for the Lambo if you're okay with not worrying about where you park it, etc..

 

I was in the same boat going from an 09 CS2. However, I took a different route and went with an 03 996tt. I got a car that has all the options (and mods) I wanted, at over half the cost of a 997tt.