Hi there. Long time lurker, first time poster. I live in downtown San Francisco, and have been shopping around for a 997 for the past few weeks. This forum has been extremely helpful in learning the specifics of what I should be looking for and what used 997’s are selling for across the country, along with what mods I can do after I own the car.

The first two things I decided on were my budget and desired options. Budget is up to $60K, I’d like to get a coupe S/4S under 35K miles which puts me in the 2005-2007 model years.

Options:

Color – Black, Atlas Grey, Basalt Black, White
Interior – must be black/mostly black. Would prefer black dials but could live with white
Trans – 6 speed preferred
Wheels – turbos, sport, carrera classic, aftermarket
Options – (In order of preference) S-car, Sport Chrono, power seats, and Bose/Nav would be nice but I would think aftermarket if not included

Mods planned – Back/Rear tint, stereo system upgrade/ipod, side markers, 3M clear bra, wheels depending on what it came with.

Example of what’s caught my eye:

http://automarket.mihaomas.com/cars/2006/Porsche/911/Coupe/2drCpeCarreraSCoupe/6779942.html

Again, I live in San Francisco and see some pretty steep grade changes. I currently drive a 6MT Audi S4 that will occasionally scrape if not careful in some areas, and I’m worried about the GT3 front of this particular car when driving around the city. Does anyone that lives here have problems with the inclines/declines? Should I avoid this car because of this? Also wondering about the extended warranty option vs CPO. FWIW I have not seen this car in person but plan to visit soon.

From what I’m seeing the price could probably be negotiated down a bit, I’m wondering what the members thoughts are on negotiations. Even though I'd love to be driving a 911 tomorrow, i also am prepared to wait until I find the right car for the right price. Thanks.

 

Hi. I may by selling mine in the next few mths if I get a 2011 tt. I'm down the coast from you in San Luis area. Mine is 05 C2S Seal gry, 6 spd sport chrono Bose supple leather. Oh and 14.2K miles. These were the key features for me and I haven't regretted them. I was looking for about $50K but 60 sounds a lot better. Kidding. Not for sale currently but PM me if you want to stay in touch.
J

 

Ha, thanks. Unfortunately I'm not allowed to PM yet but your ride does sound like something in my ballpark.

Anyone in SF have any opinions?

 

Expensive and too many miles to ask that price.
That car is 5 model years old with almost 30K miles.
How much do you think they paid for it?

My feeling is . if you are going to overpay and you are up to 60K you may as well buy a new car or jusat keep looking.

 

I am in the San Francisco Bay Area, had a 07 997.1S and now have a 10 997.2 GT3.

For the 997.1S with OEM front bumper, it is okay to drive in the city. As with your S4, just be careful with some very deep driveways/roads to avoid occasional minor scarping. The OEM 19" tire size in the 997.1S rides a little harsh due to the poorly-maintained road surface of the San Francisco city, be careful on potholes so it wouldn't bent the wheels.

For the GT3 front bumper, it will be low for the city and will likely scarp everywhere. Unless we don't mind an ugly scratched front lip, the GT3 bumper on that 997.1 S is not a better choice for the city. In my honest opinion, a Cayman S with OEM 18" wheels is a perfect zoom-around Porsche for San Francisco downtown.

Just a thought.

With best regards,

 

I agree with yrralis: too much money for that car, especially considering mileage and lack of full leather interior. In SFO I would avoid a GT3 front lip and any car that is lower than stock. Even with a stock front bumper and lip, some dips can be tricky in city areas. For $60k you should be able to get a nicely optioned 07 or 08 car with low miles. Don't focus on wheels too much, as they can be easily changed. I suggest looking nationwide on AutoTrader and Cars.com, using the search features to narrow down to cars meeting your needs. This helps establish the price range. Good luck.

 

Thanks all for the suggestions and confirming my suspicions about the GT3 front. I sure like the look though...

 

I drove a 6 SPD 2004 Turbo Cab with a GT2 bumper in the city for three years. If you know what you are doing there is no more risk than driving a car with low clearance in any city.

It's like the people telling you you can't drive a stick in the city. Sure, if you don't know how to drive a stick - you can't drive on in the city.

I used to take Gough from the Marina. When I got to the really steep block at Jackson or Washington I used to smell the burnt out clutches of the cars in front of me. These people would have been better served buying an automatic.

 

New Member here!
I am picking up my '07 c2s with 5K miles next Monday.

I agree with the advice on the use of search tools features on autotrader, ebay and cars.com. They were very useful to me in understanding the market and narrowing my search over the past couple months.
I also visited the local dealer and a well known independant shop/storage facility and they were very helpful...and I paid the $40 for the 6 month pca membership which lets you view all the classifieds.

Good luck!