Two scenarios ... first, retire in about 6 months. In which case I have set a budget of $40-ish. For that I'm thinking 09 Boxster. I'd like the 09 to get the IMS-free engine design (more discussion further down). While I'd like an "S", even the base model outperforms my last Ferrari (308 GTSi).
Or, a 997.1, preferably a later model with the improved IMS bearing. The whole IMS thing intrigues me. I've been an engine design/test engineer for almost 40 years. I can't imagine why Porsche chose to use a sealed, grease-packed bearing at the opposite end of a shaft that they pressure fed on the oil pump end. And I worked with Porsche engineers in a previous job ... they aren't dumb. I would have pressure fed both ends with plain bearings. And, they persisted through three ball bearing iterations! I read that very few if any documented failures of the last version have occurred, but I still worry a bit. Any fresh data?
I drove a Boxster a while back (and a Corvette C6 the same day) and was very impressed with the fluid motion and handling. I had a brief moment of weakness toward the C6 after experiencing the awesome midrange thrust, but decided against it for the following reason. Both cars have been developed by talented, passionate engineers. I worked with a couple of ex-Corvette engineers a while back and was very impressed with their skill and dedication. However, as those of you who are engineers know, we are always held to a cost target with our products and the Corvette guys just had to stop short of where the Porsche guys were allowed to go based on the price point of the vehicle. It's way more fun to be an engineer with an adequate budget!
I haven't driven a 997 Carrera yet.
Second scenario .... I get a transfer to another division of our corporation and work another 3-4 years (which I would be happy to do based on the type of work). In that case I would definitely go for the 997.2 before retiring. The difference between S and non-S seems to be much less than with the Boxsters, so I'd be happy with a non-S (I think). When I do finally retire, it will be in coastal northern California (about 60 miles south of Oregon) where it rains a fair bit in the winter. Would you recommend a "4"? Or not really necessary? I don't plan to drive in snow .... seen enough of that for a lifetime.
Thanks for lasting through my ramblings, and I would value your thoughts/suggestions.

 

I enjoyed your post. I suggest option 2 and get either the Boxster/Cayman or 911 platforms with the new DFI engine.

Also, go out and drive these cars, often to decide what you like.

 

with either of your decisions. I've owned a Vette (Z06), currently own a 997.2S and recently drove the boxster spyder. I had the most fun in the boxster, although the 911 meets my needs better

 

Before you buy a Carrera please be sure to check out a boxster spyder. Everyone raves about the handling of that car. If you are thinking of a Carrera 4 then you are better of going for the 4S. The combination of the added weight (of a C4) and a less powerful engine is not very appealing to many. I would say a C2S would suffice for wet weather with the right tires but 4-wheel sure adds stability. Mine sticks to the road like mozarella cheese to an iron skillet.

 

Wow -- This is the first post I ever read where someones retirement was correlated to a Porsche purchase. What happens if you buy the car and decide you want a Turbo , Gt3 . or even a newer 911 and you already retired ? I have a friend in Norcal and he drives an M3 and has never complained about the weather being a issue without an AWD car. He drives a lot from Sacramento to Sea Ranch which is a decent distance .

40 ish is really 997.1S with higher miles or newer CPO CaymanS teritory .
997.2 2009 cars even for a base launch car is low 60's and for an "S" closer to 70's (unless it has miles and missing options).

 

My field is space and computers, not engine design, but even so it is puzzling. I have to think that something other than the immediate part design imposed constraints that led to that IMS problem.

None that I have found, which is encouraging actually. I suspect they got it right once field data convinced some design manager (or committee, God forbid) to lift the constraint that led to the failing version.

Did the same back-to-back tests and I agree with all of that comparison. And the last comment in spades. The Boxster is roomier also, so it will be more liveable in retirement. Trust me, your body will start to appreciate the extra accommodation well within the lifetime of a Boxster. Depressing, but true.

I think so. In the dot two, the stock Carrera is very impressive. If you stuck a phony S badge on one, I don't think the owner of a 996S trying it out would doubt the badge at all. Even the owner of 997.1S might be hard pressed to decide. The DFI engine makes that much difference.

We had a choice of a new Carrera or a lightly used Carrera S in top condition so I went through the decision process. Same model year, most of the same options, and after negotiation both were the same out-the-door price. My instincts suggested I'd always regret not buying the more powerful version, but after a year with the S, I no longer feel that way. On the day, the real clincher was the colors. The new one was a gorgeous black while the used one was silver. We live in the California desert and I'm disabled. My mental computer couldn't resist adding four hundred a month to the operating cost of the new one. To cover someone else doing a weekly detail job for me. So practicality pushed in the same direction as the impulse to "Powerrrr!"

We got the S. But nice as it is, I wouldn't hesitate to accept the stock Carrera if the occasion arises another time. Sure the S is faster, but only in very limited situations. It's like debating the choice of a Lamborghini Gallardo or a Gallardo Balboni or whatever they call that slightly lighter and faster version. With a conscience, you can only go so fast on public roads. The current stock Carrera meets and exceeds that standard. Not that I have any objection to the extra power of my S for the rare occasion. It has no drawback in drivability or any other -ility, but next time I'll take the non-S if it lets me get something appealing in exchange. As long as it's not black.

As for the rainy weather? Don't worry about it. I can't speak for the older models, but our dot two Carrera S handles cold wet rainy weather on summer PS2's like it's on rails. Seriously impressive when I pressed on to very high cornering and braking levels on some isolated desert roads. No issue at all, so don't sweat the four-wheel drive unless you plan a lot of trips to ski resorts and don't like to wait until they plow the roads.

Gary

 

Retire in six months. Spend your 3-4 years driving the less expensive Porsche on the track, auto crossing, etc. You have only so much time on this planet. Either way, you end up with a Porsche. You either spend 3-4 years in a cubicle or behind the wheel of a Porsche???

 

Good advice! Now that I think about it, scrap my earlier reply and follow this one.

 

Hey adias. I enjoyed your post. I just drove my 997.1 (C2S) back to TX in that rain and snow storm you all had. It handled flawlessly through the mountains in south Oregon and N. Cali on I-5. Even with rain, snow, and night. I wouldn't worry about getting a 4 unless you just want it. Can't wait to see what you get!

 

Its a rather fun post to read. I am still new to the 911 but have to say that with traction control I did not see any issues with rain in Norcal? Driving up hills in SF was as normal as anything.

Unless you plan on really spirited driving in the rain, I have never seen the appeal for a 4s. I'm not taking it to Tahoe to get ruined by all the gravel.

 

I pick a modified option 2 for you.

Work for another 3 years, as you will be bored at home...dealing with your wife daily...

Get a version of 997 now! Don't wait any longer, you need to drive it right now!!

 

Targa Tim has sage advice...

 

Go with Targa Tim's method IMHO.
Oh, and at least go for a long drive in a Targa.
Given where you're setting up to live.....seems like a beautiful view.
Good luck.

 

boxster is great on auto-x. i constantly run against a guy (but a very good one) in a boxster and loose 1-1.5 sec to him pretty consistently.


if you are safe with your income and may drop boring work - drop it. if you enjoy what you do and can have felxible schedule - keep working. in current economy good reliable source of imcome is a very smart thing to hang on.

 

What you mean is the Gallardo LP 560-4 and the Gllardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. The Balboni is actually a rear wheel drive only version.

I recall a Top Gear (UK) episode where they all drove the crazy decked out versions of cars and JC said that for the money the Superleggera was not worth the extra cash over the standard car. Although it was epic, for the cost its not that much more so.

In this case if you can get an S do so. But it is by no means a MUST HAVE. You can find a Non S with almost all of the same options that the S comes with anyways. This is much like the Lamborghini from above.

As far as your dilemma goes there are so many option. You really should look into each car. I would not go with the spyder only because it does have AC (or so I have been told). The Boxster is a great P-car and the S version is quite zippy. I have heard awesome things about the Cayman in all trim levels, dont pass up looking into it. The sky is the limit with the 911 model range. If you can find a Targa they are nice but most dont want to spend the extra. You will be more than happy with the base model (C2) or S (C2S).