I think your friend needs to figure out what he wants first. A turbo 996 is not a 997S. The 997S gives up power to it but is quite a bit nicer overall. If he wants a Turbo 997, obviously 50K won't cut it. I looked on Autotempest.com and found no less than 25-30 997S's in the Miami area alone for under 50K. Low to high mileage. Nice to beat up a little. I went from a very high HP Cobra, which was much faster than the S in a straight line, to the 05 S. I haven't missed the HP very much(torque was 450, so maybe a little ). The S is just great to drive all the time. Rain, clear, snow, it's just fun. Also, he needs to figure out whether he needs 4 seats or not. As mentioned, the Cayman S is very capable. You just don't have the option of throwing anything in the back. Good luck, these decisions are never easy. Give and take on everything.

 

I would get a 996 Turbo. Better engine than the 997.2 M96/M97.

 

$50k also gets you a 996 GT3 which is what I would pick out of the 3. Turbo would be #2 on my list.

 

I was in your friend's EXACT situation! I was planning on selling my 330ci and getting a car for around $50k. I liked the S5 alot, but for the price I figured I might as well buy a Porsche.

So it came down to a 996 turbo, a 996 4s, or a 997S. I previously owned a 997S, and it was a great car. I test drove the 996 turbo and I was amazed that an 8 year old could still throw you back in your seat like that.

All in all I nearly pulled the trigger on an 03 turbo for $52k, but I decided to wait until my 330ci is paid off and then I will just get a toy on the side (maybe a 996 gt3).

Your friend has to test drive the two cars they are pretty different IMO. I personally would go with a 996 turbo merely because I already had a 997S, but either one is a great choice

 

997S, the 996 is outdated and looks ugly with those headlights. The interior looks cheap. The 997S is so much better, if you want a turbo, save up 13K and get a TPC turbo, best of all worlds. Fast, great looks, nicer interior, I love mine.

 

I was also in the same boat, same budget, I was looking at either a 996TT or 997S. I opted to give up the hp of the 996TT for the updated looks of the 997S. I wanted a 997S but I came across this 2005 997 C2 with 25k miles for low $40's and since I am a stickler for looks, this one saved me a lot of money on cosmetics that I can now put into upgrading the suspension and an ECU flash instead.

If you look long and hard enough you can find what you are looking for but you just need to be ready to get the deal done on the spot or someone else will swoop in and steal it out from under you

Just in case someone is wondering, car has chrono sport, alcantara center console, Misha front and rear GT3 bumpers, GT2M wing, H&R lowering springs, Techart Wheels and Techart muffler

 

The prices on the used market have gone up .

 

997 better front and inside

 

I bought a 05 C2S launch car in march for 52 grand in absolutely perfect condition with 12k miles. I remember feeling somewhat hesitant at the time about the price because there are "always better deals". That being said now that the used car market has firmed considerably I am very happy with that buy. Still not as good as stealing my CPO'd 07 911 Turbo with 8k miles and 156k MSRP for 85 grand last year. I still miss that car but would no way consider going from a 997 to a 996 regardless of the power bump.

 

Thanks for the continued thoughts. Now if we just had the insight to play the stock market, cash out before a big downturn, and take advantage of depressed 911 markets. Agreed the good deals are harder to find now.

Because it's taking more to get a decent 911 today, I bet my friend sticks to his original path of another Audi first, keeping the longer term goal of a 911 for the car after.

 

Last week "like showroom" atlas 2005 C2S wih 42k miles, chrono, nav, speed went or $35k in Kona. Probably sold for even less. Deals are out there...

 

I actually notice that Porsche market pricing tends to coincide with the stock market . Many investors invest long (one sided with no hedge IMO) and when the market pulls back the Porsche prices do dip . In fact back in 2008 when the market tanked a 997tt could be bought for 88K and a one year old 997S was selling in the upper 50's to low 60's .

 

tball...that is a great find.

 

if i would be buying now i would search for a good 996 gt3 car for $50K. Or added $20K more and looked for 997.1 gt3.

 

I would agree. A Cayman S is a great car with awesome handling and balance and you will save some $$$. Can't go wrong!