BACKGROUND
My friend currently has an Audi A4, tired of it, so is searching for a replacement. He is currently looking at lightly used (low milage) Audi S5's. His long term goal is to become a porsche owner but due to budget he's thinking there's one more audi in his future before he can make the jump.

If he had a max budget of just at or below $50k, the price range for the 996 turbo and 997S starts to open up. Obviously older model years than the Audi S5 option, but it's a 911! This will NOT be his daily driver, and he'll have the car 10 years.

QUESTION
I'm addicted to porsche, as I imagine most people here are, but it would be great to get opinions on the 996 turbo vs. the 997S.

Yes, the obvious things are there: 996 turbo with mezger engine, more torque, faster but not a ton faster. 997S with new body, upgraded interior. I'm personally torn on what advice to give him if stepping up to Porsche, on which model would be more fun and enjoyable to own long term.

Appreciate any perspectives, especially if you've driven or owned both.

thanks!

 

In my opinion 50 k gets you an 01-02 turbo or a 05-06 997 S. Not much to choose from out there.

10 years? I would pass at this time on the turbo and go for the S.

 

I'm a Porsche newbie (just got a new 997S cab literally today), so I can't compare the two cars, but generally speaking I'd personally go with whichever one handles better and is more enjoyable to drive overall. Extra power and acceleration is nice, but it's only one dimension of the experience.

 

Beat option would be to deck with the a4 a bit longer and save for a better Porsche.

 

would probable be the best move

 

Although I love the power rush of the turbo, the 997S is so much more refined (general performance, handling & reliability). The styling of both the interior and exterior is much, much better than the 996 (IMHO). Of course we'll be saying this about the 997 when the 991 hits the streets later this year.

 

I'd go with the 997S, but that's just me. I've always found the old rule of "buy the newest you can afford" to work well. Ultimately, it's your call so best of luck to you and your friend!

 

50K in the current used Porsche market doesn't buy very much of a car .
My vote goes to a CPO Cayman S at 40K and save 10K for next Porsche.

 

10k...rather than save up for the next Porsche, might be better to be side pot for mod, maintenance or even the IMS upgrade

 

I doubt you're going to find much of a 997S at $50K either.

 

In the D.C. area right now, there are a few dealer cars that fall in that price range. A couple of examples are: '03 996 Turbo w/50K miles @ $49K and '06 997 Carrera S w/50K miles @ $47K.

So there are a few out there in that price range. But as others have said, not many...

 

Last September, I bought an 06 997S with 4,500 miles (!!!) for $50K. Sport classic wheels, short shifter, midnight blue metallic. Granted, no nav, cellphone, or CD changer. No main seal issues; pristine. I'm happy to say I've more than doubled the miles since then. They're out there. KEEP LOOKING!! I have a feeling you'll be perfectly happy with either choice (my vote is 997S, however). Happy hunting.

 

Thanks for all of your perspectives, much appreciated. I personally am a fan of waiting until you can get what you really want, and enjoying it that much more when you finally achieve your car...so throwing my own vote in, would be for my friend to hold onto the A4 a bit longer.

On the 'buy now' path, the more I think of it, the refined 997 (or 997 S if he can find a good one) does sound like a better all-round experience if owning long term. Sounds like if he searches long enough he might find one, and it's just down to how many miles it has already been enjoyed.

I really like the idea of the Cayman S and also saving money, I never thought of that one. Great build quality, great handling and still fast...intriguing! So the debate there would be between the S5 and the Cayman S...talk about a difference in handling ability

So rounding it up, sort of in order:
1. wait for the 'goal' 911
2. Cayman S now and save $$
3. 911 S now if can find one with reasonable milage to hold for 10 years
4. (996 turbo starting to fall of the list)

Will definitely be sharing all of your thoughts with my friend. Great community here, thanks everyone.

 

tball, that's a great find, and a beautiful car. congrats on the purchase!

 

what about this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...fCarsQ5fTrucks