Hi, looking for some opinions...

Getting back into a Porsche after some rather disappointing affair with BMW. Price range is 35k to 40k, and here's a representative list the kind of cars I'm finding:

2004 Carrera Anniversary Edition, 38k miles
2005 Carrera, 20k miles, pretty basic
2006 Carrera, 42k miles, basic w/19"
2006 Carrera S, 65k miles, well optioned
2008 Cayman S, 35k miles, basic

I've driven all of them, love them all, and I know I would be happy with any of these cars.

Car is a daily driver (SF Bay area commute), no tracking, and I'm not interested in convertibles or Tips.

I drive my cars for about 2 years for a total of 25k miles, then resell to private party.

In your opinion, which one offers the best balance of daily driver fun and value (considering resale in 2 years)?

Thanks!

PS: posting this in 997 forum, assuming that many folks here have experience with 996 as well (also posting in Cayman Forum, BTW)

 

i like the low miles on the 05... that may help with resale in two years.

 

2006 Carrera S will provide the most fun in that area in my opinion.

I lived in San Ramon in the 90s and commuted to SF. I had 3 different 911s during that time, 87, 93 and 97, and all were fun.

 

This is easy...at least to me:

Number 1 option: 2005 Carrera w/ 20k miles.
Number 2 option: 2006 Carrera w/ 42k Miles.

Forget about the 04, you are getting a FAR better interior on the 05 and above models. The miles (65k) are too high on the other 06 Carrera. Assuming you put another 25k miles on the car, you will have too many miles on it when it comes time to sell two years down the line. Most people will consider 90k miles too high so your chances of selling it for a fair price will significantly decrease. Cayman's are great. However, it's always better for resale when you can advertice a 911. If you don't care about resale, I would consider the Cayman as a third option.

 

Dont the 2006 models have the corrected IMS issue, making that one less headache than with the 2005?

Id go with the 06 S, personally.

 

I'm with everyone else, if resale is key for you as you've said, then going with a low mileage car would be in your favor for sure.

 

I'd buy a nice 06-08 Cayman S in the low 30's. You should be able to find one with less than 35k miles for that price.

911 resale is better but you'll have to pony up about 10k more for one over the Cayman. Also .1 caymans are probably at the sweet spot for depreciation.

 

Depending on their respective condition, I'd go with either of the carrera's

 

I bought a 911S 997 Convertible for 39K a couple of months ago and have never enjoyed driving more. I bought it with 61.5K miles. I would get a PPI with all the bells and whistles and find out as much as you can. The S is fast and fun. I am biased as you can tell, but I suggest the S.

 

I think you'd be surprised at the additional options you have out there if you can pony up an extra $5k to be honest. If not, then I'd go with whatever has the lowest miles personally if resale is your end game.

 

thanks, everyone

I went with what most folks recommended as well... got the newest with lowest mileage that fit my budget - 2007 C2, 21k miles, Arctic silver/blk, not much in options (19" CS wheels, heated seats, Xenon, TPMS, thicker steering wheel, that's pretty much it). PPI with some minor issues, otherwise perfect.

Very excited to be back in a Porsche!

 

I'm tracking prices pretty closely and I'm seeing high mileage 997.1s holding their value very well. I wouldn't be scared at all of one, as long as it had great service records and a clean PPI.

 

Are you tracking 997.1 asking or selling prices? All things being equal, I believe there is a $3K difference between model years and that is it. But if I bought a 997.1 two years ago with 'normal' 'Porsche' miles, what is the delta now? I figure $6K. If prices were holding up, then $3K? But I digress.

14K miles on an '05 is very low and barely enough to work out any bugs. can Porsche even CPO something 8 years old? Make sure all TSBS have been addressed. There were many - AC vents, exhaust tips, alternator wire, shift linkage, etc.... These things can easily set you back a few thousand out of pocket and can just as easily appear when you start putting on the miles. Good luck.