Kindly forum folk, I could use a little insight. I am a long time Audi owner that has decided to enter the Porsche realm and I can't decide whether to get a 964, a car I've always loved, or a 997, perhaps more practical. So my question is: Would you rather a 2006 Carrera (non-S), 60k miles for ~$37 or a 1990 C2, 120k miles for ~$20k? I am not too concerned with hp numbers since this will be a daily driver/toy that I don't intended to race or track (read: a cruiser/2nd car).

Be gentle and thanks in advance!

 

I would think you could find a better deal on a 2006 base 997, especially with 60K miles

 

you might be right. although from what i am seeing, the better deals aren't much better. i could probably find a 2005 with the same or higher miles and still pay almost 35k. but the one i am considering is at a dealer nearby and a 2006.

 

I'm not an expert on this, but I believe what I've read on this forum suggest potential IMS problems on the 05 911. I have an 06 and love it. Prepurchase Inspection strongly recommended.

 

yeah, i try to avoid the first model year of a platform for reasons such as that. give them a chance to work out a few bugs. this isnt always a founded concern though.

 

personally i would go for the 997, and i would keep shopping for a better deal, maybe a little less miles, or spend a few grand more and try and get an S. Just cos they are asking 37 doesnt mean you have to pay 37, they need to sell that car, you dont need to buy it, take your time and be aggressive with your offers

your best bet is to drive both and see which you prefer, i'm guessing it will be the 997 though. you really cant go wrong with either though, whichever one you go for make sure you get a ppi from an indy specialist, not from the place you buy it.

 

yeah, the 997 is at a porsche dealer so that helps a bit and i never pay asking price for cars so i might be able to get it down a bit. i am also a little picky about the color combos too so finding another one might not be so easy. if i wait long enough, im sure another one will pop up but why wait ; )

 

Here is my take on it:

The 964 is very cool and is styled in a unique fashion but is also the "forgotten 911" for a reason. The clutch is VERY demanding and the gear box is old fashioned. Great car but very needy for obvious reasons. Sure, for a second or third car, absolutely.

If you plan on actually using this car on almost a daily basis you should get the 997 hands down. Not only is it an awesome chassis and design by Porsche, but will take care of you when you take care of it. Stay away from the '05 if possible, and DO NOT always think "price, price, price".....

When I bought my car I KNEW there were "better deals" out there if I wanted a basic lease stock car with lower miles. I settled on a 6 figure MSRP car with PCCB's and the X51 package. Price is one thing- look at things like condition.

To me, miles are only a number. I have seen cars with 20k look WAY more rough than a car with 80k... just depends on its history. Don't get caught up in the rat race of getting the best price. Get the BEST CAR.

John

 

I think you have good reason to wait and be patient. Spending a little time can help you avoid buying something you may later regret. I would sample some of each to help YOU decide what you want, and also help determine what options are important to you. I would also look for cars over a large area rather than just a local dealer. This would expose you to a much larger source and make it easier to find the car that is configured the way you want it. And even looking at cars over a large area may require patience before you find the right on on the market. This process should also help you determine where the prices are. Of course asking prices are usually higher than selling prices. Good luck in your search. BTW, have you considered a 993?

 

I've driven both and have to say the 997 gets my vote. The 964 is great looking but it's very basic, you don't have all the creature comforts, the interior is plain, the ride is rough. It's a great 2nd or 3rd Porsche car. If you have to have one, it has to be the 997. You have to be careful with the 964, it's old and like all old cars, things will break and can be expensive. My uncle has a 964 and a GT2 (996) and the 964 is on the lift all the time, he's replacing this and that, can't imagine getting all those parts replaced at a dealership.

 

see, i am not a fan of the 993. i know i might be in the minority on that but my love for the aircooleds stop after the 964. i am leaning towards the 964 because its a more pure driver, less expensive to buy, probably about the same to maintain, cheaper to insure, and may very well appreciate in value.

 

997 technically is a completely different car. hard to choose a 964. just my opinion. either way Porsche rules!

 

I am also not a fan of the 993, prefer the 964 a lot more. Whatever you get I am sure you will be happy with your decision.

 

the 997 is a great daily driver. i drive my c4s in snow, ice, hell, or high water. it's also been very comfortable on 2x3500+ mile trips. my only regret is not going for the c2s.

 

no way. . . not unless you pay out the a$$ in the first place to get one.

your username is sickspeed. is that just a name or do you really like "sick speed"? Because I am sure you can imagine that an NA 964 is not fast.

surprised you'd say that considering you drive in snow. I bought a 2S for obvious reasons (in Florida and sometimes GA) but if you could share I would love to hear why