Hello All...I posted these questions on the 991 forum in error. I am reposting it here. I am looking to purchase a used 911 in the near future to be my DD.
I have not driven one yet - just doing some research before going in to the dealerships.

I have several questions..
1. I am 6'2" - will I be cramped in there?
2. My budget will allow me to get MY 2005-2010 cars depending on miles - wondering about reliability with these older cars, especially with 30-60K miles on them. Any upcoming repair or major maintenance costs I need to figure in?
3. Any problem years to avoid? There seems to be plenty of inventory out there, so I should have plenty to choose from, and hopefully get the features I want.
4. Which features are nice to have? I know I want an automatic.
5. Is the 911 a reasonable, safe and practical daily driver? I expect to put 15-20k miles on it every year. I will almost never have passengers. I dont need a back seat. I dont need trunk space. I need it to be reliable and fun.


Thanks in advance for your input! I look forward to your responses.
And sorry for the repost if you already read it.

Super

 

Heh, here's my reply again...

1. I have heard many people over 6' feel fine in the 997. I'm 5'11" so I can't give any direct feedback.
2. You should get a 997.2 (2009+)
3. If you get a 997.1 (2005-2008) you might have to worry about the IMS issue. However, because of your criterion #4, you really will end up in a 997.2.
4. If you need an auto trans, then 997.2 is essential - PDK debuted with the 997.2. I would avoid Tiptronic (997.1) at all costs.
5. I DD my 997.2 all the time. I love it.

Ron

 

Scoper - Thank you again. Good advice.
As I peruse the cars online, how can I tell which 2009 cars are 997.2?
Also, are all 2010 cars 997.2?
Also, does PDK come with paddle shifters?

 

Hope this helps. These cars are great cars and you will have to use a lot of common sense when making the purchase and take what you read here with a grain of salt.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_997
This will give you the model breakdowns. (and 997.2 upgrades from the 997.1) 997.2 (2009-12)

 

I'm 6'2", and not particularly thin. I have never felt cramped. While I love my 997.1, I agree that you should be looking at a 997.2, if you want an automatic, and get the PDK. Either model is a great daily driver.

When I was shopping for my car, I was initially looking for an automatic myself. A gearhead friend chided me into looking at the 6 speed. I hadn't driven a stick in decades, but I'm so glad I relearned. If there's any car that's a blast to row threw the gears, it's a 911. A few years ago I owned a 996 with tiptronic, and I loved it. Once I broadened my search to manuals, though, I never looked back. I would get another stick again in a heartbeat.

Good luck in your search. That's half the fun.

 

I had 2008 997.1 C2S for 1.5 year and the only thing I did was change fluids, however there is a very slight chance model year 2005 has potential IMS disaster. But if you have a budget for 2005 - 2010, no brainer go with 2010. However, if you want automatic, go with 2009 or newer with improve PDK. Good luck all 997.1 or 997.2 are awesome driving machine. Pay a little more and get the newest Porsche you can afford.

 

I'm 6'1 and never had a problem getting in and out of a 911. I didn't feel cramped in any of the 997's I test drove.

 

Buy the newest 911 you can afford :-)

 

6'5" here, no issues in space, actually if I move the seat all the way back I can barely reach the clutch, I would advice to get a PDK over a automatic transmission, but that is just my opinion.

 

^ This.

 

The paddle shifter steering wheel is an option, IIRC. Some of the PDK models had buttons I think. Maybe someone will shed more light. I personally wanted a manual transmission.

Looks like the other questions got answered already

 

If you've never sat, or driven, a 997, prepare to have your mind blown. You'll wish you'd done it much sooner. It will fit you like your favorite pair of jeans, and will feel like an extension of you. The driving position, height, visibility, and visceral response from your inputs will change your view of what a car should be. It's just so . . . right. You need to get your 6'2" butt to a dealer and get behind the wheel ASAP!

 

If you get a PDK transmission, make sure to get a car with Sports Chrono.

 

Good point. If it s a 6 speed Chrono not needed.