I am looking to buy a used 997.2 in the next month. I am seeing a bunch of options. My budget is 50-60k. A few questions for you guys.

-Is there any difference between 09, 10, or 11?
-Is it better to get a better engine or a newer car? So should I do a 2009 4S or a standard 2010 911?

Thoughts\Advice?
Thanks ahead

 

any of those years (997.2) is great. You just want to get to 09 and up for the newer DFI engine and PDK if seeking an auto. IMO. The difference between a S or a 4 is all an individual choice. Most will opt for the S. Take your time and look around until you can answers those questions for yourself.

 

Within a model release e.g. 997.1, 997.2, 991.1, the trim (base/S/4/cab/etc.), level of options (bare vs typical vs loaded, desirability of the build overall), and mileage do the most in determining the price.

The exact model year matters the most when it's the most current, so for a 991 it may still be a significant factor along with the others listed above. It's a minor factor on 997.2s, and it's not something I was worried about on 997.1s and older. Exceptions are kind of case by case things like the IMS bearing concerns affecting 05-06 prices but not 07+, turbo models getting the .1 to .2 update a year later than other cars (so 09 may be a 997.1), and that sort of thing. Although higher mileage degrades the value, if maintenance is current that generally does not indicate inferior reliability. It may indicate rock chips on the paint though.

In general, the condition of any car should be good to great, maintenance should be current, and the exact price should reflect the differences in options.

If you go on cargurus.com, it uses market listings to estimate a fair market price and lets you fill in a lot of these options. Mileage surprised me; the same car with 15k vs 40k miles might be worth $65000 vs. $55000.

 

Decide if you want 4 wheel drive, Carrera 4/4S or standard 2 wheel, Carrera or Carrera S, then I would decide on S or non-S. The 4 wheel drive cars carry a premium, as do the S cars, so a Carrera 4S may be $10K more than a Carrera. Do your homework!

 

For reselling down the road, will a 4/4S continue to hold value?

 

When I shopped for mine I was determined to find an S and since I'm not planning to use it as a snowmobile it didn't matter to me if a c2 or c4

 

IMO yes. Also from what I've read in Excellence's Buyer Guide they are always higher priced than the 2 wheel models. I also think there were fewer 4/4S's made than the Carrera/S which would aid in the resell staying strong.

 

if your looking for the wide body then you only have 2 options carrera 4/S or GTS.

 

Something also to consider on the 2009 C4s. If you like meteor gray, the launch edition came standard with the Gt2 seats, full leather and some other great options. Even if you don't prefer the bucket seats, you could make a nice profit for selling them. Current market value is around $8k for the pair, whereas you can replace them with the sport seats for around $2500.

 

Or a Targa 4/S, or a Turbo. But I'm being a smartass.


They're aren't lots of changes from 2009-2012.5. There were some steering wheel changes in 2010 for 6MTs, and a 3rd radiator was added for PDK-equipped cars in (I think ) 2010.


The C4S launch edition cars are nice, but PDK only.

 

Or a GT3 RS. Just so he's has the full list of widebody's

 

Thanks for all the advise guys. This is my 'pre-baby' crisis car so I am thinking of making it special so I am leaning towards the 4S. I'll post a pic after I get it.

 

good choice! I got my first porsche (C4S) a few months ago. I am astounded by the power in sport mode!

 

I was in the exact same boat 3 years ago.
bought a 997.1 (06) carrera-S, cab. black on black. in the same pricerange as you are looking for
loved it!
sold it very easily.

now I have a 5 months old kid and driving a nissan leaf... lol
kind a love it. electric cars are nice.
plus a save a bunch (maybe for my next 911)

personaly I don't think a S or a 4 or a 4S hold value better.
sure they have a different price tag when you buy and, and so when you sell them.
but I don't think you will lose more money if you buy a C2 than a C4S

the most important part is the "shape" of the car. good mechanical condition, mint interior and paint.
CPO was a must for me. (can't afford a new trainy or engine)

as other said, take time to test drive a few different version (C2, C4, C2S)
personaly I thought 325 HP (997.1 C2) was enough. no. not enough power for me. tried the C2S (only 30 HP more) didn't think it would make a difference. but it did. it was the little extra kick I was looking for.
so again, try them. stick or PDK... who knows... I keep hearing good things about PDK.... try both!

and options make a difference... sport package was a most for me... love the sport button! PASM too (standard with a S)
sport exhaust would be nice...