As a car fanatic, I believe you have come to the right place. The 911 is truly a great car. The thing is... there are cheaper cars that can beat it in a straight line (Corvette debate)... there are cars that can beat it on the track (I've seen STI's and EVO's smoke 911s)... BUT they lack the true racing heritage and styling that comes with the 911... it's just different... oh.. and that noise? That's the basis of it all... the flat-6... you will definitely need to familiarize yourself with this!!! here's some quick easy reading to start:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_911
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat-6

The growl of the motor will be come so familiar to you, music to one's ear... at 385hp, the 997.2S delivers over 100hp per litre from a normally aspirated motor... and the new DFI achieves staggering fuel efficiency for such a car... the PASM gives you the option... smoother ride? No problem... you want to step it up a notch? switch it on and feel the road energize you... you want more, turn off PSM and you are at the mercy of the road!!! (not suggested in winter weather, though)

You indicated tip, so maybe you are looking at the 997.1S... great! But you commute only 5-20 miles 4 days a week? If anything... driving the car will make you wish you lived further away... go with the 6sp. The 997 is so refined, it is the most versatile high end car out on the market... people are packing baby seats into this car for g sakes... believe in the "relentless pursuit of perfection" (did away with the IMS)... because truly, "there is no substitue"...

ok ok ok... sounds like an advertisement... but I couldn't help it... regardless, you will enjoy the car... as for the color... I love the artic silver... the grey is more subtle... so I prefer Atlas Grey Metallic over Seal... and likewise Basalt over standard Black... but that's just me... just go for it and enjoy it!!!

lastly, find the search function and get used to it... you will find answers to your questions at the quick click of a button...

 

For fowl weather driving I'd suggest the C4S model or Targa 4S. With snow tires on it you'll be passing everything else on the road. As for stick or Tip, if you're in traffic every day the stick will get old in a hurry so I'd get the Tip. Otherwise, I'd go stick cause it's a lot more "sports-car-ish" if you know what I mean. You didn't mention Coupe or Cab. I've got a Cab with a hardtop for the winter months and love having that flexibililty. But you'll need a place to store the hardtop in the summer.
The only other rule when buying PCars is to buy the newest one you can afford to make sure you're getting the benefit of the continuos improvement approach Porsche takes with their cars.

 

Seal grey is going to show dirt more than arctic silver. I'd pick seal grey but as a DD, I'd have to go with arctic silver.

Does the dealer have both cars at $7K off? Also, if you can give us more specifics about the car(s) such as new, used, options, miles, etc., you can get some good help here on what is a good price. $7K off sticker is not good. $7K off an already low, low, low discounted price may be good.

 

LOTS of guys on this and the other forum with LOTS of knowledge and great advice. Tap into it.

I can speak to the height thang: no problem. I'm 6-5 and 1/2 and I used to think I had to put my seat all the way back and down, etc., then discovered a better driving position closer up. Supposedly you can be 6-10 or so and drive a 911.

I'm using the power comfort seats, BTW. Don't know what the seat specs are on the ones you're looking at.

 

Funny to watch people give advice to a MB guy who was looking at Porsches 3 years ago...

 

Ahahahahha, good catch. I guess I should pay more attention to the posting dates

Do I lose rep points for this