Now that prices on base '05 Carrera's has hit the mid to low $60's, I'm in a position to buy what has been my dream car since I was 10 years old. I currently drive an E46 M3, which is amazing, but the 997 is calling me and I don't know that I have a choice at this point. I'm already dreaming about it and combing forums like a mental patient

I'm planning to buy the car from either a high-end used car lot/auto broker or an individual seller if I can find one with what I'm looking for. Once I locate a car, I'll take it to the local dealer for a PPI to make sure everything looks cool. The dealer prices on pre-owned cars is just ridiculous.

Questions : Anything specific I should ask the mechanic to look for/do before he starts the inspection process? Any known problems on '05's that I should be aware of?

I'm also wondering whether or not I should buy or lease the car. I've already come to terms with the fact that I'll always have a car payment, so unless for some reason the Carrera captures my heart like no other car has been able too, I'll probably look to move on within 3 years or so. I have to speak with my accountant about running a lease through my business.

Questions : Does anyone know how to calculate the residual % of what a Carrera is worth after 5 or 6 years? Does leasing a used car even make sense? Any other advice you can give me?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Peter

 

Used car lease? You could probably lease a new one for the same... You could also probably have a lower payment if you leased a new one. I got 9% off my new 997S - so there are discounts out there. See if you can find a dealer with a C2 in stock that is willing to discount and then get his buy rate on a new car lease. You might be surprised.

 

RonCT is absolutely right....However, I paid cash for my dream car '05 997S, and I paid $4-$5k more over private party pricing to get it from a dealer, CPO, warranty, etc. because I plan to keep it FOREVER !!!

 

If you buy used, try to get one from an individual rather than a high end used car dealer. Another option would be CPO from a Porsche dealer. Good luck and you will never regret it. These are fine cars.

 

Thanks for the quick replies. What's the advantage of buying from an individual vs. a broker/used car dealer? I'd love to buy one from a Porsche dealer, but it just seems like I'd be paying an extra $5-10k and I'm not sure what I'm getting for that money. I really want to keep things in the $62-65k range. Dealers are asking $75k+ for the same cars....

Thanks again and keep the ideas coming. The idea of a 997 in my garage is enough to make my head explode!!!

Peter

 

My '05 997 S $71,950 + tax and license from the Porsche dealer, CPO with warranty, 19,770 miles.
Arctic Silver Metallic
Black Standard Leather
Power Seat Package
Heated Front Seats
Rear Window Wiper
Wheel Caps with Colored Crest
Sport Chrono Package Plus
Navigation for PCM
Bose Surround Sound System
Remote CD Changer

IMHO, spend more and get the S.....

 

I have a 2005 "S" Certified till 100K miles, I MIGHT consider selling it if the price is right

MINT SEAL Grey w/ Full Techart Body Kit, 20" TA Formulas Wheels (NEW) Techart Roof Spoiler, FULL (hidden) BLUETOOTH K-40 Calibre Radar SYSTEM (approximately $1,800), BOSE, w/ 19K miles, thinking about a TT. (maybe) or supercharge this?? I love this car, tough choice.

Would you be interested and at what price?

 

WOW...that's a beautiful car!

In your opinion, how much rougher is the ride with 20" vs 19" ?

 

Hey, nice Plate - mine is "997 S"

The car is designed for 18s and even the 19s are not optimal. Why did Porsche put 19s on the car? Because marketing demanded it for the Bling Factor and $ trumps the engineers every time. Porsche racers that ran the 997 back-to-back with the 997S commented the same - the car is best with 18s. Take a look at the wheels / brakes and you'll see - the rotors look undersized with 19s because they are sized for 18s. Now imagine 20" wheels and the rotors / calipers will look tiny. Of course it will run rougher with 20s, just like hte 19s are rougher than 18s - no sidewall flex to suck up the bumps. What are race drivers and DE guys (like me) running on the race track? 18s...

 

She runs great w/ 20"s, No issues at all; I disagree with the 18 vs 19 vs 20 debates; Its all about what you like and what you want to be seen in. Period.

 

Wow. Sweet car. I'll keep your offer in mind. I live in Vegas now but grew up in Merrick LI .

 

Small world; I am very close to Merrick! Anyway good luck I am really NOT thinking about selling yet.

 

thank god .........you had me nervous

 

You answered your own question. The reason is you can generally get a better price from an individual as well as being able to speak with the owner. The only way to get a CPO car (more money) is to buy it from a Porsche dealer if that (CPO) is important to you.

 

Yeah, you're right. I do like the idea of meeting the owner or having Porsche directly behind the car...