Hi, looking for some opinions...

Getting back into a Porsche after some rather disappointing affair with BMW. Price range is 35k to 40k, and here's a representative list the kind of cars I'm finding:

2004 Carrera Anniversary Edition, 38k miles
2005 Carrera, 20k miles, pretty basic
2006 Carrera, 42k miles, basic w/19"
2006 Carrera S, 65k miles, well optioned
2008 Cayman S, 35k miles, basic

I've driven all of them, love them all, and I know I would be happy with any of these cars.

Car is a daily driver (SF Bay area commute), no tracking, and I'm not interested in convertibles or Tips.

I drive my cars for about 2 years for a total of 25k miles, then resell to private party.

In your opinion, which one offers the best balance of daily driver fun and value (considering resale in 2 years)?

Thanks!

PS: posting this in 997 forum as well to get a good mix of (biased;-) opinions...

 

Carreras and Caymans are very different cars. What are you looking for in terms of handling, room for passengers, etc.? I am biased and would go for the Cayman but in terms of performance the Carrera S is a lot more HP than the base Cayman, even the base Carrera is a lot more hp. So, is it superior handling, acceleration, ..........what are your priorites?

 

Get the youngest Carrera you can afford, possible 2006 or later. Get a solid PPI and an after market warranty if you can. Options? make a list of what you find important. If you plan to sell in 2 years, find an UNMOLESTED ie stock car because that will retain it's value better.

 

Though both are excellent, I concur that the 911 and Cayman are really quite different cars, with a different feel. Some like the 911 much more, others the Cayman, and some could go either way. I really recommend that you drive both to see which you like best.

 

i would take a carerra, s or not, over cayman.

997 is definitely better than 996 in built quality. the S is attractive only if it is in excellent condition. at 65k, unless it is pampered, i would suspect some wear and tear. between the 2005 and 2006 carrera, i would take the 2006. the difference between 20 and 40k mile isn't that huge. the wheels offset the mileage.

2005 Carrera, 20k miles, pretty basic
2006 Carrera, 42k miles, basic w/19"
2006 Carrera S, 65k miles, well optioned

 

thanks, everyone!

I went with what most folks recommended as well... got the newest with lowest mileage that fit my budget - 2007 C2, 21k miles, Arctic silver/blk, not much in options (19" CS wheels, heated seats, Xenon, TPMS, thicker steering wheel, that's pretty much it). PPI with some minor issues, otherwise perfect.

Very excited to be back in a Porsche!

 

YEAH!!! Welcome!

 

Good choice. Enjoy your car!

 

YOu found a mint 07 Carrera for under $40k? Wow! Now thats a killer deal.

 

Actually, I stretched my budget to 45k ...

 

Still thats a helluva deal! Was it from a dealer or private sale?

 

It was at a dealer, who had taken on inventory from another dealer that had gone out of business.

The car actually had previous rear right panel repair (so not "mint" as someone assumed below). The repair had been done professionally and very well (per PPI).

So, I knew that going in and perfectly realize this will hit resale value (buy low - sell low). For that reason, I might keep this car longer than I usually do, due to low mileage and excellent condition. Also, because I was able to get a tremendous deal on a longer term Fidelity Platinum warranty (6y/72k for $3,600 [sic]). And if I do resell it mid-term, I'm hoping the residual warranty somewhat offsets the panel repair.

Very happy with the car, really feels like I'm back home (there really is no substitute).

 

I didn't want to bias you, but that's what I would have picked too. Congrats.

Be sure to take to autox and the track.

 

Yours is a question only you can answer. We all have opinions and all are biased to some extent. Sorry.

Make a list of your priorities including but not limited to, price, intended use, maintenance requirements, comfort, handling size inc. room inside and for luggage, etc., etc. Take that list with you when you go shopping.

 

He already bought a car See above...

DC