997 v 40th ann. 996 v C4S.

[dpoynton]

What a quandry I am in!

What do I go for? Aiming to retain for 5years+.
Help required.

Is it an early 997, a 40th anniversary 996, or a C4S.

C4S - the more complete car?
40th - special, extra power, special cachet, hold value better?
997 - (not 'S') latest, current, hold value better?

Opinions invited.

 

[pwebb]

Unless you think there's an intrinsic value in the 996 v 997 (as there was a perception between the 993 and 996 that kept the 993 prices firm for a long time), then I'd go for the 997 every time. There's no radical change (ie aircool to watercooling) but the sum of all the improvements is well worth having, and residuals for a 997 in 5 years should be better than a 996.
Personally, never quite got the attraction of the C4S - fatter body and slower - but that's a personal thing, and I prefer the fell of the 2 wheel drive. Others will no doubt have a different view.

Peter

 

[Guest]

I loved the C4S, that was going to be my next car after the C2, but with the promise of an early delivery, and the price was about the same ish, the obvious choice was the 997.
Never really got the point on the 40th"¦ to me it will be treated as a normal 996 when it comes to valuation

If I had your decision it would be the 997. Keeping it for 5 years you will find it may still be in service as a current model, and this would be quite advantageous.

As for the 997, I used to love my 996, faultless. However now a 997 owner I have found a number of small subtle enhancements that when you add them all up it is quite a different car. More advanced, still quite rare on the road, will hold it's value IMO.

But what a dilemma, I don't think you could go wrong either way on a C4S and the 997.[]

 

[Guest]

My previous car was a 996 C4S which I absolutely loved. I liked the wide-bodied look of it (and eagerly await the 997 version!). I thought they couldn't improve on the C4S but the 997 is even better. I say get the 997.

 

[Grant]

I would agree with the other guys if you are looking to buy "nearly new" then the fabulous 997 makes more sense, but if you are looking at spending nearer the £60k mark I would consider an older 01-ish 996TT, they really are an amazing car. If it was my money I'd test drive a 997 & a 996TT & see which you prefered.

 

[Ronnie C]

go for the 997.

I've yet to read a negative review of the 997... not something that can be said of the 996.

Regarding the 40th Ann. edition, that was just a marketing ploy by Porsche to shift remaining 996 narrow body stock components / parts.

I think Grant makes a good point - try a 997 and similarly priced 996TT and decide between those 2.

 

[Guest]

I could be wrong here, but what put me off (I have to say it did come from the OPC salesman) was the cost of servicing, a key factor for me for my daily driver. But it does depend on your type of useage

 

[Guest]

If you can afford the insurance and running costs, then TT is very hard to beat for any money.

 

[Guest]

996 is a great car but the 997 is fantastic drive in comparison. I spoke to the main used car buyer for AFN on Friday & he said that the market has been hit surprisingly hard for the 4S at the moment as a lot of people are trying o get out of them in favour of the 997S.. As a complete drive & a better residual over the next 5 years don't hesitate, go buy that 997"¦

 

[Geoff_Fields]

No contest!
Get the 997, you will not regret it. In 5 years time you will have a higher value trade in. Better still, spend more and get an "S", So far mine's the new love of my life!!! Whatever you decide, enjoy.

 

[TVR]

Your going to loose more money on the 997, than the 996. If this doesn't bother you go for the 997 or a 996TT.

 

[Michael Downing]

Well, you seem to have been advised in just about every direction.

So start hunting, drive everything you can, and pick the one you like the best.

That's the one you like the best, not anyone else, btw.[]