Thanks for that. I actually am in the exact same situation. I'd like to spend ~$50k. I agree that the choice at that price level seems to be '03 996TT vs 06 997 C2S. There's a part of me that likes the pure go-fast zooooom of a Turbo, but in reality, the 997 C2 is quite fast (I've not driven a C2S), and the WAF is much higher than on the 996's IMHO rubbish interior. I suppose if I get a yen for more power later I can either add turbos or upgrade to a 997TT. But if I just wanted go-fast, I could buy a Subaru WRX Sti or a Corvette or ... - I'm interested in the whole package.

Jon

 

Out of curiosity, what's your view on the 996TT vs 997 C2S question?

 

maybe not but maybe not far away...flemington just let an 05 997 cpo go for 42k...miles were around 33K

 

Wow. I used to go to auctions with my Dad as a kid, and the rule he taught me was: you don't want anything unless it's a great deal. That's the attitude I'm bringing into this. (And FWIW, an attitude that served me well as a trader.)

 

I agree.

Here's the thing and some will get upset by this.

This is the best buying market for these cars ever. I don't care about what anyone did in the past and IMO I think you can throw out all the old guidelines. That's how i'm approaching it.

I have searched for only a couple of months online with a couple of trips to a few close by dealers. I would have visited more dealers but the weather is pretty bad to take a car out for a serious test drive.

Heres my take on it as I search for a 911 to add to the boxster I have.:

Many private sellers are way out of touch with their cars values. And all you hear from them is they have the best, most pristine car on the market and their waiting for prices to rebound. There's 100's of them out there. All are still on the market. Pass.

Then there are private dealers who know the market price failry well and will deal. Those with C2 are more willing to deal than C2S and those with C4S want to deal the least.

Porsche dealers who want to move cars WILL price them right for this market and move them quickly. Much lower than other dealers. Visit one that has a car they want to move and show real interest and you can snag a very good deal. There are some aggressive dealers out there but for me I need to travel 2-3 hours.

Other porsche dealers let cars sit. The closest porsche dealer to me has boxsters and 996's that have been on the lot for 18+ months. He has sold one used 997 in the past three months. (small dealership that I pass by everyday) These type dealers don't want to deal but they are pretty honest up front and you pass them by. No time wasted.

Then you have the non-porsche dealers. Deal with an established audi, MB, acura or land rover dealer and you have some great deals. (BMW is not as good right now). Show interest, walk away and you will get emails and calls everyday. Get a PPI, deal on a warranty with them and you can grab a very good deal.

My theory is in time everyone is going to fall into the last category.

No matter what; I am having a great time looking.

 

Agree with both of you. Was thisclose to pulling the trigger on an 05 Non S, 33k miles in my preferred color (Silver/Black) with very minimal options for $44k when, literally on the day I was going to call the dealer to say "yes" the 06 S in my wife's preferred color (I love it too, now!) popped up with all the options I wanted.

To me it was a no-brainer and was glad that, for once in my life, I practiced a little patience!

 

It's subjective, obviously, but the search, for me, started with a 01 996TT in White on Metropol Blue (amazing combo) for $45k, then I thought about it and wanted some of the additional options of the 02-04 996s, so started looking at TTs in that range, which, of course, bumped the price up to 997 territory.

The TT, is, obviously, the "quicker" car... but, for me, the interior of the 997 was just more classic to me (I plan on keeping this car for a good long while) than the 996... probably had to do with the fact that, back in 2001, I had an 01 Boxster that was just "ok" to me and the 996 interior always reminded me of that car.

Plus, the 997 is a friggen rocket (to me!).

 

Non "S" /2005 /with miles -- 42 sounds right . A year ago a poster bought one for 50 and posted it here .

Each year upward-- adds money
The "s" will cost more .

The original post spoke of an 07 S which differs significantly from an 05 non S . That roughly 20K price difference actually buys a lot --2 more years ,less miles. higher Hp engine .

 

I agree but the car bargains in Porsche are harder to find with the 997 and 997S compared to other models liuke the Turbo (above ) and Cayman (below) both of which have taken a larger dip.

Turbos with MSRP at 140 can be found under 100 .
Cayman MSRP 40's can be found in the 20's . an S will go in the 30's with a few miles on the car.

 

Region plays a role in the porsche market . For instance South Florida real estate has dropped amd many who wanted to buy a second home or vacation condo can finally afford it PLUS buy a Porsche for less than had they bought the same place two years ago.

Porsches do sell here . Neither dealerships nor independent lots are desperate because people will always love Porsches no matter how the economy goes.

One can get a good price but no one gets a car for free .

 

tonight for the first time I saw that both princeton and catena porsche have 05 CPO 997's LISTED for less than 50K...and there CPO inventory grows by the week...

just a matter of time for widespread bargains on 997...

 

I answered in response to this...you questioned getting a CPO 06 for 45K...

 

Time is usually on the side of the used market unless the car is a classic .
Consider that an 05 non S MSRP was about 80 and now 4 years later in a down economy it pulled "42" using numbers stated on this thread . That's half the value retained in a down economy no less . Contrast that to other manufactuers or even other models of Porsche (except the rare Gt3/gt2/Cgt) and the 997 has held up quite well .

 

No one here is asking for a free car...we are looking for good deals...and I am looking to help move the economy....

I can't speak for any dealerships but the ones that are calling me and emailing me while not desperate are sure eager to deal.

 

They have good reason to be eager . The auto industry (including Porsche) has faced a huge obstacle . Even those who can afford to buy hold off these days . It's kinda hard for some to rationalize buying a new Porsche and visit a friend or family member in foreclosure --so sales become more challenging --but the cars do sell .

The reason -- Porsche is an emotional purchase in many ways . Buyers love the car. That's why I bought 8 of them .

You can find a deal -but it will take a little homework to get the right deal , with a choice car, well kept, decent options, low miles , for the right price.