My DD is currently a chipped out Mini Cooper S with a Lotus Elise in the garage for some weekend fun. I decided to downsize the fleet and the only car that would fit the bill to be a replacement and provide me with some thrills would be a 997 C4S - need to have this as my DD so it has to be able to handle the Northeast Winters. I have started to search the Porsche USA website, autotrader and cars.com and see listings in the $65k - $80k for a 2007+ C4S with low miles. I am wondering what you think this type of car should actually sell for. It seems like there were deals when the stock market was falling apart but now prices seem liked they stabilized and improved. Should I be shooting for $65k or is that unrealistic for a CPO 2007+ C4S?

Thanks in advance,
LMM

 

you are in CT - I doubt you will need 4S unless you do plan to ride it in winter or into mountains.

my take is different - if you got $80K I would probably try to add a little bit more and get one of last '09 C2S with PDK and sport chrono. It would be much smarter buy than '07 car.

Or you can lowball into '06 C2S in low $5xK area and have same fun as with '07 car. Just make sure you get car with CPO, it is really a must.

 

I do plan to ride it in the Winter. My commute is about 17 miles on Rt. 95 into Greenwich. I would think a C2S would get a little squirrelly, even with good winter tires, no?

 

I know it doesnt exactly fit the bill, but there is a 2006 30K mile, white C4 here in Cali listed at $45K (purchase at $41-42?) C4's just aren't that popular out here so I notice they are cheaper relative to other models. To me, it sounds like it could make for a perfect daily driver for you... You already have a track/fun car (Elise), and the 997 would be a heckuva everyday, get around town car. You'd get the wider hips, awd, and I don't think you will miss the xtra HP... For 41-42K, you've saved enough dime to bankroll your own repairs, if needed.

If you really need a CPO, I think there a few at local dealers around here. Same thing, priced nicely b/c C4 cars aren't in high demand.

 

With winter tires I think you are fine.

Not sure you can get a 09 C2S for 80K...supplies seem low.

Unless you want PDK I see nothing wrong with a 07/08 C2S or C4S 6 speed as a DD in your price range.

 

not really... i drove mine in winter 2-3 times on PA2 tires - traction is perfect. 4S will be needed if you will have to climb completely frozen hills on your path or right after heavy snow storm. for 'horizontal' regular driving regular C2/C2S is more than enough and in summer rear wheel driven car is more fun.

Unless you have storng preference for 4WD cars that some people do have. Just keep in mind it is easier to find better deal on C2S as there are more of them than C4S cars out there.

BTW I have a set of winter PA2 tires for sale if you`ll need them - keep that in mind.

 

To the person that sent me a private message - I can't reply since I don't yet have 15 posts under my belt. Please send me your email if you are comfortable with that.

Thanks,
LMM

 

LMM,

I live in Ct and chose a C4S over a standard C2S for a couple of reasons. Although I'm sure the C2S could handle Connecticut winters I also wanted the AWD as a precurser to one day moving up to a turbo - also with AWD.

 

LMM -
You are spot on with prices . 07 C4S cars are asking in some cases the same price now as they were asking 18 months ago. The difference is that there is a large range and deals can be found. You can still break 60 on an 07 and my feeling is that if they are asking 75K --they can keep the car. In fact they do keep the cars because the same overpriced cars remain listed for months.

In my opinion if you are spending more than 70K you might as well spend 85 and buy a Turbo. Set your price for the upper 50's to low 60's and stick to it.
56K to 61.5 and not one cent more. Then see if someone is ready to sell.

as for the AWD Vs two --personal choice . You have to go with your comfort zone . Personally I don't like the idea of driving any expensive car in the snow . Even if you have control the others on the road may not.

 

I have found a low mileage (<10k) 2007 Targa 4s (I have a Lotus, love convertibles and consider the Targa to be the best compromise) in the low $60k. Sounds like a good deal. Do you guys agree and do you know of anyone that you would recommend to do a PPI in the Chicago area?

Thanks!

 

I think your price range is about right for an '07 C4S. I paid $65K for an '06 exactly one month ago with a CPO and the X51 power kit so I paid a bit more, but definitely worth it to me. The other options and overall sweetness of this particular vehicle sealed the deal for me.

I'm no RWD hater and realize that it is the purist expression of a 911, but I wanted the wide hips on my car. Let's face it--Ferry Porsche created a classic, but the engine hanging over the chassis isn't the best for overall handling. The AWD gives me a bit more confidence when the weather is dicey. It works for me.

 

You are in the right price range on a hard to negotiate car. Since the Targa is neither a coupe or a cab it's appeal is geared to a specific buyer . It's also harder to sell and my feeling is if you love Cabs get the Cab . Prices will be higher than coupe though.

Make sure on whatever car you buy that you get a PPI and a Dme scan to detect engine over rev history.

Is this car a CPO ?

 

Larry you got PM..

 

LMM -
I think I found your car. If it's a red one read further --if not ignore the rest.

Question -Why is this car at a Mecedes dealership ? Or are the Porsche /Mercedes part of one used lot ? This question is neither good or bad .. just a question.

The Good -
It looks great but they all look great on a used car lot.
Priced ok . Has Cpo .

The Bad -
Lacks the sport chrono.
Surprised to see black dials . Maybe owner changed them.
Regular seats . Sports adaptives are nicer.

out of state buyer makes it easier for them to reject your offers . A local buyer would spend money at their dealership in the shop .. with the CPO it gives them more warranty business over time .


The ugly -
Whenever I see a car with between 9500 miles and still under 10K my antenna's rise . It reveals a very smart and savy used car seller . Add to that a CPO and and a top dollar price on a hard to sell car . I think of it like a one who hopes a turkey can fly.

Once a car crosses 10K miles it takes its first big hit in depreciation. So it's all dressed up with low miles and CPO UNTIL someone buys it . I have doubts factoring in the miles, the price, the options , the year.

Your leverage --
2011 is almost here.
It's neither a coupe or cab --most want either/or and that's why Targa's are rare.
Options price a Targa near Turbo territory. It's onlt 20K away from a Tuirbo and with that the owner gets a lot more Hp, a dry sump Gt1 engine , and an easier to sell car one day.

 

yrralis1,

No, it is not the car you are talking about. I am having a PPI and a DME done at a Premiere Porsche dealer and if that is okay then I have to arrange payment/title transfer. I am thinking of using a lawyer to escrow my payment until title gets transferred and then using Intercity lines to transport my car. Car is not a CPO - private seller - but still has a warranty for 1.5 years. The logistics of all this is a PIA (since it is from a private seller) but I am expecting to be very happy in the end!