After much research and online shopping for cars, I have narrowed it down to two. The problem is....which one to get?

I would like someone that has actual experience with these cars to give me their opinion. The more I read, the more indecisive I get. Friday is my deadline.

This will be my second / third car and will not be driven in the winter or major inclement weather. I will likely put 3,000-5,000 miles a year on it. Both cars a manual transmission.


Option #1

2006 C4S Silver/Black 32,000 miles (4 months of a prev. CPO warranty left)
I have seen and driven this car. Very well maintained, super clean, two owners, all receipts. Sports Chrono, Bose, Xenon, Power Seats are included.

Option #2

2007 C2 Silver/Black 12,000 miles (24 months of warranty left)
Very clean interior and exterior. 2 owners, but no service records. No damage history, good car. Includes Bose, Xenon, heated seats.

Price difference: The C2 is $3K more than the C4S. Both pretty good deals.


My thoughts: Obviously it would be nice to have a S, but the all wheel drive is a bit of concern (I keep hearing that the car will feel heavier). Miles are a another factor for me, I like to keep my cars pristine. I don't want the guilty feeling of putting 1,000 miles on the car for some extended weekend trip, in that regard I love the C2 option with such low miles. It would also be nice to have a 24 month warranty vs only a few months left.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

I don't like either . That makes your choice the least expensive of all.

Car number 1 -- aside from the AWD being heavier , and the car NOT being a Turbo if AWD is needed ... aside from only using the car in nice weather ... it has 32K miles and is 5 model years old .

Car number 2 -- it's not an "S" but on top of that with 2 years of factory warranty left it means it was sold as a leftover plus it had two owners . It seems like a lot of folks walked away from that car before it was even bought and with low miles and two owners plus no service history .. how do you know it didn't spend most of its time in the shop?

 

thanks for the input. the second car can be a CPO car by a Porsche dealer, that's what allows for the 24 month warranty. so it was not a "leftover", but point still taken.

my budget only allows for a '06 or '07 car, most of what i have seen has been a minimum of two owners.

 

That does make a difference . It may clarify a few of the doubt gaps a little but it still doesn't explain why two different owners barely drove it and it won't make it an "S".

What is the spending limit ?

 

From my understanding it was originally purchased in FL in a corporate name, then transferred out of the corporate name to the individual driving it (all within only about 16 months). It was then purchased by someone who drove it just over 2 years.

I would also feel better to see some service records or receipts...

From my research though, it appears that the 997 is very dependable. Have you heard of many "lemon" cars? Do you think the CPO warranty would protect me if something was seriously wrong?

I really appreciate your insight.

 

I recently purchased an 07 C2 with 11,500 miles on it with 6 months of factory warranty. I also only drive 3-5K a year and wanted something with low mileage and in good condition. This is my first P-car and don't plan on tracking it. There are certainly differences between the S and the non-S versions, but these are best realized on the track. The choice really depends on your driving style and needs, for now, I'm perfectly happy with the C2 as there is sufficient power to have fun and to get into trouble.

 

There's a lot of things which can go wrong even in an otherwise healthy car in 5 years . Anything from a environmental issue like a flood to a mechanical issue . That's why record keeping is important but that doesn't mean one can't work backwards by inspecing a car and checking the DMe for engine iover rev history.

What's odd is that if there's no service history on the carfax .

I can't pick a car when I have doubts about both . That doesn't mean either are bad cars . All it means is that I like clarity and it seems like you do too . You mentioned that you keep your cars pristine and that you like to see the cars history . I agree with you .

 

I'm not part of the doom and gloom crowd. You can tell if both have been maintained.

With your budget and objectives of only driving 3-5K miles a year either is a good choice.

I would go with the C4S and use the 3K in savings to buy an aftermarket warranty. (Unless you really feel the need for heated seats.)

Good luck. Nothing like owning and driving a Porsche.

 

I don't agree with this . It is not "gloom and doom" to point at facts and if they hint at a possible negative outcome then that's called being realistic.

1) Fact - The C4S is heavier with AWD and if one doesn't drive it in inclement weather then its not the most agile choice .

2) Fact -- the c4S is 6 model years old , has no warranty, and has 32K miles (that's three facts BTW)

3) Fact -- No matter how much "aftermarket " or even factory warranty (CPO) a car has ., it can at best cover the costs but it will never replace the inconvenience and time lost with a car left in the shop . Unless of course one likes driviing a variety of rental loaners or simply loves welcoming the stress .

4) Fact -- Op states his hope for a pristine car and knowledge with actual records .

5) Fact -- the C2 although a very nice car is not his first choice of an "S' based on budget concerns . Once bought .. if its the wrong car .. his chances financially increase to get the right car . So if budget is a concern then getting it right becomes a bigger concern.

In conclusion .. I agree only on one point . Inspect the car . "You can tell" a lot .. but NOT everything .

 

Of the 2, I'd get the C2. However, I think you'd be better off looking on the Porsche site, nationwide, for a 2007 C2S, maybe with up to 20k miles and CPO for the same $. Get the DME scan (do a search if you're not aware of it), and you should be all set, buying site-unseen, IMHO.

 

I would not worry about 2 owner cars, There are a lot of reasons people get rid of it, Some are rich beyond belief and changes cars when they feel like it. Some can barely avoid the car and after a couple of years, realize they need to get rid of it for financial reasons. That does not mean there is a problem with the car. Get it PPI'ed and talk to the mechanic that did it and asked for his opinion. 3K can buy you an aftermarket warranty, there are some good ones out there from what I've read. All these talk about weight? Really, not many people can tell the difference. The C2 is more tail happy so it'll be more fun at the track. The C4S actually feels more stable and planted b/c of the AWD. I go for the C4S, it's wider, bigger brakes, nicer looking exhaust, more standard options like bi-xenons, etc. It has clean service records. Since you are not going to drive it much, the miles isn't going up fast. From what I've read, most problems happens with low mileage cars, Porsche's are made to be driven, not parked in the garage.

 

Don't get hung up on S vs non-S, as what has been stated before, you will not be able to tell much of a difference between the two unless you are planning on going to the track and based on your comments that doesn't sound like that is something you are really planning to do. Some people love the S because it is an ego thing, "I have an S", yes it would be nice to have an S but don't let that be a major factor in your decision. My previous Porsche was an S but I came across a great looking C2 that I just purchased and I do not regret it all.

If the car looks clean, has a good PPI and DME report then I wouldn't worry. Don't over complicate your decision.

Once you do pull the trigger, drive and enjoy.

 

Knowing full well you have already decided on which car you want and are simply looking for confirmation , I'll bite and vote for the newer C2 with warranty from Porsche. Nothing beats a little piece of mind, like a warranty, when buying an expensive used car whose repair costs can be well above average.

 

I would go with the newer car and CPO. CPO will be a better warranty then you can buy. AWD is nice but unless you need it all it is going to do is add weight. I would not let the # of owners worry you. Get the vin and call the dealer that serviced the car. See if they will give you any service hisotry over the phone. A lot will if you are nice and just say you are looking for big issues and normal maintance.

 

u don't sound confused..

i think u already know which of the two cars u r buying.

4S is heavier with less room in the frunk.

since u think it will be nice to have a S.. my 2 cents is to have u continue ur search for a 07 c2s CPO with low miles.