In a few days I'll finally order my first Porsche. I've debated options and models for over a year while I get my finances in order. Many thanks to all of you on the forum who have helped me understand the pros and cons of each decision. I thought I would post my final choices and rationale in the hope it might help some future buyers.

Of course if anyone strongly disagrees with any of my choices I have a few days to change my mind.

Again, these are the options that I hope will work best for me. I don't think there are any bad options. It's just a matter of priorities. Thanks again for all of the advice over the past year.

Model and Options I DID choose:

2007 Carrera S
I thought strongly about the Carrera because I don't really need anything the S gives you, but obviously this has nothing to do with need. The S just seems like a good improvement to some of the most important parts of the car namely engine, brakes, suspension, clutch, exhast note.

Arctic Silver
The color I debated to excess. I really love Speed Yellow, Cobalt Blue and the new Nordic Gold Metallic. In the end the Artic Silver was the one I like the most even though it's clearly the most common. I went with the black standard interior.

Bose Audio and 6 disc changer
Nothing beats some good music on the back roads on a sunny day so anything to improve that experience is money well spent for me. Like the rest of the world I would rather have an Ipod connection. I debated an aftermarket Ipod connector but I'm not fond of the idea of messing with the installation so the 6 disc changer is a fine alternative.

Heated Sports Seats
The heated seats are the biggest bargain out there as far as Porsche options. This was by far the easiest choice. The standard seats are great , but I thought for the money the sport seats looked and felt a bit better. The seating position is fine for me without the electric adjustment so I didn't go for the electric or the adaptive.

Sport Chrono
I liked this mostly for the improved throttle response and the customizations you can make using the PCM. The stopwatch is just a conversation piece for me, but maybe someday I'll get out on a track.

Stainless Steel Exhaust Pipes
Seemed like a cheap option to slightly improve the looks and maybe avoid having to keep the standard exhaust clean

Self dimming mirrors
Again, relatively inexpensive and since the car sits lower than most seemed like a good choice

Porsche Crest in headrest, color porsche wheel emblem and Aluminum footrest
Just a few upgrades to improve slightly the looks of the car

Options I considered but, in the end, did NOT choose:

Steering wheel in smooth leather
This seemed like a nice upgrade, but I decided it was too expensive for me to improve an already great steering wheel

Rear center console in exterior color
I really liked the look of this but also thought the standard black is just fine

Full leather interior
Hopefully I can keep the car out of the sun as much as possible, but having full leather just seemed like more area of the car I would have to keep leather conditioner on. Although polishing my Porsche sounds like the perfect weekend, I know I'll get busy and not have the time I think I might. So I opted against this just because of the upkeep, okay the cost too.

Navigation
I really wanted this since I plan to chart some new territory on the back roads. What kept me from choosing this is that already you can buy handheld gps devices that have more features. In 5 or 10 years it will only get better. So bolting on technology that could go the way of the car phone didn't make sense to me.

 

Good choice of options but I'd consider the Steering wheel with smooth leather. Don't think that it's that expensive and it really adds to the feel of the car. Out of all the options that you chose, this one's the one that you'll be holding all the time.

 

Very nice write up!
You'll get a great 997S with these options...just a question...is the steering wheel with smooth leather the one with the circular part on it?
In that case I think you should get it...it's just a sweet feeling to have it in hands.
Anyway you'll have fun with it!

 

I like, but did not get the multifunction steering wheel.

 

well optioned and well explained in terms of why you need them.
great!

 

Thanks for the feedback. I ordered my Carrera S today. I was nervous (and excited) about the final negotiations, but in the end my dealer made it a piece of cake. They made a very respectiable offer so no need for much debate. Anyway, thanks again everyone. My build is January for a Feb/Mar delivery.

 

Tromp - We have many of the same options! Great choices and very nice descriptions/justifications.

If you want to see mine - with a Sea Blue interior - check out my online powerpoint in my signature....

Now the hardest part of the whole thing.... WAITING!!!