997 vs 996 C4S dilemna

[Hasan]

Hi,

I have posted my question/dilemna on the 996 forum and have recieved great feedback although some of it may be slightly biased which is why I want to get the opinions of 997 owners too.

Having just sold my last 996 C2, I'm now on the look out for my next car and can't make head nor tail of the prices at the moment.
For example, I've seen 996 C4S cars ranging from 34k to £43k....but who would buy a C4s at 40k and above when you can now have a 997 for nearly £40k?

I was going to go for a 996 C4s but as they are so close in value to early 997's surely the smarter money would be to get the later car? (Especially as I could keep it for longer under warranty)...but I don't know which would depreciate less...

How far south do you think early 997 prices will go in the next 3-4 years is another question and would it hold firmer than 996 C4s prices or same decrease?

As a guide I have seen quite a few 997's with good options and under 40k miles for £40-42. (Properly looked after ones, and not Cat D!). I have also seen 996 C4s's under 40k miles for £34/36

Both cars are great by the way, but the appeal of having a current and newer car for the just a bit more money is swaying me.

Opinions and views welcome

 

[pwebb]

Hi

If you were happy with the 996 C2 then you'll love the 997 C2 and the S is a step beyond. I can't see the sense in getting the 996 C4, personally, other than if you must have the wide body or the 4wd has an added attraction. I loved my 996C2 but the 997C2S is a big improvement in all areas - engine, brakes, interior and to my mind exterior too.

Residuals are likely to follow the same depreciation curve as the 996, I don't think that model will bottom out like the 993, so imho if you can stretch to a good early 997S you'll have a current model with warranty available for several years and the worst of the depreciation taken care of. Mine is an 04 car and has been totally reliable - and apart from tyres has cost just one service so far.

Happy hunting!

Peter

 

[grover]

I have run a 2006 2s with sport chrono for two years (now in the Hatfield OPC with 19k miles on it, seal grey) and it was fantatsic. The sports exhaust a particular great extra for that noise! The build quality was 100%, not one thing went wrong with it or ever needed me going back to the OPC in that time. It took a couple of litres of oil and two new rear tyres. It is a near perfect car for me personally but we do have a family car also. Why dont I have it anymore you might ask? Well I have a 997 turbo now which is a further leap. Do the right thing.....buy a 997s

 

[garyw]

The handling of the 997 is a step change.. let alone the interior.. I loved my 996 to bits and I see the appeal of the C4S.

garyw