So, another ten months have passed. Me and 'Red' have now been together for 41 months and covered just under 21,000 miles (including 6 wonderful Eurotours) in each other's company.
A few weeks ago, as mileage crept beyond 68k miles, I once again seriously considered changing her for something newer as I fully intend to continue doing 6k a year in whatever 911 I own. This time I even got as far as making the requisite cash immediately accessible in case the right car came up.
From the day I bought my car the only one I'd ever seen myself moving on to was a 991.1C4S and I had hoped that by now asking prices would be in the right ball park for me to make that move. Sadly all but high mileage examples are still c£65k so the 'cost to change' is still significant - to the point that I briefly entertained the idea of settling for an early 991C2 or perhaps a newer 981 Cayman S - both great cars to drive - before concluding that going for either would be too many bhp for me to lose in one go.
On the way back from a great run to Donington a couple of weeks ago my odometer clicked past 69k and I set myself the target of making a decision by the end of July, by which time I knew that 70k would be looming larger.
My mind kept going back to the Guards Red Mezger Tiptronic enthusiast that I met a few weeks ago who'd given me his number begging for first refusal should I ever want to sell. The £££s we were talking meant I'd never get a better deal on mine.
Last week I noticed that my local OPC have got a 2013 991C4S in stock and by chance it happens to be in my second favourite colour (Agate Grey) so it seemed like fate was lending a helping hand in my decision making process.
I'd already promised myself a spot of early Sunday morning low-level flying in that direction so decided I'd do that first and then visit the OPC forecourt to get a better feel about the whole situation whilst both cars were standing in front of me.
After a thoroughly enjoyable and spirited 80 mile cross-country drive I parked Red and wandered across to ogle her possible replacement. I fell in love with the stance of the wide bodied 991 when I first saw one 6 years ago and I realised today that my feelings haven't changed. Contrary to what's often opined the 991 isn't significantly bigger than a 997. The longer wheelbase and taller rear end make it look bigger but the tape measure tells the actual story. As it happens the 991 was standing very near to a GT Silver 997.1 Turbo (also for sale) so a direct comparison was possible. I've always thought that the 997 hides its age well but there's no denying it does look dated next to the newer model. Not surprising given that the 991 is an eight year newer design.
I spent 10 minutes walking round the Grey car, despite quickly deciding that the price of this one would make it a non starter for me, with a view to establishing just how much more I liked it than my own. My mind kept thinking back to the day I'd driven them back to back (see the post that started this thread) and my eyes darted to and fro between this one and my own car. I have to admit that my heart is telling me that one day I will have a 991 but once again - for now at least - my head has ruled and I just can't find it in me to justify anything like the additional £15k-£18k that I'd need to put in.
Tomorrow I'll move the cash that's been burning a hole on my pocket into a One Year Bond and put the pathetic £400 interest it will earn towards next years service ............... before going through the whole decision making process again in 12 months time.