Advice on buying 997 convertible

dom_gg · 27 Jan 2019

Hi all,

Recently joined and posted a thread in the newbie section, and got some very useful replies, so thanks.

Trying to break in to 997 ownership, but I have to say I'm finding the options very confusing (gen 1 v gen 2, manual v tiptronic v pdk, 2s v 4s etc). I know that people will say drive and then you'll know, but its not really that easy for me to locate suitable cars with dealers, and also conscious I don't want to waste their time if not interested.

So ideally what options should I be looking for to maximise resale value in a few years time? Also, as examples, I like the look of the two below (a gen 1 but with Hartech rebuild) and a gen 2 which looks good value for money:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201812193363252?logcode=visc&fromSA=true

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201901093771378?logcode=visc&fromSA=true

I guess the question is whether it's worth spending another £10k on a gen 2 (which I assume will depreciate much quicker) or go for a gen 1 with Hartech rebuild. Are there any other options I should be considering? Would rather stay below £30k, but, in the rare event I have to end up shelling out £10k for an engine rebuild, should I really be spending more and getting a gen 2 anyway?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.

Dom

Alex · 27 Jan 2019

Are you usually a manual or auto driver?

Milo72 · 27 Jan 2019

I looks like you have all the basics covered and you will probably get opinions from here on.

I was in exactly the same position you were last summer and finally went for a Gen 1 Tiptronic.. it wasn't the car that I set out to buy when I decided to but it was low mileage (54k) very well spec'd and was less than £20k. I figured that even if the engine went pop I could justify it with a rebuild.

If you go for a Gen 1 invest in getting a pre check and borescope. It could save you significant immediate money.

Alex · 27 Jan 2019

That Gen 1 doesn't have cruise control as stated in the listing. Also, there's no heated seats, which I would deffo want in a convertible. Doesn't have Hardback seats either (which is another option worth having).

The Gen 1 3.8S tip is slower than a standard 3.6 manual, which seems a bit pointless if you ask me.

Also, need to know what was involved in the Hartech rebuild. May only have had 1 cylinder sorted. You really need to be looking for one with all 6 done.

The Gen 2 has the Chrono pack (which I think includes launch control) and shaves quite a bit off the 0-60 time. As well as some other sporty goodies the standard car doesn't have.

T8 · 27 Jan 2019

Without going over old ground covered in your previous thread I'd have to ask what your main motivators are:

eg.

(1) If you prefer manual cars I can't see why you'd consider an auto - and vice-verca.

(2) If you want a sports car to drive and enjoy is 'resale value' a big factor? None of the 997 variants will fall much in value unless you pile miles on and/or fail to keep it up to scratch.

(3) An 'S' car will always be more expensive than an equivalent standard car. How important is the extra bhp?

(4) How often are you going to drive in adverse weather conditions? Under normal circumstances you wouldn't notice whether the car is 2wd or 4wd so unless you're planning to use the car as a daily driver, all year round, I wouldn't be swayed by either.

Other things to consider:

To those that are in the know a Gen1 car with a rebuilt engine, especially if it's been done by Hartech, is a good thing. To the wider audience any rebuild may be an instant turn off. The Gen2 car is universally accepted as having a better engine.

If you prefer an auto the Tiptronic is very good but you'll struggle to find anyone to argue that the PDK isn't better.

A lot depends on your budget but it's generally recommended that a first-timer should go for the Gen2 car, even if that means settling for a 3.6. I say 'settle' but many say that the 3.6 is actually a nicer car to drive and that under most circumstances you really wouldn't miss the bhp it's lacking.

Happy Hunting :thumb:

T8 · 27 Jan 2019

I've never followed Cabriolet prices but I've just had a look and it seems that £35k is the cut-over price for a Gen2 over a Gen1.

If your budget is £30k maximum your decision is pretty much made for you. If it's over that I'd certainly go for a £35k Gen2 car over any £30k+ Gen1.

Looking at AutoTrader it seems that Portiacraft in Mill Hill, North London have a good number in stock and would be well worth a visit to compare a number of similar cars side-by-side.

Milo72 · 27 Jan 2019

Agree with T8 just seen they have a black Gen 1 with a Hartech rebuild.

Seen that you have been looking since October, I'm guessing that convertible prices are seasonal so maybe make a decision before they start to go up.

resigner · 27 Jan 2019

I have a convertible, as I have had convertibles since 1999 (MGF VVC, don't laugh!!).

Mine is a very very high spec car, but that was by mistake, rather than requirment

Mine is a 2007 manual C2S Cabrio, sports chrono, heated seats, PSE, top tinted windscreen, hard back sports seats, kick plates, cruise control, the list goes on and on.

The key options are heated seats, really nice, I am driving around even at this time of year with the roof down, seat on 1 bar of heat and heater on. the seat makes this possible, and enjoyable. PSE, turned on all the time (or gundo hack), hard back seats are really good, cruise is very useful. Windstop, if it doesn't have one, get one on ebay around £150 to £200. Essential though.

Posing, the best option is the remote roof from the key fob for putting the roof down as you walk towards it

As some others have said, what will you use it for? Is your main worry selling it on in a few years? Do you drive manual or auto? Manual is great, when you add a cheapo SSK kit from ebay, transforms the car.

Sports Chrono? It does make a difference, a spirited drive is more amusing, but I don't use it that often, and turn it on, then PASM back off. PASM isn't great on UK roads, unless they are pretty smooth!

PCM2.1 is useless, change it for something more modern, even if you add a module to connect an ipod it doesn't work very well.

Key thing to know, the 997 was designed as a convertible first, so it didn't flop around because they took the roof off, so it does go like stink and handle brilliantly.

Now, A Hartech rebuild would be nice, but not essential. We believe that Bore Score affects about 5% of cars, so don't rule out car's which haven't been done, they might well not need it. Get it checked though to make sure.

Convertibles do cost more than coupes, partly I suspect because there are less of them. i paid £30k for mine almost 4 years ago, it had 43k miles, that high spec and was in mint condition.

Enjoy, and do test drive some. C2S and C4S are very different animals.

Personally, I hate Tiptronic box, PDK is good, but I do love a manual. Mind you, I don't commute in mine as I work from home, so most of my driving is in rural Hertfordshire and not in traffic.

Alex · 27 Jan 2019

^^^^^^^Some excellent advice there^^^^^^^^

Some of those option don't seem like much, eg. Hardback seats, but once you've lived with them for a while it's hard to imagine what it'd be like without.

Unless you're an 'auto' guy, I wouldn't bother with the old school auto on the Gen 1. Too sluggish, higher chance of scoring bores, and you fall asleep between changes.

Magic919 · 27 Jan 2019

I'd prefer the Gen 2 of those two. It lacks PSE, which you can add later.

PASM is great on U.K. roads and you can't switch it off. Normal PASM works a treat, but sport mode is very firm.

tom_nieto · 27 Jan 2019

dom_gg said:
I guess the question is whether it's worth spending another £10k on a gen 2 (which I assume will depreciate much quicker) or go for a gen 1 with Hartech rebuild. Are there any other options I should be considering? Would rather stay below £30k, but, in the rare event I have to end up shelling out £10k for an engine rebuild, should I really be spending more and getting a gen 2 anyway?

I had these thoughts. I also didn't have another £10k to buy a really good gen 2. I ended up with an excellent 997.1 C2S convertible and figured I'd worry about an engine rebuild if it were ever required. Gen 2 cars aren't immune from mechanical trouble as with any higher performance sports car. I now have a lovely car which I don't drive enough and haven't had to spend >£10k extra on initial outlay.

Honestly, if you're not too worried about the looks of the gen 1 vs gen 2, either you need to buy the absolute newest and best gen 2 car you can, or go for a cherished and potentially rebuilt gen 1 and spend some of the savings on making it perfect.

Otherwise, resigner's advice pretty much sums it up. Heated sports seats and sports exhaust make the convertible brilliant. Chrono is a bit pointless on a manual car.

EDIT: my advice would change slightly if you want an automatic. The tiptronic is a bit rubbish compared to PDK!

Rojdog · 27 Jan 2019

alex yates said:
^^^^^^^Some excellent advice there^^^^^^^^

Some of those option don't seem like much, eg. Hardback seats, but once you've lived with them for a while it's hard to imagine what it'd be like without.

What in your opinion is better about the hardback seats? I've had only hardbacks in my current and previous car, just wondering? Does is make the seat firmer?

Alex · 27 Jan 2019

They have more support round your shoulders with the 'wing' parts.

They also look cooler and you have the additional option of colour coding them if you want.

The standard ones look like rectangular pillars with a baggy sack on them. They look horrendous on a cab.

Example:

Compared to:

2007_Porsche_997_C4S_Cabriolet_EVOMSit_EVO_Intake_Tubi_Exhaust_SharkWerks_22.JPG

Rojdog · 27 Jan 2019

I see not too pretty at all..... :nooo:

Counter Of Beans · 28 Jan 2019

Some very sensible advice on this thread.
My opinion: I just couldn't live with a Gen 1 997 because of the issues with the engine. I know it's a small % affected, and I know Hartech can rebuild failed engines and make them bulletproof. BUT, I'm rather risk averse, and I just couldn't be doing with the hassle of sorting out a rebuild - getting the car sent oop North, waiting weeks or months for the job to finish, all that.

So, my advice: aim for a really good Gen 2, even if you have to stretch the budget. Obviously PDK vs. manual will be down to your own preference. Don't discount non-S cars. They are cheaper and just as capable in the real world as an "S".

If you have the cash, now is a fantastic time to buy - the market is very slow, and cabs are cheaper in winter. Enjoy the hunt, whatever you decide!

Advice on buying 997 convertible

dom_gg

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Alex

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