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Some other thoughts:
(1) There is no difference in comfort or useability with 19 inch wheels. My S Cab has been a daily driver for 2500 miles since June and handles flawlessly. It is less harsh than my old Audi 2001 S4 with stock suspension.
(2) Same can be said with PASM. The car handles much tighter with PASM in sport mode. Even in sport mode, it is less harsh than my stock S4.
(3) Clearly, if you think that the extra 10K isn't worth it, go for the base Carrera--it is a wonderful car. But drive both if you can--there is nothing like personal experience to guide you.
To get an idea of where there are cars to test--check out the Porshce website under "find a dealer." Get all dealers within 100 miles of you, then go to their websites and find their new 911 inventory. You will find and S and non-S 911 to test...
I let my daughters pick spa yellow as the color for my previous $32k Honda S2000, and I'm even willing to go with Speed Yellow on a $60k Boxster S, but I'm concerned that speed yellow might be a bit over the top on a $100k 911 Cab. Porsche itself features a 4 page fold out of a Cab S in speed yellow in its brochure, and I think it looks great. However, the dealer has suggested that an extra $825 for Seal Gray on a 911 would be a more appropraitely conservative choice and better for future resale.
Any opinions?
Of course, I really like the Seal Gray.... so, I may be biased.
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I've avoided, for awhile this dilemma as I made a small real estate investment today that will tie up some of my $$$ for a bit.
Good thing I have my AMC Pacer station wagon for my second car
No, but it would be a curious color for a 911 Cabrio. I could see it on a Coupe maybe, but not on a Cabrio, imo. I think the best color for the 997 is Midnight Blue with that Sand Beige interior. That is stunning, yet tasteful to me. Porsche also has a green that I like, but I'm not sure what its called. I do know thats its like a 3K option.
M
OTOH, it seems that as soon as you get the car you may subconsciously be thinking about re-sale down the road and that may not be a combination that appeals to a lot of folks.
I live in So Cal (sure many posters here do too) and some guy--don't know who--has, or had a yellow RR convertible with black interior that's always conspicuously parked with the top down on Rodeo Drive.
Land Rover had bright yellow as an option I believe—it looked all right on the Disco, but seemed a bit much for the Range Rover. Smaller cars seem better able to handle different or wilder colors. I recall that Porsche had deep plumb color (aubergene-sp?) many years ago that looked nice
Interesting difference of opinion, I think the Speed Yellow looks better on a 911 Cab or Boxster than a 911 coupe. I like the contrast between the yellow and black top and interior. However, in coupe form, I'd probably go with seal grey or silver. With the entire car in speed yellow (i.e. the roof of the coupe), it looks a little too much like an Easter egg, IMO. If you swing by a Porsche dealership, the 2005 "New 911" brochure features the Cab S in Speed Yellow.
Midnight Blue is beautiful - clean! But it's a little too close to the black that I've had once that drove me nuts and showed swirl marks way to soon. I think I saw the Olive Green that you referred to. I also thought it looked good, but that is one of the colors that I've heard is extremely hard on resale. Not an issue for someone planning to keep the car for 10 years.
You seem to be pretty knowledgeable on this subject. If I was to purchase a new base model 911, the options I would include would be the Xenon lighting, leather seats and the Bose sound system. Given that Porsche can and does nickel and dime you to death when it comes to options, which other options would you absolutely insist on purchasing? 19 inch wheels? If so, does it effect the ride greatly? I do not have hard driving habits. I plan to use this car pretty regularly, I plan on having it for a very long time and would be willing to sacrifice some performance for comfort.
Thanks!
Yes thats it, Olive Green. Stunning color. I can see it on a Cab, but I don't know what color the top would be. I don't like black tops.
M
The dealer informed me yesterday at 4:30 PM Pacific time that my Porsche 911S 2006 just came out of the truck, can't wait to go and get it today.
Let you know how it is......
M
I'll enjoy it fully.
Congratulations on a beatiful car. In the event you are more techically proficient than me, please snap a digital photo and post. I'd love to see a real Speed Yellow 997.
Drive carefully.
I've read through many of the posts on here and there are certainly lots of knowledgeable people here with some great inputs which I'm finding very helpful
As an aside, I've done research on the various dealers within a 100 mile radius of my house and have been surprised at how negative the comments are regarding both sales and service.
Just my .02 for the moment
I think I'll stick with the Xenon lights, the Bose system, leather interior and possibly a few minor cosmetic items on the base model.
Thanks.
Speaking of which, I'd like to see "them" make the displays moveable to optimize the viewing of the screens--it would be nice if the screens could be tilted and adjusted like the rear view mirrors, so you could get that "just right" position. I'm not familiar with the newer voice activated systems. I wonder if they allow you to say "go to Bob's house"?
This wouldn't necessarily be an every day car, but not far behind. I do plan on putting fairly significant miles on this car. Porsche, unlike other high-end cars, seems to be made to drive. Friends of ours have an early-60's model which they still drive virtually daily. It's unbreakable. On the other hand, I have friends that own Ferrari's who keep it in the garage. You think upkeep on a Porsche is expensive? $8,000 "tune ups" every 15,000 miles. What's the use?
Good point on the obsolescense of the Nav system, but I figure if it works for me now, I'll still be reasonably happy in 7-10 years. When you look at the interior of a 993 or even 996 compared to a 997, you quickly realize how much the entire older interior has become aesthetically obsolete.
Regarding other options, the most important in my view are:
Xenon headlights [should be standard]
Rear wiper [does anyone have any views on this? I am told it is very helpful]
Electrochromic rear and side view mirrors [should be standard]
Electrically adjustable seats
Heated seats
Bose stereo
CD changer
Other thoughts?
-BS
Not sure about the rear wiper except the rear window is pretty flat?
Yikes! $8,000 for a Ferrari tuneup? No wonder you see so many advertised with so few miles/
(1) Power seats: There are three optional seats: power, sport (non-power), and adaptive (sport w/ power). They are, as I recall, about $1,550, $760, and $3,000+ respectively over the standard non-power, non-sport. In the case of the non-power seats, there are certain adjustments that are electric, just not all and, most importantly, the "power" option gives you memory settings for the seats and mirrors. In a 911, I'd go with "adaptive", since my wife and I would both be driving it and we both like the sport seats. In the case of a Boxster S, I'd rather have non-power sport seats than the standard seats with power. I'd be the primary driver and I can deal with the occasional adjustment.
(2) Sport Chrono: I won't get a 911 (or Boxster S) without the sport chrono package, now that I've had the chance to test drive it. It's probably 50/50 performance and looks, so itf you don't like the look, pass, but there is a performance benefit.
(3) I'd also like PASM which comes standard on the 911 S. I'm only considering Boxster S's with it.
(4) Sport steering whell - a $250 +/- option that nobody should pass on, given the chance. Looks and feels much better than the standard steering wheel.
(5) Rear wiers don't apply to the Cabriolet, but I don't think I would find them particularly useful and an aesthetic distraction. At speed, the rain sheets off the rear window and I would hope not too many 911 purchasers are going to use them in snow.
(6) Performance driving school: Almost a must for the 911. The Boxster S is a perfectly balanced, intuitive to drive car. The 911 is not. With all of it's potentially exceptional capabilities, you need to know what you are doing to drive it properly. I confess, I don't. So, unless you like the idea of a $90k sports car driven like a $40k sedan, I think Skip Barber or equivalent is mandatory for the 911.
Highly subjective, these option priorities. Guess that's why Porsche capitalizes on them with their obscene pricing.
P.S. Both the Nav and CD changer can be added after purchase, but be aware. Quotes form two dealers on adding a CD changer to a in-stock Boxster S were $650 (factory cost) and $1,400 (suggested price for dealer installed). Quotes from the same two dealers on adding the Nav module: $2,000 and $4,000, respecitively.
These posts on options remind me of the Porsche TV commercial from a few years ago that showed the guys looking at their socks and then a Porsche emerges painted to match
1. Sport Seats. Can you be more specific re: seats. My understanding is that sport seats are more appropriate for shorter, "spirited" drives, but tend to cause fatigue over long hauls. Am I incorrect?
2. Sports Chrono. You appear to be a real believer re: sports chrono. My issues here are: cost, and silliness. Performance point is important to consider. I think it looks good too. However, having a stopwatch on one's dashboard, when one steps back to consider it, seems a little ridiculous. The only stopwatch to worry about is the one built into the Highway Patrol's laser (unless you're logging a lot of track time) . . . and thus I may spend the $$ on a Valentine One instead. Or I may be weak and get this anyway.
3. PASM. If I'm not getting an S, PASM seems like too much $$. If I spring for that, I'll just get the S. As I've said before, I'm more inclined to put my $$ towards the 4 wheel drive.
4. Sports steering wheel. I find people's interest in the sports steering wheel to be fascinating. I actually think that (and I know this is heresy) most of Porsche's modern steering wheels are ugly, so I am always curious to hear this.
5. Rear wipers. I take your point. The reason that I'm leery is that, interestingly enough, my X5 would be virtually undriveable in heavy rain without this feature . . . there's something about the design that causes water to pool up on the (near vertical!) rear window. I'd never have considered this option but for my X5.
6. Driving school. I agree that it's a must. I'll probably wait until after my car's broken in (so I'm not tempted). I think of Porsche driving the way I always think of SCUBA diving: exhilarating buy scary. Without the fear (another reason for Carrera 4)--one can get bitten. The downsides to rear-biased weight distribution and power-on understeer . . .
Thanks. I've found that all of the recent comments have been very constructive and the dialogue very interesting. Much appreciated.
-BS
So far It's everything it claims to be and I'm not moving the tach past 5000 rpms! The steering is fantastic and the handling precise but I do notice the "nose bob" that others have sighted in non- flat cornering. PASM is firm as all hell on sport setting.... too much for the lousy streets in LA.
Sport Chrono=great option. Cannot believe Porsche only charges 920 bucks for this.
Bose system is good.... not sure if it's great yet.
Mine came with Perelli P-zero's (rosso) I have seen others with the Pilot Sports. Any opinions out there on which is a better tire. I have had Perelli's on a 993 and the rear's were toast at 12k miles.
Interior room is good although the footwell still fells snug to me and I'm not that tall.
Looking for a good radar detector and thought's . Seems to be between Valentine and Escort.
Anybody out there go the "clear bra" route yet. I already have a stone chip so I'm going there.
So far it has had one glitch and that is the locking device is sometimes not working and I am getting the horn beep indicating a false. Dealer says it may be the door latch mechanism. Hope it is not an issue.
Other than that it's the purest, cleanest looking car on the road and the sound and performance..well we all know about that.!
1. What is the deal with the nose bob?
2. Why do you like the sport shifter so much?
3. Why do you like the sports chrono so much?
4. Can you get a set of golf clubs in the back seat?
I have a clear bra on my SC430. While it isn't the perfect solution (better, cleaner roads is the only solution), it is much better than a leather bra--and much less likely to abrase the paint.
As to radar detectors, my understanding that Valentine 1 is the only way to go . . .
Regards.
-BS
Does it violate forum rules to give a hint as to what you paid and the dealer? (I too am in SoCal)
Hmmm, I know there's a dealer in the valley and in T Oaks, and of course 90210
With an increase in Suggested Retail Selling Price on the 06 S compared to the 05 S, I still believe that with what they added in 06 makes the increase acceptable. When I compare the two to my 96-993 Coupe, I say "Baby, you've come a long way". My 993 was a driver's car, and the 997 S is a driver's driver's car. The 06 S's Bose upgrade is well worth it. It is a superior sound experience, especially with the two Subs in the rear compartment. The surround sound with the upgraded Bose system has become a truly surround sound experience.
IMHO, the words Porsche and Orgasm are synonomous, but I am sure there are those of you out there that would seriously question my comparison, especially the younger one's out there. Is there another life after the 06-997 S? I don't know, but I will write to all of you when I arrive there, but it may be a long time coming.
PS: Don't be fooled by imitations; There is nothing like a Porsche!
It is my understanding that there are NO differences between the 2005 and 2006 997's, other than a 2%+ increase in MSRP. Please elaborate on what you are referring in the "added" features for 2006.
BTW, I have an opportunity to buy a brand new 2005 Cab S in seal gray with all of the options I want, plus the sport exhaust, which I had not planned on ordering. Given the discount on the 2005, it comes in at about $3,000 less than a comparably non-sport exhaust equiped 2006. I've found a dealer willing to give me a few thousand discount on an oredered 2006 Cab S and am leaning in that direction. What are the "real" advantages of the $2,400 sport exhaust? It seems like a frivolous option compared to the others I am ordering: adaptive sport seats, sport chrono, bose, 6cd, nav, heated seats, dimming mirrors, sport steering wheel and, possibly, sport shifter.
P.S. Check out the Ferrari forum. I received a reponse to one of my postings that went something like, "Don't be fooled by Porsche, there is NOTHING like a Ferrari". No need to repond, you'd be preaching to the choir. I just point out that passion is not exclusive to Porsche.
Got my 2006 997S Coupe in Lapis blue, Black with all the options.
Everything is great with the car it is awsome.
I am reading that the dealer is making " deals " I find that very interesting because I checked with with a some of the dealers here in the LA area and they are " NOT " making any , they can get the MSRP from anybody, since there are enough people ready to buy .
2. Definitely get a clearbra (especially with that 3k paint job!). If nothing else, it'll save you much angst in the future.
Enjoying it otherwise? Any other thoughts.
When the car arrived at the dealer I asked if there was any room for negotiation and he said that unfortunately No because the car can be sold for I was going to pay for it or even more , due to the options and color that I ordered.
I don't really care about the MSRP price that is the deal I arranged and that is it, I did get free mats and license custom License frames and key chain.....
The small things in life that make the process worthwile.
You can check my car to get an idea regarding price and options on the Pacific Porsche dealer web site, under new inventory 2006 Carrera S Lapis Blue Tiptronic.
I do understand the benefits of it, but when I saw a midnight blue with the clear bra there was a line mid hood where the bra ended and it look pretty weird, at that moment the car was really dirty and it show a lot of the dirt marks just at the edge where the bra and the paint meet.
That is the reason I am not sure about getting it, but keep thinking it may be a good idea.
mtarchdeacon, "First Time Buyer - Porche 911 - I need your advice" #, 22 Feb 2003 4:42 pm
Don't ask for dealers names until after I've made my decision to go for a 911 or stick with the Boxster S that I planned on. After that, I'll be happy to share.
P.S. The in stock 2005 is a decent color combo and good options, very close to what I would order.
It's not that I'm paranoid, but everyone's out to get me )
My 2006 997C2S is full price and I checked with every dealer within 200 miles of Metro DC and there are no deals. I also checked in Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois with same results.
If someone gets a real deal - great work. My hat is off to you. :shades:
The sport exhaust system provides a resonance that will peak your enjoyment, when engaged with the Sport Button. Without the sport button engaged, the sound is enjoyable, but with the sport button engaged, it sounds like an indy car at 3000 rpm and above. Not that I compare it to any other automobile, but pardon my Italian, it sounds like a Ferrari 450. That might sway you away from this option, but I assure you it is worth what I paid. It turns heads, I must say.
The options I ordered included:
Sport chrono
Sport Exhaust
Makassar steering wheel with multi function
Makassar wood package
Porsche emblem in headresets
Porsche emblem inserts in wheels
Nav
Bose upgrade
electronic seat adjustments
6cd
dimming mirrors
full leather
Got 4% under sticker, and thought that was a real bargain. Got nothing off my 05 Cobalt Blue Metallic 911 TT cab, but what a ride.
I hope my answer to you re: "real advantagesof the $2,400 sport exhaust" was answered. It is just an emotional thrill. You should drive one with sport exhaust and punch the sport button and listen to the Music. Then decide for yourself. Good hunting!
Steebie
I just picked up a 06 997S tip in Scottsdale below MSRP --- well optioned:
Bose, Navi, Sport chrono, Tip, Power seats, CD changer, Mats, Heated seats, Colored crests, huperoptik aftermarket, carrera classic 19"wheels.
Deals can be made ....
Even if I didn't get a deal, it's worth every penny.
Now the long wait begins for the Porsche.