Considering a 2010 Carrera 2--Your opinion

[JimPDX]

I have been in the market for a new Porsche for the last three months. The new 991 is a major disappointment to me. With an interior just this side of the Lexus it has become in my opinion a bit "over the top"… but not a bloated corpse like the PanAm.

On my last test drive I counted 41 buttons on the center console, 8 on the drivers seat, 4 on the driver's door. I stopped counting somewhere around 50 and I had more to go. There were something like 14 different screens on the PCM which really isn't that much different from the 997 from what I can tell.

PDK is quick but it is still an automatic. My Audi has the same thing and to me its useless. An automatic Porsche just doesn't sit well with me. Maybe I am showing my age!

The steering to me feels both numb and light, but at speed its not to bad. I have driven both the S with a PDK and the base model Carrera with a seven speed manual transmission without the steering assist. Shifting is short and very "notchy" to the point of distraction. Steering feels heavy without the assist. Preciseness was lacking here. Again, just my opinion.

All this said, it just isn't the Porsche I care to own or drive. So now I am looking at the 997 which I just love. It just feels like my 996 only better if you know what I mean.

I am considering the purchase of a 2010 Carrera 2 manual certified pre owned with 2500 miles on the clock from Sunset imports for $77,000.00. It is a lease return to Sunset, leased by Sunset to someone locally. Two years remain on the factory warranty and as a certified pre-owned additional warranty coverage to 100K.

Optioned as follows:

Meteor gray metallic paint

Black interior

Standard leather seats

Pwr comfort seats with driver memory

Leather sun visors with lighted mirrors

Self dimming mirrors

Gear shift and handbrake aluminum

Aluminum instrument surround

Foot rest aluminum

Heated front seats

19 inch Carrera classic wheels

Rear wiper (this is Oregon!)

Wheel caps colored crests

Bluetooth phone interface

Bose High End Sound Package

Navigation module for PCM

XM Radio

6 disc CD/DVD changer

Floor mats

What do you think of the price.

Here's the link...

http://www.sunsetimp...r=2013&cid=3301

Thanks for your opinion!

Jim

[phillipj]

Price is okay.. Options are basic. I don't care for the seats. I like the sport seats You can take a look at Autotrader and see how prices are for 2010's.. You may want to look for a Carrera "S". Price won't be that much different and you'll get more power.. Meteor grey is my favorite color on a Porsche. You might want to shop a bit more unless the Carrera you found is what you are looking for.

Your review of the 991 made me laugh. I too have a tough time with the 991 interior.. I like the seats very much but my knee slams into the center console (and I'm not very tall) It works in the Panamera but not so much in the 991 (my opinion.) My dealer told me that the minute I drive the 991 I wont be happy with my 997.....Errrr..Not really. I won't be trading the Turbo for a 991 any time soon...

I would like a 991 PDK to be my freeway car but not my "fun" car..

Good luck in your search! The 997-2 is an awesome car!

Edited August 21, 2012 by phillipj

[JimPDX]

My dealer up here pretty much said the same thing. "...you'll love what Porsche has done with this car". I was there ready to go, cash in hand for a 2013. But when I drove the 991 it was a total let down. I'm not slamming the 991. Its just that the car has become so much more than I think it needs to be particularly with its gratuitous over use of techie gee-gaws, buttons, and switches and the steering is just plain to weird, even for Portland.

I know this isn't the 991 forum...so Thanks Phillipj...appreciate the comments. I am actively looking for a 997 now.

Edited August 21, 2012 by JimPDX

[phillipj]

Let us know what you find!!!!

[qikqbn]

If you are gonna stick with the 997's, then definitely hold out for an "S" with all the options you desire. The regular Carrera has all the goods, but the "S" comes with better power, brakes, suspension and wheels. In the long run I think you will be happier with the upgrades and it will be worth the extra $7-8k difference. Interior options are just as important as the exterior, so I would be picky there too. There are lots of great bargains out there if you are patient and do lots of research.

Phillip and I had very similar experience. Our local dealer salesman and a good mechanic both said you would hate your 997 after driving the 991. Now, if you knew me, then you would know that I LOVE my 997 C4S.

I really admire ALL Porsches and I am a huge fanatic. So I was already excited to see what the 991 would drive like, but when I heard that statement I really had to drive it for myself to see what all the hype was about. I got to test drive the 991. Silver, Pdk, Carrera S. I don't know if its just that expectations were so high, or that I still don't like automatics, but I was not "blown away" like everyone has been saying.

I will say this. It is a great car and a step up in many ways, no doubt about it. The ride was quieter, yet still firm. The interior feels and looks really impressive, , although very busy with buttons, Materials feel and

look high quality. navigation and info in cluster display is a nice gadgety feature. Just not sure if all those gizmos are necessary. in an iconic sports car... I hardly use half the features in my C4s Navigation system! so it seems way overkill.

The 997 is just a great and an amazing car by any standard.. The 991 car looks very modern, as it should, next to a 997 and the 997 is looking a bit dated when parked next to the 991,

but the 997 is still a great looking car. Like the 993, arguably the best looking 911 design, the 997 has a great connection and the spirit of that 993 design. The 997 will always look great,

even 20 years from now. I am also still a stick shift guy. The pdk was really cool to play with, but I wanted full control. Automatics still make me

feel disconnected from the throttle. floor it, wait for downshift, hold on.... I have to say though, no stick shift can upshift that fast... amazing. Low end torque felt the

same to me, and top end pull felt a bit stronger and pulled longer due to higher rev limit, but not that much faster then my 997when pulling hard on full throttle.

Electronic steering felt good. A bit too light at low speeds, but more precise the faster you went. definitely filters out a lot of the bumps which can be good or bad

depending on what kind of roads and driving you are doing.

All in all... i walked away still VERY happy with my 997 C4S. It is a great car and I love it. Would I like a 991 in the future... sure, who wouldn't, but just not sure I would trade my 997 in for one now. I am waiting to see what the next C4S or Turbo has to offer. Or even the next GTS 4. Exciting versions are coming very soon. The 997 will go down in history as the last true 911 with "lively steering feel and rear end 911 characteristic". The last "analog" 911 before it went "digital". The 991 will be the car that takes Porsche into the "electronic control future" and it will accomplish GREAT things and win tons of races. A great first pass and glimpse into whats coming. I just love the way Porsche always strives to pursue excellence..

I am sure they will only get better and better with each iteration.

Edited August 27, 2012 by qikqbn