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I never got to actually drive the 991.1 that I was considering. It was at my local Porsche dealer waiting for some parts to finish the CPO prep. I got to see it and sit in it. I was told that the parts would be in from Germany in about a month.
Today, I went to a different dealership that had one that's the same year and similar spec (both base Carrera). 2013 with only 40K miles. I got to spend a lot more time in this one and drive it.
My impressions:
Finish:
A near-top trim S-Class (my S63 AMG) is several levels above the the base 911.
Maybe the 911s get better with the higher trims, but I'm not even entertaining that idea.
Some bits of the Carrera felt plastic-y, but maybe this was part of their efforts to lighten the car.
The fit and finish was solid, though.
Size:
It's small. I'm 6ft 1in (1.85m). Even though the 911s have been getting larger with each generation, the 991 generation is still small. And especially small for me with wide shoulders (and it had comfort, not sport, seats).
Yeah, I did get out of a LWB S-Class before the test drive, but yeesh. It's smaller than similar generation M3s and C63s that I've driven. I've never left those cars thinking, "Man, this is small."
It feels like I imagine a Miata would feel. I've never sat in one.
My Panamera had the lowest seating position of any car I've ever owned. The seating position of the 911 is even lower
I suspect that this is key to why the car has great handling feel for the driver. Your butt is like even with the wheel axles!
Driving impressions:
It handled very well compared to other sports cars that I've driven in the past few years.
The ride is rough-ish. I can see why people wouldn't like driving it daily. Undoubtedly smaller wheels with more rubber would feel a lot better with no decrease in handling.
It's kind of not fair to compare a base Carrera with M3, M5, C63, LC500, E63, RS5, etc...which are top of the range for their respective lines. But, dollar-for-dollar (and over $60,000 in this case), yeah, you get a lot more if you buy any of those. But, with those, you don't get a profile like this:
Even after driving it just minutes before and deciding that it's not for me, I was driving away and I unexpectedly caught a glimpse of it. It seemed to demand my attention and I thought, "Damn, that's a good-looking car!" It really is.
That's when I realized why everyone goes nuts over them...it's because they are beautiful. This is also why the design hasn't changed in decades.
So, it's fair to say that I'm no longer interested in owning a 911. Maybe I'll just get some scale models or posters or something, hahahaha 😄
Now back to that LC 500...
It was also sexy, a lot more comfortable...but not as nimble. Maybe that can be changed with aftermarket suspension...🤔
Good that you seem to have made progress on this topic.
You have been comparing apples, oranges and bananas all over the place. AMG and M vs base. Older Porsche vs newer non-Porsche. Large boat-like sedan vs. sports car. There is hardly a relevant comparison in the mix.
Porsche will never be justified on price, spec-for-spec. You always get "more for your money" with brands other than Porsche.
If you want a Porsche you need to pay the money. Otherwise don't buy a Porsche. It is never the "financially prudent" decision for any car that is driven, even a weekend car. "Special" collectible cars excepted.
I test drove my 14 E63S directly after driving my S550 4 hours to New Jersey. As a result my first impression was the ride was really bad. But after owning it for a while I think the ride is actually decent for the overall performance level. So yeah getting used to an S will do that.
Good that you seem to have made progress on this topic.
You have been comparing apples, oranges and bananas all over the place. AMG and M vs base. Older Porsche vs newer non-Porsche. Large boat-like sedan vs. sports car. There is hardly a relevant comparison in the mix.
Porsche will never be justified on price, spec-for-spec. You always get "more for your money" with brands other than Porsche.
If you want a Porsche you need to pay the money. Otherwise don't buy a Porsche. It is never the "financially prudent" decision for any car that is driven, even a weekend car. "Special" collectible cars excepted.
What would the relevant comparison be for the 991.1? I also drove a 997.2. It was smaller and had very unrefined suspension. Plus the painted plastics inside were peeling due to age. I saw this on multiple 997s.
What would the relevant comparison be for the 991.1? I also drove a 997.2. It was smaller and had very unrefined suspension. Plus the painted plastics inside were peeling due to age. I saw this on multiple 997s.
What price point and age of vehicle are you targeting? Age relates to the amount of cash you are willing to shovel into the car for maintenance and repairs. What are your vehicle requirements beyond what you listed earlier?
What price point and age of vehicle are you targeting? Age relates to the amount of cash you are willing to shovel into the car for maintenance and repairs. What are your vehicle requirements beyond what you listed earlier?
This isn’t my first rodeo buying cars. I’ve owned maybe 25+ by now.
My requirements are those listed. My budget was around $60K.
You have posted photos of a 911 and an LC500, twice.
You want the LC500, get it.
Otherwise consider a $60k SL63, Corvette, M6, Jag F. Because it's not your first rodeo you are aware of all the shopping tools and comparable models at all segments.
You have posted photos of a 911 and an LC500, twice.
You want the LC500, get it.
Otherwise consider a $60k SL63, Corvette, M6, Jag F. Because it's not your first rodeo you are aware of all the shopping tools and comparable models at all segments.
I'm not sure if you realize that the topic isn't, "Let's find me a car." it is, "Considering a Porsche 911. Looking for ownership feedback."
I may have mentioned other cars. But, I'm really only interested in hearing about 911s...well I was. But, not anymore.
Did that 911 have a full leather interior? ie leather dash and door cards? That isn't standard on a 911 base. Lol
Yeah, that was my point.
Going from a top trim Mercedes to a base Porsche was a step down. I'd be foolish to do so...and to pay several thousand dollars to do so would be even more foolish.
you buy a Merc to impress friends and relatives and show the world you got somewhere - offsetting the ego boost against the reality that a ford is a far better car
you own a Porsche coz you can actually drive - like the idea of being seen as Steve MCQueen and press on like a car thief's advanced driving instructor - and you NEED a car that can cope with your heroic driving skills
the former u regret, the later you love - both will eat money, that I don't have and don't enjoy wasting on cars - as bikes do it all at level a car driver can't even dream about - for much, much less - and builds your skills in ways 200k miles in a car never will
Going from a top trim Mercedes to a base Porsche was a step down. I'd be foolish to do so...and to pay several thousand dollars to do so would be even more foolish.
Test drive a 991 or 992 Turbo. You will be trying to rationalize it on some level...... Love that Guards Red on your tester there.
End of the day if your gonna spend Turbo 911 money you might as well just get a 570s. That's next level stuff right there.
Test drive a 991 or 992 Turbo. You will be trying to rationalize it on some level...... Love that Guards Red on your tester there.
End of the day if your gonna spend Turbo 911 money you might as well just get a 570s. That's next level stuff right there.
Well, the thing is, while I can spend more than $60K on a car, I refuse to. So, I was hoping that the sweet spot of depreciation was hitting the 991 generation now.
But, the car doesn't fit (or I the car), so it's all a moot point now.
I've driven (or at least sat in) several layman sports cars, and the 911 and Cayman both had me thinking that they are too small for my tastes. As stated above, I had heard that the 911s were getting larger in each generation, so I held out hope that the 991 may fit. Maybe there's hope for a 992...but I'm not paying 992 money right now.
Truth be told, I have no intention to race (or travel at race speeds). There is a Porsche Experience Center less than an hour away. Driving there would probably be the most radical thing I'd have it do. A spirited drive through the hills and forests is always fun and therapeutic and most likely how I'd push the car. I've always prized handling over HP.
I feel like my itch has been scratched. I've decided that the 991 and previous generations, no matter how nice they can be or how much torque and HP they'll have at the higher ends of the line, are just too small for my liking. It's like a pair of shoes. It doesn't matter how well-made they are, how nice they look, and even how great the price is, if they don't fit, they don't fit so save yourself some money, headache, and regret.
I just passed an LC and thought about this post. I see them quite a but in this area. I can't say I like them nor dislike them. To me I fee like it's a cross between an i8 and RC350.
991 and 992 space wise is not much different.
Either way, a 2dr porsche/lc500 vs w221 is completely different and can't really be compared.
I just passed an LC and thought about this post. I see them quite a but in this area. I can't say I like them nor dislike them. To me I fee like it's a cross between an i8 and RC350.
991 and 992 space wise is not much different.
Either way, a 2dr porsche/lc500 vs w221 is completely different and can't really be compared.
Just to be clear, my only reason for mentioning the W221 and the 991 was that I wondered if my impression of the 991 was tainted by my having just been in the W221 for the 30 minutes prior. I recognize that they are entirely different classes of vehicles.
But, yes, they can be compared. Just like apples and oranges can be compared. Fruit can be compared to other fruit and cars can be compared to other cars. For example:
Botus! Are you an avid race car driver? The reason I ask is a good customer of whom I've known for over 40 years is a Major track rat and has built and driven Porsche's of many different years. I also had the pleasure of driving in his 2022 911 GT3RS on this "little track" close to my lake house.That's his play toy Porsche. Hitting 150 at the end of the straight away was quite a ride! I think he was yawning while doing it.LOL
I have an opportunity to buy a 911 as a second car (trading/selling my W221 S63 AMG to help with the cost). I have a Lexus SUV for family/work duty. Also, I work from home 100%, so there is no commute (unless you count from the kitchen to my home office, hahaha). Most of my driving consists of school dropoff/pickup, solo grocery runs, takeout, or solo errands. Weekend errands with the family are in the SUV as well as the occasional road trips.
I'm wondering if I should. Asking for feedback from those who have owned 911s or Caymans.
I've owned several VWs, Audis, BMWs, MBs, one Porsche (a Panamera), and a sprinkle of Japanese cars. I've never owned a 911. It's always been one of those "Halo Cars" that German car enthusiasts aspire to get. But, I see so many with histories like, "5 owners, 40K miles, dealer maintained...". This indicates to me that people buy them, don't drive them much, then sell them.
My question is, Why?
Is it that people lust after them, get them, then don't like actually driving them much? If so, why?
I've had both a 911 and Cayman. I did drive my 911 a lot...I think I put on 30,000 miles in two years. I got rid of it because I had enough of it. It was fun, and a bucket list thing, but the heavy clutch, low sitting position, rough ride, etc. all became not fun after a while. Same with the Cayman. But I think you're right that a lot of rich guys buy these and don't really use them, and sell them when they are ready for the next shiny toy.
I gave it a few more days and drove another 991.1...it's too small. I'm definitely out.
I also drove a Lexus LC 500. It's really, really nice. The reviews are spot on. I didn't know that "Savagegeese" bought one. And he does a great job of articulating the pros and cons better than I ever could. And this guy has driven more cars than most. So, for him to buy one says a lot.
It feels a lot like my W221 S63 AMG but with tighter suspension and it's a coupe. I've never driven a S63 AMG Coupe, but I'd imagine that it would be a neck and neck with the LC 500 with the styling being the biggest differentiator for a buyer.
So, with that being said and (for conversation's sake) assuming that I'd trade in my S63 and both having around 75K miles, the LC 500 is not $45-50K better than my car. Not by a long shot. If we were $10K apart, maybe. But, not minimum $45K apart. Nah.
That is why posted Savagegeese review. I don't know he still has it or not, since he just bought a Honda Civic Type R. Again you don't need to spend big money to have fun. My other favorite channel Hagerty with their hatchback and Porsche reviews:
I gave it a few more days and drove another 991.1...it's too small. I'm definitely out.
I also drove a Lexus LC 500. It's really, really nice. The reviews are spot on. I didn't know that "Savagegeese" bought one. And he does a great job of articulating the pros and cons better than I ever could. And this guy has driven more cars than most. So, for him to buy one says a lot.
My take on it:
It feels a lot like my W221 S63 AMG but with tighter suspension and it's a coupe. I've never driven a S63 AMG Coupe, but I'd imagine that it would be a neck and neck with the LC 500 with the styling being the biggest differentiator for a buyer.
So, with that being said and (for conversation's sake) assuming that I'd trade in my S63 and both having around 75K miles, the LC 500 is not $45-50K better than my car. Not by a long shot. If we were $10K apart, maybe. But, not minimum $45K apart. Nah.
... Again you don't need to spend big money to have fun. ...
True.
I've been thinking of going back to my roots and looking at a lot of VW GTI/R builds lately, especially now that they can be found with all-wheel drive. I had a handful of GTIs and an R32 dating back to my first car ever, 1984 GTI, the original "Pocket Rocket".
I've been thinking of going back to my roots and looking at a lot of VW GTI/R builds lately, especially now that they can be found with all-wheel drive. I had a handful of GTIs and an R32 dating back to my first car ever, 1984 GTI, the original "Pocket Rocket".
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
