997.2 options

[Murph7355]

Old car now sold (a month too late for the 997 that looked to fit the bill) so am semi-patiently looking for the right 997.2 to come along (decided that's the itch that needs scratching next - so progress there at least).

Definitely 4S PDK (more progress). Coupe or Targa is the choice (this is where the slippery slope starts). Not driven either yet. Pref would likely be the Targa but prices of all bar the one I missed are heavy.

Looking at the options lists, what's the view on the LSD? Is it worth waiting for a car with one?

What other options would owners insist on? I'm being open minded (trying to be), but inputs happily received to prevent me spending more time than is necessary in the classifieds

Nav/universal audio, Chrono Plus (with or without the dial) and PSE are high up on the list. The latter I could live without as easily remedied later. Same with the paddle wheel I'd prefer. But then I've seen a ton of other stuff on the "options" list that my ageing soft self would also prefer (cruise control, auto-dimming mirrors, electric mirrors - really an option?, rain sensing wipers, PDLS lights, sunroof, park sensors for the other half etc).

Anything else that I should be looking for? And is anyone on the verge of selling one

[Cheib]

Unless you desperately, desperately want the Targa I'd aviod because

a) Car is heavier and its all in the wrong place so will definitely be a worse drive

b) If you intend keeping the car for a long time Targa's can be a pain in the arse for maintenance and really. really expensive if things go wrong. The reason I mention if you're set to keep it for a long time is that two mates have 993 Targa's and I one definitely wishes he didn't have a Targa because of the bills he's incurred.

LSD is a very rare option even on a GTS which is more "driver focused" so I it could be a very long wait....also not sure what a "4" with an LSD would be like to be honest.

I'd want

Nav/universal audio
Sports Chrono (can be retrofitted without the dial)
PSE (can be retrofitted or after market_
Bose
Parking Sensors
Auto Dimming Mirrors
Cruise (can be retrofitted)

Love my 997.2....they're great cars.

[AinsleyB]

Pick the things that really matter to you. A lot of options don't matter at all in the real world.

For me it had to be manual, S, 2wd, coupe, a certain colour and sports exhaust. Oh, and a certain type of wheel. The rest was either standard on that model or not worth worrying about.

For example. I like the fact it doesn't have rain sensing wipers as I can tell when its raining myself, but if it had come with them Id put up with it.
A lot is personal choice.

The S model comes with the switchable suspension, and for me that's essential.

[Murph7355]

Thanks guys.

Cheib - pretty much the options I had in mind.

Is the rear view mirror physically different on the ones with auto-dimming?

Ainsley - I would have agreed with you a while back on the wipers...but the OH's XC90 is spoiling me with auto-wipers and lights...on the country lanes I live around, at night, both make driving significantly less stressful. However I do accept that these cars are at least 6yrs old now. Of everything I noted, that's an easy one to "lose" on.

[Cheib]

Murph7355 said:

Is the rear view mirror physically different on the ones with auto-dimming?

No idea to be honest!

[Rich_AR]

Isn't the LSD standard fit on the 4/4S? Assuming you're referring to the Option 220 - (SPERRDIFFERENTIAL), also if PASM is an option I'm sure i read LSD part of the option package?.


Also, paddle steering wheel can easily be added.

Edited by Rich_AR on Monday 30th April 18:41

[Murph7355]

Rich_AR said:

Isn't the LSD standard fit on the 4/4S? Assuming you're referring to the Option 220 - (SPERRDIFFERENTIAL), also if PASM is an option I'm sure i read LSD part of the option package?.


Also, paddle steering wheel can easily be added.

I've seen a couple of cars (4's) advertised with "40% LSD". And had seen 220 noted in the list.

The cars also have PASM, so I was assuming it was something separate...but then it wouldn't be the first time I'd seen ads with all manner of stuff noted that was standard (hence the question ).

I was a bit surprised one wasn't standard, but then I guess they're not universally desirable.

[Shaoxter]

Cheib said:

Murph7355 said:

Is the rear view mirror physically different on the ones with auto-dimming?

No idea to be honest!

It's not easily retrofittable from the research I've done, it needs power and you would need some wiring work done. Annoying and one of the "I can't believe it's an option on a Porsche" options. But I don't drive it too much at night so doesn't bother me too much.

I'd try a 2S before assuming that you really need 4WD.

[Murph7355]

Shaoxter said:

It's not easily retrofittable from the research I've done, it needs power and you would need some wiring work done. Annoying and one of the "I can't believe it's an option on a Porsche" options. But I don't drive it too much at night so doesn't bother me too much.

I'd try a 2S before assuming that you really need 4WD.

Winter use in snarly weather...also helps with the man maths

[Rich_AR]

Murph7355 said:

I've seen a couple of cars (4's) advertised with "40% LSD". And had seen 220 noted in the list.

The cars also have PASM, so I was assuming it was something separate...but then it wouldn't be the first time I'd seen ads with all manner of stuff noted that was standard (hence the question ).

I was a bit surprised one wasn't standard, but then I guess they're not universally desirable.

Yeh, I only assumed it was standard after some research as my 4S has the LSD/option 220 and PASM/option 475.

Murph7355 said:

Winter use in snarly weather...also helps with the man maths

Found mine great in crap weather and even better in the snow with winter tyres on.

[hoegaardenruls]

I would also check out the seat options as well, even just the standard vs sports seats.

What suits best will be up to an individual, but having moved to sports seats in the 997.2 from the standard seats in a 997.1, I wouldn't go back. No complaints about either, but I just find the sports seats much more supportive.

[Adam B]

AinsleyB said:

Pick the things that really matter to you. A lot of options don't matter at all in the real world.

agree on the first point not on the second

I had some must haves on my 997 such as chrono, adaptive sports seats and heated seats and it came with a few others - other things like a lot of leather to cover the nastier plastic surfaces I have retrofitted at great cost but they mattered to me. Would have been great if it had been specced from new.

Other things like cruise and PSE - yes you can retrofit but its easy to forget how much it costs, and it adds little to the asking price.

To some other OP questions:

yes rear view mirror is different design if auto dipping, has a light sensor in it and on/off switch - PITA to retrofit I imagine

electric mirrors are standard of course, you are probably thinking of electric folding mirrors (or some seller has done that annoying thing of listing a load of standard kit like it is a cost option)