911 newbie purchase help
Discussion
All, I'm in the exciting position to finally have the resources to get into a 911 and tick off a bucket list item 
Neither my wife nor I are petrolheads, but both 'like' cars. In the past I'd have always gone Turbo S, but as I've aged, even though I can now finally afford it, I'm thinking this would be more than my talent to handle and enjoy.
It's also a massively confusing market at the moment for a newbie, with really long lead times, over list price deals and used prices really quite odd (some 4 yr old cars seeming keeping +80% of what they would have cost - Porsche Sheffield have a very well spec'd 22K mile 4yr old 992 C4S at £99.5k, even with £20k+ of options, this surely couldn't have been much more than £115k when it was bought??
The 992 will be a regular car for me and the family (we have an X5 for long journeys) albeit I don't do many miles (~6k). I went to a dealer to check things out and my daughter (12) can fit in the rear with my wife in the front (both ~5'3"). Coupe yes, Targa yes, Cab no. Whilst my daughter's feedback is largely from enthusiasm for the car, my wife's feedback is that any non-cab car would be 'fine' for short journeys but we wouldn't be going out for the day as a three in it.
The area I live is full of b-roads and I got rid of the X3M due to a rock hard suspension and in my wife's words being very bouncy and uncomfortable. My wife will drive it as often as me and would be on the B-roads taking my daughter to school so I need to ensure I don't get my ears chewed off that the ride is too hard. The weather where I am is also often windy and wet. Also, my wife loves the creature comforts, camera's on the car (360 if poss), heated wheel, apple car play etc.., more options the better for her.
Lastly, I am also unfortunately useless with cars... I came into company cars as my first car and have pretty much just put fuel in them. Any issues, squeaks etc.. I just took them to the garage without any concerns about cost etc... I am now out of company cars, but only had new cars with main dealers and warranties etc.. Hence, am thinking I will need to deal with an OPC to get a much comfort as I can. (Read some great posts on OPC warranty and recognise they aren't infallible but for a 1-2 yr old £100k plus purchase, gives me more comfort than an indy).
Hence, based on all the above, my gut tells me a well spec'd Carrera 4 would be the best fit for my purpose. A C4S 'could' also work but would be interested for feedback on how different the suspension would be? A GTS I am expecting may be too harsh a ride and could create severe earache from the wife, albeit she and I really like the looks of them, including the GTS Interior pack in one that we looked at last week.
So having got my wife's head around the fact that we WILL be spending £100k+ on a car I am after some feedback based on my situation above and to help navigate the market.
From what the OPC told me last week it's ~2yr's in the queue for a car and that would likely be a 992.2, though he did say 992.1's would likely come up earlier as customers want to defer to the latest model so may be able to sort me sooner. (At this stage we didn't discuss non-GTS models).
It looks like I could pick up a used GTS4 in Targa or Coupe, or even new (one is coming into the OPC this week) but might be paying a premium based on the market at the moment and will definitely be making a concession on options vs. my ideal spec. However, as per above I think this ride could be too hard, though also thinking this would put me in a 992 quickly and I could then put a deposit down for a 992.2 C4?
Nobody has a crystal ball, but my thoughts are with the long lead times on 992.1 GTS's that maybe there will be some early base C4's or C4S's coming into the market when people finally get their GT3 or GTS models.
Alternatively, I could 'try' (again need help here as it looks like you need to be in the 'club' or already have a a dealer relationship) to get my name down for a 992.2 C4 which would seem to be a sensible approach but will just be 2yr+ to get the car...
Again no crystal balls, but am concerned about buying now and immediately taking a big hit when the 992.2 is announced. I guess on a GTS there is some level of protection due to how long the cycle takes for them to arrive, but for a C4, they could even start arriving Q4 this year... That's why I can't really understand the price on that 4yr C4S at Sheffield Porsche as it looks like the 'steep' depreciation curve is going to be on the next owner?
Lastly, despite my must purchase from an OPC, if my assumption is correct that there could be more older 992.1's hitting the market as people pick up their GTS's/GT3 etc.. and knowing that an OPC warranty is transferable privately, is this an option I shouldn't rule out and that a private sale (or brokered sale) could provide good value for both the seller and myself, assuming it's been OPC serviced, maintained and has a warranty and is capable of extending it? Also, I am sure it makes a difference to the OPC, likely negatively but I don't need finance to purchase and would be choosing not to given other monthly outgoings etc... hence would be cash.
Apologies for the long post, I hope there is some good feedback. Obviously will be arranging some test drives to qualify the suspension situation and have at least 5 OPC's within 30 miles of me.
Really excited and my ideal scenario would be to get in a 992 for the summer, but would be happy to defer until next spring if it meant there being more choice on the market.
Cheers all, thank you in advice for the help.
Neither my wife nor I are petrolheads, but both 'like' cars. In the past I'd have always gone Turbo S, but as I've aged, even though I can now finally afford it, I'm thinking this would be more than my talent to handle and enjoy.
It's also a massively confusing market at the moment for a newbie, with really long lead times, over list price deals and used prices really quite odd (some 4 yr old cars seeming keeping +80% of what they would have cost - Porsche Sheffield have a very well spec'd 22K mile 4yr old 992 C4S at £99.5k, even with £20k+ of options, this surely couldn't have been much more than £115k when it was bought??
The 992 will be a regular car for me and the family (we have an X5 for long journeys) albeit I don't do many miles (~6k). I went to a dealer to check things out and my daughter (12) can fit in the rear with my wife in the front (both ~5'3"). Coupe yes, Targa yes, Cab no. Whilst my daughter's feedback is largely from enthusiasm for the car, my wife's feedback is that any non-cab car would be 'fine' for short journeys but we wouldn't be going out for the day as a three in it.
The area I live is full of b-roads and I got rid of the X3M due to a rock hard suspension and in my wife's words being very bouncy and uncomfortable. My wife will drive it as often as me and would be on the B-roads taking my daughter to school so I need to ensure I don't get my ears chewed off that the ride is too hard. The weather where I am is also often windy and wet. Also, my wife loves the creature comforts, camera's on the car (360 if poss), heated wheel, apple car play etc.., more options the better for her.
Lastly, I am also unfortunately useless with cars... I came into company cars as my first car and have pretty much just put fuel in them. Any issues, squeaks etc.. I just took them to the garage without any concerns about cost etc... I am now out of company cars, but only had new cars with main dealers and warranties etc.. Hence, am thinking I will need to deal with an OPC to get a much comfort as I can. (Read some great posts on OPC warranty and recognise they aren't infallible but for a 1-2 yr old £100k plus purchase, gives me more comfort than an indy).
Hence, based on all the above, my gut tells me a well spec'd Carrera 4 would be the best fit for my purpose. A C4S 'could' also work but would be interested for feedback on how different the suspension would be? A GTS I am expecting may be too harsh a ride and could create severe earache from the wife, albeit she and I really like the looks of them, including the GTS Interior pack in one that we looked at last week.
So having got my wife's head around the fact that we WILL be spending £100k+ on a car I am after some feedback based on my situation above and to help navigate the market.
From what the OPC told me last week it's ~2yr's in the queue for a car and that would likely be a 992.2, though he did say 992.1's would likely come up earlier as customers want to defer to the latest model so may be able to sort me sooner. (At this stage we didn't discuss non-GTS models).
It looks like I could pick up a used GTS4 in Targa or Coupe, or even new (one is coming into the OPC this week) but might be paying a premium based on the market at the moment and will definitely be making a concession on options vs. my ideal spec. However, as per above I think this ride could be too hard, though also thinking this would put me in a 992 quickly and I could then put a deposit down for a 992.2 C4?
Nobody has a crystal ball, but my thoughts are with the long lead times on 992.1 GTS's that maybe there will be some early base C4's or C4S's coming into the market when people finally get their GT3 or GTS models.
Alternatively, I could 'try' (again need help here as it looks like you need to be in the 'club' or already have a a dealer relationship) to get my name down for a 992.2 C4 which would seem to be a sensible approach but will just be 2yr+ to get the car...
Again no crystal balls, but am concerned about buying now and immediately taking a big hit when the 992.2 is announced. I guess on a GTS there is some level of protection due to how long the cycle takes for them to arrive, but for a C4, they could even start arriving Q4 this year... That's why I can't really understand the price on that 4yr C4S at Sheffield Porsche as it looks like the 'steep' depreciation curve is going to be on the next owner?
Lastly, despite my must purchase from an OPC, if my assumption is correct that there could be more older 992.1's hitting the market as people pick up their GTS's/GT3 etc.. and knowing that an OPC warranty is transferable privately, is this an option I shouldn't rule out and that a private sale (or brokered sale) could provide good value for both the seller and myself, assuming it's been OPC serviced, maintained and has a warranty and is capable of extending it? Also, I am sure it makes a difference to the OPC, likely negatively but I don't need finance to purchase and would be choosing not to given other monthly outgoings etc... hence would be cash.
Apologies for the long post, I hope there is some good feedback. Obviously will be arranging some test drives to qualify the suspension situation and have at least 5 OPC's within 30 miles of me.
Really excited and my ideal scenario would be to get in a 992 for the summer, but would be happy to defer until next spring if it meant there being more choice on the market.
Cheers all, thank you in advice for the help.
I have a 992 GTS that I’ve owned just over a year and the harsh ride rattles my fillings. I know the roads are particularly poor where I live but thinking along the lines of a “happy wife means a happy life” I’d be mindful to make sure she gets a good long test drive before you commit to a GTS.
I should add that a mate has a similar car but has PDCC. He’s spent a couple of hours driving mine and believes his is a “less crashy” ride. He also has Pirelli’s as opposed to my Goodyears and from what I can work out, the Goodyears are a higher load rating that can equate to a firmer ride.
Good luck with your search.
I should add that a mate has a similar car but has PDCC. He’s spent a couple of hours driving mine and believes his is a “less crashy” ride. He also has Pirelli’s as opposed to my Goodyears and from what I can work out, the Goodyears are a higher load rating that can equate to a firmer ride.
Good luck with your search.
I went through your process but was lucky enough to pick up a 992T built slot that I get next month.
Speak to a few local dealers, I’d wager they’ll be some cancellations with interest rates and 992.2 coming and you’ll get offered something for similar money to that 4 year old car.
I’ve always found 4wd unnecessary on a 911, they have so much traction with engine sat behind front wheels
Stanley Rous said:
rattles my fillings.
Cheers Stanley, I am definitely thinking a GTS will be too harsh and will cause marital problems Obviously I will test drive one as will the wife, and neither of us are under any illusions that the ride will be 'floaty' as even the base 992 is a sports car. I do wonder if PDDC makes a big difference. When the suspension is firm, tyres definitely I believe can make a difference, but nibbling at the edges I guess, so thinking a base model is the best starting point. Thanks for the feedback.
bennno said:
found 4wd unnecessary on a 911
Thanks for the info Benno, good to note on the 4wd as that obviously opens more options. I'll test drive a few to work through a plan, but sounds promising. Unfortunately, needing the rears a T doesn't work for us, but may get lucky with a slot, who knows?
Anyway, cheers.
BennyboyG said:
Thanks for the info Benno, good to note on the 4wd as that obviously opens more options. I'll test drive a few to work through a plan, but sounds promising.
Unfortunately, needing the rears a T doesn't work for us, but may get lucky with a slot, who knows?
Anyway, cheers.
T can be optioned with rear seats foc, that’s what I didUnfortunately, needing the rears a T doesn't work for us, but may get lucky with a slot, who knows?
Anyway, cheers.
Benelux said:
Three new 992 on porshe Web site at list price. Have a look
I looked yesterday, but Cab doesn't work. The seats must be moved slightly more than the Targa or be even more upright, though my wife was also dead against a cab anyway so expect that tainted their feedback. Plus the Targa is a GTS, which as mentioned is likely to be too stiff. Will keep looking though as I expect there will be more people bouncing to 992.2 and but unfortunately I also expect the majority coming through now will be GTS or GT3 models...
Anyway, will keep going with the search.
The Targa GTS has different suspension to the coupe and cab. It doesn’t have the 10mm lowered suspension and doesn’t have the helper springs taken from the Turbo. Something to do with weight of the roof being the reason.
I don’t know anything about this stuff, just regurgitating what I’ve read elsewhere. If the OP can test drive one, might be more appealing to his better half.
I don’t know anything about this stuff, just regurgitating what I’ve read elsewhere. If the OP can test drive one, might be more appealing to his better half.
Thanks Stanley, that certainly is interesting to know. So maybe a GTS Targa, in particular if I can get PDCC we could be on a winner!
Equally, whilst like hens teeth, I still think a base C4 (or based on other feedback even a C2) could fit the bill and pass the wife test.
Lots of fun, test drives to book, cars to hunt.
Had a good chat with my OPC and explained what I was after, my thoughts and concerns and of course my excitement to get in a 911. I am busy with work for a couple of weeks but he’s going to do some digging/searching including checking what customers he has coming back in for a trade up etc… and we’re going to get together then including some test drives then and see what’s what.
Just really exciting for me, hoping it’s one of those things where you can’t really make a bad decision and once you commit and get on the ladder seems like there is plenty of opportunity to move up or down a few rungs.
Anyway thanks again for the input.
Equally, whilst like hens teeth, I still think a base C4 (or based on other feedback even a C2) could fit the bill and pass the wife test.
Lots of fun, test drives to book, cars to hunt.
Had a good chat with my OPC and explained what I was after, my thoughts and concerns and of course my excitement to get in a 911. I am busy with work for a couple of weeks but he’s going to do some digging/searching including checking what customers he has coming back in for a trade up etc… and we’re going to get together then including some test drives then and see what’s what.
Just really exciting for me, hoping it’s one of those things where you can’t really make a bad decision and once you commit and get on the ladder seems like there is plenty of opportunity to move up or down a few rungs.
Anyway thanks again for the input.
If it’s of use I picked up my first 911 (a 992 C2S in GT Silver) a week ago.
It’s my daily, I do a similar number of miles to you a year. So far I’m finding it really practical. I can get my 4 year old and 6 year old in the back with their ISOFIX high backed booster seats and have been doing the school run, can get the electric golf trolley in the frunk and the clubs on the back seats folded down with woods removed.
My budget put me squarely in C2S territory and mine is 3 years old. I bought it from an OPC and has warranty to September 2025 which I will extend. Couldn’t really have got a GTS even if funds permitted as my drive drops away to the house and I risk grounding on pavement between road and drive. Had enough comfortable ground clearance for a C2S without the -10mm drop. The ride is pretty firm even with standard suspension so I guess a GTS would be quite harsh but try it out. One thing I do wish was that the exhaust was a bit fruitier even in Sport and with valves open it’s quite muted but very relaxed for cruising. Apart from that and an annoying creak in the drivers door card (a common issue I believe) I love the thing. I have changed the rear light bar to the Exclusive Deign one which I think cleans up the rear quite considerably.
Pics below if interested.
It’s my daily, I do a similar number of miles to you a year. So far I’m finding it really practical. I can get my 4 year old and 6 year old in the back with their ISOFIX high backed booster seats and have been doing the school run, can get the electric golf trolley in the frunk and the clubs on the back seats folded down with woods removed.
My budget put me squarely in C2S territory and mine is 3 years old. I bought it from an OPC and has warranty to September 2025 which I will extend. Couldn’t really have got a GTS even if funds permitted as my drive drops away to the house and I risk grounding on pavement between road and drive. Had enough comfortable ground clearance for a C2S without the -10mm drop. The ride is pretty firm even with standard suspension so I guess a GTS would be quite harsh but try it out. One thing I do wish was that the exhaust was a bit fruitier even in Sport and with valves open it’s quite muted but very relaxed for cruising. Apart from that and an annoying creak in the drivers door card (a common issue I believe) I love the thing. I have changed the rear light bar to the Exclusive Deign one which I think cleans up the rear quite considerably.
Pics below if interested.
Edited by 9k rpm on Wednesday 19th April 23:29
Lovely car. Glad you like it. Sounds like we are in the same boat and I have managed to get on the ladder too! (also from an OPC with long warranty as like you I wanted some comfort).
Needs to go through it’s 111 and a service so will get it in a couple of weeks but have an MY21 (June 21) C4S in Jet Black metallic with under 6,000 miles. Has most of the options I wanted but is a little plain as it’s Black on Black (Crayon Stitching) and has Satin Black Carrera S wheels. Looks tidy and suspension wise after doing some proper B roads feels like a quality ride, much more compliant than I was expecting.
Can’t wait to get in it. Previous owner didn’t ceramic coat anything or add any extra PPF, so will get that done locally and then I’m good for a couple of years.
Assuming I get on with it over the next few months, I might then get on the queue for a new one.
Still have some concerns over a depreciation bump coming with the 992.2 particularly given it’s not a GTS, but happy with the ride and means we can use the car this summer before my daughter gets too big.
Thanks for the advice, really looking forward to it! Hope you keep enjoying your and the door squeak isn’t too annoying.
Needs to go through it’s 111 and a service so will get it in a couple of weeks but have an MY21 (June 21) C4S in Jet Black metallic with under 6,000 miles. Has most of the options I wanted but is a little plain as it’s Black on Black (Crayon Stitching) and has Satin Black Carrera S wheels. Looks tidy and suspension wise after doing some proper B roads feels like a quality ride, much more compliant than I was expecting.
Can’t wait to get in it. Previous owner didn’t ceramic coat anything or add any extra PPF, so will get that done locally and then I’m good for a couple of years.
Assuming I get on with it over the next few months, I might then get on the queue for a new one.
Still have some concerns over a depreciation bump coming with the 992.2 particularly given it’s not a GTS, but happy with the ride and means we can use the car this summer before my daughter gets too big.
Thanks for the advice, really looking forward to it! Hope you keep enjoying your and the door squeak isn’t too annoying.
BennyboyG said:
Lastly, despite my must purchase from an OPC, if my assumption is correct that there could be more older 992.1's hitting the market as people pick up their GTS's/GT3 etc.. and knowing that an OPC warranty is transferable privately, is this an option I shouldn't rule out and that a private sale (or brokered sale) could provide good value for both the seller and myself, assuming it's been OPC serviced, maintained and has a warranty and is capable of extending it? Also, I am sure it makes a difference to the OPC, likely negatively but I don't need finance to purchase and would be choosing not to given other monthly outgoings etc... hence would be cash.
The Porsche warranty is transferable privately and you can also apply a warranty to a car which has its warranty expired. So dont rule out cars without warranty or buying from outside the OPC network. You can book a car in for inspection and this is a good thing to do with any used Porsche. If this throws up any items requiring attention then you can use these as negotiating points. Then once remedied the car can go back under warranty and it is the same warranty as an OPC car. This can be done with any Porsche up to 12 years old or 125000 miles I think but this is easy enough to look up.I understand you might want the reassurance of a new one, but as this sounds like you fullfilling a long held ambition to own a 911 have you considered an older one? A lot of people would say that a 997 generation car would represent peak 911 and you say you have another family car.
I was in your position last year, wanting to finally get a 911 and booted fir a 997 C2s, it’s pure 911 but still reasonably modern, and of course has the all important hydraulic power steering feel.
You could get a 997 turbo if you really wanted more power as well and it opens up the options of a manual.
I was in your position last year, wanting to finally get a 911 and booted fir a 997 C2s, it’s pure 911 but still reasonably modern, and of course has the all important hydraulic power steering feel.
You could get a 997 turbo if you really wanted more power as well and it opens up the options of a manual.
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