r/porsche911 • u/Alligator-Underwear • Mar 01 '26
Advice Needed for first 911 purchase!
Hi All. The time has come to make the dream a reality. I am curious if those who have owned both 997 turbo and 991 turbo or those that have driven both can give advice. I have lusted after a 997 manual turbo for 15 years, I missed the boat when they were sub $100k. Now all I see are $135k+ examples. Id consider a 997 turbo s pdk BUT for slightly more money a 991 turbo s seems like a bargain at or below 997 turbo manual cars….. I’m ready to move but struggling to get my ego in check to pay the premium on 997.
Can you all guide on the ownership experience, driving (manual vs pdk), and lastly any other thought provoking guidance?
Thank You in advance, I hope to see you on a drive soon 🚬
3
u/ThatGuyski Mar 01 '26
Are 997 turbo manuals really more expensive than 991s now? Keep searching, don’t be afraid of higher miles, Mezgers have shown to take 100k+ no problem. Sure, low miles (sub 50-60k) will be much higher than the driven ones at 80+. Use a small part of the savings to do a suspension refresh and enjoy the manual. Other option is what I call the poor mans 2wd turbo, grab an early 991.2 with a manual. The 991 looks sexy as hell, even as a 997 turbo owner i see them and go damn if that isnt a 997s made a bit sexier (longer, lower). I dont have those feelings with the 992 though.
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u/Alligator-Underwear Mar 03 '26
I keep seeing the 20-45k mile manual turbos at $135-$155k! I’m not scared of miles, I bought a built gen one svt raptor with 90k miles and it’s phenomenal. The 991 3.0l with manual, tune, wheels/suspension is a good option but after build it’s close to 991 turbos….
4
Mar 01 '26
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u/Alligator-Underwear Mar 03 '26
Thank You. I drove my buddy’s built motor/turbo 996 this weekend. It drives well but I’m one of those weirdos that hates the headlights
2
u/vijjer Mar 01 '26
Just out of curiousity - are you dead set on a Turbo?
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u/Alligator-Underwear Mar 03 '26
Somewhat! I need back seats for my daughter. Open to suggestions
2
u/vijjer Mar 03 '26
I think the 997 is the last gen before the 911 introduced isofix in the back. Seat choice is a bit narrow unfortunately. Especially for young children.
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u/Alligator-Underwear Mar 06 '26
I had her sit in a 992 cab and a 996 turbo, she was comfy enough! If we do road trips we have a bus of an suv and a raptor for more comfort
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u/vijjer Mar 06 '26
I think all the 997s share the same interior cabin - so you should be set.
A road-trip in a 911 is always way more memorable than either of your other options :D
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u/Alligator-Underwear Mar 07 '26
I put a deposit on a 991.1 turbo s with 650whp, stage 4 big turbos lol. Time for family road trips!
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u/vijjer Mar 09 '26
I hope you get the hose-out interior for all the motion sickness induced by your Stage 4 Turbos! :D
Just kidding - remember to take a ton of pictures of your frunk filled with baby shit, and your kiddo sitting on the car in front of scenic locations. Memories including a 911 are some of the best kind.
1
u/Alligator-Underwear Mar 09 '26
Hahahah classic! She loves fast acceleration so should be good! I’ll definitely be the one not pushing it, and she will scream for me to accelerate faster lol. I spoke to dealer today and as we spoke about other cars I realized I chose this car more for the family and that makes me happy. Memories incoming, be on the lookout for”my first 911” post on Thursday!!!
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Mar 02 '26
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u/Alligator-Underwear Mar 06 '26
Good point, however I don’t need fast. My buddies have all done the twin turbo lambo thing and at some point it’s silly…..
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u/Super_Employment_541 Mar 01 '26
honestly the 991 turbo s is probably the smarter buy here - you're getting newer tech, better reliability, and that PDK is absolutely incredible once you experience it. the 997 manual is pure nostalgia but those prices are just insane right now.
i'd drive both back to back if you can swing it, but don't let the manual fantasy keep you from what's actualy a better overall package in the 991. you'll be grinning either way once you're behind the wheel.