I agree with you in principle but the worth of a vehicle like a 997 drops dramatically past the 60K-70K mile mark. If you drive it 10K miles a year for six years, you're going to get hammered on depreciation when you sell it.

It's one thing to lose an extra 20% in value on a car that cost $30K. It's another to lose it on a car that cost $80K.

 

Personally, if I ever get a car like that, I'll have a daily driver/beater for poor weather and general duties and just take the "nice car" out in perfect weather. Sometimes it's more enjoyable to use something less often so it doesn't become common.

Using 370 hp on a daily basis means that you soon want 450 hp. That gets expensive.

 

I use my 997 as my DD, every day except snow. It's a wonderful car to commute in. It's not an exotic, so in my view it should be driven as often as possible. Admittedly, my commute is only 7 miles each way, but it's in Washington Dc, so that's a fair amount of time ( ).

I'm not sure how I'd come out on the "buy now or wait for 998" issue. The arguments about being able to see the difference or maybe getting a good deal on a new 997 make sense. But otoh the economy is improving, and Porsche is hurting right now, so the deal you can get right now might be awfully good. And that gives you an extra year to enjoy the car!

 

I would definitely not hesitate on using the 997 as a daily driver. Heck, if I lived in a snowy area I would pick up a 4 wheel drive model and slap on some snow tires. Your line of reasoning is also very sound. Wait for the new model and decide if it's worth the premium.

Maintenance costs are actually very reasonable.

911 (997 since Model Year 2005)
Engine oil 20,000 miles or every 2 years
Spark plugs 60,000 miles or every 4 years
Oil-filter element 20,000 miles or every 2 years
Air-filter element 40,000 miles or every 4 years
Fuel filters are maintenance-free
Coolant does not require changing

They might have upped the intervals for oil changes but they're still few and far between.

 

Ted,

my buddy just leased a 2009 997 c2s cab. It's phenomonal. We test drove a boxter s and there was no comparison. To me the 997 was incredible. It's so well designed. I would though wait for the 998 to compare. Plus if you get a 997, get a 997.2. The upgrades are worth it.

 

what is a 997.2?

 

The updated 997 (more power, PDK transmission, slightly changed looks, etc, etc)

 

I agree completely. Driving the 997.2 was phenomenal... I'm crossing my fingers the 998 isn't noticeably better, and I can get away with picking up a 997.2 C2S Coupe for "cheap."

 

997 prices on used have tanked. Even the factory is offering financing at 0.9-1.9 on new! That being said, the last year 997.2s will be cheap when the 998 releases. The 997.1 prices tanked when the 997.2 dropped.

 

I'd garage queen a 997. Maybe it's just the fact that to me that's a very expensive car.