I'm just starting to think seriously about buying a 911. At this point, it's probably going to be a 2006. I think it's going to be a coupe and probably not the "S", although I might change my mind on that. I drove a 2005 Carrera Coupe yesterday at the dealer and was quite impressed.

My main reasons for coming here are to find out what people think about the different models (coupe vs. cabriolet, "S" vs. base model, etc.). It seems like it's possible to make the car real expensive, real fast by adding a bunch of options which probably don't make much difference in the great scheme of things.

And finally, I'd love to know what colors people like. I've owned several silver cars (including a silver TT-225) and currently own a grey Acura (which I'd keep). Remarkably enough, I'm kind of leaning towards Speed Yellow with a black interior.

 

The main reason behind the Porsche pricing is all the goodies you can add on ... of course always depends on your pocket book as well

I am a native Angeleno so I can not imagine drving a coupe when I have the Cabrio option!

 

Perhaps if I lived in the LA area, I might feel the same way. But, I live in NJ. I figure that, realistically speaking, I'll spend more than half of the year with the top up.

 

I kept my 911 rather simple, as the great array of extras are very superficial. I have PASM with 18in wheels, as the 19in add harshness to the ride on anything but a racetrack, given the garbage roads most of us have to use. PASM is great for bumps, but does not do much for 'expansion' joints in the roads. The wide tires still go bumm-thump. It must be bad with the 19in. A number of road testers have noted e.g. Paul Frere in Road and Track, that while the 3.8 engine is very strong, for 15K$ less the 3.6 is a 1st choice for many. Just drop it down a gear and you have enough to hold the average S model. It is only 0.5 sec slower to 100kph or over the 1/4 mile. I have also heard that the standard suspension is more compliant with 18in wheels, than with the PASM with 18in, as the PASM comes with stiffer spoirngs due to the lower ride-height.
Compared to the 1996 NSX, the 911 PASM 18in is miuch better over things like railroad croosings, and significant bumps, but not much different on expansion joints. I am stuck at 4250rpm, and running the 911 in, and that means everything, not just engine, so I have not exceeded 130kph, and won't for a while. The NSX high speed ride (above 140kpm) is fabulous as the shocks have multiple valving for ride at high speed, and I do not know if the 911 can match that. The 911 is really nice ----- but the NSX was and is still a fabulous car!

KIWICannuck

 

I am very concerned that the people buying 997-Carreras are not using this site more? I asked for advice before buying mine and it took 5 months before one of the many who read it, knew enough to give advice. I had it by then.

When I raised this, the web owner, accused me of 'bad mouthing' him. It seems that in a free society like Canada and the US , such honest questions should be allowed? Such dialogue might bring out suggestions from the readership as to how to expand the use of the site?

I fear the 'owner' will again prevent this message from being sent out. And if he removes me from the web-site-----so be it!

KIWICannuck