Oh, a Porsche is too
expensive for me. I
would love to drive
one but it is simply
out of the question.
Or is it?
Porsche is a master of
offering differing en-
gines and equipment
levels that add to the
car’s cost.
It goes something like –
add ceramic brakes and
it will be an additional
$2,000. Add a sport
package and it will
be $4,500. Add an
S model and it will
be $15,000. And add
the twin-turbo and it
will be an additional $40,000. And do not forget the options!
But what about the ‘base’ Porsche 911 (997)? It is the second generation
of the water cooled engine in a very modern offering. As it is the second
generation water-cooled unit (the first water cooled 911 was the 996 that
arrived in 1999), the engine’s shortcomings have been worked out.
So what does the 997 offer? Well let’s start be identify what it does not
offer. Total 911 explains, “Sure, a wide-bodied 997 Carrera 4S with
four-wheel drive, active suspension, double-clutch seven speed automatic
transmission, heated and ventilated seats and the like can be astonishingly
capable machine, but all of this delivery can leave you somewhat removed
from the 911 driving experience.” In other words, the base 997 offers
refinement and motoring capabilities of a modern Porsche but with a
healthy dose of straight forward character of Porsches past.
The 997 is equipped with a 3.6-liter flat-six engine providing 325 hp, a 0-60
time of 5.0 seconds, and a top speed of 177 mph. To be sure, there are other
Porsches that are faster (but how much faster do you really need?), however,
they cost significantly more money. Additionally, the base 997 is equipped
with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The car handles twisty roads with supreme confidence. Additionally. it is a
capable long distance cruiser on the highway. The brakes are powerful and
the fuel economy is reasonable at up to 32 mpg.
On the inside, you have comfortable seats, a modern dash layout, rear
fold-down seat storage as well as front boot storage. Because of the car’s
modern design, maintenance costs are surprisingly reasonable. And
without the extra power equipment like seats and sun roof, such items
cannot go wrong down the road. Sometimes keeping it simple is a good
way to go!
And what will a 997 Porsche cost you. Well, a used 5-6 year old 997
will cost about $30,000. And in due time with the financial crisis, even
$25,000 is not out of the question. Considering that new Porsche 911s
start at about $70,000 and go up to $140,00 or more, the price for the
base used 997 is quite compelling.
If you get the chance to drive a Porsche 997, (2004-2008) I say you
should do it!
Sometimes the basic things in life are indeed the best. I think that the
Porsche 997 is clearly one of them!
Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best
for the Price…” www.DriveTheBestBook.com.
