Porsche 911 Carrera 997.2 | Ideal Balance

We review the Porsche 911 Carrera 997.2 to determine if this is one of the best value sports cars on the used market. With prices climbing on new cars finding something fun and reliable on the used market gets tricky. This Porsche is the golden goose of the used market in terms of durability and may make a perfect mid-level used car.
#porsche #usedcar #911
Thanks to Joe, (Owner) Alan Fowler Music for Outtro
Index:
00:00 - 01:22 Intro
01:22 - 3:28 Interior Impressions
3:28 - 6:30 Mechanical- Front Suspension and Body and Cooling
6:30 -11:22 Rear Suspension, Motor, and Problems
11:22 - 18:20 Driving Impressions
18:20 Final Thoughts

[@Chin_Face]

Finally, a car I can eat spaghetti in without worry

[@MixingGBP]

😂😂😂

[@jpdp3339]

Not that one, its too nice

[@hamfishpen]

🍝💯

[@drewjehoich3100]

Bad advice, my 911 smells like spaghetti sauce.

[@ronniedarko2536]

Mrs Spaghetti would be so proud.

[@Samsgarden]

The lack of buttons, a busy dash and stupid screen is refreshing

[@paulpellico3797]

agree. discussing cars the other day online and trying to explain to all the korean suv lovers, the REAL truth is the truth in 10 years. what is still working? what is still not peeled or cracked? what looks outdated and screams 10 years old or is that an 8 track??? keep it simple, stupid. car reviewers want it both ways. they adore the modern car and then dismiss a simple interior as poor.

[@ZDY66666]

That thing still does have a lot of buttons 😂. It’s just not stupid is all.

[@LaxMerange]

i noticed that too. no steering wheel buttons is a great look . i love that look

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

I wish Mitsubishi could make an Evo 9 today AS IT IS from the factory today, it's one of my dream cars, a simple interior with a proper engine and transmission with a rally AWD system in a C segment 4 door saloon body, no gimmicks, no nonsense and excessive safety gizmos, but I'll keep dreaming or find an example that hasn't been raped and abused with cheap mods put into them

[@simongchadwick]

The manual handbrake is also great to see.

[@BeanieNinjay0]

What trim pieces and accents would you like to be in red? Owner: yes

[@r7z859]

Wtf its not funny anymore gtfo

[@Dowlphin]

@@r7z859 It's not even the worst application of that tiresome unwitty meme that I have found. In this case, I can kinda see it work.

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

As it should be.

[@r7z859]

@@Dowlphin talks a guy with profile pic of my little pony? Tf

[@davidweston9115]

From 1903-1985, coloured interiors were normal and available in all cars, even the least espensive ones. It wasn't until recently that colours were removed to save money and keep choices to a minimum. Now we are offered, grey, beige, taupe, neutral, charcoal etc. All crap. Another thing is even if you do get a coloured interior, 50% of the parts are still black regardless, because it limits cost and inventory.

[@joelbosso1331]

The guy with the red barn has to be tired of Mark's shenanigans by now

[@hereigoagain5050]

LoL! Maybe Mark owns it and shoots videos on animal husbandry there. But don't look in the cellar :)

[@georgiapatriot4575]

I keep expecting a deer to pop out of one of those fields and dart a cross in front of him.

[@Alex.AL_26]

@@georgiapatriot4575 I live in that area and drive the rural roads of McHenry County quite often and have never had any deer run out in front of me, they tend to prefer more wooded areas.

[@raykunik4702]

I’ve owned 2011 C2S 6sp and 2012 GTS 6sp. And have extensively driven almost every series generation. 997.2 is a very special car and will do very well over the long-term. Bullet proof engine and excellent drive feel with some good soul. Also have a 951s and love it.

[@acchaladka]

Cheers for the 951 club, i miss mine now.

[@georgiapatriot4575]

Not sure you should jinx them by calling them bulletproof. I'm a 996.2 owner and as a close follower of Jake Raby, he's seeing the bore scoring issues that first appeared in the M96 engines working it's way into the newer engines. To me, bullet proof implies you can treat them carelessly and they'll be fine. Instead, I'd say that if you keep the cylinders properly oiled and cooled, then they'll last a long time. This means keeping injectors from leaking and changing the oil every 6 months if you're not driving it much. Also, Raby has said that the DI engines are suffering from problems caused by detonation. Regardless of vintage, I think we'll all agree that a failed engine in a Porsche is going to cost big bucks to resolve.

[@christianstark1055]

@@georgiapatriot4575 I have switched exclusively to Driven DI synthetic per Baby's advice.

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

Is the GTS with the extra $15k-20k? I’m in the market for a 997.2 C2S or Gts 6mt to replace my 09 c2 pdk

[@timochey]

How do you find the 997.2 compared to the 991?

[@jamest5149]

Porsche are doing OEM retro fit Apple car play infotainment units now for older models. Might answer one of your concerns around old tech and connectivity 👍

[@fookie-fone]

I absolutely love the “Marry a Doctor or a Stripper” analogy!

[@jfgaudreault6519]

Can't believe that line made it to the final cut loll

[@CarlVandenberg]

Better yet, marry the doctor who paid her way through medical school by moonlighting as a stripper. 😏

[@palmermonsen9098]

@@CarlVandenberg what car would that be?

[@craigk.5823]

@@palmermonsen9098 That car has to be the new C8 Corvette !

[@michaelschneider-]

@@CarlVandenberg .. Give that man a cigar! Correct answer is; Marry a Doctor who’s afforded medical school as a Striper. That cracks me up.

[@ForgetfulFoot]

This is one of my dream cars. I managed to own a 987.2 Manual Cayman for a bit before committing to a mortgage and owning a house. I now own a ND MX5 (cheaper car/cheaper insurance etc). The Mazda puts a smile on my face every time I drive it, but I miss the Porsche everyday.

[@RobSchlegel]

FORGETFULFOOT I just got a 987.2 Cayman and sold my ND. I agree with you. The ND is a fantastic car and super fun. I wish I could have kept it. But the Porsche has a layer of soul and specialness that the ND lacks. Mods and parts are insanely more expensive though.

[@MixingGBP]

Same here...one day it'll happen again.

[@revmatchtv]

I had a 987.1 S. My only complaint was the tall gearing. It also wasn’t a great daily as it was quite loud and stiff, but man, it was such a connected car.

[@ForgetfulFoot]

@@RobSchlegel Yeah I actually went from an ND MX5, to a 987.2 in Aqua Blue Metallic, then had a few more cars, then back to the ND again. The main reason I think MX5s are so great is that you can still have a great time if you unfortunately need to put your finances in other more important places. Its a good compromise car for the dude on a average/slightly above average income.

[@speedcanada1]

I sold my 1992 NA in 1999 to get into Porsches, all of which I've loved... but I also missed my Miata every day. I finally bought a 1999 NB1 to add to the 997.2 C2S , and find it refreshing to drive a car I can run up to the limiter shift after shift yet barely break the speed limit, or drift around a roundabout without going some insane speed.

[@amrit10]

The look of disappointment on Jack's face as Mark breaks down the car at 17:55 is hilarious

[@Liplip40]

Great review. One note: Everybody always who claims 2+2s don’t have space in the rear don’t have kids.

[@speedcanada1]

Yes, this was actually a great "family sports car" until this year - my 12yo no longer fits in the back, and the 10yo wouldn't be very comfortable.

[@Ehal256]

I fit in the back of one of these. Not "comfy", but I'd do it for an hour or so just because its fun to ride in.

[@thatcopenguy]

I honestly would love a 2+2 just because it has space in the back for my stuff so I don't have to use the trunk all the time.

[@ChaddLackey]

Jack: It has been an absolute pleasure watching you grow as a presenter. Now your ability to convey the information is as compelling as your depth of knowledge. Congrats!

[@jackholmes8105]

Thank you chadd. I appreciate it

[@palmermonsen9098]

@@jackholmes8105 it has made these videos that much better, your presentation with mark is not something found anywhere else

[@mikeymonty]

So.. why are you Jack "Singapore"!?

[@uGotGot1618]

Big thank you, Joe, for letting them have their way with this car and the Z3 clown shoes

[@basithph8958]

The 997 is one of the best looking Porsches ever made Man it has aged so well!

[@loading...7583]

It looks like a big eyed fish. I always hated that design. I don’t know why they keep that on every porsche

[@maristoldboys5466]

Beautiful proportions rival Aston Martins

[@danrook5757]

The Audi 5 coupe is also timeless

[@lightness1701]

Dang, I never expected to see you outside of the TG forums. (Janitor_genie here)

[@basithph8958]

@@lightness1701 lol I'm EVERYWHERE Pleasure to meet you I haven't been on the comment section for a while I've been busy but glad to meet a fellow commenter from TG forums

[@poker_18rs92]

I love watching these videos before work.

[@weirdshibainu]

I love watching at work

[@erikhaw7313]

weirdshibainu 😂😅

[@tylerthenormal9059]

Such a beautiful car, even 10 years later. Love that interior and exterior.

[@autocrosseverything]

I've been to a few Porsche Club of America autocross events this year and this model always stuck out to me. Like he was saying, it seems like the perfect balance of modern (without being obnoxious) yet old enough to make it feel like an actual car.

[@1970borntorun]

Not unlike comparing an E90 BMW with actual steering feel and a playful chassis, to the F30 with the artificial, chalky-steering feel from the electric rack, and soggy road dynamics.

[@mperformance3502]

E90 has crap steering feel too

[@user-or9ey2ld6s]

Remember: It may be a 50k car now, but still requires parts for a 120k car.

[@Syncopia]

That's what makes it a 50k buy-in

[@dantediss1]

My father always told me.. ( Porsche and Jag specifically ) Whatever the car cost's to buy... Save double that ! Because more than likely that is what you will be spending in maintenance and repairs.

[@erikhaw7313]

😭

[@aygwm]

Engine in the back means you have to bend over to fix it.

[@CB-xf6jc]

Good thing Porsches are pretty damn reliable. But it is indeed pricey.

[@jamest5149]

The GT 911’s are the screaming hard edge cars, the Carrera isn’t supposed to be ‘this’ it’s the every day 911.

[@JayMaverick]

Love you guys' dry wit and the sort of review style that's relevant to the everyman.

[@carlosdorantes3105]

Watching this 2 years later makes me want to cry......because NOW 997.2s are $$$$$$$$

[@Ryan-yl9kl]

Thank you for letting Mark and Jack review this car! These Porsches are ageless and just beautiful.

[@autonewstv86]

Great video as always, I love watching these videos before work.

[@MasterMalrubius]

Before, during, after . . . :-D

[@negahplz1156]

I love watching them at work. And by work I mean at home in my pajamas muted on conferences calls

[@julianc.6589]

@@negahplz1156 can confirm, it's the best time to watch these

[@LaxMerange]

@@negahplz1156 lol ,,,, me too one earbud youtube, other conf call

[@chuckcribbs3398]

I love watching them during work...LOL.

[@cmra82]

Love your videos. Masterful production value without taking yourselves too seriously. Honest reviews for real car guys, focusing on what real car guys care about. And Mark's demeanor, which says "I love cars but I'm disappointed that the asteroid hasn't hit yet"

[@julianwright5120]

Compliments on the pitch of this video. I feel like you bring the experience and technical highlights of the car to life in a really engaging and somehow more informative way than most other videos reviewing the same car!

[@MrMoxes]

0:55 It's like a 90's intro montage to a serial show. Love it & the 996/997. Really diggin the Porsche love. :-)

[@billhurt62]

After years of looking, I finally found my perfect first 911. It’s a 2011 997.2 series 911 Carrera S Cabriolet 6-sp manual in triple black. It’s still under 40k miles but I do drive it often. I’ve had it almost 2 yrs and it seems values on this one are stable if not increasing. I don’t care, I love it & hope to keep it!

[@machina_spirit]

Loving the music as always, just adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the already stellar reviews!

[@WFO.]

Every video, you guys teach me something. Thank you! Keep up the great work!

[@smiles1151]

As always, very informative! Looking forward to the 992 review

[@nedzadcavka8741]

40-60k, this is something you and I could afford to buy. Not me lol

[@loading...7583]

What a peasant, lol

[@astronmr20]

You can get a decent 997 for less.

[@healthiswealth6797]

But the facelift doesn't suffer from IMS-bearing that's why they keep there money over 997.1

[@1badboykiller1]

Not us!

[@PauloSantos-rm1mt]

Does this guy think we are all rich?? Most of us fight to put food in the table each meal...

[@marka.2484]

Yet another great video of you guys. Thanks for letting me enjoy your thoroughly, good reviews.

[@splatt0316]

Loved this video - watched it a few times!! I haven't driven a manual in decades but when dude was about to put the hammer down and was in reverse, I hit the floor!! Great video and love the 997.2!!

[@Tim51564]

I bought my 997.1 manual carrera for $29k with 53k miles, its been basically free to maintain and it now has nearly 80k miles after just a year - worth

[@ridgewoodgardens6253]

Peak of Jack’s reviews - man has become a great reviewer.

[@jackholmes8105]

Thanks. It has been a constant struggle. I appreciate the kind words

[@jasonehall1]

Just came here as suggested by Google and, Wow. What a beautifully put together vid, with what is still one hell of a beautiful car. Definitely subscribing.

[@joshuajacome8803]

God knows I love this channel so much. Thanks for delivering so much every damn time.

[@alister_grigg]

I owned and drove a manual 997.2 C2S daily for 5 years, put 50,000km on it. It was the best car I have ever owned in over 40 years of driving. Period.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Another commenter here said he owned one for a year and will never own another.

[@britishcomposers]

Very informative and useful. These are THE cars to own now as they are set to go up as every good dealer out there that specialises in this generation cannot get enough of them; regularly showing 'deposit taken' , 'reserved' or 'sold' within days of being listed on-line.

[@clohessey]

I bought my 997 in 2005 and it does not do rain it has never been washed I clean it with distilled water and use a steamer for the wheels it is covered in my garage when not being used and does not have scratch on it My neighbours give me grief after every drive I clean the ca even spraying the tyres with high gloss foam. 50 k miles full serviced history I am 75 and a farmer friend of mine has offered to Bury me in the car when my time is up I have now got a mini Cooper due this month so I can use it daily. First fell in love with 911 when delivering papers in 1964 saw one and got the sack as I spend 30 minutes just looking at the car A sad old man who still feels as I did driving a fire engine in city of London in 1971 when I just drive in norfolk countryside where cars are rare The only fault is that my Bruce springstein greatest hits is in the cd and will not eject Porsche said it would cost too much to remove Any suggestions are welcome

[@aiGeis]

Thanks a ton for offering up your cars Joe!

[@flewis763]

A note for the brakes. The first gen pccb were available on the 996 turbo. Second the 997.2 base did see a slight caliper redesign on the 997.2 base. They also went to 330mm+28mm rotors front and rear vs the .1 base was 318mmx28mm front and 299mm×24mm rear. Both used 4 piston calipers front and rear

[@TooTallTang]

I've been watching these for a while now, and their prices are going up. This is further compounded by the fact that the 997.2 was sold during the last recession and are very rare. Meanwhile, 991 prices are still going down, so at some point, I think the 991 looks better but this is the last of the more "mechanical" 911s.

[@m1l3s27]

Yeah man they are. My uncle has a clean fairly low mileage one he loves (silver on black manual 997.2) and I was surprised how much he's selling it for (around 60ish last I checked). Holding they're value stupid well. Just a carrera.

[@dtschlack]

They produce about 76k and twice as many .1s

[@driveri1435]

These are far from rare.

[@RingFotoDeBoerCoevorden]

There are simply more than twice as many 997.1s. 15,146 Carrera and 35,570 Carrera S models in the 997.2 compare to 34,401 Carrera and 73,496 Carrera S models before the facelift. About 20% 997.2’s are manual.

[@masteryayi]

Fantastic video! Very informative. Love the part about the development history of the 997.2 and knowing the differences between prior generations. 👏🏿👌🏿👍🏿

[@nicholasdean3869]

These types of reviews are the best content for me. A car I could actually own, it's origin and it's weak spots all in one video is amazing. I enjoy the hell out of history and besides Top Gear, Grand Tour and Throttle House ya'll are the very best in the car journalism industry. Speaking of history tell your partner thank you for the railroad......

[@warrena8990]

Love this car! I have a 997.2 carrera MT with low mileage and has gone up 5~10k in value in just 6 months 😝crazy! I wish I could afford and maintain an air cooled 911 but I am very happy with this 2010!👍🏼 enjoy your 911’s if you’re fortunate enough to own one. Safe driving to all✌🏼

[@infidel900rr]

Love these car. And I agree that this is from the golden era of driving engagement. Thanks to the owner!

[@darientorino9259]

The best in the business in terms of the engineering review (in the shoppe segment). Also like how they summarize the review BRAVO.

[@reggiechin230]

That's on my "bucket list" for dream cars. You guys did a great video as usual.

[@762x69]

Thank you Joe!!

[@Ipwnnoobs7]

These things hold their value stupidly well. They're great to drive and reliable as well. I'd argue that they're probably the safest investment that you can actually enjoy on a daily basis in terms of depreciation.

[@panthers865]

I agree. This generation 911 and the subsequent Cayman (987.2) all hold their values so well. They are all reliable and provide an engaging driving experience for the money.

[@pranavp386]

@Koala Man Other German sports cars. Not to a corolla.

[@panthers865]

@@pranavp386 you understand.

[@charlesdr1981]

@Koala Man RC-F is beauty.Great choice 👍

[@panthers865]

@Koala Man good choice on the RC-F. Will be the most reliable car you could buy out of all of them. I purchased a BMW once before and had the same issues. Leaking coolant and oil everywhere (only owned it for 7 months-purchased as a CPO) and the roof liner fell apart.

[@K1dPhresh1]

Damned good review. Insightful and informative. Appreciated the under car chat about the improvements over the 997.1.

[@miniapplesun]

Wow, been about 6 months since I watched some savagegeese and all of the sudden your almost 500k subs! Glad your getting the recognition you deserve guys!

[@romero1337]

Thank you Joe!!!

[@johnshaw3208]

Thanks Joe, That's a great daily driver.

[@z06camaro]

I drove a 997 gt3 on the track and I had a 'never meet your heros' moment. Shifter felt vauge, steering wasnt as its been touted, terminal untersteer, unless you lift your foot a millimeter, then is becomes a whiplash machine. This was on ps4s's. I hopped back in my s2000 and enjoyed my razor sharp front end and wicked lateral G's I could pull.

[@ArneuTube]

this is an excellent video, your content is consistently great! you deserve so much more views and subscribers.

[@engared]

The manuals are rare.... Probably one of the best cars ever made imho.

[@nateisright]

I second. It’s so good. My white whale is the 997.2 S, manual. It’s the first car I fell in love with during the test drive. It was like seeing the future. The controls are perfect. Clutch pedal feels engineered. Shifter is perfect. The power is deceptive, and omg the noises. Closest to the spirit of 993. Love, love, love it.

[@dezinetech1000]

Beautiful 997! Love the color combo! One of my favorite color combos. This car is definitely worth the $50k fee. It ages well, drives well, looks good, what else can you ask for? Will other modern $50k look this good after 10yrs? Don’t think so.

[@JBlandie]

Dude, I saw the title and tapped on it. While waiting for the page to load I said aloud "ooh I hope this is a savage geese! ... Yeah-haha!" You do a great job, buddy. Congrats on your success.

[@JurisKankalis]

The research these guys put into the videos is mind-gurgling.

[@undottedly5909]

Requesting a 987 boxster review. Trying to bring that $$ amount even lower haha

[@dougrobinson8602]

Yes. Early Boxster or Cayman. Reasonably affordable, and many were not daily driven. Great value today, but won't stay that way long. As the price of entry into modern sports cars climbs, and production numbers drop, early 2000's and late '90's sporting hardware will continue to appreciate in value. Let some attorney eat the depreciation, and accumulate a stack of dealer service records. Then swoop in and reap the benefits of his/her financial folly.

[@dawnpoint]

“Analog” was the first word that came to mind when I drove my friend’s 997.

[@keenanfitzpatrick9104]

I really really like these reviews on older cars. This one, the Viper and the F-type videos were phenomenal.

[@Rudenbehr]

His voice sounded really soothing in this presentation, fitting for a Porsche.

[@leokal457]

Awesome video like always! It just wouldve been really nice to distinguish better between the 997.1 and the 997.2. The motor in the 997.1 was far from bombproof. It actually had more and more important way more expensive failures than the motor of the 996.2 which was actually really reliable

[@SavageTriple7]

Crazy how the prices went up from only like 1 1/2 years ago. Would love to get to drive one of these one day.

[@trollmastermike52845]

Like 90k to 100k now

[@taylorlangley900]

I hope they do go down in the next 2 years. I'm really wanting buy one and the one he has in the video for 50k is immaculate. The ones for 50k now are 15 years old and have 100k miles

[@BrainFuck10]

They were under valued for too long, the values will stay high because 911’s age well

[@willynice748]

I love my 911 2009 PDK C4 I went looking back in early 2018 because of the engineering changes its an unbelievable value so happy it is my favorite drive this is a car you drive across the country so comfortable the price keeps going up regardless of mileage love your video thank you

[@Audidude]

Great video as usual, thanks. Your comment at 17min is that it wasn’t exciting enough, no screaming engine, too refined. The Z4 M Coupe from the same time gives you all of that! One shares space in my garage with a 996.2 C2 manual, a less refined more analogue car than this too, although either would do :)

[@docjohnson2874]

Well done gentlemen......good points all, as usual.....agree with Samsgarden, lack of useless tech and distracting computer screen is refreshing

[@alexb4030]

Great video as always! Hopefully we could also see a review of the 991.2 GT3 with a manual one day.

[@skosik4860]

Love the pictures of apparently Wisconsin landscape. Good memories to my year in WI. 997.2 is awesome! Love mine to pieces.

[@phillipgrint9016]

Thanks guys for the great video. I just bought my 2012 C4 base cabriolet PDK wide body, one of the last 997.2 made before the change over to the 991 about a year ago, late March of 2022, car only had 25,025 miles on it, I now have 27,050 on it. I very much love putting the top down on a nice day versus a coupe, can't do that in a coupe. I'm glad that I bought the .2 for all those reasons you had mentioned in your video.

[@bullsnyyfan4442]

Hey Mark and Jack, thank you for putting out high quality videos and reviews week in and out. Could you say when the 992 review will be coming out?

[@jackholmes8105]

Within the next 3 weeks

[@Brett7777]

@@jackholmes8105 I have a quick question. The 991 or is 991.2 more reliable and better car overall.

[@anthonydeluca6966]

These 997s are definitely gonna start increasing in value for nice ones with the manual most likely. If u can get one in the 40s with lower mileage I think its a solid investment

[@thedudeabides1443]

Agreed. But as of right now, low mileage 997.2s with manual for $40k simply don’t exist. They are now north of $60k.

[@DonBMW]

You want that emotional connection. All you need is a drive after a rainy day in an E36 M3 or a Honda S2000. Best times ever!

[@natemallory9141]

Thank you for this excellent comprehensive video

[@laurenbina4188]

Thanks for letting all of us check out your sweet car, Joe! Too bad it's "too good" for Mark to like 🤣

[@DoctorSoftie]

Thank you for doing a base C2!

[@M5S]

A very detailed review! Many thanks from Sweden

[@trevordell77]

What a beautiful car and you two guys knowledge is a breath of fresh air to see Wonderful video wonderful car

[@bryanbusch6419]

I’m gonna say it. I like the red interior a lot particularly on a dark color. It’s not a super bright shade at all and you kinda gotta put red on everything at that point or else like a lot of e46 M3s and M coupes with the two tone it’ll look like autozone seat covers or some tasteless Barrett Jackson resto mod.

[@jpic6098]

As owner of this car I have never had a problem pairing my IPhone X with it. Not sure what Jack is referring to in his comment.

[@JasenDelgado]

It was an option in these cars. My 997.2 has no tech/bluetooth/aux funtion but the cars with the option have all the connectivity ports in the armrest storage compartment. After doing the fister muffler bypass and billy boat center muffler delete I don’t ever feel the need to connect to Bluetooth tho 😏

[@GTSCarLife]

The iPhone X is the last iPhone to pair reliably. Believe me. The iPhone 11seems to connect, but constantly cuts out. It's a known problem.

[@DC5Brandon]

Same. My 987.2 has the same PCM 3.0 and I never had trouble pairing my 2 year old LG android.

[@dtschlack]

I never have a problem with pairing my android either!

[@sverrefossmo3950]

The iPhone 12 Pro seems to pair and function normally (just got the phone so no long term testing done, but so far it seems to function as well as with the X) That’s for phone only, no bluetooth audio streaming. Using an Invery Airdual dongle for that stuff, connects to the USB and AUX ports under the armrest. Works pretty well, gives me track names from Spotify/Podcast/Apple Music/whatnot in the PCM :-) (This is a .2 2011 PCM 3)

[@golfdino]

Great vid, I traded my 997.2 C2 for a 991.2 C4S this past summer and this video makes me miss my 997.2 and wish I could have kept it. The video is spot on, as the carrera base model is all the power you really need. After 10 years, you just want more but really not necessary items such as more exhaust note, more power, more tech, but you pay for it. But for someone who dreams of 911 - definitely the best car to start out with if you dont want the IMS bearing issues of the previous years. PDK is the best transmission for LA traffic and the stick for everywhere else. But everyone just wants the 992 GT3 when it comes out next year!

[@bilakh7]

Thank you Joe. You are amazing

[@needmetal3221]

Repair costs keep it from being a "beater". Nice car though

[@TheImperfectGuy]

I mean, not real repairs needed outside of the most basic maintenance And parts in case of a crash

[@needmetal3221]

@@TheImperfectGuy that's the hope

[@stonecoldcustoms]

​ @TheImperfectGuy @need metal Exactly - you hope. My friend had one, immaculate condition, low miles, but it still had problems regularly such as faulty sensors. A visit to the dealership to diagnose and fix was an automatic $1,000-$2,000.

[@allanchu264]

@@stonecoldcustoms With so many great indy pcar shops around, there should be no reason to take a 10year old car to the dealership for anything. I'm super happy with my 997.2 that I got this past July!

[@stonecoldcustoms]

@@allanchu264 Depends on where you live - not so many great Indy car shops around in Canada. All of eastern canada has a population of like 2,000,000 people for 4 provinces.

[@alangil5335]

Mark's exhaust noise complaint is easily remedied with the Sharkwerks center muffler bypass and added to a model that has the Porsche Sports Exhaust it sounds great (or any number of other aftermarket exhausts). Also, the 'S' adds another 40hp which is for sure noticeable as well as larger brakes and PASM is standard. I picked an 997.2 'S' 6-speed last year for a weekend car with a bit more than double the miles of the car featured for less than $50k but still in mint-ish condition. Because PDK came out this generation and because of the lower numbers of production due to the recession a 6-speed 997.2 is a bit rare. I also strongly considered a 991.1 S. The 991 is more refined without the harsh tire noise, arguably better looking and the interior is much more modern, but I felt they were not fully depreciated yet (may be getting close now). For those arguing that $50k is a lot of money for a 10 year old car, you are correct. But you need to factor in depreciation. If you get a good deal, the car will still be worth 90% of its value 5 years hence. Buy something new-ish for $60k and it will be worth half in 5 years - that is $30k of real money. Also the 997.2 is fairly reliable when compared other 10 year old high performance German models. My only complaint is the interior can be prone to rattles which is very annoying given the quality expectations. Oh, and my phone works fine with the bluetooth and it does have USB audio integration.

[@ktran991]

Great comment. Should have gotten more 👍s.

[@ahemgee9542]

Have been looking for 997.2 C4S manual but they're super rare . The pdk is good but not as engaging and age related issues that are potentially non serviceable are scary.

[@cranixten2620]

Joe you are special dude! Both your cars are great. Thanks for letting SG thrash you babies.

[@23Piccolina]

A truly classy, elegant sports car. Wonderful review. Was getting so tired of SUV's or Korean cars. This is a car I really enjoy watching a story about. It reminds me of my 2007 987 Boxster.

[@colbymag2053]

Awesome video! I’ve been waiting foe impressions of this car. Can y’all do the M240i next?

[@fabulousprofound]

Am I the only one who went straight to the classifieds to see what there is for the 997.2 on the market?

[@erikhaw7313]

Always looking myself! Lol but then reality hits hard.

[@dakariusashby7968]

@@erikhaw7313 you can always go for a .1 at 15-20k less

[@gerardmcmillan8591]

As soon as this video is over.....🤣

[@christopherbrown1391]

Great video they have always been the best of all worlds thanks to the owner for the use of his special cars

[@charlesmiller6281]

Its the best 911 since the SC. Which owning a 79SC is saying a lot. It does everything right, and most crucially feels right while doing it. Yes the newer cars are even faster, quieter, handle even better, and are more refined. That is what your extra hundred grand gets you. What it does not get you is much if anything in the way of a more involving driving experience. The 997.2 just feels like the way you know a Porsche should feel. Its not that the newer ones don't, but this one does, and in spades, and for a lot less money. You tracked down a good one here. Great video.

[@canellaICE]

Great video as usual! One thing to clarify that may be confusing is when you talk about the engine improvements (around 8:18) is that from 2005-2008 (997.1), the 911s used the M97 engines which are not direct injected (and still have the IMS). You mention in 2005 they started to use DI, which isn't the case. The major engine changes are not in these years, but started in 2009 (beginning of the 997.2) using the 9A1 engine with all of the "all new engine designs" you talk about during the engine discussion. Yes, the 997.2 variant is a big difference, but you are incorrectly mentioning the 997.2 improvements during the 997.1 production years. Long time fan, and keep the excellent videos coming!

[@slytherben]

One more thing - due to the recession these 997.2's had relatively low production numbers. They're not exactly rare, but if you're looking for specific options it can take years to find the right one. C4S's are definitely the hardest to find out of all the models

[@alvinyan1346]

Definitely true. Took me 6+ months to find my 09 manual C4S, and I had to road trip to another state to get it!

[@ranchwagon66]

I got lucky and found the manual C4S convertible with the lap timer. Daily driver.

[@jaychuah3761]

This is the only channel i need to watch when i need to learn a new car or interested in a used car that i would like to buy in 2021

[@bwdrives]

This looks absolutely gorgeous from every angle, the perfect 911 to me

[@Brancovtn65]

Ahh finally something I can afford. I see it now... Just me, my porsche and my cup noodles for dinner every night.

[@damnmillennials3913]

***THANKS JOE*** (Owner)

[@lordemed1]

Great assessment..you guys are the best!

[@billyhughes9776]

Thanks Joe!