997.1 or 997.2

[fw7]

To the porsche gurus, I thank you in advance for your help.  I am about to buy my first porsche.  A childhood dream.  It is between a 2008 Carerra S. 61,000 kms, Manual, No PASM and a 2009 997.2 Carrera S, PDK, 85,000 kms, ceramic brakes, fully loaded.  Both have a full service history.  If it was you, what would you buy?

[Loren]

Normally I would say buy the newest car - but in this case I think the C2S with the manual is a better choice.

[John Donnelly]

Yes I agree the 2008 Carerra S would be a better choice.  Some things to consider are that these vehicles have different engines as the 2008 is throttle body fuel system and the 2009 would be direct fuel injection.  There are some concerns about the 2009 being the first year of that type of engine and may have some potential issues. Also, the 2008 is a manual transmission and might be more fun to drive than the PDK.  

[MaconPaul]

Manual is a huge component of my attraction to Porsche. 
Where I live, 2 similar spec 997.1 vs .2, the price difference is $15,000.

i chose a .1 four and years ago.

That 15k delta was left in the stock market (S&P 500) and has atleast doubled.

Meanwhile my cars only trip to a shop has been a gashed tire caused by road debris. 
I’ve done all small repairs and major maintenance. (Although I have new issue today) 

Do you see yourself keeping this car for a  year or 2? Or 10 years or more?

If you plan on keeping a .1 I’d recommend the following:

Swap to a low temp thermostat 

X51 baffle upgrade in the sump.

consider upgrading AOS to aftermarket Ultimate AOS. 
50 weight oil instead of factory 40

add 3rd radiator.

ignore ALL internet boogeyman stories about the IMS. 2008 era, it is just another moving part. However if you ever drop engine for a clutch or rear main seal then have a seal removed such that IMS is no longer sealed and engine oil will splash in to lubricate it. 

Edited September 9, 2025 by MaconPaul