997 Carrera 2S

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MikeHunt
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by MikeHunt »

I do think that modern tech ages a car very quickly, even very recent Mercedes for example, seem ancient.

However, I remember looking at a 944 in the late 90s, they had only recently gone out of production at the time and yet a 20 year old car today, such at yours seems a different prospect.

However, after looking at a lot of cars, I am leaning towards something older such as a 944 or a vintage jdm.

I do suspect that I shouldn’t have sold my mx5, but a new one is bordering on £40k lightly specced with taxes. :shock:
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John
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by John »

MikeHunt wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 10:21 am

I do suspect that I shouldn’t have sold my mx5, but a new one is bordering on £40k lightly specced with taxes. :shock:
Have you ever worked in the public sector or civil service? If yes you can buy through Griffin and they have the MX-5 2.0 184ps Exclusive-Line Roadster listed at £28875. You have to join https://www.boundless.co.uk/ to get the link but it's only £40 a year and comes with other benefits too.

My parents bought a car through them and it was delivered to their local dealer for collection.
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MikeHunt
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by MikeHunt »

John wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 11:11 am
MikeHunt wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 10:21 am

I do suspect that I shouldn’t have sold my mx5, but a new one is bordering on £40k lightly specced with taxes. :shock:
Have you ever worked in the public sector or civil service? If yes you can buy through Griffin and they have the MX-5 2.0 184ps Exclusive-Line Roadster listed at £28875. You have to join https://www.boundless.co.uk/ to get the link but it's only £40 a year and comes with other benefits too.

My parents bought a car through them and it was delivered to their local dealer for collection.
I’ve only ever worked as a contract but maybe worth a look, thanks.
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MikeHunt
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by MikeHunt »

I’m still thinking about a new car, if I was to replace the bm, there is a case for a new or nearly new 911. I’d like the keep the 5 and without spending more than I’d like for a 2nd car, the 992 does make the 997 and 718 feel a bit 2nd rate.

Sadly the A110 and Emira are both hard tops and if I wasn’t looking for a cab, the GT86 is probably a better choice, at least from a head v heart perspective. The 4c is a little older and seems like insurance is very high.

I’ve already owned multiple Mx5’s which seems like the only choice, if I wanted variety there are a lot of performance SUVs in the market.
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dan
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by dan »

Come and have a go in the abarth if you like, its quite good fun.
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by IanF »

Morgan 3 wheeler?

https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1915931

Or a Plus 4 (2020 onwards) is B48 engined or Plus 6 is B58.. both on a bonded alu platform.
Cheers,

Ian
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Jobbo
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by Jobbo »

MikeHunt wrote: Wed Oct 01, 2025 1:57 pm I’d like the keep the 5 and without spending more than I’d like for a 2nd car, the 992 does make the 997 and 718 feel a bit 2nd rate.
After listening to Smith and Sniff this week I feel like a go in a 718 GTS 4.0 may be required. Unlike Porter I haven't felt the 992 is too big so it may not do the same for me as it did for him. My mind is still basically made up; I'll get a 992 when I can justify/afford it sensibly as well as my current Audi and will intend to use it as an every day car - quite a similar use to yours. I guess. I'd really miss the family sized car if I simply replaced it. Anyway, I think plenty of people rate the 981 GTS more highly than the 718 so that could be a good choice.

Take up Dan's offer of a go in his Abarth anyway; I was surprised how different it felt and after multiple MX5s, the same but different is surely appealing? The noise alone is brilliant.
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MikeHunt
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by MikeHunt »

I’ve have driven the Abarth before, great sound and such a bargain, that was the engine before Mazda got their act together on the 2.0, but as a MX-5 geek I still can’t shake the feeling that a turbo is borderline sacrilegious. I’ll probably pop in to say hello at some point Dan.

Morgan, Im already the age where a Jag would be hard to pull off, a Morgan would be bordering on tweed cosplay.

Part of me, probably the black country upbringing that just can’t square the cost of some of these cars, my first house was £45k hard to do the manmaths, even when the heart says otherwise. That said, it would be dangerous for me to actually drive a 992 as I am sure I would be begging them to take my money after about half a mile.
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Matty
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by Matty »

My insurance was quite cheap on the 4C - don't recall it falling into high groups.

It's not a bad place to put your money. They've not moved price wise in many years, so buy privately I reckon you'd sell it for what you paid....I'd have another, but it would have to be a Spider.

If it's a real consideration, drive one. You either buy into the "it looks great, love the mini exotic drama and the carbon tub" and overlook the dynamic flaws, or you drove it for 10 mins and realise it's several leagues behind an A110/Elise/Boxster for dynamics.

I was in the former camp, but I've got an obvious Alfa lean....it's the definition of a quirky car.
Nathan
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by Nathan »

Horrible numb steering on the 992 imo. You might be disappointed
Jobbo wrote: Wed Oct 01, 2025 3:12 pm
MikeHunt wrote: Wed Oct 01, 2025 1:57 pm I’d like the keep the 5 and without spending more than I’d like for a 2nd car, the 992 does make the 997 and 718 feel a bit 2nd rate.
After listening to Smith and Sniff this week I feel like a go in a 718 GTS 4.0 may be required. Unlike Porter I haven't felt the 992 is too big so it may not do the same for me as it did for him. My mind is still basically made up; I'll get a 992 when I can justify/afford it sensibly as well as my current Audi and will intend to use it as an every day car - quite a similar use to yours. I guess. I'd really miss the family sized car if I simply replaced it. Anyway, I think plenty of people rate the 981 GTS more highly than the 718 so that could be a good choice.

Take up Dan's offer of a go in his Abarth anyway; I was surprised how different it felt and after multiple MX5s, the same but different is surely appealing? The noise alone is brilliant.
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Jobbo
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by Jobbo »

Disagree. I’ve driven a couple and love them.
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by IanF »

Yeah, if I didn’t have kids with legs, I’d have one now.. never felt the steering was numb on .1 and .2 I’ve driven
Cheers,

Ian
Nathan
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by Nathan »

They are very capable but feel very synthetic to me.
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Re: 997 Carrera 2S

Post by IanF »

Nathan wrote: Thu Oct 02, 2025 9:59 pm They are very capable but feel very synthetic to me.
I think they have electric and not hydraulic steering, if that’s what you mean? Unfortunately, you will struggle to find a new car with hydraulic steering.. that being said, they remove the noise but are still able to give you a good indication of grip and are certainly not numb imho
Cheers,

Ian
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