Here's Why The 997.1 Porsche Carrera 2 S is Now The Perfect First 911 

This is my first Porsche. Was relatively affordable. Love it. 3 years on, definitely not even close to thinking of selling it.

Hey James, I’ve had my 997.1 for 12 years with 162k on the clock now! And couldn’t part with my previous 911, a 993, which I’ve now had for 20 years. That one’s done 104k. Still use the 997 every day and love every minute :-)

6 year owner of a 997.1 C2S, love the car and have recently considered selling. Watching this video reminds me why I love it so much. DSC controller, bilstein coilovers, exhaust and a few other updates has really brought the car to a special driving experience.

Finally the 997.1 C2S gets some appreciation. Its the right size, great 6-speed gearbox, enough power and you can actually feel the road beneath you - price is stupidly low, better than ANY standard newer 911s. All it needs is a nice touch screen to bring it into 2022. (Owner for 13 years).

James, this is spot on. A couple of months ago I sold my much loved (and totally reliable) BMW 650i and bought a 997.1 manual. It's everything I imagined a Porsche should be, and I really can't imagine the new ones being any better. It's been to Center Gravity (yes that is the correct spelling, it's the best place to go for 911 setup and well worth the £350 or so it costs, you also get a full mechanical inspection) for a Geo setup and drives fantastically well. It's not better than my other 'fun' road car (a 1991 Honda NSX) but is very complimentary. It's so small and well proportioned for todays cramped roads and the drive train is so refined.. As a daily driver it's just about perfect. I use mine as a daily driver. £30 to replace the sticky ac switches and £140 to fit a bluetooth receiver and it's everything you need. Don't fuss about the bore scoring issues and just get one is my advice to anyone wondering. PS you can inspect the cam deviation data to see whether your IMS bearing is likely to fail, so it's not as much of an issue as people think. Also fitting a low temperature thermostat can reduce the risks apparently. (BMW 650i and then this, some say I like living dangerously!)

I've had my 2008 997.1 C2S for 3+ years and it's been excellent. They are cheap to look after if you use the extensive specialist network, and if you're inclined, they are easy to work on with advice from the thriving owner community including on YT. It also hasn't depreciated anywhere near the rate of everything else I've owned (recent used car market madness acknowledged)

Have had a 997.1 C4S for over 12 years now. Have put almost 100k miles on it. Love it to bits. I have driven the newer ones and to me, they are not worth the trade in, upgrade and price. The 997 still checks a lot of boxes for me and still exciting to drive every time I jump in to it and go for redline. With a few mods it can really dial in the sharpness and excitement even more. No plans to sell. It's a keeper. The early 997's are 17 years old now. Name any other car that is 17 years old, drives like this and some how will never need a possible engine refresh in the future. There are none. Point being, ALL cars will need some TLC at some point in their life if they are driven as designed and bring the owner great joy while doing it. Glad to see you give the 997 some love and respect. Keep up the good work .

Drove an 87 Carrera cab for 20 years. Moved to a high milage 997.1 C2S cab a couple of years ago. Just crazy how they managed to keep all the great things about the older cars but make is a totally modern experience too. Love it to bits.

I’ve owned one for 2 years, 2005 C2S in silver, PSE, PASM, love it more now than the day I got it…..hard to think of anything to replace it with, review is spot on

This was a dream car for me back then... such a great refresh after the 996

once again very nice review and above all the editing and the sound it's spectacular..no doubt you really know what you doing..thanks again

I’m the anti-new car - car guy. I’m 75 and my 2018 Mustang GT PP1 is my 5th car. I have always paid cash, as in NO CAR LOANS. This doesn’t mean I don’t love cars - I loved all my cars & I love taking care of them. Something very satisfying about driving a great drivers car with 200,000 + miles. In all those years the only on road break down was my 1970, heavily modified & raced VW Beetle - My buddy and I were able to replace the blow engine with a replacement from a wrecked VW on a Saturday afternoon! That said I enjoy all your videos - Happy motoring.

The best first Porsche 911 is the one you can afford. My first one was a 996 Targa. Loved it once I got in it-Still have it 3 years later and added a 997 Turbo 6 months later

Also went to Stuttgart, at the time they also had a special order factory . When I arrived they were just completing special order work on the Oman Royal Bodyguard's Fleet of cars , they were Lambo LM002 . Quite a sight all lined up with the Royal Crest on the side !

My dad also bought one of these when I was a boy in 2006 and went on track days, many memories. Place in my heart for the 997.1C2S too

You are the best utuber By Far covering car reviews - great style, great input - always relevant. Keep up the great work

Bought my 997.1 about three years ago. It’s a keeper. It’s red with gold wheels and Porsche script down the side. You drive most other cars, but you pilot these. Great vid. 👏👏

I bought my 997.2 in 2015 while living in London, and loved it so much I shipped it back to Australia with me when I returned home. The car still sits in my garage today and is going beautifully. To be honest I can't really imagine selling it ever such a great car that it is...

A few weeks ago I bought a 2006 Carrera S Guards Red/Natural Brown and pick it up Wednesday. My first Porsche.

Just picked up a 2008 s 6spd last month with 51k miles. Had a fabspeed performace package and a classic rs mini ducktail spoiler installed. With roughly 400bhp now, it's so much engaging car to drive than our previous e92 M3. My wife loves rowing the gears through the country roads of upstate GA. I don't think we'll ever sell it; an absolutely perfect weekend car.

Thanks J, glad you enjoyed it & had good memories to! 🙏

Awesome car. I was looking at one before the prices went to the moon. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

I'm glad you mentioned bore scoring... There are some specialists who won't touch a 3.8 gen 1 997 because the bore scoring is almost inevitable. IMS is definitely overblown I think, although it's impossible to know if it will or will not happen on any given early car. Either way, I paid quite a bit more for a 997.2 C4S manual. I wanted a 2 but I couldn't find one with the spec and colour I wanted, so I settled for the 4. I'm told the .2 4s has a different 4 wheel drive system to the .1 and puts much less power to the front wheels on a routine basis, only shoving torque their way when needed. I have experienced such a situation when I managed to aquaplane my car... The car did sort it out but it took a moment and I was... concerned. Still, I'm glad of the safety net, and the car is immense fun. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly disappointed with the overall performance, but I have a 1000cc motorcycle for that so nothing short of a McLaren would impress on 4 wheels. The porker has a different more subtle appeal; it worms it's way into your affections. I absolutely adore mine. I love the looks, I love the way it goes around corners, I love the interior, I love the smell, I love the way it makes me feel. I'm not so big on the maintenance costs, but I found a tame specialist who I really like and so it's not thrown me too many big bills (a/c condensers... ouch!) Great vid James, as always. You did get a bit lambasted on some porsche groups for your 997 turbo review, but there's no pleasing some people and it seems you've redeemed yourself with this. Say nice things about 997.1s and the internet 997 massive will love you.

It made a perfect first 911, and second 911, too! I had nearly-identical spec 2005 997S manual coupes. Loved those cars, but I don't know that I could stomach the $20k average price increase following the pandemic. I was lucky to get both of mine with low-ish miles under $40k USD and neither one needed any major repairs.

Great review as ever James. Can only echo the sentiments in the video. Love my 997.1!

My first Porsche was a 2006 997.1 C2S manual in Guards Red and it was fantastic. This car started my love of the brand. I'm now onto my 5th Porsche and currently enjoying a pristine 987.2 Cayman S manual. You just cant go wrong in a Porsche. I also LOVED my 996 C4S, headlights and all. Great cars...

I had this very model that I bought new from Porsche Reading in 2006. Silver, blue leather, C2S same carrera alloys. I loved it and only sold it because work took me abroad.

Natural aspirated,manual and rear wheel drive sports car ,best fun to drive car!

Hi James, I have one of the very last 997.1 C2 S cars in Cobalt blue and it has only just turned 17000 miles from new but being one of the last it has the 385 hp engine fitted according to the owner's manual, and honestly it makes me smile every time that I drive it, and unless somebody offers me a silly price, I am keeping it. Regards Dave.

Hey James - I've just purchased my first 911, a 997.1 C2S, which I purchased through Charles and Dean. So big thanks to you for your great 997 reviews (which helped decide between this and an Evora S) and your endorsement of Charles and Dean!

still in 😍 with my 08 C2S three years on. A great blend of old and new 911. A reasonably priced 911 for a 1st...at least it used to be.

10 years now with an x51, 130000km done by me and 100% reliable. Dam Jay, I thought I had a well kept secret 😳

3 years is the expected turnaround time for a car!? I've owned my Porsche since 1999! But the 997.1 is the one I would trade for.

Jay love your reviews ! I think you are the best of them all .

Was going to get the 997.1 C2 non S which would have been my first 911. Decided on another car completely but the 997 is still on my “one day” list.

Thanks for another great video. Cheers from across the pond in Charlotte, NC

Following M2 ownership, this was my first Porsche a couple of years ago and it was a daily. Delightful! Always started up and pretty reliable. Used a lot of oil so and had a few other issues so 3 weeks out of action, but then worked delightfully again. Changed into a 718 Cayman S subsequently- as needed something with updated infotainment and reliability for daily. Good review, and I agree about the lobster claws- they looked epic on 997.1 CS. I had blue extended leather but worked well with exterior colour.

I have a Hartech engined C2. Great car and a keeper. I've been lucky enough to have owned and driven various fast Beemers, Audis, Fords and Evos, but for me there is just something about the 911...

I had a 2005 997.1 C2S Cabriolet. It was great, for 3 years. Swapped it for a V8 vantage & regretted it. Somehow I still had the 997, so sold the Vantage. Now got a 991.2

Porsche now do an entertainment upgrade package for many older Porsches - not sure what cost but Apple Carplay etc - I did and it was so worth it - brings it up to date tech wise

Ten years! - had my Volvo 240 Turbo SE Estate for 17 years. Brilliant as wardrobe, student digs, removal vehicle and for taking stuff to markets.

Be lucky if I keep a car more than 9 months. I've owned a 997 C2S and kept it for 6 months. The handling was amazing but the fear of bore scoring was enough to move it on. That and the occasional puff of smoke from the left tailpipe was the end of our relationship. Managed to reach 183mph on the Speedo but at speed it felt like it could jump between lanes.

I've not been on your channel for a while, life kinda just got in the way. What an outstanding review and car to come back to 👍. My eyes are now wandering from the m2 a little . . .

Thank you for this great review! You need to try an E46 M3 CSL to change your mind on that model as well.

My first Porsche too. Absolutely love it. The ‘steering’ is very noticeably better than anything else.

This car has always been peak porsche in my opinion. I bought a 996 to restore because of price range, but early in the year I “met my hero” through a friend who owned one of these, in a similar color at that (also 40k miles). It was phenomenal as a package. The steering was vibrant with feeling, the engine sounded perfect fully stock, and the PASM was a super modern and helpful touch. It felt like a way more daily usable and faster version of my 996. That being said, I flew back home a few days later and hopped in my little 996 (granted with some track modifications), and I felt the exact opposite of buyers remorse. Nonetheless, I still wish I got more time in that car, and I hope to have one in the future to go along with my 996.

Same colour as my c2s. I got my bore scoring checked for £170 plus vat. No issues. Love my car and drives superbly. Excellent video...!

I’ve got a 997.1 S Cab manual - I LOVE IT! I drove a 991 last year and didn’t notice enough of a difference to desire the newer model.

Thanks for the video - I have the Convertible Sport Chrono version - Love that Porsche returned them to the round headlights.

This was and is my first porsche 911 that I got in 2020. Still got it. Love it

just got mine a month ago! been a blast so far; gonna start building it soon, im very excited.

I have just bought one.... love It, its already had the donk rebuilt by Hartech and its good to start fettling with.

I have three cars (Windom, Airtrek turbo and Celica), which I have kept for 16, 9, and 5 years respectively.

Had mine for 18 years, still love it. Done 50 track days in it, awesome.

Bought a 997.2 over 4 years ago and so far it costs less to run than my Skoda Fabia. Looks great and wonderful to drive. It's a keeper.

Thanks Duncan for your ride.

Had it. Loved it. 997 C2S cab was beyond fun.

I had 997.1 c2s 2005 for 3 years. Costs about 2k a year to run. Handily gone up by same amount! I love it, though its black which is my least favourite colour on these. Scoring does worry me so I get annual oil change. Just had new clutch, drives much better 😎

Nice. You can check for bore-scoring with an oil analysis kit.

I love mine and may never get rid of it! Got lucky finding a one owner ‘08 C4S w 25k miles. Added a 1 in drop w Eibach’s and plan to do cats,headers, and ecu to get me 400 HP at the crank. Perfect little normally aspirated ripper

Got an 07’ 997 during covid when the prices were down. Best decision. Runs like a top and a dream to drive

I also own a 997.1 since 2005 and its a C2S as well. This is the best valued 911

Great great video and insights!

My dad still has his first Porsche, a 964. According to our Porsche Center, there s very few 1 owner cars of this gen out there...and I somehow wish he hadn t sold his 993 to a friend who still has it btw. I still have my first new car (A3, 2nd gen) and I love it, it s closer to my heart than my Cayman tbh and it s close to mint condition like my dad s good old 964 but unlike his, my investment to keep it that way didn t really make economical sense lol.

Nice review . Thank you

I got a 997.1 Carrera 2. It's been great. Over three years I've done a shifter cable, battery terminal cable and water pump. Nothing too extreme. And everything I've done myself has been very easy (especially oil changes). And of course it's been an absolute joy to drive.

I would love to see more content about baser models of all sorts of Porsches, manual or auto since apparently the tiptronics are now said to be very good pieces aswell.

I used to have a 993 Targa and if coming back into Porsche ownership I'd get a 997.1, it's a lovely car

I bought my 997.1 c2s in may last year as a stop gap whilst I waited for the Emira to come out. Now I'm not sure I can sell it. It's bloody marvelous. So involving, precise and simultaneously useable. I think I prefer it to my previous Noble, Tuscan and certainly my 996TT. Surprised there is no mention here of the delicious kick you get at around 5.5k - almost like a cam profile change. Surely it's not just mine? Exhaust bypass is an affordable alternative to a sports system and sounds wonderful if you take it to the right people (H&S).

Funny how you started the video with that part about keeping a 997.1 for 10 years - my uncle's had his 997.1 Carrera 2 for well over 10 years now. He's not been compelled to trade up into a new one yet!

Would love to see a review of the Targa. I really like the huge roof and opening rear hatch, but wonder if there's any noticeable difference driving

I have the identical car to this (except the steering wheel is on the other side). I too have owned it for 10 years. I sometimes think of trading it in for something else, but then I go for a drive! Best thing I ever did was to install the OEM sports exhaust. Transforms the driving experience despite not adding an iota of power.

We need to crowd-fund a trip for James to fly to Australia to review some cars - perhaps starting with a Porsche 718 Spyder? I can tell you first hand - the spiders can be bigger than your hand actually, Huntsmans loooooove car reviewers. They love reviewers so much they want to hug your face!

I have 85K miles on my 2007. About 2000 of those miles are track miles. The car is a rock. Oh...and this car is even more brilliant with Bilstein PSS10's installed (or "fitted" as y'all like to say 🙂 )

Scared of bore scoring. Still want one

I have a 1992 964 C2 cab, and a2008 997.1 4S. Both different cars but with the same dedication to the driver and quality of build. Love both! Never selling. Couldn't wish for a better 1-2 punch!

I don't know if I'm a record holder, but I bought my Golf TDI 15 years ago (2007) and I'm still driving it.👌🍀

Keeping a car for 5 or 10 years is simply good practice. 997 gen 1, very serious potential issues with bore score and IMS. 911 is a good lifetime car. These standard cars do look very mild. In my showroom I had a 997 4S and a 996 Turbo and they were both very nice cars. The 996 Turbo very noisy in the cabin when being used at higher speeds.

I had the IMS bearing issue with mine. 15k bill for a new shortblock. I have to say I was absolutely livid because the damn thing had just had 3k spent on it replacing the rear shocks and a few other bits on the exhaust system.

i would only look at a porsche with a black interior. (had 3 with black). but the blue on blue on this is lovely

You review a lot of vehicles and cover most elements with not a lot of fuss. Great presentation. As a 6 footer and wide shoulders I’d like to know your opinion of interior sitting conditions, such as head, shoulder room, and seat extension for longer legs.

Great review alot of love for the gen one 997. If your reading the comments Duncan, do not sell it what a great example looks handsome in Midnight Blue👍😍

Love this guys reviews he keeps you interested he was born To do this job he reminds me of Jeremy Clarkson in he’s golden years. Great review keep them coming hope you get a tv break one day 👏🏽👍🏽👊🏽🥂

I bought my 997.1 C2S in November of 2017. Prior to owning it, I would rotate through “fun” cars nearly every year. It does so many things well, that I haven’t found anything to replace it! So - I’m going to ADD an air-cooled 911 to the mix, for a different experience.

My dad made bank in 2006 and bought one of these new. Two years later he swapped it for a cabriolet and had owned it ever since. It’s white and sexy as hell. Meanwhile mum still drives her Toyota Corolla😅 prices are rising for these in Aus and we are all begging him not to sell it but he says he needs the money. Sad times. Great car, sounds mega and looks sexy on the road especially with the roof down 🤤

The 2 s is still great in tiptronic form,provided that the sports chrono pack is present.It really makes a great difference...

I used to change cars every 6 months or so until I bought a Boxster S brand new in 2002. I kept that car for 10 years while I rotated through SUV's as my second car. I eventually had to sell it as I inherited a word with 2 kids and I needed extra seats and got a 3 series convertible that I also had for about 10 years until my daughter totaled it 😥

You've reviewed so many cars that you could probably do comparison videos for various makes and models (maybe splicing bits of previous videos together). For example: Which Aston Martin to buy? The differences between the 997 models you've reviewed 996 Vs 997 - spec for spec comparison (e.g. 996 C4S vs 997 C4S) Grand Tourers - Aston vs Jag vs Porsche (vs. Ferrari)

I believe Nicholas Found of Retail Economics (previously Retail Week) would suggest the optional sports exhaust to release the best of the 3.8.

Extended leather was standard on all 997 Carreras in the UK. Base and S.

Nice vid Jay. Now you need to add a C2S X51 pack to the list of vids to round it all out. The X51 doesn’t look like much on paper, but she was underrated by the factory and the parts list is both extensive and interesting to say the least.

Another great Por-sha video!! Thanks for that. One thing I did notice and maybe it's just new to me, but nearly too many adverts to make the viewing experience enjoyable. Seems like more channels are filling with adverts and if I have to watch another Tom Brady Hertz 'Let's Go' commercial, I will admit myself straight into the asylum. Thanks again though and if you choose a less-monetized option, might differentiate you amongst the rest. Anyway, thanks again and keep those Por-sha videos coming!!

Hi James I have had a few air cooled 911 and a 996 C4S but my 997S.1 is far better and I have owned it for seven years and still enjoy driving it every time. In my opinion they are very cheap for what they are they and be used every day. They as docile as a VW Golf at low revs but drop a cog and stamp the loud pedal and it shifts with a perfect power to weight ration and as a normally aspirated car the linear power is so precise. They are not to expensive therefore a good buy because even if the car market fell they would only drop a little but either way in time they will definitely increase once they are appreciated for the car that they are. Thanks Tom

Always wanted a Porsche but I must tell you, a good 911 of any vintage is way more expensive here in Australia than you lot pay. Nonetheless, I would have one if I could afford it. Have for many years thought a 997.2 would be the pick, for all the motor updates and more, we all know, they're particularly expensive here. Just lately I had thought the 997 may just have to do and they also currently represent value here. Your video JE, just absolutely confirms it. I've never commented my friend but have watched most of your posts. Thankyou. Keep up the good work !!.

Love mine ❤ its a 2 s with 110 000 it’s been upgraded with a wide body 4s conversion by me and a 991 exhaust third radiator lowered etc it’s a work in progress and just keeps getting better

Esse carro é maravilhoso. Com esse câmbio manual, é tudo de bom.

15:33 The bushings being creaky probably explains the steering. I'm sure with all new bushings, it would feel super crisp like the other 911s.

I put an apple car play touch screen in the radio, other OEM replacements: headlights, suspension, tires, steering wheel, e-brake, and sun visors, just to make the car feel fresh. Pretty well ticks all my car boxes.

Looking to buy my first Porsche with a budget of maybe $80k top end…i was trying to decide on a 991 vs 997 and whether i’d want a Gen 1 or 2 for each as well. It’s exciting but a little overwhelming TBH. Thanks for your helpful video!

I’m picking up my first Porsche 911 Carrera 2 tomorrow. It’s a 2004 convertible, it only has 61,000 miles, but it’s Awesome baby!!!!!