What's the most bang for the buck Porsche that has a modern look? (yr '99+)?

Question

Also, how long does a Porsche last, given that it has routine maintenance (every 15k miles, rebuild at high mileage), approximately? If there are a lot of factors, can you give a guess given that everything is average?

Answer 1

This depends on how much money you are going to spend. The lowest price, but still with modern looks is the Boxster. The 2.7 (2003 or newer) is my recommendation. Also, the 2003 has a glove box and a glass rear window. Nice car in the mid 20's (don't buy a high mileage car - it's not worth the small price difference).

If you want more power, try the Boxster S - again 2003 or newer. You're looking at the low 30's for a nice low mileage car.

The Boxsters are the easiest to drive, have incredible handling and braking, have the bonus of open air driving (great to have, unless you have cold winters and you need to drive the car in the winter). Maintenance costs are also lower on the Boxster vs the 911.

If you want more power, you'll need to go with a 911. The 1999 and 2000 are priced very well and you can find a low mileage car in the low 30's. Again, don't go for the cheapest car out there, because you will probably get someone else's problem. The 911 body is similar to the new 997 and only Porsche enthusiasts will know the difference.

All 1999 and newer Porsches are air cooled. Porsche purists feel the air cooled cars are the best ones to own. I've owned both and I enjoy our water cooled cars much more. The water cooled cars require less maintenance, don't have overheating problems, have usable air conditioners and will give you a sense of comfort that you are driving a reliable car.

We own a Boxster and a 911 (996). Both are a lot of fun to drive and each has its own character. I've thrown the Boxster through corners that I can't believe the car is able to handle. I've had the rear come loose in the 911 a lot of times, but I've never lost control of the car. Both of our cars have 18's (I think this is a must). The 911 has Porsche stability control which saves you if you throttle lift in the corners - another nice feature. It can be turned off (not 100% off), so you can choose if you want your car to do burn-outs and power slide (drift) through corners.

I expect both cars to last well over 150,000 miles with minimal trouble. I do have extended warranties on both cars, due to the potential high cost if something breaks.

Good luck in your search and I hope you get a Porsche. You'll understand why we love our cars!

Greg

Answer 2

Most bang for the buck in a modern Porsche? Alot will depend on just how many bucks you wish to spend... though a few canidates come to mind.

A 2.5L Boxster... not THAT much bang, but then again, not that much buck! Easily the least expensive of the Porsches that fit the newer style. The 2.5L requires a little higher revving to really get the engine to life (compared to the later 2.7L car), but it's a rewarding car to drive, and in some ways, the character of the 2.5 is more sporting than the 2.7. A good car with a great chasis that can be had for the least of the newer cars. Mid teens should be able to buy a good example.

And early 996. The early 3.4L Carreras ('99-00) have become quite affordable recently. They offer alot more performance than the early Boxsters along with a little more comfort and more usable interior space. They are quick and very drivable cars, and even more attractive due to prices that are now seeing them less than many older cars. Low $20k range to find a car in good to excellent condition.

The 996 GT3. A previous post mentioned a Cayman... the 996 GT3 can often be had in the same price range as a new Cayman S. The Cayman is a great car... but it is not in the same league as the older GT3. A great car with alot of performance! $70k makes this a reality.

2002 GT2. Definitely the most bang! But with costs north of the older GT3, a car that will still cost alot. When the 996 GT3 was introduced, the GT2 dropped quickly in popularity (given it being twice the price of the GT3). Many wound up coming back from lease and selling at prices close to that of the GT3. Pricing has gone up again somewhat since, but the 2002 is considered less desirable than a GT3 by some since the newer GT3 (and 2004 GT2) had improved suspension. And with a 997GT2 on the horizon, chances are prices will come down on this again.

Any of these cars should last a long time given proper care. The newer cars do not seem to be as over engineered as the earlier cars, so it is hard to have a comparable track record to compare (as where the older cars could be counted on for hundreds of thousands of miles before major issues or rebuilds would need to be considered). Running 8-9 years since the first of the recent batch of cars appeared, they have mostly resembled their earlier counterparts. Though I personally expect to see a little less from them... but it doesn't look like it will be dramatically different. If well cared for, they will last a long time.

Answer 3

a 911 turbo yr2000 around 100,000g or less or so if your looking for a retirement car thats it. or if you really want to turn heads go for a 1989 ruf 930 turbo or 930s (slantnose) omg! those things are beasts! pushing 400 horse for a 60g give or take. if you take good care of a porsche it'll last a lifetime. have fun :]

Answer 4

2000+ boxster s is the best performance/value option. a 1995-1998 993 is the best looking modern 911 and is still an air-cooled flat6 which will hold its value better than later 911s.

Answer 5

I think the Cayman looks fantastic...I wish my 911 flowed as well as that car.

Answer 6

I got my 98 from eBay for $4200 in great condition last year so dont pay over that.

Answer 7

if you want modern looks and bang for you buck, dont get a porche, get different high end car or two low end cars.