First Porsche - buyers advice from those in the know
Discussion
Hi all,
I've long desired a Porsche since childhood. Now in my mid 30s I'm finally in a position to buy. Were money no object I'd go for a 911 GTS, sadly that isn't the case. I'm looking at a used Boxster or Cayman as my first Porsche and wanted to know where is the best place to start in terms of bang for buck and getting a model that wont really depreciate if driven irregularly.
Reality is it may get taken out for a long drive at the weekend and the odd trip to the shops and maybe once in a blue moon trip to the driving centre! Are there any of these models in particular that are likely to retain value or even appreciate long term?
Failing that would I be better getting an older 911 or something?
I have seen a couple 997 3.8 Gen 2s with mid mileage that I could stretch to.
Apologies as you can tell I know very little about these beautiful machines so hope I haven't already offended any enthusiasts!
I've long desired a Porsche since childhood. Now in my mid 30s I'm finally in a position to buy. Were money no object I'd go for a 911 GTS, sadly that isn't the case. I'm looking at a used Boxster or Cayman as my first Porsche and wanted to know where is the best place to start in terms of bang for buck and getting a model that wont really depreciate if driven irregularly.
Reality is it may get taken out for a long drive at the weekend and the odd trip to the shops and maybe once in a blue moon trip to the driving centre! Are there any of these models in particular that are likely to retain value or even appreciate long term?
Failing that would I be better getting an older 911 or something?
I have seen a couple 997 3.8 Gen 2s with mid mileage that I could stretch to.
Apologies as you can tell I know very little about these beautiful machines so hope I haven't already offended any enthusiasts!
For a daily without much investment protection / appreciation I wouldn't like to spend more than 30k
For something really special that might be with me for the long haul could stretch to 50k
^ Sorry, small chips I know! This would be a really big investment for me though. I'm interested in thoughts/assessments within that range. I do appreciate the price versus value angle and also that you buy cheap you buy twice!
oh and ps. Looking for a manual!
For something really special that might be with me for the long haul could stretch to 50k
^ Sorry, small chips I know! This would be a really big investment for me though. I'm interested in thoughts/assessments within that range. I do appreciate the price versus value angle and also that you buy cheap you buy twice!
oh and ps. Looking for a manual!
Edited by wayfarer86 on Wednesday 19th August 13:02
It's a car, it absolutely will not gain in value, the best you can hope for will be a slow depreciation. It's not an investment other than in fun and don't see it any other way.
If you are going 911, a 997 gen 2 is a good place to go, or a Boxster/Caymen of the same vintage. At this age the depreciation curve will be a lot flatter, and you can get a lot of bang for the buck.
The 981 is also in your budget and more modern.
Go have a look at a couple see what you think, and enjoy the ride,
If you are going 911, a 997 gen 2 is a good place to go, or a Boxster/Caymen of the same vintage. At this age the depreciation curve will be a lot flatter, and you can get a lot of bang for the buck.
The 981 is also in your budget and more modern.
Go have a look at a couple see what you think, and enjoy the ride,
I'd say if you bought well you wouldn't lose very much money at all. Depending on how many miles you put on it.
This is certainly a lot of car for the money:
https://www.jrmotorcompany.co.uk/showroom/porsche-...
This is certainly a lot of car for the money:
https://www.jrmotorcompany.co.uk/showroom/porsche-...
If I was in the market, I'd go for something like this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...
It's a Gen2 997 manual with lowish miles and as it's a 3.6, it's the lower road tax. As a bonus, it's also got the PSE(Porsche Sports Exhaust).
If looked after, I'd expect minimal depreciation.
They're great cars, Good Luck.
PS: If interested, I wouldn't hang about as I think it'll sell pretty quickly.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...
It's a Gen2 997 manual with lowish miles and as it's a 3.6, it's the lower road tax. As a bonus, it's also got the PSE(Porsche Sports Exhaust).
If looked after, I'd expect minimal depreciation.
They're great cars, Good Luck.
PS: If interested, I wouldn't hang about as I think it'll sell pretty quickly.
wayfarer86 said:
For something really special that might be with me for the long haul could stretch to 50k
Really high spec 981 Cayman S (like I've got) or a 981 Cayman GTS would be my go to. Edited by wayfarer86 on Wednesday 19th August 13:02
You could get a newer 718 Cayman S (2.5T rather than 3.4) but thats upto you to choose whether you want power or noise.
I bought my 981 Cayman S (basically GTS spec) at 30 for my birthday, might have to part with it later in the year or early next year as its no longer practical for me.
Hi all,
Thank you all for the brilliant advice and enthusiasm and the two cars posted I had already looked at online this morning so great to get that validation!
I do appreciate the comment as well around the newer model Cayman S' and Boxsters. I am a big fan!
But the consensus on an older 997 I think answers the exam question for me, also its not stretching my budget hugely!
Of the two posted the one is much lower mileage for similar price, seems a great buy!
Thank you all for the brilliant advice and enthusiasm and the two cars posted I had already looked at online this morning so great to get that validation!
I do appreciate the comment as well around the newer model Cayman S' and Boxsters. I am a big fan!
But the consensus on an older 997 I think answers the exam question for me, also its not stretching my budget hugely!
Of the two posted the one is much lower mileage for similar price, seems a great buy!
Literally just been through the same question (although knew the 911 didnt really speak to me) and bought this low mileage, good spec 981 Boxster GTS. Will hopefully hold some value but if it doesn't then so be it, i bought it to drive and its been amazing the first couple of little blasts.
https://www.cameronsportscars.com/vehicle-details/...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1LhUzL3qdU
https://www.cameronsportscars.com/vehicle-details/...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1LhUzL3qdU
Edited by Devilspoke on Wednesday 19th August 14:05
wayfarer86 said:
Hi all,
Thank you all for the brilliant advice and enthusiasm and the two cars posted I had already looked at online this morning so great to get that validation!
I do appreciate the comment as well around the newer model Cayman S' and Boxsters. I am a big fan!
But the consensus on an older 997 I think answers the exam question for me, also its not stretching my budget hugely!
Of the two posted the one is much lower mileage for similar price, seems a great buy!
Yes, the lower mileage one is a 3.6 C2 against the higher mileage car, which is a 3.8 C2S. I've had both in the past, and I reckon the 3.6 C2 is plenty quick enough, especially for road use; also, as I said, I know it's not much, but the 3.6 C2 is the lower road tax against the 3.8 C2S which attracts the higher tax.Thank you all for the brilliant advice and enthusiasm and the two cars posted I had already looked at online this morning so great to get that validation!
I do appreciate the comment as well around the newer model Cayman S' and Boxsters. I am a big fan!
But the consensus on an older 997 I think answers the exam question for me, also its not stretching my budget hugely!
Of the two posted the one is much lower mileage for similar price, seems a great buy!
Good luck.
Devilspoke said:
Literally just been through the same question (although knew the 911 didnt really speak to me) and bought this low mileage, good spec 981 Boxster GTS. Will hopefully hold some value but if it doesn't then so be it, i bought it to drive and its been amazing the first couple of little blasts.
https://www.cameronsportscars.com/vehicle-details/...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1LhUzL3qdU
That is an absolute beauty!!https://www.cameronsportscars.com/vehicle-details/...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1LhUzL3qdU
Edited by Devilspoke on Wednesday 19th August 14:05
And thanks for the clarification CarCrazyPop, will look into the tax issues. Its not like there are many places to drive fast safely and without being stopped these days anyway!
Devilspoke said:
Literally just been through the same question (although knew the 911 didnt really speak to me) and bought this low mileage, good spec 981 Boxster GTS. Will hopefully hold some value but if it doesn't then so be it, i bought it to drive and its been amazing the first couple of little blasts.
https://www.cameronsportscars.com/vehicle-details/...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1LhUzL3qdU
I'm not a Boxster fan at all, got a Cayman S but that car is gorgeous! very strong price as well!https://www.cameronsportscars.com/vehicle-details/...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1LhUzL3qdU
Edited by Devilspoke on Wednesday 19th August 14:05
Here's mine.
Rojibo said:
Yeah, was it 2008 onwards cars that didn't have IMS bearing issues? I'd be a little cautious of buying anything pre 2008 because of that, unless it has explicitly had the bearing sorted.
FYI the IMS was uprated during 2006 on the 997.12008/09 is when the 997.2 replaced the 997.1 using the DFI engines.
If you haven't already found it, 911UK forum is worth checking out.
I'm fortunate to have both a 981 GT4 and very well optioned 981 3.4 S.
The GT4 sees more seat time but over the past couple of days I've got back in to the S as I wanted a more comfortable ride and local roads have been pretty flooded and the CS is pretty forgiving in such conditions.
I'd forgotten what a bloody fantastic car it is and that it offers something so very different than the GT4. It's in at Porsche Portsmouth for it's 6 year service tomorrow, 111 point check and warranty renewal and I was seriously thinking of selling it on based on lack of use but I'm not so sure I can let it go now and that's the exact same dilemma I was in when I first bought the GT car.
These Caymans get under your skin for sure and with your budget you could certainly pick up a good one.
The GT4 sees more seat time but over the past couple of days I've got back in to the S as I wanted a more comfortable ride and local roads have been pretty flooded and the CS is pretty forgiving in such conditions.
I'd forgotten what a bloody fantastic car it is and that it offers something so very different than the GT4. It's in at Porsche Portsmouth for it's 6 year service tomorrow, 111 point check and warranty renewal and I was seriously thinking of selling it on based on lack of use but I'm not so sure I can let it go now and that's the exact same dilemma I was in when I first bought the GT car.
These Caymans get under your skin for sure and with your budget you could certainly pick up a good one.
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