What's the most affordable entry to Porsche ownership?
Discussion
I reckon a really good entry into (relatively) affordable Porsche ownership is a 944 Lux.
2.7 is lovely, but the 2.5 isn't bad either and can be had for a lot less money (£3k should buy you a very nice 2.5).
Nice simple 8 valve engine (half an early 928 V8 really) which also became the basis for the turbo...
Built really well, not prone to any major failures, but be sure to do the cam belt and tensioner exactly as the experts say, not doing so is a false economy (picture a few bent valves if you don't).
Mate of mine had one as his first Pork, and apart from the insurance which was high because of his age, it was a storming car ('89 2.7 Lux).
IMHO, etc.
VS
>> Edited by verysideways on Thursday 6th October 13:55
2.7 is lovely, but the 2.5 isn't bad either and can be had for a lot less money (£3k should buy you a very nice 2.5).
Nice simple 8 valve engine (half an early 928 V8 really) which also became the basis for the turbo...
Built really well, not prone to any major failures, but be sure to do the cam belt and tensioner exactly as the experts say, not doing so is a false economy (picture a few bent valves if you don't).
Mate of mine had one as his first Pork, and apart from the insurance which was high because of his age, it was a storming car ('89 2.7 Lux).
IMHO, etc.
VS
>> Edited by verysideways on Thursday 6th October 13:55
Or a 944S2 if you can stretch to say 5K.
Just a lot nicer looking imo, with the turbo style body.
Also worth considering would be a 924S with the "proper" 2.5 engine.
My first Porsche (he says like he's owned dozens) was a 944S2 which I sold for an eye wateringly small amount, and was just lovely. It did have a fairly galactic odometer reading, but looked and drove as though it had been clocked forwards.
Be more than happy to share my experiences and advise if you decide to go the S2 route.
Dan
Just a lot nicer looking imo, with the turbo style body.
Also worth considering would be a 924S with the "proper" 2.5 engine.
My first Porsche (he says like he's owned dozens) was a 944S2 which I sold for an eye wateringly small amount, and was just lovely. It did have a fairly galactic odometer reading, but looked and drove as though it had been clocked forwards.
Be more than happy to share my experiences and advise if you decide to go the S2 route.
Dan
iirc 40K is the generally recommended interval for the cambelt replacement - no point taking a chance.
re. the camshafts, not that I'm aware of, certainly not something that I can recall hearing about, but could be wrong.
Its such a nice car though. Looks great, practical, cheap, fast enough, hewn from granite, for the money its absolutely totally awesome.
I really can't think of a better car you could buy for 5K than a 944 S2.
Dan
re. the camshafts, not that I'm aware of, certainly not something that I can recall hearing about, but could be wrong.
Its such a nice car though. Looks great, practical, cheap, fast enough, hewn from granite, for the money its absolutely totally awesome.
I really can't think of a better car you could buy for 5K than a 944 S2.
Dan
Naturally depends on budget and the answers you have had so far are all fair ones.
A step up from the 944 occurs at £9K for a 968. Some haggling will get a good one for 8K. 968 sport the best all rounder - a really amazing car and much underrated – 6 speed gearbox from the Audi S2 is good but pin bearings can wear, fine handling, sharp looks, practical, fast, etc etc then £18K for an early boxster which is a landmark car for Porsche but their popularity does reduce the exclusivity somewhat, then £24 K for a 993 which is the most interesting car from any maker for that money in my opinion.
Personally a good Porsche is always the one you own no matter what the cost. To me the best value is a 968 because they are reasonable to service, perform brilliantly, are actually really practical and still look good. As with most Porsches they are an evolution. Can’t go wrong with 968 really.
A step up from the 944 occurs at £9K for a 968. Some haggling will get a good one for 8K. 968 sport the best all rounder - a really amazing car and much underrated – 6 speed gearbox from the Audi S2 is good but pin bearings can wear, fine handling, sharp looks, practical, fast, etc etc then £18K for an early boxster which is a landmark car for Porsche but their popularity does reduce the exclusivity somewhat, then £24 K for a 993 which is the most interesting car from any maker for that money in my opinion.
Personally a good Porsche is always the one you own no matter what the cost. To me the best value is a 968 because they are reasonable to service, perform brilliantly, are actually really practical and still look good. As with most Porsches they are an evolution. Can’t go wrong with 968 really.
Be better if you gave us a budget.
If you've got the money I'd have to recommend (well I would wouldn't I) a 911 3.2 Carrera.
An absolute classic
Relatively cheap to run
Utterly reliable
A blast to drive
Virtually zero depreciation - possibly even going up at the moment.
If you can live with the dodgy roof, buy a Targa for around £12k - or get a Coupe for £14-16k.
If you've got the money I'd have to recommend (well I would wouldn't I) a 911 3.2 Carrera.
An absolute classic
Relatively cheap to run
Utterly reliable
A blast to drive
Virtually zero depreciation - possibly even going up at the moment.
If you can live with the dodgy roof, buy a Targa for around £12k - or get a Coupe for £14-16k.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/52434.htm
that looks like good value to me......Ok LHD but still a hell of a car for the money and the milage
that looks like good value to me......Ok LHD but still a hell of a car for the money and the milage
slapmatt said:
Thanks for all your input.
I think about 5 grand for a reasonable 944 S2 sounds a good bet. Now, all I have to do is find one!
Henry has one - www.911virgin.com/stock.htm
ICSD said:
www.911virgin.com/stock.htm|www.911virgin.com/stock.htm[/url]
That is a very nice car, not too keen on white though. Black is the colour for me!
slapmatt said:
www.911virgin.com/stock.htm|www.911virgin.com/stock.htm[/url]
That is a very nice car, not too keen on white though. Black is the colour for me!
Will you stop it.
My black S2 went to Henry for peanuts and sold in 2 days.
I'm fast coming to the conclusion that buying and selling cars is not a core competency for me. 
slapmatt said:
www.911virgin.com/stock.htm|www.911virgin.com/stock.htm[/url]
That is a very nice car, not too keen on white though. Black is the colour for me!
Don't say that to Henry or you'll get a lecture about how you should buy on condition and not on colour.
verysideways said:
can't remember cambelt replacement interval, sorry
re: S2, weren't they afflicted with some of the problems the 968's had with regards to camshaft wear? New cams cost ££££ right?
Yeah, I had this problem and had to replace the cams, chains and tensioner..
Cost was circa £1200 and I had only done about 130,000 miles......
This is just not good enough! only just run in at this mileage!!!!
tic
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