[dleccord]

Thinking about buying a used Porsche in the few years. What’s a starter Porsche for under 30k to get a feel of what they drive like? Would the 996, 997 generation be good?

[fiveohwblow]

Seems the consensus is 997.2 but there are a few lovers of the 996 lurking.

[mc-m3]

I would suggest searching the rennlist forums. Lots of great info there.

[c1pher]

997.2 is always thrown out there since it is the last generation that has hydraulic steering and the motor is NA. If you have to have a 911, buy the best condition one, with options you want, that you can afford at the time.

But honestly, why overlook a Cayman? You can find something even newer and very capable with a lot of 911 interior features. If you are thinking you need a back seat, it’s really not usable unless you have infants. Cayman actually has better storage.

I’m not saying one is better over the other but eliminating the Cayman without truly considering it would limit your options and ability to save money or spend the difference on mods if that’s your thing. If you have to have a 911, I get it, nothing else will do.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by fiveohwblow

Seems the consensus is 997.2 but there are a few lovers of the 996 lurking.

Can't get 997.2 for under $30k. That would be a high mileage 997.1 or 996. Only thing under $30k in sports car form would be a 987 Cayman/Boxster.

[fiveohwblow]

Originally Posted by dgoldenz

Can't get 997.2 for under $30k. That would be a high mileage 997.1 or 996. Only thing under $30k in sports car form would be a 987 Cayman/Boxster.

Guess without the gift of foresight we will have to wait to see if they drop in the timeframe the OP listed of the next few years, barring this insane covid premium doesn’t stick.

Could see this Carrera S dropping close to 30k.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...6817/overview/

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by fiveohwblow

Guess without the gift of foresight we will have to wait to see if they drop in the timeframe the OP listed of the next few years, barring this insane covid premium doesn’t stick.

I think they will continue rising in value. Everyone wants a 997. Clean low mileage examples are going to sell at a huge premium.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by fiveohwblow

Could see this Carrera S dropping close to 30k.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...6817/overview/

Did you look at the carfax? Salvage title, not actual mileage. Multiple accidents. lol. That’s a $55k car with clean title.

[andrewmr]

Lots of people like the 996 platform. Lots of people say go for the 997 platform. Sadly, the 997 will most likely be just out of you price point.

As stated above, don't limit yourself to 911's, the cayman is a great car.

What is your goal for the car?

[fiveohwblow]

Originally Posted by dgoldenz

Did you look at the carfax? Salvage title, not actual mileage. Multiple accidents. lol. That’s a $55k car with clean title.

Sure didn’t. Before covid I found many around this price. I would venture a guess 30-35 won’t be a problem around 2024. Time will tell.

[MBM340]

Cayman S used if you are trying to stay around 30-35...if you can wait then watch for the dip on the 997.2 prices for a few years...I know I will be.

[dgoldenz]

997.2 prices are only going in one direction. The only thing that will drag them down is high mileage. They’re done depreciating.

[..Rush..]

P O R S C H E...

--There is no substitute-

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by fiveohwblow

Sure didn’t. Before covid I found many around this price. I would venture a guess 30-35 won’t be a problem around 2024. Time will tell.

Huh????

Pre-covid 997.2's in decent shape were already well above 40K, closer to 50K.

Looking at a 996 and a well used one at that for under $30K. And I'll say it, a sub 30K 911 is likely a bad idea.

[Josh-PA]

at that pricepoint, a 987.2S would be your best bet

[chassis]

Under $30k list price with clean title produces less than 5% of all 911 listings for sale on cargurus I call that slim pickings. Overwhelmingly 996 oriented.

Too much demand for this car, and I don't see it changing. Porsche knows what they have, and owners know what they have.

There are some fatal engine flaws among the various model years, so if you do decide to purchase, caveat emptor should be modus operandi.

[lsturbointeg]

i went with a Cayman 718 GTS but nowhere near $30k

[Humdizzle]

997's are not going down any time soon if ever. At 30k you are scraping the bottom of the barrel for the used market on those. Base model with a terrible auto trans and high miles.

996 is an option although they are the black sheep on the 911 world. But its still a 911 and has the engine hanging out at the back so you get the '911' driving characteristics.

06-07 first gen caymans would probably be a better pick. although being MR its not gonna be your typical porsche in feel. I'd probably pick one over a 996 though.

[Darth One]

I'd always recommend to someone new to Porsche to try both the 911 and the Cayman/Boxster. They're both all-time greats IMO, but some people will prefer one to the other. And some (like me) will want both.

That said, I would be stuck with the mid-engine models at that price point. I personally hate the 996 and would not recommend. But don't take my word for it, give it a try and decide for yourself

[erickonphoenix]

OP, do look at your insurance rates before you pull the trigger on a 911. I could afford the car and to maintain it, but was priced out of one because I couldn't get a decent rate to insure it.

[David70]

I have considered a 996 or 997, benefit of the 996 being the cost. My issue with the Cayman is if I buy a used 911 vs. Cayman, keep it for 5 years, not sure the depreciation on the Cayman won't have it cost the same as the 911 and I will wish I had the 911 the whole time.

As said above, you don't say if an automatic/manual or convertible/hardtop is what you want.

I bought my Z4M about 8 years ago, then I did consider a Cayman S as an alternative but for like condition/year the Cayman S was significantly more money, now they have flipped and I think my Z4M is worth more than I paid for it and the Cayman is worth less. Possibly would have been a $15k additional long term cost to get the Cayman.

[jmack]

996 with $200 headlight covers is really hard to beat in the current 911 market.