First Porsche

[hogthrob]

Since I was in my late teens, I've wanted a Porsche. For years a 928 was my dream car, followed by a 944 or 964. The only other car I've ever really lusted after was a Magnum PI style Ferrari 308 (which isn't in any way a current option, and only mentioned for reference).

Much as I try to tell myself otherwise, I have the lust for pretty much any car with a Porsche badge. You know the one, where you have to have a Sinn 857 or Great White or whatever. When I recently confessed this yearning to my SO, she said "well don't wait till you're 70". I took this to be closer to the "you should get one" end of the spectrum than the "do what you want" end, and took it as a green light.

Practically speaking, I know a Macan would be the most sensible for me. Something with 4/5 seats and a decent-ish boot, that would seamlessly replace my XC40 and tick the "Porsche" box. I know that's not what I really want though, and ultimately probably wouldn't scratch the itch. I'm no amateur Stig, I have no desire to take a personal car on a track day, and I keep within 110% of the speed limit. My SO's sister's SO (concentrate at the back) has a 992 C4S which he recently took me for a ride in. I felt the ride was slightly choppy, and when he floored it I thought "this is too fast for these roads". Objectively my Volvo is a better car, not that that makes any difference.

But I really want a Porsche "2 seater" sports car. There are other cars in my family that I can drive, but this would be my main everyday car. I've been doing a bit of research, and I'm only a bit wiser. The forums (Porscheclubgb and Pistonheads) aren't a huge help, as their members have varied requirements (e.g. lowest possible price, investment potential, second 'Sunday' car etc. etc.). There's a Porsche for most requirements, it seems, but the options that are most palateable to me are Cayman 718, or 991.

What's my budget? I'd like to spend 30k. I'm realistically thinking it will be closer to 45K, and while I could go higher that would be getting into 'really?' territory. I will definately be buying from a dealer, and preferably from someone like RPM.

Can anyone help me make a decision??



Bonus question: Is high mileage a concern? I know they need consumables like brake pads and disks / tyres / brake fluid / aircon condensers at regular intervals, but is 70k+ miles a particular worry?

[Mj2k]

I don’t see higher mileage cars as an issue, they are best being used bs sat still on a driveway, I’ve had 2 issues on solenoids from low use over a winter period; one bank one year, the other the following. Perhaps I was just unlucky.

We got both of ours through Ashgood near Heathrow and they are fantastic to deal with, and very fair when it came to putting a price on our trade-ins.

Having driven my FILs Porsches over the years I know what you mean about the pace the new ones are capable of. Last year he had a new 992 GTS cab, and that seemed ridiculous vs his 991. He now has a Turbo S but yet to drive it. For me, they are also massive cars now vs what the started out as, combined with the speed isn’t a fast car for lanes and country roads anymore.

We have a base Boxster and a Cayman GTS both of the 981 model, which for me was the last of the best sounding engines. The 718 sounds flat to me, even the 4.0 GTS doesn’t make the hairs on my neck stand up.

Base model is great fun, can rev it out without being silly, the GTS is a different beast entirely in how it feels and the pace / way it builds it rapidly - try to drive a base and an S and see which you prefer.

The infotainment system is a bit dated, if mine were a daily I’d get a magic box fitted that turns the screen to car play compatible if you have an iPhone. Aside from that, no issues if this were a daily, before lockdown my wife used hers on a 60 mile round trip commute and never complained about lack of comfort etc.

So many extras were available for these cars from new, I wish we’d got my wife’s car with the switchable exhaust as we both love mine when on a spirited drive with the crackles and bangs. Switchable suspension is always on softest as our roads are awful, auto dimming lights are a bit low tech bs modern matrix lights, but well worth getting the upgraded lights from the standard halogen as makes a huge difference.

The only thing I wish I had was the full electrically seats as I’m really fussy with my driving position and like to hone it in; hate it when a mechanic or MOT person moves my seat.

No longer use the Porsche network for servicing as their prices and options are a joke; £600 minor service and presented with £5k of optional stuff! We now use Northway Porsche on the A4 near Theale; a full service of fluids, plugs, belts etc was £800 and you get to speak with the person who is working on your car.

Budget wise I think north of £40k will get you a lovely example based on what I’ve looked at, and I keep looking. When I was last with Northway their view was to get the best 981 GTS model you can as they don’t make them like that anymore - and it’s interesting as aside from upgrading the wife’s to a GTS we struggle to think what the next cars will be, and that’s not something we have usually struggled with before.

Good luck, whichever you decide on ultimately I’m sure you will be over the moon with. It just feels special in a way your current car never will.

[Jubal]

Lovely budget. I scratched my Porsche itch a while back with a Boxster 3.2S. Brilliant car for a few summers. Fast enough for our roads. The best thing I did was find a local (ish) indy to maintain it. Unique Porsche. Get on the forums and find one near you. They often know who is selling too. Have fun!

[gunner]

Porsche has always been about the 911 for me. Toyed with the idea of other models (Boxster Spyder would be nice) but have always come back to the 911. Definitely not as practical as a Macan but as a combo of dream car and daily driver I think they're hard to beat.

So of your two options, I'd go for the 991. It won't be at the £30k end of your budget though.

911uk.com is pretty good if you're looking for model info.

[markbannister]

My first was a 924 Turbo (paid £3250 for it in the late 90s!!!) followed by 2x 944. Still have a hankering after another 944.

[snowman]

If you just want a Porsche badge, get a cheap Boxster (You'll probably enjoy it anyway).

Me, I've never liked 911s (I don't like the way they look and I don't like the way they drive, just me and they all seem to be expensive, because most people seem to love them or the idea of them), so I'd be looking for a nice 6 cylinder Cayman, personally.

Or you could go the classic route and get a 928 before they get too expensive to even consider or perhaps a good 944/968? I'd love an S1 928 - I'm sure the later ones are 'better', but the 928 was like a flying saucer when it was launched!

Enjoy, whatever you get.

M

[thieuster]

I would try to find a car with a full service history. And make sure that you find an indy with a good reputation before you buy a Porsche.

In the wider area around my hamlet are three indy Porsche workshops. And I know for a fact that two (and perhaps the third as well) will accompany the owner-to-be when it comes to inspecting and buying. There’s a price tag, but a small one compared to the troubles you can run into.

[Foxmod]

For me mileage is not as important as the condition and service history.... go in with open eyes and ask experts if needed

[beechcustom]

Personally I'd go with the best/newest 718 Cayman you can afford. They are fantastic cars and very well built. I know the Porsche anoraks moan about the 4 pot engine but whatevs. Just make sure you get the sports exhaust option. And I wouldn't go 'S' either, standard 300bhp is enough on today's roads for most people.

[Foxy100]

OP, how tall are you? I'm 6' 2 1/2" and gave up on my 986 Boxster S, I could either have the seatback in the correct position with not enough support for my thighs or the other way round. I've not had to put the seat back as far as it can go in 911s or my old 924Ss (how I'd like another one of those again...).

[JohnB4]

Hi Chap, looks like you are in Essex, in the north of the county there is a Porsche indy (Paul Stevens I believe) on the road from Halstead to Sudbury and I believe another in Coggeshall. It may be worth a visit to see if they have a stock of cars or even for a chat about running costs etc.. Good Luck. Cheers, John B4

[hogthrob]

Hi Chap, looks like you are in Essex, in the north of the county there is a Porsche indy (Paul Stevens I believe) on the road from Halstead to Sudbury and I believe another in Coggeshall. It may be worth a visit to see if they have a stock of cars or even for a chat about running costs etc.. Good Luck. Cheers, John B4

Yes, I'm in Colchester, and there does appear to a few good independents nearby. PIE Performance in Lavenham, Autostrasse in Coggeshall and Paul Stevens near Halstead all have positive comments on PH. Paul Stevens seems more focussed on air cooled cars though.

[burton]

Yes, I'm in Colchester, and there does appear to a few good independents nearby. PIE Performance in Lavenham, Autostrasse in Coggeshall and Paul Stevens near Halstead all have positive comments on PH. Paul Stevens seems more focussed on air cooled cars though.

PIE Performance are great to deal with, Chris and his team are great, my friend takes his 968 CS there we are in Suffolk.

I have been hankering after a 997 recently as I love this era, I am 6'3" so struggle to fit in most cars but these I can fit in nicely but test drove this era when they came out and loved them but timing wasn't right I am hoping like you it would be, but I have set a lower budget for my search, as it would hardly get used so have to weigh that up also.

Good luck with your search

[ditchvisitor]

IMHO I wouldn’t touch any of the newer stuff, Porsche specialist I use has had countless 718 etc in to have bits replaced due to cheap manufacturing.

Having had a 3.2, 986S, 2 x 996 GT3’s, ‘74 3.0RS rep and a 996 Turbo, and with your budget I would go 996 Turbo and budget for some tweaks/maintenance all day long. Failing that get a well looked after 996 C2 with no sunroof and cable throttle and chuck some money at it to make it yours. sports and classic have a great example for sale currently. ▶️ Watch this video https://www.facebook.com/share/r/CMx...ibextid=WC7FNe

[gunner]

...with your budget I would go 996 Turbo and budget for some tweaks/maintenance...

Completely agree, I just said 991 as it was on the shortlist.

[hogthrob]

IMHO I wouldn’t touch any of the newer stuff, Porsche specialist I use has had countless 718 etc in to have bits replaced due to cheap manufacturing.

Having had a 3.2, 986S, 2 x 996 GT3’s, ‘74 3.0RS rep and a 996 Turbo, and with your budget I would go 996 Turbo and budget for some tweaks/maintenance all day long. Failing that get a well looked after 996 C2 with no sunroof and cable throttle and chuck some money at it to make it yours. sports and classic have a great example for sale currently. ▶️ Watch this video https://www.facebook.com/share/r/CMx...ibextid=WC7FNe

If I was as handy with the spanners as you, ice probably feel more attracted to the older cars.

[Incredible Sulk]

Personally I'd go with the best/newest 718 Cayman you can afford. They are fantastic cars and very well built. I know the Porsche anoraks moan about the 4 pot engine but whatevs. Just make sure you get the sports exhaust option. And I wouldn't go 'S' either, standard 300bhp is enough on today's roads for most people.

That’s what I did a few months back. 2 year old ‘base’ 718, in a poverty spec, but it does have the options that help the handling - 18 inch wheels (not the massively heavy 20’s that many spec), PASM and torque vectoring. It’s also a manual. It doesn’t have the sports exhaust option, but there are those that say it’s pointless in a car fitted with a GPF exhaust anyway. I bought from an OPC, so it’s been through the 111 point check so it is minty, and is warrantied until November 2026. That means no large unexpected repair bills in the immediate future.

Brings a huge smile to my face every time I manoeuvre my ample behind into the (only 2 way) base spec seats.

[farmkid]

Personally if I were you the OP with that budget I would go for a 997.2 Carrera S pdk coupe…..
The 997 shape is small and compact, and arguably more aesthetically pleasing than a 991.

[ditchvisitor]

Personally I'd go with the best/newest 718 Cayman you can afford. They are fantastic cars and very well built. I know the Porsche anoraks moan about the 4 pot engine but whatevs. Just make sure you get the sports exhaust option. And I wouldn't go 'S' either, standard 300bhp is enough on today's roads for most people.

I couldn’t disagree more tbh! 4 pot, only made to last 10 years at best; I guess it all depends if you want something new and shiny!

[Longblackcoat]

I had a 996 3.4 for a while - loved it to bits. The problem with it as an everyday car was that it was really quite raw and I'm not as young as I was. A 991 would be a better day-to-day car but you're looking at serious money.

Having driven a couple of 997s I think that's where I'd go - probably a Carrera S 3.8 manual. You'd pay about £30k, maybe a little more, and for that you'd get a 2010-ish model with well under 100k miles. No turbo, no PDK and you'd still be able to put a decent warranty on it.

As an alternative, and if you don't mind a more primitive feeling cabin, a 996 Turbo. Bulletproof engine, will scare you witless and drain your wallet with its thirst for fuel and tyres.

Oh, and I've yet to be in a 911 that doesn't feel a bit choppy in its ride quality. I owned my 911 concurrently with a LWB S-Class and it amazed me that the same piece of tarmac could feel quite so different when travelled over at the same speed!

[beechcustom]

I couldn’t disagree more tbh! 4 pot, only made to last 10 years at best; I guess it all depends if you want something new and shiny!

Wait, Porsche made the current 718 engine to have a 10 year max lifespan?? Where have you got that from??

[ditchvisitor]

Wait, Porsche made the current 718 engine to have a 10 year max lifespan?? Where have you got that from??

Not the engine, I mean the car in general! Amount of cost saving measures in various places is unreal - long gone are the days of cars being built by engineers not penny pinchers!

[beechcustom]

Not the engine, I mean the car in general! Amount of cost saving measures in various places is unreal - long gone are the days of cars being built by engineers not penny pinchers!

Well it felt pretty solid to me. I owned one during lockdown. My then gf bought and sold super cars. I'm not even kidding. We had all sorts on the drive. Lambos , GTRs, 488 Ferraris etc. We had a GTS 911 (think it was 2017 my) and tons of Cayman and Boxter 718s The 911 was incredible but at least twice the price. I don't recall the build quality being significantly better than the Cayman tbh. All the Porsches felt super well made including some of the older Caymans that passed through that had perhaps had a tougher life.

[Stuno1]

Not the engine, I mean the car in general! Amount of cost saving measures in various places is unreal - long gone are the days of cars being built by engineers not penny pinchers!

I have heard the same for a chap that details mainly Porsches. He stated the 981 and 991 are better built than the later models in terms of solidity of the cabin. Also, small things like heated screen washer boxers are now bot on the cars. A small but notable omission.

[china]

Not the engine, I mean the car in general! Amount of cost saving measures in various places is unreal - long gone are the days of cars being built by engineers not penny pinchers!

I'm sorry you've had such a bad experience with your 718. I've got one too and I've spent some time on the different 718 forums and the cars do seem quite solid, oldest are now eight years old and there are generally no big issues with them.

[Hood]

I couldn’t disagree more tbh! 4 pot, only made to last 10 years at best; I guess it all depends if you want something new and shiny!

You're losing credibility here.
Had enough older ones and a few newer ones and I'm not picking up on a decrease in build quality to the point of a 718 only being good for 10 years.

[R0bertb00th]

Ive recently acquired a macan performance pack - S Turbo equivalent from this parish - full PSH and a respected saeller and at a price not much more than trade were offering and so far Im really enjoying it so far - its quite understated, extremely comfortable and the kids can get in the back - put it in sports mode and it sounds amazing and has plenty of poke its a wolf in sheeps clothing

Ive come from a M4 competition which was very unforgiving by comparison, was hard work getting in and out and wanted to kill you if you put it in sports mode and I get almost the same MPG in the Porsche and the insurance is cheaper -whats not to like

Good luck in your search

[aa388]

There’s a 928 S4 on the collecting cars auction site with 4 hours to run.


Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

[Foxmod]

There’s a 928 S4 on the collecting cars auction site with 4 hours to run.


Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

Only thing to remember with CC is it is an auction, go in with eyes very wide open, very little comeback, you can get burnt

[eagletower]

Currently have a 911 991 and a Macan . I had a cayenne before and I hated it. Love the Macan, don’t get me wrong the 911 is a great car but if I could only have one - it would be the Macan for practicality . Love the Macan . Great size , handles great .

[Hood]

Regards Cayman v 911
IMO a Cayman is 90% of a 911(and a better size imo ) at half the price .
Sometimes a 911 itch needs scratched though.
I will agree with the 997S gen2 PDK comment-incredible car and last before they got a bit too bloated.

[beechcustom]

Regards Cayman v 911
IMO a Cayman is 90% of a 911(and a better size imo ) at half the price .

Absolutely agree with this. I'd rather buy a nice solid Cayman with mf warranty than skimp on a 911. If I ever do own a 911 it'll be because I can afford a decent one. As it stands 'even' the Cayman is out of my budget currently.

The idea of taking a punt on a 928 at auction fills me with dread.

[jwillans]

Really interesting thread - I'm planning to buy a Cayman 987 gen 2 in the next few months and currently doing my research. They look like a lot of car for the money with some of the earlier gen 1 issues sorted.

[scooobydont]

Good thread. I am sizing up 986 and 987 boxsters, not that I am planning to do anything soon, but hopefully one day. I just need to keep buying g shocks for now...

[paw3001]

No photos yet…disappointed!


Have to say I moved up from a base 987.2 Boxster to a 981S with PSE and whilst both cars are brilliant to drive, the 981 is a nicer place to be sat in with the sound and power of the car being exhilarating.

The 718 is obviously more modern with its cabin and I really like its back end but unless you get a 4.0 GTS then you will miss out of the true Porsche feeling and experience in my opinion. However, it is still a great driving car and if you haven’t driven a flat 6 then you most likely won’t miss it.

I also find the cayman/boxsters more practical with the front and rear boots and provide about 90% of the fun of a 911 for about half the cost!

[Mj2k]

[QUOTE=paw3001;6369956]No photos yet…disappointed!/QUOTE]

Oh go on then.



I don’t keep the wing up, was freshly washed!

Bought just before first lockdown and still feels special every time I start it up, in a way my M4 never did, but the Z4M always did - something about it just being unique as a platform and not a more powerful version of a rep mobile, god knows.

M4 always wanted to kill me, this inspires so much confidence it is almost a danger from the other end of the spectrum.

[Bigstam]

I’m currently in the same situation flitting between 981, 718 and 991.

The question of mileage is one I’ve been trying to get my head around. Of course a well maintained high mileage car is fine and arguably all cars are better when not sat stationary for prolonged periods, so I’m not against them. However the cars with 70k plus on them seem to hang around for sale for some time so it appears the Porsche market don’t like high miles, even though 981 and 991 are more than 10 years old now.

I’m just conscious of buying one in that 70k bracket then it nearing 100k when I eventually want a change!

Ross

[Tom-P]

The question of mileage is one I’ve been trying to get my head around. Of course a well maintained high mileage car is fine and arguably all cars are better when not sat stationary for prolonged periods, so I’m not against them. However the cars with 70k plus on them seem to hang around for sale for some time so it appears the Porsche market don’t like high miles

I think that's true of all s/h cars to be honest, though doubtless slightly pronounced in that sector. One reads on the age/mileage equation that newer/higher mileage is generally better than older/lower mileage etc, but somehow when it comes to buying it's hard not to fetishise mileage as a simple index of 'worn' ...

[hogthrob]

I’m currently in the same situation flitting between 981, 718 and 991.

I’m just conscious of buying one in that 70k bracket then it nearing 100k when I eventually want a change!

Ross

This is exactly the thoughts I have.

The other nagging thought is 'investment' potential, which clouds judgment. I guess a 'properly' specced 981 S is the sweet spot from that POV.

[Hood]

This is exactly the thoughts I have.

The other nagging thought is 'investment' potential, which clouds judgment. I guess a 'properly' specced 981 S is the sweet spot from that POV.

Zero investment potential.
If you mean which will depreciate the least it will be the 981.

[Hood]

Lovely
Enjoy it.

[klunk]

OP, good luck with your search.
Like you, I'm buying my first Porsche later this year.

Over the last few months, I've done an enormous amount of reading on the subject and I think I've narrowed it down to a manual 997S Gen 2 or a 991.1S, but haven't ruled out a 981 Cayman S if i can't find the right 911 in the spec I want.

If you can buy one from a reputable independent such as RPM Technik, Harbour cars et al, then I would go that route if your budget allows, but I think it should be stressed how important it is to have a pre- purchase inspection carried out prior to purchase by a reputable Porsche qualified person.

These cars are well capable of draining ones wallet at a rapid pace, so it's important you know what you are getting into and prioritise a comprehensive service history - preferably by official Porsche Dealer or Independent Porsche specialist over a car with low mileage and patchy service history.

I look forward to reading more about your search.

[wileeeeeey]

If the current style targa drops below 50k it would be tempting to cash in watches and go nuts. Seem to be about 65k currently.

Been down the same road mentally many times and the 997.2 PDK is the standout but they’re almost the same price as the 991.1 and sometimes even more. Nonsensical but I would want the four seats of a 911.

[beechcustom]

Miami blue with Carrera wheels

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[beechcustom]

And the GTS 911 we had...

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[beechcustom]

Congrats Klunk. Lovely colour and wheels!

[adigra]

That red is fantastic. Suits the car perfectly.

[Hood]

Looks great Hogthrob.
Was taking my 718 in for it's service today into local specialist.
Speaking to the head mechanic and he had another 718 in that a lady had brought in with catastrophic engine failure.
Basically needs a new engine.
17.5K before VAT and labour
Guy said it was a known engine issue but out of warranty and Porsche not offering any help on cost.
Car had been serviced 2 mts previously so not like it was badly maintained.

Interestingly had an old 356 in the workshop that he was shoehorning a VW Beetle engine into.

[hogthrob]

Thanks for all your kind comments. I'm chuffed to bits with it. The local birds seem rather fond of it as well, unfortunately.

Today was the first sunny day in a week, and looking at it in the sunshine reminded me why I said I'd never get another black car (last eight cars: black, dark blue, black, dark blue, black, black, black). Oh well.

You'll never guess where the heated steering wheel switch is. I certainly couldn't. Is it some sort of Porsche in-joke / German humour thing?




The block paving is at least 10 years old, and was until fairly recently in a bit of a state. £250 to a local pressure washer guy for front, side and back of the house was money well spent.

[daveyw]

I’ve also been toying with the same idea as the OP.
The 911 (997.2) appeal to heart and head but I’m still drawn to a Macan as we have family and dog. Does anyone have any experience or ever put their dog in a 911? Is this madness to consider?
The 911 seems like it would hold value but may cost more to run and the Macan the other way round. Am I wrong in this thinking also?