We take a closer look at the Porsche 992.
Which Porsche – Part 1: £40k-£50k Range
We often get asked questions like this, and there is NO standard answer, but there are some things to consider.
Firstly, our answer to this question will provoke many more questions going your direction. Matching the car to the customer is the key to a great deal, and a great relationship.
Key considerations are always; What do you have in mind? How might you use it? What have you seen that you really love?
Porsche in this price range might be classic or modern. One thing they will share is low, or sometimes, zero depreciation. This may offer some other opportunities (more on this later).
Looking at our current sports car offers:
The modern 911 991 series…this is an as new a 911 as one can purchase within the price bracket, without compromising the quality, and at this price point our 2012 C2S is a good example to look at. It’s a 911, it will feel very special every time you get behind the wheel. It will thrill with performance, do anything you ask, and as it’s not the latest model, most of the depreciation has gone from it. Servicing is stated at 2-year intervals, our advice at this age…every year. It’s hard to find a negative.
Next let’s consider our 997 Turbo cabrio…it’s neither truly ‘classic’ or the most modern. What I see with these is prices have remained very stable for a few years now. Having cost well over £100,000 new, a good example exhibits all the qualities of that £100k+ new car, with just a gentle patina that shows it not to be new. Performance and driving dynamics remain, and this is an example of a top of the line Porsche convertible in 2008.
Maintenance may be a little more, so buying a good car is the secret. It’s a supercar that anyone can drive (though not everyone should). You could genuinely use it rain or shine. Ignoring the performance for a moment…it’s an intelligent choice if you love the thought of it.
The ‘young timer’. Our example here is the 996 Turbo coupe. It’s hard not to be too enthusiastic. This was in 2001 the flagship 911 road car. Featuring four wheel drive, great manners, a very strong engine, these raised the bar dynamically yet remained a Porsche that anyone could drive so docile are they, until you wake them up and look to the horizon, for these were designed for 190mph travel. Yes 190mph. For those that have never experienced it on four wheels I can tell you you need something very stable, with superb steering, aerodynamics, suspension and brakes.
Enter 996 Turbo. In Europe this is definitely a youngtimer, it’s heading for classic status but the good ones do not need rebuilding or restoring. Straightforward care is enough. Prices have remained stable for years, and with them becoming more rare, and seeming a more pure drive, I predict a decent future.
Let’s switch to a classic. Few air-cooled Porsche fall into this price band…and of those caution must be exhibited because the labour cost of unexpected rebuilds can spoil the experience. Don’t take chances buying blind.
While most air-cooled 911 have shot up in price over the last ten years, there are still a few that seem to me to be good value and good propositions. In our showroom at the moment is a 993 cabrio. I really rate this for anyone looking to enjoy air-cooled motoring. They have not yet realised their true value.
Great driving dynamics allow you to tour Europe with confidence, while the chassis, brakes, engine and transmissions are designed for 170mph. You have power steering, ABS brakes, double airbags, and a fully electric hood. Seems sensible? If you fancy one, and buy wisely, you will love it. Our 993 cabrio would fit.
You also have a chance that values will creep up and up, already Coupe and Targa are beyond our £50k ceiling.
Lastly…the rare and unusual…whilst today (as I am writing) we do not have any regular Boxster or Cayman here to tempt you…and if we did, it’s likely to be a 981 or a ‘new’ generation 718. Eminently easy Porsche to live with, beautiful handling and convenience of two nice big luggage spaces. But we do have something else…
Our Cayman R ‘RS’. Now, Porsche like this are truly unique and demand a buyer that appreciates their unique proposition. If you do, then these types of ‘one of’ cars can be enjoyed for less than the cost of making the upgrades to a more ‘normal’ example. So, for the right buyer, you are way out in front. Take a look.
Blog takeaways:
- No one ‘needs’ a Porsche, but we do ‘desire’ one. Avoid letting your head rule your heart. If you have arrived at a point in your life where you can experience these pleasures…then do so, you are worth that. Don’t let your sensible head stop your fun.
- The better cars are likely to cost less and carry less risk than the ‘cheap’ alternatives. Therefore, buy with, or from, a point of deep knowledge whereby you can understand the actual state of your intended purchase.
- If you can choose a model that allows you to enjoy it more often, then it is likely to provide you better value.
- Who knows what will happen in the future. Enjoy today.
And finally, the curve ball.
- Few people realise…that you may be able to afford more than you think, or sooner than you think. Our new funding partners (more on this next week) create tailored packages, often with lower monthly payments and a balloon payment…and they love Porsche because the depreciation curves are typically attractive.
What should you do? Call us now if you are ready, or before you are ‘ready’, to have an informal chat and explore the options. We have lots of information, help, and guidance to give, one call is all that’s needed.
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