Advice towards purchasing used Porsche

[MCompact]

I read through this thread hoping that a few here would answer JXW's questions. I also have considered trading my E350 for a Panamera, or perhaps a Cayenne, so I wanted to hear some real experience. From those who have actually owned/driven Porsche.

Not those who have a cousin who has a neighbor that works on Mustangs, and once saw a 911 race a Mustang.

You need to remember that this is BITOG, where the true European marque "experts" are the individuals who haven't even sat in the car that they are denigrating- never mind driven or owned one.

 

[measureman]

+1

Some people enjoy driving, and don't mind exchanging some reliability for a more fun driving experience. Not everyone wants a boring appliance on wheels, and the trade off depends on the individual.

As far as buying a Porsche, I would do your research on some Porsche specific forums, and find a good independent mechanic who offers pre-purchase inspections.

Thats me,sometimes I throw caution to the wind and kick the old '02 Blazer up to 80 MPH on the interstate.
If I'm really feeling reckless I open the electric sun roof and hope it closes when I'm done.
You should see the look on Porsche drivers when I pass them.

 

[RooflessVW]

As far as the Boxster, I would be very hesitant to to buy a vehicle that has to have its engine removed to be serviced. I learned to drive in a Porsche 356.

Pray tell

 

[BHopkins]

You need to remember that this is BITOG, where the true European marque "experts" are the individuals who haven't even sat in the car that they are denigrating- never mind driven or owned one.

Ain't that the truth!!!!

 

[twouvakind]

Same parent, but no Porsche. An absolute blast to drive with a manual, my last manual perhaps.

 

[edyvw]

Same parent, but no Porsche. An absolute blast to drive with a manual, my last manual perhaps.View attachment 108531

The best bang for a buck in the Euro segment fun-wise is BMW 128 with an N51 or N52 engine and stick.
Super reliable, excellent balance, easy and cheap to add some "horseage" and modify the suspension. But good luck finding one cheap.
I regret not getting one before it became the darling of track enthusiasts.

 

[RooflessVW]

The best bang for a buck in the Euro segment fun-wise is BMW 128 with an N51 or N52 engine and stick.
Super reliable, excellent balance, easy and cheap to add some "horseage" and modify the suspension. But good luck finding one cheap.
I regret not getting one before it became the darling of track enthusiasts.

I agree with you there, full stop.

Or even an E89 Z4 with the N52.

 

[edyvw]

I agree with you there, full stop.

Or even an E89 Z4 with the N52.

True that too.
But 128 had a real seat behind, and it is possible to decrease the weight to some 2,600lbs with some serious work on it.
Not to mention that N51/52 can run forever. I have seen them on track well into 200k miles, still going into redline with no problems all day.

 

[Speedy3861]

Pray tell

Yep, that was in 1961, it was my grandfather's car, even though it was down deep a low-profile Beetle, it was in the shop quite often. I drove 2 Boxters in 2007 before I bought my first Miata, had two of them in succession, a 2004 and a 2006, several trouble-free years until I just couldn't justify a "summer car". The Boxster was fun to drive, but after looking at repair/service costs as well as insurance, decided on the Miata. I've owned several Corvairs, they were a remarkable car if you understand their idiosyncrasies.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Nissan trumps Porsche 200%.

 

[Rand]

Thats me,sometimes I throw caution to the wind and kick the old '02 Blazer up to 80 MPH on the interstate.
If I'm really feeling reckless I open the electric sun roof and hope it closes when I'm done.
You should see the look on Porsche drivers when I pass them.

yea porsche owners .. slowest thing clogging the fast lane. Right after the Corvette owners.
Hey hes going 66 in a 65!!
Not everyone though had a prius pass me at 85 the other day.. that is breaking the mold...
I think the OP has the right idea but its a terrible time to be a car buyer.

 

[Dave Hess]

If OP really wants a Porsche he needs to hire an expert like RVW to inspect with a fine tooth comb and buy a cream puff vehicle.

I like really Porsches….. but they are out of my budget.

 

[RooflessVW]

It OP really wants a Porsche he needs to hire an expert like RVW to inspect with a fine tooth comb and buy a cream puff vehicle.

I like really Porsches but they are out of my budget.

I would recommend a thorough PPI for any used performance or near-exotic car.

And if the shop you take it to says pass, then pass. A bad result is just as helpful as a good one but it doesn't feel as nice.

 

[spk2000]

Save up for repairs and be prepared for extensive wait on parts from Germany.

 

[RooflessVW]

For reasons of reliability and service costs, personally I'd rather go with a nice 350Z. But their current asking prices are crazy too.

I absolutely love the 350Z and have been casually looking for a clean Touring in Interlagos Fire.

 

[drtyler]

Nissan trumps Porsche 200%.

Thats a hot take. Care to elaborate?

 

[aquariuscsm]

Keep dreaming. Not in motorsports or personal vehicles.

Nissan trumps Farfegnugen

 

[Dave Hess]

I would recommend a thorough PPI for any used performance or near-exotic car.

And if the shop you take it to says pass, then pass. A bad result is just as helpful as a good one but it doesn't feel as nice.

I have a feeling you are much more strict in your inspection than a guy doing a quick glance and checking boxes on a PPI.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Thats a hot take. Care to elaborate?

Nissan makes better cars than Volkswagen.

 

[RooflessVW]

Nissan makes better cars than Volkswagen.

That's hilarious. Maybe in the 90s, when Nissan cared.