Looking at Porsches in the $30-35k range. 996 Carrera 4S? 06 Cayman S? Low mile 996?

[JonT]

Been away for awhile due to my car being out of commision (spun bearing and subsequent rebuild that failed after 5 track days another spun bearing). Anyway I may have convinced the boss that I need a newer car to drive while I figure out how to get the 3.6 running again. I'd drive it mostly for pleasure (I have a truck for daily duties) and I'd be hitting the track a few times a year too. What is the best bang for buck here in this price range? Thanks!

[Nick Triesch]

Great options. You can pick up a great 996 for right about $20,000 with low miles. Many people hate them but they are far better performing 911's than say a 3.2. (San Diego all day long) Used Boxsters are cheap fun. $10-15,000 for one of the best handling cars in the world. If you take your time you can find a nice 06 Cayman in the $26,000 range. But to be fair, Southern Cal has more Porsche cars than any other place in the world. Check out the LA or San Diego Craig s list. Would be worth a trip out here. No way do you have to spend $30,000.

[Eric Hahl]

$30-35, I'd say go for a Cayman S, the latest one you can get. Its got incredible bang for the buck.

[Cory M]

Cayman S

[nineball]

been considering that same scenario (or close to it) myself for a while now. i have my next car choices down to a late model cayman s or a late 70s-early 80s ferrari 308GTB. still haven't decided what i will get though. the cayman will be faster, handle better, have working ac, etc etc. the ferrari will be more expensive to maintain, slower, smaller inside.... but it's a ferrari!

[SilberUrS6]

Cayman S, no question.

[Hnichols]

Originally Posted by nineball

been considering that same scenario (or close to it) myself for a while now. i have my next car choices down to a late model cayman s or a late 70s-early 80s ferrari 308GTB. still haven't decided what i will get though. the cayman will be faster, handle better, have working ac, etc etc. the ferrari will be more expensive to maintain, slower, smaller inside.... but it's a ferrari!

The 308 was one of the most beautiful sportscars ever made. And that Ferrari 8 will make up for alot of the car's shortcomings.
Now the Cayman,of course, is the sensible, practical decision; in comparison, it's almost like buying a Toyota ...

[BR-549]

Also depends on what you want to use it for -- daily driver, show car, autocross, track car, weekend cruiser...

And financially, you could get something that will likely appreciate, like a really good 3.2 or a 993, while a Cayman, as great as it is, is still on the downslope of the depreciation curve.

Any way you look at it, these are fun choices and options.

Ken

[scarceller]

+1 on the 933 as a consideration.

Originally Posted by BR-549

Also depends on what you want to use it for -- daily driver, show car, autocross, track car, weekend cruiser...

And financially, you could get something that will likely appreciate, like a really good 3.2 or a 993, while a Cayman, as great as it is, is still on the downslope of the depreciation curve.

Any way you look at it, these are fun choices and options.

Ken

[Nick Triesch]

I guess the Cayman is kind of like a Toyota in that there are a lot of them. But it is still one of the most respected and best handling cars in the world. At any price. The Ferrari? Will look really great in your garage. I would rather have a fine sports car than rolling art.

[Trackrash]

If I had your budget, it would be a 993. Now is the time to buy one, while they are still affordable.

[nineball]

Originally Posted by Nick Triesch

I guess the Cayman is kind of like a Toyota in that there are a lot of them. But it is still one of the most respected and best handling cars in the world. At any price. The Ferrari? Will look really great in your garage. I would rather have a fine sports car than rolling art.

every car i own gets driven. i am a firm believer that cars were designed and meant to be driven, not stared at through the back window.

[G450X]

Please elaborate on the spun bearing issues (two?), it may aid a future rebuild or modify break-in procedures.

A well sorted 993 would be hard to beat for value and potential for appreciation.

If you go water cooled, I'd suggest 09+ to forgo various engine maladies ...

[Nick Triesch]

The 993 is a terrific car. My point is that you do not have to spend a ton to get a world class car. If a Cayman is a fantastic car that does everything well, who cares that it will depreciate in value? Very few modern cars go up in value if you think about it.

[DWeg1998]

Can you get a well sorted 993 in that price range?

[johnsjmc]

Originally Posted by DWeg1998

Can you get a well sorted 993 in that price range?

I would think a 993 around 100k miles with some newer stuff like a clutch and tires ,pss9s mostly original paint (except bumper cover ,etc) like mine would be between $30-35. unless they are going up faster than I realize .

[Hnichols]

Originally Posted by Nick Triesch

I guess the Cayman is kind of like a Toyota in that there are a lot of them. But it is still one of the most respected and best handling cars in the world. At any price. The Ferrari? Will look really great in your garage. I would rather have a fine sports car than rolling art.

I meant in terms of reliability, esp. in comparison to an old Ferrari (I actually think Toyotas are great cars). And of course you're right: the Cayman has fabulous performance. And it's a good looking car, esp. by modern standards.

I have to admit, though, when I look into the cockpit of an old Ferrari -- the big Nardi wheeel, the gated shifter -- I feel a visceral urge to drive the thing.

[yelcab1]

Cannot get a 993 for $30K.
Cannot get a 997 for $30K
Cannot get a Ferrari for $30K that will not require $10K of work
That leaves a low miles 996 in the 2002-2004 range

Cayman and Boxsters? Wait for them to drop some more.

[Trackrash]

There is a guy in San Diego who autocrosses his 308. I talked to him and he does his own work and upgrades.

[Doug&Julie]

Originally Posted by Nick Triesch

I guess the Cayman is kind of like a Toyota in that there are a lot of them...

Not really. They haven't sold well, despite their critical acclaim. So, with some exceptions (probably like SoCal), they're pretty rare. When I lived in Cinci and had mine, I think I may have seen one or two others. Here in Portland, I see a few more, but still not "a lot".

The two cars I regret selling the most are my '72 911 and my '06 Cayman S. Add a Subie winter car and that's a perfect garage, IMO.