When Porsche has had a good year, employees receive a big check for often thousands of euros. Not nearly enough to be able to buy something of our own make (both new and used), but at least the start is there. This gave us the idea to look for a used Porsche, because we obviously like such a car. What can we expect for about 20 to 25 grand?
Despite the expanding model range, the choice remains quite limited with our budget, but if you look carefully, a Porsche can become reality. Of course there are the classic models, but we would like something from this millennium. Because the Cayman, Macan and Panamera are still (just) out of reach, it remains with a Boxster, Cayenne or 911. Not bad either, right?
More GT than pure sports car
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
February 2000
189,009 km
€22,950
If you say Porsche, you say 911, one of the few four-wheelers that has earned a place in the hall of fame of automotive history. It is a dream of many and therefore the used prices of a 911 remain very high. However, there is one exception: generation 996, the first model with a water-cooled six-burner boxer instead of the air-cooled copies of its ancestors. That, plus the fried egg headlights and an interior that resembled the cheaper Boxster, raised eyebrows. Worse, however, were the mechanical issues. Oil leakage and problems with pistons and the cam chain tensioner caused serious engine failure, which often required an overhaul – which could cost just 20 grand. It didn’t do the 996 reputation any good, but it made it a relatively affordable occasion. Our 911 Carrera Cabriolet, for example, costs just under 23 grand. The same model, but from the famous 964 generation, easily costs double, while it is ten years older.
A 996 may seem like a bargain, make sure you buy one with a conclusive service history and, if necessary, take an expert with you on your quest. Then Porsche remains fun to drive, also for the wallet. Because it is wonderful to tour in this topless athlete. With the poker in D (the automatic transmission can also be operated manually) you can comfortably roll with the rest of the traffic; the 911 offers sufficient seating comfort. Once the road is clear, you will receive a firm push in your back, accompanied by that full raspy boxer sound. Of course we have the – electric – hood down, for even more acoustic experience. Everything goes so naturally. In the city it is a tame lamb that you would give to your grandmother with confidence, on the country road it shoots forward at lightning speed. Without discord, without tiring the occupants with a rock-hard chassis or anxious moments at the limit, while the 911 still has everything in the back. This occasion is therefore not a hardcore sports car that you have your hands full with. In fact, the folding hood and automatic transmission provide a GT feel, ideal for everyday use.
A pure Porsche with manual gearbox
Porsche Boxster S
June 2003
146,057 km
€19,950
At the end of the last century, things did not look so good for Porsche: the concept of the 911 became obsolete, but nevertheless outlived all other models (924, 944, 968, 928). But with the Boxster, Porsche took a new direction: a six-cylinder boxer, but placed amidships. This did not make the car easier to handle than its iconic brother, but it also gave more luggage space. By sacrificing the rear seat, you got a pure two-seat roadster that’s easier to drive than a 911. Yet here too the criticism was not out of the air. In order not to worry too much about the 911 seat legs, the first copies delivered 204 hp, which was found to be too little and gave the Boxster an image that was too feminine. Now there is nothing wrong with that and in this case it is also unjustified. Not only does this S version deliver a healthy 260 hp, so that the performance comes close to that of the 911 Carrera Cabriolet, the block is linked to a manual six-speed gearbox with a heavy clutch. Traffic jams are bound to cause calf cramps.
This makes the Boxster seem more sports car than the 911. Purer, less all-round. Sharper steering, more interaction with the driver. Even now we perceive a beautiful boxer sound. Although the 3.2-litre block is closer behind your back, it seems to be better insulated. All in all, this Boxster S is just a real Porsche, especially when it comes to appearance and build quality. Not a 911, but actually more attractive. Just think: three years younger, driven half a ton less and still four grand cheaper. This way you still have enough money to keep it running, because unfortunately a Boxster is not flawless either. Here, leaking oil seals and weak intermediate shafts can throw a spanner in the works. So here too the tip to only buy a Boxster of which the history is known. Especially when it comes to a cheap Boxster, because unlike the 911 you will find drivable copies here that only have to cost a four-digit amount. Ours is twenty grand and for that you can expect a good quality, reliable and roadworthy example. In that respect, this occasion does not disappoint us.
Just an SUV, but very good
Porsche Cayenne Diesel
October 2011
266,566 km
€22,750
Made the Boxster frown upon its introduction, the Cayenne was a complete shock to Porsche adepts. Now, after so many years, the SUV has become an indispensable part of the Porsche range. In fact, his success made the brand financially solid and led to more expansion in the form of the Macan and the Panamera. In short, the Cayenne should not be missing in these columns. And if we’re still knocking down sacred houses, we’ll do it right and choose a diesel.
In contrast to the sports cars, the Cayenne is a ‘normal’ occasion with ditto depreciation. Ergo: you can find them for a few thousand euros. That also means that we don’t have to bite the bullet for our budget. And indeed, this copy leaves a deep impression on all fronts. Space, towing weight and luxury are of a high level. The build quality of the interior is – especially given the experienced mileage – simply excellent. All keys, knobs and switches feel like new. The relatively low seating position is surprising. Obviously no Boxster or 911, but also no king of the road feeling that a Range Rover gives you. No, you sit comfortably encased and let the car do its job. The Audi-derived, but in-house adapted drie-liter diesel serves in the background and never shows that he is short of breath, thanks in part to the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. In the meantime, you can travel wherever you want in comfort, because the average consumption in combination with the 100-litre tank – mounted here – ensures that a range of a thousand kilometers is the rule rather than the exception. Of course it is a completely different car than the two other people portrayed, but here and there you can clearly see family similarities (power, road holding, seating position). It’s a shame that diesels have been in the corner in recent years where the blows fall, because the machine makes the Cayenne a fine all-rounder in which it is very good to travel. Keep enough on hand for proper maintenance, then your Cayenne will be well preserved. He deserves it.
Looking for Porsches between €20,000 and €25,000 yourself? Go ahead!
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl