A 911 for 25,000 euros, a Boxster for less than 15,000 euros? It almost sounds too good to be true. Are Porsches, and do we mean the real sports cars instead of a Cayenne, now accessible to people with an average income?
Have you ever heard a six-cylinder boxer engine screaming behind your back and enjoyed the fantastic power delivery of such an engine? We can tell you: you don’t know what you’re missing! We don’t need to tell you which car we are talking about here: the Porsche 911, the dream car of many generations. A beautiful, fast and sporty car, but unfortunately it is also priceless for most people. The starting price is more than € 140,000. Then we are talking about a car without options.
Even if you are looking for a used 911, you generally have to pay a lot for that. There is one exception to that rule, however: the 996. With its fried egg headlamps, the first 911 generation with water-cooled engine never really became as popular as its predecessors. And no more than its successors, which had round headlights as usual. However, that makes it all the more interesting for people looking for a nice young timer, because for € 25,000 to € 30,000 you can already buy very nice copies.
If you think that price tag is a bit too much of a good thing, then the Cayman is an attractive alternative. With its mid-engine – and as a result good weight distribution – and the lack of prosperity fat, it offers just as purist handling as older 911s. With a starting price of approximately € 20,000, you pay a similar amount as for a well-dressed Volkswagen Polo!
However, it can be even cheaper, because the prices of used Boxsters are almost at Dacia level. For some, the Boxster has the image of a ladies’ hairdressing Porsche, but it has a lot to offer: convertible fun, perfect driving behavior and a cost level that is still manageable for many people. For the cheapest copies you pay less than € 10,000 at our eastern neighbors, to which the import costs are added. That sounds very tempting, but you do run a risk for such amounts. If the boxer engine no longer screams one day, you will be in for financial agony.
THE PLUS AND PAIN POINTS OF THE PORSCHE BOXSTER 986 S
From zero to pure driving pleasure in twelve seconds. That’s how long it takes to fold the fabric hood behind the seats. And then this car also has an absolutely fine six-cylinder, which is placed amidships and thus ensures an ideal weight distribution. This car may have a ladies’ hairdressing image, but it is undeniably a purebred Porsche! Although it is not very well put together. In Zuffenhausen they have never really been able to solve the problems with the intermediate shafts that are too weak and the leaking oil seals. The finish in the interior is also mediocre; you notice everything that Porsche cut back considerably in the 90s. In addition, the early Boxster copies are now 24 years old. Many summer and sporty driving owners leave their mark. If you can afford it, you should go for a later copy from a first-time owner who has always properly serviced according to factory schedule.
Interior: In the 90s, the Porsche designers were completely into ellipsoid shapes. The finish is not as good as we are used to from the brand.Finish: It does not meet the expectations that we have at Porsche. In addition, the early copies are now quite old.Cooling fan: If the series resistors of the cooling system fail, the fan motor will receive wrong signals. It then runs at full throttle, eventually giving up the ghost.Exhaust pipe: The exhaust system has come to an end on many cars and needs to be replaced, which is a pricey joke.
Judgment
Definitely not a ladies hairdressing Porsche, this car. The Boxster is a true Porsche in every way. Pay attention, because cheaper copies may have overdue maintenance.
THE BENEFITS AND PAINS OF THE PORSCHE CAYMAN 987 S
The six-cylinder is located in the Cayman where there are two emergency seats on the Carrera. The S variant offers everything you could wish for with an output of 295 hp. It is one of the finest Porsche engines in recent history. The fact that the current 718 Cayman is powered by a four-cylinder engine only adds to its appeal. The Cayman skilfully plunged into the hole left by the increasingly expensive Carrera: a light-footed handling and with a luggage space of 410 liters, yet sufficient practicality. We do not recommend the combination of the 245 hp basic engine and the solid, but power-consuming automatic transmission with torque converter, because it offers relatively little driving pleasure. This car is also a good investment, given the high prices charged for used cars. You no longer have to expect a high depreciation.
Interior: The dashboard is neatly finished and there are no complaints about the ergonomics. In terms of quality, the Cayman is the best car of this trio.Suspension: This one has a hard time if the owner uses a sporty driving style. At a mileage of around 100,000 it is sometimes necessary to replace the buses.Braking system: The brakes provide excellent deceleration and have a long service life. However, replacement is a very costly story.Oil Seal: Leakage can lead to engine damage, which can become a very pricey joke.
Judgment
Wonderful, a six-cylinder boxer engine placed amidships and compact dimensions. Since the Cayman also convinces in terms of quality, prices hardly fall anymore. This way you can not get hurt with a good copy.
THE ADVANTAGES AND PAINS OF THE PORSCHE 996 CARRERA
The problems for the 996 started with its debut in 1997. The first 911 with all-new, clearly grown body and water-cooled engine was met with a torrent of criticism. In the first instance because of the similarities with the much cheaper Boxster. Later also because of the new 3.4-liter six-cylinder, which was certainly not flawless. Many engines broke down due to oil leakage and piston problems. If you have one in mind, it is therefore advisable to bring an expert and check the history. If you have any doubts, then it is important to walk away from the relevant copy, because an engine overhaul will cost you € 20,000. If the engine continues to do its job, however, the 996 also knows how to please with perfect handling and a stable price level.
Interior: The Boxster interior was not to the taste of 911 fans. Only the center-mounted rev counter is reminiscent of older 911s.Condenser air conditioning: This is located in a rock-chip place and leaks often occur here.Rubber stops: If these rubbers no longer function properly, the road irregularities are passed on to the body via the suspension strut, resulting in expensive damage.Engine damage: By far the most expensive problem. Oil leaks and problems with the cam chain tensioner or pistons can spoil the work. An engine overhaul costs just € 20,000.
Judgment
The 911 remains the legend in the Porsche range, and the fried egg headlights do not change that either. However, make sure that the engine is still in good condition.