Open Road

Today in bad financial decisions....

I've owned an auto 928 for a decade, but I'm looking for a different experience.

Are there any good buys left post covid fever dream? I'm looking for a manual, relatively light, near the bottom of the depreciation curve. I want a guilt free drivers that I don't worry about driving the hell out of and putting miles. My budget is somewhere in the mid 20s, maybe up to 40 if I were to sell my 928. I'm fine with cars with a story or high mileage.

The conclusion I've come the following conclusions:

996.2 Carrera 4
- I don't like the 996 narrow body, seems like everyone else is in agreement and the wide body's have a massive premium
997.1 Carrera 2
- 120k + miles
987 Cayman.
- I've always sort of wanted one, but never enough to buy one. I don't like how the rear end looks.

Bonus option:
Sell the 928 and go for a 996 Turbo with a story in the 45-50 range. Do these still exist?

I feel like the 981 Caymans were $40,000 8 years ago and are still $40,000 or more today. I remember looking at a white base model 981 listed for that when I bought my Audi in 2018.

Am I missing anything? Is this possible or did I simply miss the boat on valuations?

Fox_ wrote: ↑Sun Nov 16, 2025 1:21 am Today in bad financial decisions....

I've owned an auto 928 for a decade, but I'm looking for a different experience.

Are there any good buys left post covid fever dream? I'm looking for a manual, relatively light, near the bottom of the depreciation curve. I want a guilt free drivers that I don't worry about driving the hell out of and putting miles. My budget is somewhere in the mid 20s, maybe up to 40 if I were to sell my 928. I'm fine with cars with a story or high mileage.

The conclusion I've come the following conclusions:

996.2 Carrera 4
- I don't like the 996 narrow body, seems like everyone else is in agreement and the wide body's have a massive premium
997.1 Carrera 2
- 120k + miles
987 Cayman.
- I've always sort of wanted one, but never enough to buy one. I don't like how the rear end looks.

Bonus option:
Sell the 928 and go for a 996 Turbo with a story in the 45-50 range. Do these still exist?

I feel like the 981 Caymans were $40,000 8 years ago and are still $40,000 or more today. I remember looking at a white base model 981 listed for that when I bought my Audi in 2018.

Am I missing anything? Is this possible or did I simply miss the boat on valuations?

996: I agree the wide-body 996 is gorgeous but another option that could be found at a lower cost is a narrow-body with the aerokit. To me they are almost as attractive as the C4S.

997.1: With the higher miles you should likely be past any IMS issues but if you do want to replace that bearing the later 997.1s require you to split the engine case to get to it. Meanwhile with the 996 you can do it without taking it all apart. I have no problem the higher miles as I have two M96 blocks with more miles on them than you just mentioned.

987: Not too familiar with them but reach out to @N_Jay as he has one.

981: I know they're at a premium but if you want a great driving experience (although without a lot of power) it's a fun vehicle to own. If you can find one with higher mileage you might be able to fit it into your budget. Plus this engine series has been pretty reliable compared to the previous M96/M97.

996 turbo: I don't see too many at your price range unless they have higher miles or rebuilt titles.

Good luck with the search!!!

987.2 is the perfect Porsche, if you don't count 914/6, or the 904/906. ;)

But I am a mid-engine guy.
It really depends what you like.
I don't know if they are "Deals" at $20k for high mileage driver class cars to much more for great examples or higher models, so there are definitely a number in the rangevyou are looking at.

Not sure where they are on the depreciation curve. They don't get the stares of a 911 model, but they way they handle always puts a smile on my face.

One note is if you are 5'10" or more definitely take a long test drive to make sure you can find a good seating position.

I hit my head over bumps in a sunroof 928, so head room is important....

Fox_ wrote: ↑Mon Nov 17, 2025 2:17 am I hit my head over bumps in a sunroof 928, so head room is important....

I would ask El Jeffe if the 981 has any more headroom, but not sure he would know.

Go take a test drive, you might get hooked on a real sports car instead of a GT.

987.2 cayman is really an under appreciated platform. The base Cayman may have a weak power/weight ratio, but the car is a hoot to drive. They respond well to aggressive alignments. You can really make the car feel like a go-cart. I had a Cayman R as my gateway to Porsche. It had quicker turn-in than anything I’ve ever owned. Great car! If you find a good one, you won’t be disappointed.

If a 996 in the low 20's somehow satisfies your urge, let me know, I've got way to many toys, and need to thin the heard.
PM for more info.

Greg

N_Jay wrote: ↑Mon Nov 17, 2025 8:45 am

Fox_ wrote: ↑Mon Nov 17, 2025 2:17 am I hit my head over bumps in a sunroof 928, so head room is important....

I would ask El Jeffe if the 981 has any more headroom, but not sure he would know.

Go take a test drive, you might get hooked on a real sports car instead of a GT.

Hey I'm still growing...I've been taking my vitamins and drinking protein shakes!

Honestly if you're tall headroom can be an issue. I noticed this when I took my Cayman to the track where I had to lower the seat with a helmet on. Granted I do prefer a higher seating position but just something to note, the roof isn't as "bubbly" as it is in the 996.

Keep looking for a 997.1 base with 120k + that grew up in a warmer climate. Not much to love about the 987 platform unless you're driving it. I too don't like the rear that much and found that I like the rear room behind the front seats in a 911/997. I really didn't like the engine right behind me, but don't get me wrong, they drive wonderfully.

I don't know who tries to sell their cabs this time of year, but if you're into that you're spoiler for choice right now....

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002- ... -coupe-41/

This one is nice, But I'm sure its going to go for ~$40,000

https://rennlist.com/forums/market/1491913

What are we betting the catch is on this one? Certainly a questionable, high mileage 996.