What should I get?

[DanGT]

I have always had a thing for Porsches. Been and seen the museam (very good). Now I am looking to spend 20 - 25K on one. Insurance will not be a problem, I will be driving 5-6K a year. I would like to see 30mpg on an easy drive and I am not good looking so dont want a soft top. What would you suggest?

[Solarized]

Do you want to go old or newer?

Both great but different driving experiences and ownership prospects.

[pmac32]

I would get a 996 c4s. For that money you can get a low mileage very clean car, and still have money left over. I have had mine four years and it has never let me down once. Still feels like new and on the motorway can average 30 mpg. Plus i dont think you will lose as much money as you would if you were to buy a newer boxster or similiar!

[Whitean3]

pmac32 said:

I would get a 996 c4s. For that money you can get a low mileage very clean car, and still have money left over. I have had mine four years and it has never let me down once. Still feels like new and on the motorway can average 30 mpg. Plus i dont think you will lose as much money as you would if you were to buy a newer boxster or similiar!

+1. Don't think you can really go far wrong.

[Paul O]

Cayman. You'll get a good one for that money. Great drivers cars, and a great introduction to the marque.

[Carl_Docklands]

I would say a 2.9L Cayman would be on my list with that budget.

My mint '09 plate gen2 boxster (2.9L) went for £27k a few months ago.

You won't get 30mpg out of that engine though unless you are doing motorway runs.

[Porkupine]

TURB0

[DanGT]

As I will use the car every day I dont want to go to old pre 90s. The next thing is are there any to keep away from?

[itsybitsy]

Carl_Docklands said:

I would say a 2.9L Cayman would be on my list with that budget.

My mint '09 plate gen2 boxster (2.9L) went for £27k a few months ago.

You won't get 30mpg out of that engine though unless you are doing motorway runs.

plus you will have the advantage of the gen2 engine
i would steer clear of early water cooled 911/boxster(gt/turbo cars not included)unless you budget for engine melt down
although that said the early 2.7 boxster/cayman is a safe bet less prone to bore scoring and get a mid 2006 model year onwards with upgraded ims

[All2Chewy]

996 C2/C2S for my money, slightly more engaging than the C4/C4S (I have driven both), Slightly quicker and much more fun if you want to take it to a track or a spirited drive. Although if you want all weather, secure performance then maybe the C4.
Apart from the Turbo body looks, I am still at a loss as to why the C4S is liked so much by everyone over the other variants. You would also pay a premium for the C4S, not so maybe with the C2S, plus you have no front Diff issues to worry about.

Pick up a decent C2/C2S for 17-20k and have some money set aside for breaks, tyres and other consumables and any repairs that might need doing over the first year.

[BubblesNW]

For peace of mind I would be looking at a Cayman 2.9. None of the issues with the 996, 986 and Gen I 997 engines, a superb chassis, 30mpg day-to-day. There are a few below £25k in the classifieds. For another £2k you could even get one from an OPC with 2 years warranty.