Which Porsche would you buy and why?

Here are my parameters:
1. Like around 350 hp and torque.
2. Prefer less than 3,500 pounds
3. Must be a stick.
4. Must have an air conditioner that will freeze your cojones off.
5. Must be a coupe.

Use maybe three times a week to commute from the country to the exurbs. Lots of two-lane roads with blind corners and crazy bicyclists bent on assisted suicide. Top speed will rarely go over 75. Must be fun to drive, but not looking for BDSM. More of a GT groove. $60,000 is a hard cap. (Why does this sound like a Craig's List ad?)

Here are the candidates: (Information mostly from Manheim)

1. 2004 Porsche 911 Coupe Anniversary 25,625 miles $33,500
2. 2004 Porsche 911 Turbo 35,339 miles $51,300
3. 2009 Porsche 911 Coupe 31,374 miles $43,500
4. 2009 Porsche 911 S Coupe 29,604 miles $50,400
5. 2012 Porsche 911 Base Coupe 25,052 miles $52,783
6. 2012 Porsche 911 S Coupe 31,069 miles $60,600
7. 2014 Porsche Cayman Base Coupe 26,111 miles $36,800
8. 2014 Porsche Cayman S Coupe 21,555 miles $50,000
9. 2017 Porsche Cayman PASM + PTV options only $59,460

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Tex...Based on my impressions when I was looking, 911 > Cayman, S > base. Never drove a turbo, but I'm a NA kind of guy, so Option 4 or 6. If the 2012 is a 997.2S then I'd go for that one, otherwise the 2009...T

 

Check this bad boy out. Bet I could get this for $42k or maybe even $40k if I push hard enough.

https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/2003-porsche-911-turbo-coupe/6335263145.html

 

Why the S over the base?

 

Boost is addicting, go with the turbo

 

I could dig something like this, but damn, it gets hot in Texas.

https://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/d/1982-porsche-911-sc-chiffon/6344752292.html

 

Yeah, I had a yellow 2003 TT once. Helluva car. Can't remember why I sold it.

 

BTW, tip for the wise. Don't start looking for Porsches while playing ZZ Top on the tube. Damn, I'm too young to die, but I ain't too old to rock 'n' roll.

 

Damn, I know I said coupes. But for the money, sumawitch:

https://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2004-porsche-boxster/6372309615.html

 

I knew Morgans had wood, but I never heard of a Porsche having rubber bands:

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/porsche-356-replica/6347760209.html

 

I'd get the base 2014 Cayman. I've had 3 930s, a 911 turbo, 964 turbo and a 996 turbo. All were modded and fast. However, eventhough boost is intoxicating, you can't really wind out the car, esp when 75 mph is a cap. I sold my 996tt that had about 550hp on tap and while fast, it was not usable all the time. I still have my 77 930 and a 08 Boxster. the car I enjoy the most is the Boxster. The mid-engine handling is fantastic, and I can wind out the engine. A base Carrera would be a very quick car, but you really can't wind it out or you'll be doing triple digit in no time flat. A base Cayman has about 275 hp and that is plenty enough for street driving.

 

Test drove about 6 or 7 cars. To me, the 40 or so extra hp seemed to make the S perkier. Not that the base is a slouch. PASM standard on S, optional on base. And, if I'm being honest, we finally found the color combo (red/beige) I dreamt about, and that was an S. So, that sealed the deal.

If you drive them a lot, DD, road trips, etc. the two back seats in 911 versus Cayman are a huge bonus IMO.

Enjoy the hunt...T

 

1987-1988 Porsche 944 S. Light, agile, quattrovalve engine. LSD & sport shocks. More fun than a Labrador puppy

Miss mine dearly..

 

You wouldn't go for the turbo?

 

I like the feel & sound of a dohc 4 valve per cylinder. Plus there is no turbo lag. Yes the turbo is faster and looks better. But for a daily commute, I'll take the 16 ventiler.

Joe

 

My very biased opinion: 997.1 turbo with three pedals
It’s not on your list but meets all your criteria
50k miles on mine and I have no plans to sell

 

Based on your description, I would go for a very nice 2006 997 S manual (and keep the change) or even a high mileage 997 turbo manual (not sure if you can find one below $60k)

 

Drive a 993 Turbo.

It’s in your price range, and is the ultimate air cooled Porsche.

And the air conditioning works pretty good.

Matt

 

Given his hard cap of $60k, I assume you mean a 996 turbo? 993 turbos are way over his cap, unfortunately. They have become collector cars. 996’s are great value, comfortable and very quick/fast. I have had several over the years.

Kirk

 

Aren't there some issues with the first gen 997 cars?

 

I think the earliest 997 have the much worried about IMS bearing.

https://www.oregonpca.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ORPCA-IMS.pdf

T

 

997.1 turbo does not have the same issues with IMS as on the non-turbo models
(If I’m mistaken about this, someone please correct me)
One known issue with 997.1 turbo (and other models of similar vintage; not sure which models are susceptible) is coolant hose failure.
This can be costly and potentially catastrophic. Definitely worth inquiring about when you are shopping.
As you may already know, rennlist can be a helpful resource for dialing in on model and year specific issues to take into consideration when shopping. IMS in particular is a bit of a rabbit hole.

 

No.

Hard cap of $60k, I’d suggest a higher Mile 993 C4S.



Matt

 

I'm cheap. I can't see paying up for a 993 versus a 996. I don't care about the freaking headlights.

 

This would be an idea Porsche for my needs:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/202101811464?ul_noapp=true
1975 Porsche 911 911

I used to have a 1974.5 911T, which was great except for -- the Targa top (It rains in East Texas), but most importantly the A/C, it gets awful hot here. I've heard of retrofits, but I'm dubious.