Carpokes

@DaveK

Welcome to Carpokes!

20-years is quite a long time to be Porsche-less, so getting back in the game has to be exciting.

I suppose there are not too many wrong answers as to what you buy as long as it's either a super straight car or that you know what you're getting in to if it needs some tweaks or TLC. Most importantly in my mind is that it's one that pushes the right buttons for you.

Both the 997 and the 991 gens are excellent in my book for post-air-cooled 911s - great cars! I had a 991.2 Turbo that I loved and often wish I still had. What a great car.

It's hard for me to give anything but the most general advice, but I guess I'd spend time looking at auctions, sales, info from Stuttgart Market Letter, friends' Porsches, demo rides at dealers who might have models close to what you're looking for, etc.

Don't overlook the 981 and 982 Caymans while you're on the hunt. You've been there and know what fun cars they are and how well they drive. Speaking of 982s, there are lots of hard-core 718 fans here.

I'm sure others on Carpokes will have thoughts and opinions. Whatever journey you choose, have fun!

DaveK wrote: Tue Jun 17, 2025 12:51 pm Hello Tom and all other members as well!

I'd like to introduce myself as a new member. My name is Dave, I'm recently retired and have been searching for the perfect Porsche to spend some quality time with. I've previously owned an 85' 944 (first Porsche, loved it!), 99' 996, and 02' Boxster, but have been Porscheless for almost 20 years! I love the way those older cars seemed to put the driver in direct communication with the road, the feedback was intoxicating. I'm hoping this forum can help me determine the best fit for my next car. I'm currently considering a 997 or 991, I like the power and styling of those models but wonder if they will give me the driving experience I enjoyed with my past cars? I welcome any feedback and/or suggestions anyone may have. Looking forward to being a Carpoke!!

Thanks everyone.

DaveK

Welcome aboard Dave.
Be sure to consider the 718 (982) platform.
It shares a lot with the 991.
They go out of production in October but represent the most analog new car Porsche is currently making. I think that may appeal to you. If I was exclusively looking at a 911, the 991.2 is where I personally would start. More knowledgeable folks than I will help you out I am sure. Best of luck

Welcome aboard Dave! My advice would be to get out and drive as many as you can before deciding. You might be blown away by the performance and comfort of a newer Porsche, or you might miss some of the mechanical involvement of the older ones. I have a 944 and a 992, and I honestly can't say one is a clear favorite. The 992 is modern, comfortable, and effortlessly fast -- simply an amazing car. But the 944 offer its own brand of fun -- super engaging and rewarding to drive. If you're looking at 911s, I'll quote the late great Bruce Anderson and say to get the newest one your budget allows. Each new generation is more capable than the last. The 718 GTS and the 981 GT4 are very worthy of a looksee too...

Thanks again guys for the advice. I'm trying to cap my budget at about $80k so anything relatively new is probably out of reach. Kind of leaning towards a 997.2 or first gen 991 but wouldn't rule out a better example of a 997 or something in the Cayman family. Next question, where should one be looking to find these cars (website)? Again any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Dave

Frequently Discussed Sites:

https://mart.pca.org/

https://finder.porsche.com/us/en-US

https://bringatrailer.com/

DaveK wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 8:37 am Thanks again guys for the advice. I'm trying to cap my budget at about $80k so anything relatively new is probably out of reach. Kind of leaning towards a 997.2 or first gen 991 but wouldn't rule out a better example of a 997 or something in the Cayman family. Next question, where should one be looking to find these cars (website)? Again any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Dave

For $80k, you should be able to find a very nice 911 or cayman! Bringatrailer let's you search past sales, to get a pretty good idea on market values. But in terms of the search, I'd look anywhere and everywhere! The big popular sites are great, but there are lots of others looking and competing for those cars. Autotrader, pcarmarket, bringatrailer, craigslist, carfax, pca sites, forums, etc. Going to pca events is also worthwhile -- you almost always see cars for sale at those events, and usually they are well-maintained/loved cars! Happy hunting and good luck!

Hello everyone,

I'm from the San Diego area, looking to meet some fellow Porsche enthusiasts. In particular, my goal is to drive a manual cayman (ideally the 981) at some point, as I'm beginning my journey to owning my first Porsche, and I've really enjoyed my experience with automatic boxsters in the past. It's been tough to find a manual cayman to test drive, so I'm always on the lookout! Anyways, glad to be part of this community.

Volk wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 9:44 am Hello everyone,

I'm from the San Diego area, looking to meet some fellow Porsche enthusiasts. In particular, my goal is to drive a manual cayman (ideally the 981) at some point, as I'm beginning my journey to owning my first Porsche, and I've really enjoyed my experience with automatic boxsters in the past. It's been tough to find a manual cayman to test drive, so I'm always on the lookout! Anyways, glad to be part of this community.

Welcome to Carpokes!
Best of luck finding your first Porsche

Volk wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 9:44 am Hello everyone,

I'm from the San Diego area, looking to meet some fellow Porsche enthusiasts. In particular, my goal is to drive a manual cayman (ideally the 981) at some point, as I'm beginning my journey to owning my first Porsche, and I've really enjoyed my experience with automatic boxsters in the past. It's been tough to find a manual cayman to test drive, so I'm always on the lookout! Anyways, glad to be part of this community.

Welcome to Carpokes! And yes, we are likewise pleased to have you as part of the Carpokes community. Enjoy!

Volk wrote: Sun Jun 22, 2025 9:44 am Hello everyone,

I'm from the San Diego area, looking to meet some fellow Porsche enthusiasts. In particular, my goal is to drive a manual cayman (ideally the 981) at some point, as I'm beginning my journey to owning my first Porsche, and I've really enjoyed my experience with automatic boxsters in the past. It's been tough to find a manual cayman to test drive, so I'm always on the lookout! Anyways, glad to be part of this community.

Welcome aboard! The 981 GT4 has a really nice manual if you can give you of those a drive. Gearing is a bit tall for some, but overall a super nice car with one of the best exhaust tones anywhere...