I've been dreaming of owning a Porsche for about... 23 years at this point, and have been within days of buying one at various times in the past 8 years. However, there was always something that got in the way, be it an MBA, marriage, moving, etc.

My preference has always been either a newer Porsche Cayman, or a Porsche 968. Obviously there is a massive price differential between the two, and the 968 is probably the preferred choice at this point given the price.

I've found a Porsche 968 in great condition, just under 100k miles, for a very reasonable price (under $15k). Having a pre-purchase inspection done at a reputable shop, and am budgeting at least $2k a year for maintenance, as well as a larger amount for anything that may be discovered in the PPI. Bone stock, never been modified, and in superb maintained condition. Timing belt and water pump replaced in the last year as well as other routine maintenance.

Someone talk me out of this and tell me this is an asinine decision that I will regret. We live in a major city and use public transport and uber everywhere, so it will be garaged in our condo parking garage and driven only between May-November for weekend escapes and random errands. Figure 5k a year or less in mileage...

Any thoughts?

Ha! You are asking the biggest group of enablers I know to talk you out of buying something you want. Thank you for providing a bit of Sunday morning humor.

That said, you've obviously considered it carefully. You clearly don't need it, it is a toy to be purchased for enjoyment. With that laid out, if you want it and can afford it the only reason I can think of not to do it is if a different toy can fill the bill better for you. I'd think only you can be the judge of that, but agree that cmr076 may have some excellent advice to consider as you select the toy to best fit your desires.

Happy shopping!

My buddy always says his Porsche's are the cheapest cars he ever buys. Two caveats. He does most maintenance on his own and he buys smart to start with price wise.

He says when he sells one he gets almost what he paid for it so per year it is surprisingly reasonable.

Where did you say this honey of a Porsche was located, exactly? I'll be happy to, uh, take a look at it for you. It sounds great but like there could be some major issues that would make it unwise to purchase. Major, major issues. Do you have a phone number on the Porsche?

Just get both!

Sorry, the typical forum answer when it comes to guns.

I am no expert on Porsches, but they have been on top of the reliability ratings lately. No idea on the specific model/year you are looking at though.

I liked those a lot back in the day but, alas, was not able to swing one.

I think like anything it depends on budget and planned use. Were it me, I'd try to drive both back to back and see if the 968 scratches all my itches. As the saying goes, cry once.....

As an owner of a '15 Cayman GTS, I've gotta say they are amazing cars. Honestly an S or GTS is probably overkill and you can find a good clean '14-15 base model for pretty reasonable money right now. If you've never driven a NA flat-6 on full song, it is pretty exhilarating! And they aren't making them anymore.....

Good luck, and don't forget the pics.

The only problem with the 968 is that it was produced for a limited time and any of the parts that arent common with a 944 are harder to find.

I have had a 944 turbo for the last 20 years and have found it to be relatively reliable. You need to make sure that the timing and balance shaft belts (and the water pump that gets changed with them) are relatively new (changing them is about $2000 if you dont do it yourself, $200 if you do it)

If it is a manual trans and the clutch is original, the bushongs will be dead and a new clutch wont have bushings, only springs. If it is an automatic, they seem OK, (but I have never understood the draw of a Porsche with an automatic transmission)

The 968 engine is a 3.0 16V 220HP I-4 with variable cam timing. it has the same HP as a 944T, and much better low end performance. I have not heard anything specifically bad about the engine but my exposure is limited. other than a blower, there are almost no performance upgrades available.

at 100K miles, unless it is a convertible that is is very good shape, you are probably overpaying.

Life is short, and many, many things may cause a detour in your long range plans. Take the plunge and purchase what you want.

That said, I wouldn't go crazy with debit, but it sounds like what you found is within your debit range. So enjoy your 'new to' you purchase.

I just did that on a truck I didn't need but wanted, that that is for a separate post.

Do it

Ok. That is an asinine decision that you'll regret.

A pleasure vehicle to drive on the weekends - are you crazy, forget your dreams. Why would you want the excitement and exhilaration of driving a Porsche for weekend escapes, the freedom of just taking off and going where ever you wanted to. Big city folk crazy talk, that's what this is. Snap out of it and get back on the uber express.

You can afford it, you have planned it and it will give you pleasure. Heck, you'll enjoy just going to the garage and looking at it in the winter.

quote:

car541 said:
The only problem with the 968 is that it was produced for a limited time and any of the parts that arent common with a 944 are harder to find.

That's really solid feedback!

Hell yes. Go for it. You only live once, and you've put this off more than once. Enjoy.

My father had a 968 convertible. It was a fun car, but what do you want it for?

If you just want to putter around, then it would be fine. My dad said it was the best-built car he ever owned (and he had some good stuff over his lifetime). If you want a 'sports car' to drive fast or smoke Mustangs at the green light intersections, you will be disappointed. They are pretty much gutless, IMO. Even a base model Vette will put the 968 to shame.

I didn't see if it is a convertible or a hard top. I would not get it unless it was a convertible.

It is also a VERY good-handling car. One of my brothers had to swerve violently to miss a left-of-center driver. He said any other car would have broken loose and spun out. The 968 stayed glued to the road. I noticed that when I drove it, acceleration wasn't impressive, but I never had to slow down much on curves. . .

quote:

Originally posted by slosig:
Ha! You are asking the biggest group of enablers I know to talk you out of buying something you want. Thank you for providing a bit of Sunday morning humor.

Pretty much this ^^^

Now, as for the membership that has posted on here thus far...
Im kinda ashamed and surprised at you.

It took someone this long to call "Shotgun"?

Reloader-1, I call "SHOTGUN"!!!!!

I will enable you to pay less. A quick search of ebay motors turned up this 1994 Red 968 with similar milage for under 13k.

AwAAOSwSlBY3wJY&vxp=mtr" target="_blank">http://www.ebay.com/itm/1994-P...AOSwSlBY3wJY&vxp=mtr

Of course, I am partial to Porsches and there will be one in the garage in a couple years.

The only thing that looks better than a Cayman from behind is J.Lo.

Thanks for the responses, and keep them coming!

Some quick notes/updates:

Price is actually around $13k, and it is a coupe (which I prefer). The exterior and interior color combination is exactly what I am looking for, and it's one of only 50ish 968's to come in that combo.

It is a 6 speed manual, and has had the timing belt and water pump replaced within the last year/10k miles.

I'm looking for it to be a weekend escape car, and fun to drive. Not looking for the fastest, or best accelerating vehicle out there - more interested in great handling and feel.

quote:

Originally posted by reloader-1:
It is a 6 speed manual, and has had the timing belt and water pump replaced within the last year/10k miles.

I'm looking for it to be a weekend escape car, and fun to drive. Not looking for the fastest, or best accelerating vehicle out there - more interested in great handling and feel.

My dad's was an automatic ( ), but he was old with some health/mobility issues, and couldn't deal with a separate clutch pedal at that point in his life. The manual transmission would have made it a MUCH more enjoyable car to drive. Since you aren't looking at top speed, I think you would really enjoy it. Everybody who drove it remarked how well it handled.

What is the insurance going to run you per year?