Porsche builds some of the world's finest all-around vehicles. Some of the most expensive, too. The German automaker recently announced price hikes to improve profit margins. And as always with Porsche, the MSRP is only the starting point for negotiations. Features you presume your $197,200 911 Turbo would include, it turns out, are pricey add-ons.
That story continues in the used car market. The 911 basically doesn't depreciate. Fervent interest in the model has spilled over into less desirable used alternatives like the 944. And the recent explosion in used car prices has only exacerbated that trend.
If you're a mere financial mortal who loves Porsches, it can feel like you will never, ever get a chance to own one. But there are a few options to score a Porsche for a (at least relatively) affordable price.
Want an affordable brand-new Porsche? Try a Macan
The Macan SUV is the entry-level Porsche. Its current starting MSRP of $60,900 is more than it once was. But it's a steal compared to the 911, which starts at nearly twice the price. And it's the only Porsche you can buy with an option besides floor mats for less than $70,000.
There's also value throughout the Macan lineup. The range-topping Macan GTS starts at $86,800. And that model gives you 434 horsepower and a 4.3-second 0-60 mph time at a price point that's still below many base Porsche models.
Read our review of the Porsche Macan here.
Want an affordable used daily driver? Try a Cayenne
Porsche Cayennes aren't cheap when new. The base model starts at nearly $80,000. And better-equipped models will likely cost you more than $100,000. But unlike the brand's sports cars, the Cayenne is not a collector's item — it depreciates like other luxury SUVs. Porsche also sells far more Cayennes than 911s, so a fair number of them will be kicking around in the used market driving down the price.
With some hunting, you should be able to find a late second-generation Cayenne (2015-18) with reasonably low mileage for less than $30,000.
Really want a 911? Consider the 996 Generation
Enthusiasts covert almost every generation of Porsche 911. The exception is the 996 model built from 1997 to 2004. The 996 switched from beloved air-cooled engines to modern water-cooled ones. It featured aesthetically unpleasant "fried egg" headlights. And an IMS bearing flaw set many of those cars up for premature catastrophic engine failure.
However, many of those cars that are still kicking have had their IMS bearings fixed. And while values have gone up for the 911 GT3 and other rare models from that era, you can still lock down a less-sought-after trim for less than $50,000.
Want the best overall deal on a Porsche? Try the first-gen Boxster
If you just want an ultra-cheap Porsche with limited funding, your best bet is the first-generation Boxster (1996-04). Those cars had the same fried-egg headlights as the 911, the same issue with the IMS bearing and far less power. And being less expensive, it's likely they weren't treated as delicately as a 911.
But the important part is that to non-enthusiasts, an aging Boxster will still look like "a Porsche." It will take some searching, but you should be able to find a first-gen Boxster with some life left for less than $15,000.
A version of this story first appeared in Gear Patrol Magazine. Learn More.
