Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to buy my first Porsche. I've been driving an BMW e92 335i and before that an BMW e36 325i coupe. I'm closing on the sale of my first business later this month and want to buy myself a trophy car for this milestone in my life.

I hope to get some tips on sorting this process.

I am all but settled on the new 718. I've driven some 996s and a 997. I love how much more planted the handling is than in any BMW I've been in. I know a 718 CS / CGTS will be faster than my BMWs... but, I'm not convinced it's fast enough for $100k.

That's why I'm also looking at gently used 991.1 Turbo S as the other option. Which is more like $150k.

The truth is, I think I like the size and look of the 718 more than the 991 and the idea of the mid-mounted engine sounds far better... but, the straight line speed of the 991 is also very attractive.

What I'm thinking I'll do is go down to PEC LA and do a few rounds in both and see which one I really want. But, I feel pretty sure that, for the money, I'll prefer the 718.

I want the car to be something special. I see a lot of you trading / selling cars every year... But, that's not really me. So, I'm definitely want to get a PTS color and some custom bits on the interior... And, since I think there will be plenty of waiting because of that, I figure I might as well hold out for the GTS, since I was going to spec most of the performance gear anyway.

What do you think? Am I crazy? Is there something I should consider? Any tips on making this cheaper / easier? Should I talk to an SA before I go down to PEC?

Thanks for any advice you can offer, or even just friendly banter. Cheers!

 

I've not driven a 718, so can't comment on that. The PTS part will make ir very special... IF you can secure a PTS allocation (see sticky above).

Honestly though -you're going to need to drive both the turbo s and 718. totally different beasts.

 

There is presently a PTS 718S in Mexico blau at Porsche North Scottsdale on the showroom floor. Sticker is over 100K!! And I doubt they will deal, but it is a 718, and they aren't selling very well.

 

Oh yes, I read all of the sticky and the other related threads. Trying to learn all I can. Thanks!

Thinking one of the blues, Riviera / Mexico etc. with a black and chalk interior... maybe some deviated stitching, if I can get a good color.

Yeah, I agree, I need to drive them. It would be so much easier if there was a 500hp cayman.

 

OOOOOOH! I'll go look for that.

Hopefully for them, it won't still be on the lot when I'm ready to buy... but, that might be good for me.

EDIT: Doesn't appear to be listed online (yet)

 

First off, congratulations on your future sale!

Second, your criteria seems to be speed. There's really no considering the 718 if that's the case, the TTS is what you want.

If you remove the speed criteria, a '16 981 Spyder is a better deal all day long (have to drive one to understand). With that said, the purchase price of a 991.1 TTS (coupe) should be closer to $135k CPO'd with low mileage.

Also, I get the PTS thing, but you're going to be the one taking the $35k first-year hit on that $100k+ PTS car. The 718s are not selling well, as others mentioned, which means you can likely pick up one gently used for 20% off sticker given the '18s are hitting lots now.


They've got nice people there, and while I have never had a problem getting a test drive -- they certainly aren't motivated to deal (for good reason).

 

Thank you!!

Fast definitely matters. I know I have to drive both. I like the aesthetic of the 718 a lot more - and the cost... I wonder if the speed of the TTS will win me over.

I love the unique look of the Spyder, but convertibles aren't for me. It definitely hits a sweet spot that the GT4 doesn't, if it weren't for the convertible part.

Thanks for trying to talk some sense into me!

This is part of the overall decision for me... It's not really buying just another car. I sort of want something special. Ordering something all my own is sort of a gift to myself...

The only reason I'm even considering the 991.1 TTS is the speed. I'm not sure how happy I'll be buying a $100k+ 718 if I get left behind often.

If the TTS really wins me over... it might also sway me to a $75k 718CS that isn't special...

Thanks again for trying to talk some sense into me... Selling the business is a good deal... but it's not "never work again" money.

 

Here's an option for you.

Olympic Blue PTS Cayman GT4

 

Thank you! That thing is pretty gorgeous. That blue would look amazing added to the interior, too.

I'd be all over a GT4 if they could be had with a PDK Of course, Porsche had to keep it slower than the 911s... but dangit!

My parents live about 30 minutes away from this one, too... Would be great to be able to visit them and drive home cross country.

 

Voodoo.

Or Gulf if you want to go the classic route.