Questions for the more experienced. Although I've owned 5 Porsches I've never ordered one. Looking to order a 718 Cayman S with MSRP @ $101k. I have not yet been to my Porsche dealer and I'm willing to buy out of state as I'll do PEC Atlanta. No trade.
What's the likely availability/wait time for an allocation?
What's a realistic expectation for dealer discount?
After ordering and placing a deposit what happens next. For example do I get a allocation number and confirmation from the manufacturer (like BMW)?
How long is the order to delivery time?
What am I missing?
I live in the Southeast USA.

 

I'd still try to buy it from your local dealer, since it'd help you with any service issues in the future. But of course you could try getting a better deal elsewhere, and try to get your local dealer to match it. As far as a discount, it'd be minimal, but with an S is possible. I only got a $1,700 discount on my base, from almost $102K to a few bucks under 6 figures. As far as allocations, you can find a myriad definitions of that. To me, an allocation means once it freezes, meaning no more changes to the cars. And yes, you'd get an email from Porsche with order details when that happens. I'm sure you can find allocations about to freeze with many dealers now, so that shouldn't be a problem. But 2025 production will end early, so the sooner you close a deal, the better off you will be. Production time (from freeze point to delivery) is impossible to guess, but as a general rule, it's about 4 months lately.

Finally, Porsche throws outrageous wait times, just to cover their butts in case something goes wrong, like a strike or something (like we just had). And dealers give you the earliest possible time, that rarely happens, so just keep in mind that the delivery date will most likely be between the 2... but typically closer to the dealer one. Hope this helps.

 

Congrats!

Yes, when you order you’ll be given a Commission Number and you can track your status through the build process.

An actual buildable allocation, will have a projected build date. Barring world events you will get a car. Once you secure the allocation, you’ll get projected dates to delivery.

Be aware that the dealer can place an Order Demand. That is not an allocation, but just a request. It may never turn into a car. These also come with commission numbers.

Timelines, depend greatly on allocation build date. If you find an allocation thats been sitting around, things might happen quick.

Talk to a dealer, see what they say. There are brokers on here who can get you one in short order

Good luck

 

The SA should be able to show you on the computer screen the allocation for the specific model vehicle and the current date estimates. If the SA is using phrasing like "we can submit the order to manufacturing, but we need to wait for the order to be picked up", then they do not have an existing allocation (i.e. unknown if the order will occur). This is an Order Demand and has no guarantee of build and delivery.

If they have an order allocation, then they should be able to provide a "Commission Number". The commission number for a 2025 model will look like: USMI12345 or I12345 (where 12345 will be 5 numbers). The SA should tell you the current estimated date for the order to "freeze". After that date, no changes will be allowed to the order selections. My experience is that the SA typically will quote the soonest date possible (but, is unlikely). Ask them for the latest estimated date for delivery. For example, there can be 3 months between earliest and latest.

From the Porsche Configurator website, you can create and save an example build order. The SA will likely use that as a starting point for the order. Having a build code means nothing relative to allocations.

The SA should ask for your email address and they will create a Porsche customer ID. You should receive an email from Porsche USA within a few days. You will be able to use the Porsche app (Apple or Android) to see your order details and estimated dates. The commission number will be associated with your email address. There is a legacy my.porsche website that works sometimes (but it has warnings that it is going to be discontinued, use the phone app).

The SA should be able to print out a Build Sheet based upon your order selections. Check and double-check the order details. The timing of the order depends upon how long the dealer has had the allocation (is the "freeze" date close or far away?).

 

hogwash. it's the same warranty repairs which are covered at any porsche dealer across the country. i bought from one local dealership and did all my service at another local without a single issue. to expand on it even more my servicing dealer recently emailed me directly about a service recall on my out of warranty car and not a peep from the selling dealer.


OP - buy wherever you can get the best deal knowing all dealers will service you - they all want the good cash from warranty work.