chuckbdc

There are lots of near perfect used cars on the market , but also "lookers" with issues, so have it checked out in detail by an expert. Assuming you are in the US, you can find one through the local PCA. Find out if its been repaired or needs anything. You would be surprised how much fixing stuff can cost. It it passes, then consider all the rest of the points above.

robsc2s

Cpo's the way to go if you can find a gem with light miles and wear/tear. Extended warranty!! I can appreciate the a la carte menu for a 911 but a moment of pragmatism is in order. There are a some options most feel are a necessity, but whether the lack of carbon fiber cup holders will "ruin" your experience.......
I'd put the savings right into the market and watch it grow.
Cars are enjoyable and I feel fortunate I can buy a high priced toy but ultimately they are a poor investment. Spend your cash wisely!

chuckbdc

Or put it into an X-51 kit and watch it go.

MerlinsGarage

So what do you want?

lspain

I bought used....with 10,000 miles! I saved a bundle ($35K off of MSRP) on a one year old CPO car with many options that both my wife and I love. Simply put...no regrets....and will probably do it again.

I should note that I bought my 2008 Cayman S (now sold to my sister) the same way so this behavior is normal for me.

mtbscott

When I bought my 991 at year end 2012 there weren't many used ones around yet. If I could have found something like you describe I would have been all over it. The "buying new" experience is nice, but letting someone else take the massive depreciation hit is also nice.
I'm thinking about adding a MINI for a second car (have had four of them already) and checked one out on Friday. Used 2012 with 7500 miles, asking $20500. Found the window sticker in the glovebox for $29750, original owner surely took a close to 35-40% hit trading it in.

Sask997

Sports cars are expensive and often used sparingly. We also tend to change them every few years. My approach has always been to buy used. The only exception I made was the 911-50. This is a special car for me and I will likely keep it a long time.

On the other hand I buy my family cars new. This way they are reliable and have all the modern safety features. We keep them a long time and often hand them down to the kids or a family member.

Just my 2 cents.

oldman40

There is a lot of emotional attachment to 1. Parting with one's hard earned dough, 2. The thrill and bonding of vetting, ordering and waiting for a brand new dream car.

Put those on opposite ends of the scale and see which side tips.

Porsche 25th

I just bought a C4S Friday. It is my favorite color combo, had 790 miles on it, and came with CPO and a 25% discount. I can recommend a purchase like that without reservation.

I will post an "introduction to the forum thread" soon.

StudGarden

Same here. What made it easy for me was that my other choice was to order new, not because I am super picky on options, but because I didn't want to pay the over inflated price for options 99% of dealer lot cars come with (4 grand for moving map that's no better than what's on your phone, 3 grand for orthotic spam seat adjustments, etc).

The 991's and 981C's are finally proliferating in the CPO market (plus private sales of course, but CPO is the way to go if possible IMHO) to the point where you can start to find what you want with even more options for tens of thousands less.

kitwetzler

heh, someone is really going to enjoy my 2013 C2S that I traded. It was a great car, PDK/SPASM and dark blue metallic. I just happen to like my new C4S cab better.

Tom 97 C2-S, So. Cal.

If you can live without the other 10%, can add the options &/or more comfortable with that money in the bank then buy CPO. No question these cars (especially optioned cars) take a hit the first year.

Our S Cab had a $134K sticker, 5,000 miles, bought for mid 90's, with all the options I wanted. I was doubly satisfied. I was on the hunt for about 3 months. I gave a bit on the color, Plat. Silver/Black.

I love ktwetzler's new car. My wife frequently reminds me that Plat. Silver isn't Black or some shade of dark Grey and it's not a C4S Cab. I remind her, while we could afford a new car, the $45K difference allows our son to attend college this year for "free".

Tapeworm

Cars lose a lot in the first year, but they lose almost as much in the second year and a lot in the third year. The fourth year is a big drop as the car is then out of warranty. If you want a good deal, you are looking at 5 year old cars.

The first year buyer has the option of leases and can often get substantial discounts from the MSRP as well as other bonuses like conquest cash, or the ability to choose their options.

I think the worst thing you can do is buy a car you are not happy with.... That's expensive. If you do love the car, and can afford it, heck, just enjoy it.

Andy

MJBird993

I've bought 4 of my 5 Porsches used. It's the only way to go.

Unless... you just have to have a certain color combo or option(s) and you can't find it.

Or... you don't want any options at all (buying new may be cheaper than a used car loaded up).

Or, you just can't wait!

Nothing wrong with saving money.