ldamelio

Everyone's different. I agree that a few more details would help guide recommendations (size of mortgage, current investment allocation, etc.). Obviously, it's not prudent to disclose much more on a public forum than you have so lets work with that.

If you think you can maintain that income $450 - 600k range in today's dollars) long term and are reasonably prudent otherwise, I say go for it. I was in approximately the same boat as you at the same age - surgeon and later health care exec with stable and rising income. I waited until I was 57, retirement fully funded, 3 kids out of college (2 out of grad school), owned two houses w/o mortgage, etc. to buy my first Porsche. Way too conservative. I missed twenty+ years of Porsche ownership and all of the accompanying fun. I should have pulled the trigger somewhere in my early 40's (and now I'd have a 993 that would be worth more than I paid for it!)

The average American spends 43.6 weeks income for a new car. For you, $130k is about 11.2 weeks income for a frame of reference. If for some reason, life takes an unexpectedly bad turn, you will be able to recoup a big chunk of your sales price. I fully realize that cars are depreciating assets and the market has been unusual the last few years. Nonetheless, every 911 has a very flat depreciation curve even in 'normal' times. It's not like spending $130k on hookers and blow.

Finally, I am a mere lurker on the 992 forum. I own a 718. It's been a blast. I'm having so much fun with it I don't feel the need to 'upgrade' even though I'm in a different head space and happily spend on toys now. I say this to amplify the posts recommending less expensive Porsches as an option to consider. The marque is special and ownership is rewarding regardless of model.

So, IMO, a new 992 is not an unreasonable expenditure in your circumstances. And, although I did not think this way at your age, at 63 it's very clear to me that YOLO. You can always make more money. You cannot make more time.

user 36985478

I don't know if anyone else has had this feeling after buying a vehicle, but the worst is to wake up the next morning and think, "Oh man, what have I done!?". I literally had a few panic attacks after my first 911 came home and it even produced some stress sweat on my brow. Any Porsche is not a "responsible" purchase and you can not try and make sense of it. It is also important to ask yourself if you can mentally "let go" of the car and not be sitting in a movie theater worrying about your $100K+ baby outside in the mall parking lot? I have been there in my 30's and it really isn't fun.

A 911 is a toy and if you can swing it, can turn out to be a wonderful experience. Personally, I am on my 3rd 992 and have a 4th on order. However, If you are already worrying about money, better check with your insurance company BEFORE you buy any Porsche. I was a shocked how much mine went up, had to change carriers and no spring chicken w/a good record.

A saving grace when buying a 911 is that if you hate it, you won't loose your shirt selling it. May I recommend looking at certified pre-owned and find a 991.2 to save a few bucks? There are decent deals out there if you spend the time. Maybe a "test run" used 911 would be a wiser choice? And if you get hooked like I did, then go get what you want if the experience is everything you dreamed of. Look around, there are a ton of ridiculously low mileage 911's that obviously an owner changed their mind and maybe only wanted to fulfill a life long dream owning a 911 and it didn't pan out as expected. Just food for thought..... but I do hope you join the Porsche family!

I hear my Dad in these situations in my head saying, "Son, if you can't pay cash for it, you can't afford it.".

BED997

At mid 30s I started with a CPO 911. May be an option for you to get in a nice car with a warranty for less upfront. Make sure the car doesn’t negatively impact any of your life and financial goals. GL.

WCE

You're making a boatload of money!
I bought my first porsche (used) for about what my annual income was (granted I was single so it was only my decision), financed most of it and made plenty of other bad financial decisions also.
You've got time on your side and things have a way of working out!

Ray K.

It depends if you are getting a PDK or 7MT....j/k. If you get it and decide it's too stressful to work or don't think it was worth it, you can always sell the car and recoup quite a bit. I just bought my first 911 this year and am in a similar situation as you, albeit about 10 years older. Totally worth it to me. Every time I see it in the garage I smile. Every time I start it I smile. Every time I run it to redline I smile. I traded my F83 M4 for it, sight unseen, never haven driven a 911 and it was night and day better in my opinion. Good luck with your decision.

992gts

Will you have a third car? I have 4 kids and my 911 is my daily driver. I can squeeze two of them in and no one behind me. Unless your wife has an unhealthy spending habit on bags and shoes it sure seems like you have enough for the car. You will at some point realize the CA public schools suck and need to spend 45-50k per kid on private. So keep that in mind beyond the 529 etc. your problem will be you make too much to ever get assistance and yet you will not feel like you make enough to pay for them. Each year I buy a new Carrera with tuition checks

Staffie Guy

You are making enough money to get a 130K Porsche. Think of it this way-due to the flat depreciation of 911s what isit going to really cost you if you decide to sell in 5 years-maybe 30-40K. Peanuts in your income bracket. Get the car and forget the guilt-enjoy your youth while you have it. You make enough money to take care of your future.

chong0

your statements about spending money on an SUV and your thoughts on spending >$100k on a car seem to me that you may want to go through a quick checklist on why you want to buy a 911. I think it's fair to say the majority of people especially on this forum are car fanatics, whether it's been a childhood dream or truly love the joy driving brings. If it's keeping up with the Joneses or looking for status, there are other ways to portray stealth wealth that is cheaper (eg watches, clothes, etc). an E class Mercedes would be fine in this case.

When I was in my 30s with new kids, I would kick and scream about 1) no minivan and 2) no SUV. I was pro-wagon, die hard MT until kids couldn't fit anymore. Then #2 was inevitable and ended up with a 958 MT. The majority of Rennlisters probably would do the same and if you can't relate, do as above.

bostonvr6

This is the way.

shrimp money

Buying a 911 is like having a baby. There’s never a “perfect” time, you just do it and you find a way to manage life.


Some people work their entire life trying to stack bands before starting a family. When the time finally comes, they’re old and have health issues.

Anyone feel free to debate me on this, I’m right. 😎

992gts

Buy it while you are still young enough to squat down and get in it! That is what I tell people when they wonder why I daily drive mine. I ask them why not? Never got a good answer

tomtomtomtom

Find a way to have you wife fall in love with the looks of the 911...everything else will fall into place. I was driving my wife crazy looking for a new car. On a walk, we went by a 718..."I love that car!" she said...she looked closely and said "There is no back seat!"...my response was that if she likes the look and wants a back seat, we have to go with a 911..."OK!"...the rest is history....try to have your wife fall in love with the car

KenTO

You should not look at the cost of the car itself, but the cost of ownership. For example, when I ordered my 458 Italia, cost was $320,000, but sold 4 years later for $280K, so that's 10K a year in depreciation. factor in insurance, gas etc. the car cost me 15K a year. You can do the same math with a 911. My Carrera T cost me around 180K, in 4 years figure I can sell it for 120K, so it's actually cheaper to own a Ferrari lol. Just don't get in a major accident or have it reported on CarFax, that kills resale. And don't modify your car much, most used buyers want as close to OEM as possible.

YWG_YYZ

It’s a difficult question.

I’m in my 30s with 2 young kids, and I don’t earn nearly as much, but have a bit more in fixed assets. I have also wanted a Porsche for the driving experience ever since I had a drivers license. I have also spent way too much time on cars (bought about 20 plus cars in 15 years for different experiences).

I bought 992 because at this stage, it didn’t feel too much of a stretch. (Yes it shifts the typical investment goal for the year but I’m sure I won’t miss it at age 80). Porsche has always been something that I wanted. I would have bought a CPO if price was reasonable, but all of them was close to new. And I have always wanted to do Euro delivery. After the war started and practically every other manufacture cancelled the programs (Audi, BMW, Mercedes), the timing felt right.

kim9701

Given the OP's financial status, I think the biggest factor should be his passion for 911. If it is high, then, go for it and enjoy life & the 911. However, if a 911 is just another car or a status symbol, then, Hmm.