911 Purchase lease vs finance + down payment advise
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 16
Likes: 8
911 Purchase lease vs finance + down payment advise
Hello Porsche friendsquick question. Im getting ready to purchase my first 911 and wanted to get some insight on financing. Do most of you typically finance or lease your cars?
Also, if I go the financing route, does it make sense to put down a larger down payment, or keep more cash on hand? I know everyone approaches this differently, just curious what others are doing.
For context, I was approved at 5.19% for 84 months. I dont plan to keep the car long termlikely trading it in within a year or two. Appreciate any thoughts or experiences you can share.
Also, if I go the financing route, does it make sense to put down a larger down payment, or keep more cash on hand? I know everyone approaches this differently, just curious what others are doing.
For context, I was approved at 5.19% for 84 months. I dont plan to keep the car long termlikely trading it in within a year or two. Appreciate any thoughts or experiences you can share.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 79
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Leasing is the most expensive way to purchase, I would avoid that unless a unique personal situation calls for it.
You didn't ask about paying cash, so I'm going to assume that option's out. That would be the preferred method. If not, put as much down up front as you can and paying off as soon as possible would be my recommendation.
Regardless of method of payment, your net worth should exceed $1M (in my opinion) and retirement accounts funded before buying a new 911 of any trim level.
You didn't ask about paying cash, so I'm going to assume that option's out. That would be the preferred method. If not, put as much down up front as you can and paying off as soon as possible would be my recommendation.
Regardless of method of payment, your net worth should exceed $1M (in my opinion) and retirement accounts funded before buying a new 911 of any trim level.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 168
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From: Pacific Northwest
Some blunt feedback above, but I'll echo it.
To my mind, a Porsche is a luxury purchase. Something you buy when you've already got your ducks in a row. You should be able to buy without it impacting your finances in a. meaningful way. Financing a Porsche is like putting a Rolex on your credit card. If you have to do it, you can't afford it.
Personally I'm one of those "never finance nor lease" people (recognizing that there are, in fact, times when it makes financial sense but most people do it because it lets them buy more car than they can afford).
To my mind, a Porsche is a luxury purchase. Something you buy when you've already got your ducks in a row. You should be able to buy without it impacting your finances in a. meaningful way. Financing a Porsche is like putting a Rolex on your credit card. If you have to do it, you can't afford it.
Personally I'm one of those "never finance nor lease" people (recognizing that there are, in fact, times when it makes financial sense but most people do it because it lets them buy more car than they can afford).
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 77
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From: Northeast MA
depends on your financial situation and tolerance for risk. Financed my Macan S in 2021 at 2.5%, left cash in my investment portfolio. Certainly far exceeded the 2.5% finance cost. Paid cash for my current 911 turbo due to higher finance rates at time of purchase. If planning to trade up in a year or 2, need to assess projected vehicle depreciation. Many factors to consider. No right or wrong answer.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 825
From: Madison MS
Having purchased 3 P cars during the past 7 years...I would not have bought any if it had required financing a toy. How ever 4 & one half years ago I financed a new truck....36 months at 0 % interest . Earned around $10000 interest by leaving $65K in CD's . Only reason to finance that I can see.
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Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 428
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From: Florida and N.C.
Respectfully disagree. Investment 101. Far better to use other people's money and keep your money in the market. This applies to new homes, cars, etc. Your priority is to stay invested as long as possible and not put your money in depreciating assets.
Last edited by elvisdoc; Apr 19, 2026 at 07:39 AM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: Boston
Technically yes, but also very highly dependent on your risk tolerance and interest rates. For me, not worth it for a 1-2% spread.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 665
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From: Central Florida
Either way, OP has bought the car and I wish him well.
Last edited by ShiftyWolf; Apr 19, 2026 at 10:04 AM.
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 16
Likes: 8
I appreciate all the feedback. Always learning from you guys.
Racer
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 428
Likes: 200
From: Florida and N.C.
Its not the interest rate. Its the 50% rise in the NASDAQ over the past year. And the 9.5% rise in the S & P. A 1-2% spread implies keeping all your money in a money market account which I would hope no one would be doing. But you are right, it all comes down to risk tolerance and overall strategy. Anyway congrats on getting the car to the OP!
QUOTE=GoTime;20542840]Technically yes, but also very highly dependent on your risk tolerance and interest rates. For me, not worth it for a 1-2% spread.[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=GoTime;20542840]Technically yes, but also very highly dependent on your risk tolerance and interest rates. For me, not worth it for a 1-2% spread.[/QUOTE]
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 36
Likes: 27
Every dollar you pay in interest is wasted money.