Dropped someone off, started the car again, CEL was flashing, drive about 3 minutes and it was the solid. Engine was rougher, noticeably, than usual.

Initial research on the internet suggest coilpacks.

How would I determine this? I intend to learn to do these things myself, but hoping for a head start!

 

I would take it to a porsche specialist to get the engine fault codes read, it will give you an idea which direction to go with fixing things

 

You could also buy a durametric fault code reader to plug into your obd socket and you can then read fault codes and also reset faults and turn lights off etc depends how much you want to spend and how much work you plan on doing yourself. Otherwise I would recommend finding a good independent porsche specialist in your area as you want to avoid dealer costs but make sure where you go are well recommended and only do Porsches ok

 

Drive it there?

 

Just check your oil and water look for any signs of intermix , light brown fluid usually in water bottle and listen to engine , if there are no tapping or knocking sounds and the oil and water looks ok you should be ok to drive in, I don't mean to worry you but the CEL light can be a bad sign sometimes and driving can make things worse but it can alsojust be a sensor or coil pack etc, just be cautious to check worst case scenario before you drive it to the garage, if you are worried get it trailered in better safe than sorry , hope it's something simple for you , keep us posted on the findings

 

Don't even THINK of starting the engine again or driving that car anywhere.

 

I had something similar to that a couple months ago. Started the car and it started idling rough and check engine light triggered. Scan tool said it was a misfire. Cleared the code and restarted later. It was fine. Made an appointment with my Indy for oil change, spark plugs and "check for anything suspicious". He called me later and said 2 of my coils had cracks in them. Replaced all of them and along with the other stuff I wanted done. Cracked coils were my rough idle/CEL issue. I haven't had any problems since. If you're due for spark plugs and other things, ask them to inspect your coils.