Looking for some advice... I'm in the market to buy my first Porsche and have done an extensive amount of research, but my head can't decide which way to go. My options have "narrowed" to three:

1998 Porsche 993 S, black-on-tan in great condition, 80,000 kms
2002 Porsche 996 Turbo, black-on-black in great condition, 74,000 kms
2006 Porsche 997 S, lots to choose from, 40,000 to 80,000 kms

All of the above are roughly the same price, say between $50k to $60k Canadian market price. I'm looking for a daily driver mostly around town for the summer months only, won't drive it in the snow, etc.

The 993 is the best looking, a classic and closest to my dream car, sounds great too, but also surprisingly the most expensive of the bunch at around $60k. I know they command a premium nowadays, but the most expensive of the three?? Is the premium short-lived or have they hit bottom in price?

The 996 Turbo has simply amazing performance and looks great from behind, probably the best value but I've never liked the headlights... at $50k Cdn it's probably not going to depreciate too much more if I keep it in good condition. I love how fast it is but will never be able to test its limits around town, and the track in town recently went out of business.

The 997 seems to be the best combination of modern mechanics with more classic looks, but I wonder how much it will continue to depreciate. Three or five years from now will a 993 S truly sell for more than a 997 S in similar condition and with similar mileage? I am somewhat perplexed by this.

Long first post, yeah...

thanks
Kelly

They are all very different cars. The 993 is a classic as you pointed out, the 996 is fastest, while the 997 is newest.

All three have their pros and cons. I would test drive each and choose the one that puts the biggest smile on your face.

The 997 WILL depreciate further. I wish that wasn't the case because I own one... but there are just so many more 997's out there compared to 993s.

993:
Pro: Sex on wheels. A classic.
Con: Classic interior, classic A/C, 14 years old

996:
Pro: Gobs of power
Con: 996 headlights, low rent interior

997:
Pro: Lots to choose from
Con: Not the same cache as a 993 or Turbo

Really all depends on what you want to use it for. Try each on for size and then choose from your heart.

Good luck with your purchase!

that's easy..

06 997 or the 98 993.. whatever floats your boat

life is short..

don't worry about depreciation and enjoy the drive !

993 or 997, although not sure I'd use the 993 as a daily driver - depends I suppose where you live.

yeah I wouldn't use the 993 as daily driver. It's not as comfortable as the more modern ones, and the maintenance cost will eat you alive.

But as a sunday fun car, it's awesome.

993 or 997

As a daily driver... 997 wins out particularly if 1st P-car and coming from more modern car amenities.

993 wins hands down if as a pleasure only secondary vehicle.

Good problems to have - good luck

I currently have a 997 as daily driver and it is tons of fun. Previously owned 1997 993 and also used it as a daily driver and loved it. The 993, IMO, was a real sports car, none of the luxury that you get in today's pcars. So if you enjoy being part of the driving experience and want a classic air-cooled Porsche get the 993, otherwise the 997 offers luxury and a total different driving experience, again in my humble opinion.

Bottom line, I have always been told to buy the newest you can afford.

never had the 993 but i have had a 997 S and currently have an 03 turbo. I have grown to like the headlights. The turbo is the next classic , has the metzger engine which is pretty bullet proof. interior is just right as it has the remnants of the 993's . For me i love the turbo but you need to decide.

I buy cars to drive as I'm not wealthy enough yet to buy them as art.

With that in mind I'd buy the one (997) that you can drive and not have to worry about putting miles on it.