Porsche 911: Buy, Lease or Rent?

I'm not much of a car person. I consider even a Corolla a bit extravagant (and perish the thought that it should have a spoiler). Recently, just for the hell of it, I decided to rent a Porsche 911 for a few days. I'd previously driven BMWs here and there as a designated driver or rental upgrade, and wasn't expecting much of my Porsche experience beyond louder revs and lower seats.

Imagine my surprise when I found myself thoroughly enjoying my flashy new ride. The 911 is a simple car; I'm not even positive mine had cruise control. It was just so much fun zooming up and down highways and scrambling my guts round tight country corners. I reckon it's something I'd like to do on a regular basis.

The 911 seems to keeps its value well. Porsche also offers a "guaranteed future value" leasing programme - which may or may not be a rip-off. Or, of course, I could simply make do with forking over a grand every now again for a few days behind the wheel with the rental company. If I owned or leased the 911, we would have to either get rid of our existing family car (not a huge deal given I'm 15 minutes from work by public transport, plus both kids are now old enough for booster seats) or rent somewhere with enough garage space.

Has anyone here had any experience with Porsche's leasing programme? Any strong opinions one way or the other about the 911? Am I the only one to be smitten so after a few long drives?

Comments

  • +4

    I drove an ageing 3.2 Carrera for quite a few years and it was fabulous. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Oh, and I was a school teacher.

    It helps if you can find a specialist garage to maintain it for you. Don’t go near main dealerships!

    • +1

      Google Porsche synthetic fuel

      • -4

        Already know about it
        Fossil fuel cars are stranded assets

      • holy hell

    • -6

      Delusion. Tesla is not a car company; it is a corporate welfare scheme for Musk to profit on emissions credits. If you honestly think that electric cars are not fossil fuel cars, I don't know how to help you.

      • -2

        Delusion. Volkswagen (Porsche) is not a car company. It is a corporate welfare scheme to allow shareholders to p1ss sh1t into the atmosphere without reprisal. If you don’t know the various ways how electricity can be made, I can’t help you

  • +1

    Boxster as an option?

    You can get them for as little as $10k

    Just be prepared to get your hands dirty CBR learn some DIY maintenance.

    • This! Best bang for buck!

  • +2

    Or buy an older model, given it is for fun (lets be honest).

    Join a porsche owners club.

    Chances are the older model will appreciate in value as well.

    You wont be spending the same sort of money either.

    just my 0.02

  • +1

    Rent it when you have time to enjoy it the most. See if you can work a deal with the rental company if you rent it a minimum number of days per year.

    • Great advice. Thanks!

  • +3

    I own a 993 Porsche 911. I bought it during the COVID doldrums and is probably one of the best investments I've made, both monetarily and also based on smiles per KM.

    If you have the cash, get an older 911. The 996 - if you can handle the headlights - is especially undervalued.

    • I thought their value had levelled off, but it’s really hard to find a manual 993 coupe at the moment.

      How much do you think yours has gone up by ninja?

  • +1

    IF you can afford a GT3 of any year then almost guaranteed to get your money back and more. Otherwise test drive different years / models and pick what you like. Boxsters are super cheap and good value. I had a 1988 3.2 and it had Cruise control so I'd be surprised if the one you drove didn't (unless it was very old)

    • Might be a UK import. If my memory serves me correctly a base 997 had optional cruise control over there.

      • Mine was Aus delivered

  • +3

    In comparison to most parts of the US and Europe, Australia is a pretty bad place to drive a sports car (specifically a higher powered sports car) on the road, in particular NSW. There is a rather authoritarian approach to speed limits in this country, which in NSW has gotten even more draconian with the new laws that allow the police to drop mobile speed cameras wherever they want without warning, and issue tickets for going as little as 5km over the limit.

    If you really want to enjoy whatever car you decide on in the end, I'd strongly suggest you do regular track days. You'll never feel your guts as scrambled as you do pushing 180kmh+ around turn one at SMSP's GP circuit. It's far legal and safer than hooning on the roads, and after you get your "fix" on the track you'll have far less desire to do so as it just doesn't compare.

    • It forget about insurance

  • Whenever I hear "Porsche" now I just think of the guy who went through hell when he bought a Porsche lemon and they refused to help him for ages until he went viral online https://www.complex.com/sports/2014/04/porsche-lemon-viral-v…

    Though I trust that others know much more than me, a random guy who saw one random video online - just sharing!

    • IIRC he is still buying mostly Porsches and gets all the latest ones, so they must be worth the trouble.

  • +2

    RENT! Then drive like you stole it!!!

  • +1

    996, just look at the values the last few years. You wouldn't lose much money on them, and if there wasn't too much to fix, probably made a fair bit of money. But after you get one you wouldn't sell it. so..

    Cab's are even cheaper, and autos.. but.. i dont know if autos will hold their values as well.

    I wouldn't lease/rent a new one, they are mind blowingly expensive and dont compare to a similarly specced US model, you'll see how much porsche australia is trying to rip you off, and you're just paying for the depreciation.

  • +3

    I went through the same feelings you did after I rented a Lotus Exige Cup Car. Road registered and amazing, I fell in love with it. I wanted to buy one straight away. However I got over that feeling and just agreed I will rent it again when I feel like it. Funny enough I never rented one again, nor did I have the urge to drive one again, it just filtered away.

    I'm glad I didn't buy one. But I'm glad I had the opportunity to drive one.

    • Nice story! I kind of feel the same. Part of me - the stingy, rational part - is pretty sure that I'll get it all out of my system with another multi-day rental or two.

      I did try a Lotus (don't remember the model), but I'm frankly not good enough of a driver to do it justice. It was far more expensive to rent than the 911 and too far out of my comfort zone.

  • +1

    I've been a passenger in an 911 GT3 RS and OMG get one :)

  • I have never owned or rented a luxury sports car so i don't feel qualified to give you any advice sadly :(

    That said, I was wondering if you can please message me which company you rented the car through and if you had a good experience with them.

    I've also recently been bitten by the "i think i like fancy cars" bug and i want to just rent a few to experience them. However, whenever i Google for sport/luxury car rentals, i come across heaps of news articles about how a lot of them are dodgy and how people have lost their deposits. So i'm now paranoid of using any of them.

    Cheers!

  • -1

    You researched into it… but now ask us for advice

  • Whatever you end up doing - just know how jealous I am!

  • +1

    Where to rent Porsche 911 in Melbourne?

    • also interested to know.

  • +1

    Given your audience will quibble over a $10 discount code, I think your asking the wrong people in regards to super cars.

    • +2

      You might be surprised at how many people with supercars quibble over $10

      • That’s how they afford Supercars!

    • you must be new here, i see these threads every fortnight and some people here own fairly expensive cars

  • +1

    Have had many porsches and recently sold our 997.1 C2S manual

    Many consider the 997 to be the last generation of 911 drivers cars. The newer ones whilst faster and more capable, do feel less engaging

    The 997s will only go up in price from here so they are solid investments but I doubt they qualify for any Porsche leasing or buy back programs.

    Be mindful that a 997.1 will have bore scoring, IMS and RMS issues whereas a 997.2 manual coupe will not have those issues but will be $150k+

    • Or anything with a Mezger engine.

      • True. A 996 turbo would be a solid investment and a lot of fun if you don’t mind the fried eggs

    • You're clearly a man who knows his Porsches.

      Thanks for the advice. I did like the bare-bones 997: "Here's a motor, some wheels and a seat, now go burn up some asphalt!" But they're not cheap, as you note.

  • +6

    Used to work at a prestige/exotic car dealership many moons ago, so coming from my experience, driving these exotic cars was fun at first, but after some time you notice they do have notable drawbacks. Mostly to do with parking them somewhere safe wherever you go, getting unwanted attention can also be a problem. The cost of ownership is another thing to consider, they will need to be serviced and maintained more thoroughly than your Toyota and expect to pay for parts when they do invariably break. Insurance is also another factor. Practicality is probably the biggest issue, fitting small kids or other adults into these cars is a major drawback.

    I suppose it comes down to a question of lifestyle and your current situation. Will this be your primary vehicle or just a weekend car? Is it practical for you to own a 2 door sports car? Will you need it to pick up the kids daily? Tow a boat? Use it for shopping and the like and have it parked in a shopping centre for the doors to be dinged randomly? How often will you use it for its intended purpose, ie. driving fast and through twisty roads?

    Remember they are often a novelty and it wears off after a while, the depreciation is real high on newer models (so go a used 2-3 year old model that has a good service history) and probably lease it. Get rid of it before you inherit more problems and spend a fortune fixing it. Maybe rent a 911 for a couple weeks to see if it's something you can deal with for longer than a weekend?

    As for rent, buy or lease, again it depends on finances, but I say if you go down the purchase path you lease it. Rates are very low now, putting 100k+ into a car outright when you can put it into a passive investment, the latter seems better financially.

    • I'm glad someone has mentioned the cost of ownership. Tyres, brakes, general servicing and associated parts arent cheap!

      Flip side is that cars are awesome fun, and if they are used they are rewarding (especially Porsche's)! Porsche's will hold their value well over time, but not if they are used daily - dont buy it as an investment and you'll appreciate it every time you drive it.

    • A very balanced and well-considered response leavened with real-world experience. Thanks.

  • +4

    911 is one of the best driver's cars you could get but since you have not mentioned your financial situation (income or budget), I would suggest similar alternatives until you decide to commit.

    • test drive a MX5, lightweight nimble 2 seater. This is one of the cheapest way to get somewhat near to a 911 driving experience. It's not crazy fast but it sure feels like it.

    • try a boxer, entry level Porsche might satisfy you enough without breaking the bank. Gets you in porsche at least (I don't think you're a badge snob?)

    I don't think many jumps from a corolla to a 911 so understanding how it will impact your lifestyle and ownership costs with a cheaper intermediary car might be good.
    what is your budget?

    • My budget is basically what I've diverted from a jar marked 'international travel' to a jar marked 'other stuff that's fun'. We'll call it $25k a year - so, no, I'm not exactly blotting out the sun with my towering piles of dough.

      I do like your suggestions of trying out an MX5 and a Boxer. I'm not a badge snob: anything that's good for a gasoline-scented rush is fine by me.

      • $25k a year on a $300k car? That's a hell of a long loan.

        • yea I agree… best to have the budget at round 50k, maybe second hand and no loans.

          • -1

            @Oz8argain: If you are spending $50k a year on a car loan, you have your priorities all wrong. When you're talking that much cash, you should have the means to buy it outright. If not, you can't afford it anyway.

  • The 911 is a road legal race car. If you are not a 'car person' I don't think you will appreciate the tradeoffs such a car includes.

    I would be looking to test drive a few cars and find which one you enjoy the most. I suspect a BMW m5 or c63 AMG would be more suitable - a road car which has been fitted with performance parts.

    • +2

      A Carrera 911 is just a road sports car, its only the GT3's that you can start calling them 'road legal race cars'. Standard 911's are more than capable of being driven daily, and the GT3 is still a very comfortable car on the road.

  • +1

    Get a 986/987 Boxster/Cayman or BMW Z4 E85/E86.

  • Can I please ask where you rented your 911 from?

    I'd love to do something like that for a holiday road trip but the only ones I've come across have been for single day rentals in the city.

    Cheers

  • why not a cayman/boxster?

  • +2

    Would you consider a Panamera? At least you could yeet the kiddos at the back, and still give you that edgy 911 feel without going into an SUV.

    Haven’t gone through the leasing experience but I do work in the automotive industry. Female in my 30’s, no partner or children. Just bought my second car, a two-door convertible — it’s because I have no other commitments and I’m selfish as hell. The car is privy to the wank factor with the top down, but I didn’t want to wait until retirement.

    Really keen to see how the leasing program works in terms of service and maintenance overall, and what your outgoings would be month to month. Can’t imagine it’ll work like a regular novated leasing program, but I might be wrong.

    • They are ugly as sin and expensive IMO

    • Thanks for your suggestion. It sounds like you're grabbing life by the horns. Keep it up!

  • +1

    I'm guessing this is a troll post. And not that I could afford one, but a chatting to friend who took delivery of a 912 before Covid, the demand is so great that he could sell his car for the same price he purchased it for, and demand was high then too as the model had just got released.
    There is a world wide shortage of 911s, so, I'd say your not going to have a wide negotiate scope on repayments here.

    • Nope, not trolling. And I do appreciate the perspective. Thanks for sharing it.

  • +1

    My uncle owned a Porsche for a few years. In the end he got sick of (profanity) trying to race him at the lights and it getting keyed every time he parked it out in public. He said in the end it just attracted (profanity) like a magnet so he sold it.

    • Is that the end?

  • +1

    Porsche tend to hold their value pretty well. For that reason, buy!

  • +1

    Can you even lease a 997.2? They'd be over the usual 8 years old limit.

  • +1

    have you considered a cayman gts for 200k?

    Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

  • +2

    I am currently on my second 987.2 2.9L Manual Cayman. I love these cars. The Cayman/Boxster is the perfect allround useable sports car if you dont have kids. (I also own an ND, NA MX5 and a 370Z). The 911 just adds rear seats to give some practicality if you have kids.

    If I had kids and could afford one. A 997.2 would be the car for me. I could put Kms on it and not lose a cent. And they are pretty much bullettproof maintenance wise. The last of the basic analog 911s.

    Honestly, if you buy any 911 or Cayman/Boxster 997.2 or 987.2 or older. And its tidy and well maintained. You shouldn't lose any money from deprecation.

    If money wasn't an option and you don't need the 911s rear seats. Get a Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster GTS 4.0. It could be the last hurrah of the sports car in my oppinion.

    Renault Alpine I have heard is also excellent.

    • +1

      How's ND against the Cayman? I own an ND and been thinking of upgrading to the 987 in the future, but not sure if it's worth the extra 2x price. Is your the S model?

      • +1

        Mine is just a 987.2 2.9L Manual. The Gen 2 S versions are really expensive and hard to find now. I missed out on a bargain one that sold for $70000 within 5 minutes of being listed. I was too hesitent and decided to instead wait for a well priced 2.9L version for 14k less. I don't mind the less power, more reason to rev it out.

        I have had two Caymans now and two ND MX5s. Aswell as an NA and NC2 and a MK2 TTS (also similar to the Cayman).

        Heres some info on the cars:
        1st ND1 GT 2.0L Manaul 2016 (20000kms) Purchased for $27000 in 2017.
        2nd ND1 GT 2.0L Manual 2016 (60000kms) purchased in 2020 for $22000.
        NC2 MX5 manual with recaros/BBS package $14500 with 110,000kms in 2019.
        1990 NA MX5 - Paid $7000 in 2020. Very high mileage, but special colour.
        MK2 TTS, 2009 model, manual, 19000kms, paid $19000 in 2019.
        Porsche Cayman 2011 2.9L Manual, purchased JAN2021, 41000kms, paid $56000.

        I was initially wanting a 981 Boxster as I like convertibles (but I dont like the look of 987 Boxsters). And 981 prices are ridiculous and so I lucked out and found a pre covid priced Cayman so I went for that as I know I wont lose money on it and I have a toy to play with in amongst waiting for COVID to end or life situations change.

        Honestly the Cayman/Boxster is fairly similar to the ND when it comes to how to car feels dynamically (ND does have a better feeling gearbox). However the Cayman has the badge, engine, looks and practicality. But is that worth double or triple what a ND or NC2 is worth?

        I think if you don't have anything else to spend money on and can get one thats well priced, get the Porsche, you shouldn't lose money on it from depreciation. It all depends on your financial situation. I havn't paid off my house yet and if I ever need money, the Cayman will have to go and I will be getting into another NC2. As those handle just as well as the ND, except it has better passenger legroom for my partner.

        Edit: Do not get a BRZ or 86. I had one while I had the ND. Those drive like rubbish on our aussie roads compared to the NC or ND MX5. BRZ/86 is for the track only I think, I dont know how people daily them.

        • Thanks for the detailed response. That's a really good deal you got on the Cayman, especially this late into COVID.

          I'm still deciding on it, but will keep an eye out for any good deals.

          Yeah, i decided against the 86 due to the rev hangs and seeing it everywhere on the street, so looks like that was the right choice. There isn't much choice for a brand new sporty coupe for around 35k with back seats so i can understand if it's their only car.

  • Bottom line as with any luxury item; Can you genuinely afford it (purchase, maintenance, depreciation).

    If you can, go for it.

  • I used to be wanting a sports car growing up. Then I got a motorcycle and I stopped caring about sports cars. Cars became an A to B thing for me, it was more important that they were economical and I could work on them myself. You do get idiots wanting to race you, but with a 1250cc and a 6 speed, they have zero chance. I once pulled away from a Maloo on one wheel, the bike howled so loud the guy shat himself (so did I, I hadn't pushed the bike that hard up until then).

    I would consider learning to ride if you don't, or as others have said get an mx5 like the rest of us mere mortals if money is any sort of concern. You have the fun with almost none of the liabilities of a Porsche I would say, and I don't think straight line performance is really what you care about, it's more about fun in the turns. I would buy a second hand one that's in good nick over renting or leasing a Porsche that I am never likely to owm

    • +1

      bikes are too dangerous, you can be an idiot in a car and get away with it, with bikes the risks are much higher

      • +1

        It's takes a fair bit of discipline absolutely, and it's not for everyone, but it can be so much fun just riding at normal speeds and carefully, you don't necessarily need to hoon. But if some can't stop yourself then maybe it's not for those people

      • If you're driving on the road such that your speed and attitude might cause a crash then you need to take a step back and think about what you're doing, not what frame you have around you. I ride a bike, and have for most of my adult life. I am aware of the risks and understand the consequences when I push. I'd rather not share the road with people who think the consequences are less because they have a cage around them. There are other people on the road too.

      • more importantly, I can comfortably get around on a wet winter's day in a car. Hate to imagine that as a bike rider.

  • +1

    See if you can test a Cayman/Boxter GTS… 4.0 boxer… at a fraction of the cost, and probably will give you similar level of enjoyment.

  • -6

    I've got an old corolla and owned and even older then old corolla… sorry pretty boy but porches are for people who can't drive a legal road going go kart … nothing screams "I've made it in life you noobs" then driving a car that requires more skill then driving a rocket and sh*ting pants on a wet days front wheel spin. I think you need to go on to the unemployment benefits and start appreciating having 1 leg to drive an auto; let alone 2 to walk; let alone a car. GIT GUD

  • If you want to scratch the itch without spending very high $$$, the Boxster S is a phenomenal car.

    I don't have it anymore but I've had a lot of cars and my Boxster S manual 3.2 is comfortably the most enjoyable car I've had. Chassis/gearbox, just magic.

    Quick enough to have fun around corners without reaching life ending speeds instantly.

    They are an absolute bargain on carsales

  • +2

    OP, I know the thread is porsche options but….

    if it's a great sports car/driving experience you're after, why not something economical yet easy to throw around instead of splashing on a porsche?

    Mx5, Toyota 86, fiat abarth/500 abarth, wrx variants, focus rs, fiesta St, take your pick - cheaper insurance, don't worry about parking, some more practical, sell and get another one when you're bored

    Yes they won't be a porsche, but I know I'd pick from the above

  • -3

    Hmm if you could really afford a porsche you probably wouldn't need to think twice about it.

    • Cringe

  • This is a good read. If you're a Marvel fan read to end to find out about the owner. https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?492606-Porsche-Centre….

    • The thing is as soon as they ask about what I do the dynamic changes. I designed Iron Man and Black Panther, and even people who couldn't care less about superheroes suddenly have a son, or a nephew, or a brother, etc. who loves the movies, and their entire demeanour changes. I didn't actually know anyone at Porsche Leeds knew what I did, but on the day when I was inspecting the damaged car one of their executives came out with printouts of my work to sign for him and his son. So they obviously figured it out and were ready for me to come in. I honestly didn't know whether I should laugh or cry.

      Hmmmm, designer and survivor of some war? Vietnam war?

      • Probably not Vietnam - possibly Falklands, but maybe one of the more recent Middle-East conflict the Brits were in.

      • He is Adi Granov, and it was the Bosnian-Yugoslav War.

  • rent somewhere with enough garage space.

    I just noticed this comment.

    Not to tell you how to spend your money, but from a financial perspective, does it make sense to spend over $100k (probably closer to $150k) on a car if you are still renting? Nothing wrong with renting, but to rent a bigger place just for a car makes very little sense.

    This is a bargain website, so the bias is towards saving money and investing. Buy a house or investment with that same money?

  • We recently bought a second hand Porsche Cayenne and it seriously is awesome and does everything you need, it’s fast(ish), still tows, stick the kids in it and has all the bells and whistles.

    I would test drive a Cayenne and get the whole family in it.
    Insurance was only $150 more than our previous car.
    Oil changes are a little bit more due to the oil.
    Filters are the same price.
    Everyone say “oh the brakes are so expensive” they’re not unless you have ceramic brakes, I just did my front brakes rotors and pads for $500.

    If your handy on the tools they are bloody easy to maintain there are 1,000,000 YouTube how to’s if your not sure, you can update the modules yourself using piwis 2 or 3 clones from China

    These cars are only expensive if you let the dealer look after them.

    Best part about the car though it was cheaper than a Toyota Landcruiser in the second hand market and way more fun and still does most things a toyota can do but in much more luxury.
    Also if you really really wanted to, you can stick some 4x4 tyres on it and head to Fraser Island.

    Once you have owned a Porsche you won’t go back.

    • A Cayenne is a VW Tourag in drag. You're paying VW prices, not 911 prices.

      And no, it can't go offroad. AT tyres wont cut it, it doesn't have a low range, or locking diffs. It's an SUV, not a 4*4. People have taken them to Fraser, but they haven't made it very far.

      • Lol yes they can go to Fraser. I’ve seen them and been there multiple times Have you ?

        • Yeah, I have, on the I got bogged on Fraser Facebook page, stuck up to their axels. Anyone with half a brain doesn't take anything that doesn't at least have a low range to Fraser.

          • -1

            @[Deactivated]: Ahhh do you haven’t actually been to Fraser just watched some shitty videos lol

            • @worker: I spent a week driving all over Fraser last summer, before Covid. Zero chance a Cayenne could make it across the island on the inland tracks. It likely wouldn't make it off the Inskip barge.

              • -1

                @[Deactivated]: lol so you went once and now think your an expert ? Hahahahah ok mate
                now that covids back hopefully your locked out of our state forever

                • @worker: Oh look, a Queenslander who doesn't know the difference between your and you're.

                  Yes, I've been to Fraser once, it was great. I've also done a lot of off-roading, and I can unequivocally say that there is no way a soft roader like a Cayenne would make it across the inland tracks once they've been churned up by the tourist buses. They don't have the clearance for a start, they aren't tough enough, they don't have a low range, they don't have locking diffs, they are not designed to go offroad. They generation 1 cars had some offroad ability, but you don't see many of them around as they've all fallen apart, but the gen 3 cars are rubbish in anything but onroad conditions.

                  During my time of Fraser, I saw many cars stuck up to the axels on inland trails. They were unequivocally all soft roaders. Landcruisers, Patrols, Hiluxes, Rangers, Everests, Landrovers, Grand Cherokees and Wranglers all had no problems with the conditions (albeit most of them were lifted), but the fools who tried to cross the island in cars unsuited ended up stuck 1km from the entrance to the trails. I'm sure you can drive soft-roaders on the firm packed beaches, but as soon as you turn inland from Eurong, or try and pass Nagala rocks, its a different story. I saw a couple of Subarus on the beach (and they are better offroad than a Cayenne), but none of them were foolish enough to attempt to drive inland to somewhere like Lake Mackenzie.

                  • @[Deactivated]: Oh look another tool who thinks he’s an expert from going once somewhere.
                    So look your experience from the one time you have been there to the over 100 times I have been there is completely different………..

                    Can’t go 4x4 unless you got lockerzzzz or a 200 series, everything else is not 4x4 worthy according to you…….

                    I’m sorry you don’t have an amazing fast 4x4 like me and cant enjoy the nicer things in lyfe. I don’t blame you. I judge you and think to myself, “oh well, I’m better than them anyways” cya

                    • @worker: If it doesn't have a low range, it's a softroader. You don't have a 4wd, you have an SUV. Made by VW in Bratislava, where they stick Porsche badges on it. You're delusional pal. The Cayenne is fine as an SUV, but it's not a 4wd.

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