First-time Porsche buyer’s guide: 5 models perfect for scratching th | Articles

Porsches. They’re pretty popular. Have been for decades. And they’ve racked up track records around the world. 

Many of us have admired the brand since we were young. “Having grown up with Porsches in my favorite movies and hanging on my bedroom wall, they have always been special to me,” admits Vu Nguyen, executive director of the Porsche Club of America. “Through the years, I came to appreciate Porsche’s engineering philosophy, especially after my first on-track event with PCA in my ’87 911. 

“But if you ask me today what’s so special about owning a Porsche, it’s the people you meet and the enthusiasm around it that is like no other. It also doesn’t hurt that Porsche is still churning out sports cars that continue to be the standard in the industry.”

Of course, these cars can also require some special care–you know, stuff like not exposing them to sunlight, getting them wet or feeding them after midnight. 

So, how does one wade into the Porsche experience without winding up with a gremlin in the garage? Start with the right car. 

We’re talking about models that are rewarding to drive yet relatively easy to find and own. Our five recommendations cover a range of budgets and tastes: the G-series 911, 944, 997-series 911, original Boxster and first series of Caymans. 

No matter the model, though, all Porsches benefit from strong support–strong parts support, strong club support and strong shop support. Need a widget, advice or a local wrench? You’ll find it.

Porsche Boxster | 1997-2004 • 986 chassis

The Boxster was created to fill a specific niche: an open, relatively inexpensive Porsche aimed at the enthusiast. Call it an alternative to the 911.

This model represented a huge success for the brand–its top seller from…