Anyone that has been behind the wheel of a Porsche will tell you it's not just a drive, but an experience as well. Besides the power, dreams, and emotions that Porsches evoke, they come with some of the most well-engineered flat engines in the auto world, not to mention the rich heritage that spans over 70 years. However, considering Porsche's high performance and high quality, the most desirable models don't come for cheap.
Of course, models like the Boxster, Cayenne, and Macan have offered somewhat reasonable pricing over the years. Nonetheless, unlike the SUVs, the Boxster is among the numerous Porsche convertibles and roadsters whose potential as future collectibles has increased their value in the used car market in recent years. The fortunate thing about Porsche's impressive lineup is the possibility of owning a gem before its value skyrockets. According to Hagerty's Valuation Tool, there are some pretty cool Porsches that are affordable by Porsche standards, and most importantly, in great original condition. But since auctions have grown in popularity in recent months, we've also cross-checked the bid history of each model from the Classic website.
10 1997-2004 Porsche Boxster (986) - $16,000
Undoubtedly, the base Boxster is less popular than the legendary Porsche 911. Still, the first-generation Boxster is well-positioned to become one of the most desirable models in the classic car category, more so as we approach its 25th anniversary.
Between 1997 and 2004, Porsche fitted the base Boxster 986 with a 201hp 2.5-liter, a 217hp 2.7-liter, and a 225hp 2.7-liter mid-mounted six-cylinder boxer engine. Hagerty currently values the 986 base model at $12,000, but bidding prices are estimated to rise as high as $16,000 for a highly original model.
9 2002-2005 Porsche Boxster S (986) - $19,000
Porsche introduced the Boxster S of the 986 Generation for the 2000 model year, but the more desirable facelifted model arrived for the 2002 model year. As a result, the 2002 to 2005 Boxster S boasted improvements in the engine department, a rear glass window instead of plastic, and centered double round exhausts under the rear bumper.
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The Boxster S featured a 250hp 3.2-liter engine since 2000, but the facelift also improved engine power to 258hp. According to Hagerty, the 986 Boxster S demands a $14,000 market value, but a $19,000 budget estimate promises a worthwhile venture into any auction.
8 2005-2012 Porsche Boxster (987) - $22,000
The second-generation Porsche Boxster, type 987, debuted alongside the 997 Porsche 911 for the 2005 model year. The Carrera GT-inspired styling makes the 987 a more desirable option than the original 986, but the excellent build quality and grown-up feel also make it an impressive 911 alternative.
Besides the cosmetic and mechanical upgrades that the Boxster 987 received throughout its generation, it also featured several powerful engine options. These include a 237hp 2.7-liter, a 242hp 2.7-liter from 2007, and a 255hp 2.9-liter introduced for the revised Boxster 987.2 from 2009. Depending on the condition and mileage, you could snag a decent Boxster 987 for $22,000.
7 1988-1989 Porsche 944 Turbo S - $28,000
Porsche introduced the Turbo S as a performance enhancement for the 944 Turbo. Unfortunately, the 944 Turbo S enjoyed a short-lived production period since Porsche decided to utilize larger 3.0-liter engines from 1989. Therefore, it's a slightly rare collectible model that Porsche built in limited numbers.
Part of the enhancements on the Turbo S includes a more potent 250hp 3.0-liter engine, achieved by using revised engine mapping and a larger KKK K26-6 turbocharger. Despite its rarity, the 944 Turbo S is a surprisingly undervalued gem that Hagerty rates at $23,000 average value, but estimated bidding prices creep up to $28,000.
6 1999-2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (996) - $28,000
Porsche offered the 996 Carrera 4 as the all-wheel-drive version of the standard Carrera 996, available from 1999 to 2003. For the 996 Generation, Porsche built approximately 32,670 Carrera 4s, meaning there are not too many of them around. Compared to the standard model, the Carrera 4 featured changes to the variable valve timing and the integrated dry sump.
996 Carrera 4 powertrains include a 296hp 3.4-liter and a 316hp 3.6-liter introduced in the 2002 model. The six-speed manual models are the most desirable, and Hagerty estimates their current average value at $24,000. However, the 996 Carrera 4 is going up in value, pushing the auction bid price to an average of $28,000.
5 1992-1995 Porsche 968 Coupe - $31,000
The 968 is a standout model since it represents the final evolution of the water-cooled front-engine rear-wheel-drive series of Porsches that started with the Porsche 924. Interestingly, the 968 shares 20% of its parts with the Porsche 944 that it replaced in the entry-level position from1992.
The Porsche 968 Coupe was available throughout its production with a 3.0-liter DOHC inline-four that delivers 236hp and 225lb-ft of torque. Although the 968 looks good, is well-engineered, rare, and pretty quick, the model was seriously underrated for the longest time. Finally, however, the 968 is getting some love, and Hagerty estimates a $24,000 average value with bidding prices expected close to the $31,000 mark.
4 2006-2012 Porsche Cayman S (987) - $32,000
The Cayman S debuted in 2006, positioned and priced between the Porsche Boxster S and the Porsche 911 Carrera. Although Porsche based the Cayman S on the Boxster series, it distinguishes itself through its dynamic coupe silhouette, curvaceous rear fenders, aerodynamic upper windshield sill, fog lamps integrated into fog intakes, and dual-sport tailpipes.
The Cayman S 987 comes with a muscular 3.4-liter flat-six-cylinder engine, paired to a six-speed manual or an optional five-speed Tiptronic S automatic to deliver 295hp and 255lb-ft of torque. However, if you fancy a 987 Cayman S, you should consider a $32,000 budget to bid competitively in most auctions available today.
3 1987-1992 Porsche 928 S4 - $33,000
As crazy as it might sound, Porsche had once considered the 928 as the replacement for the 911, providing a GT practicality that would attract a broader target market. But, of course, that plan failed. So instead, the 928 S4 is simply a charmer, with a uniquely round silhouette and frog-like pop-up headlights derived from the 1984 Porsche 928 S facelift.
The Porsche 928 S4 arrived in mid-1986 for the 1987 model year with a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V-8 capable of 316hp. Manual models boast a single-disc clutch, while the automatic models had a larger torque converter than the 928 S. Depending on the model year, Hagerty values the Porsche 928 S4 between $33,000 and $37,000.
2 2008 Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder (987) - $33,000
In 2008, Porsche unveiled the Boxster RS60 Spyder to commemorate the marque's win in the 12 Hours of Sebring held in Florida in 1960. The RS60 Spyder pays homage to the dragon-slaying 718 RS 60 Spyder, the racing icon that achieved numerous class wins before dominating the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Porsche built a commemorative 1,960 units of the Boxster RS60 Spyder, with 800 slated for the U.S.market alone. Each model was available with a GT Silver Metallic exterior, and Carrera Red leather was the standard interior. Despite its prestigious history and special-edition status, the Porsche RS60 Spyder is an affordable model that you could bid for $33,000.
1 2002-2004 Porsche 911 Targa (996) - $34,000
The Porsche 911 Targa is a desirable option that offers an open-air experience while delivering the rollover protection that the classic convertible lacks. Unfortunately, the semi-convertible Targa is one of the rarest body styles in the Porsche 996 series, with about 5,100 units ever built.
The 996 Targa shares the same chassis and drivetrain configuration as the 996 Carrera lineup, and its M96 3.6-liter flat-six delivers an impressive 320hp. The six-speed manual 996 Targa is a coveted model that Hagerty values at $27,500, but you would be wise to budget for $34,000 to bid competitively for a suitable model in auctions today.