Buying a used Porsche: How to pick the best one

Almost everyone who knows anything about cars has at some point yearned for a Porsche. They’re dream machines that are grade-A aspirational fare.

But although they’re expensive new and barely depreciate secondhand, there are still plenty of secondhand models on the market that might be within reach if you have a budget from, say, £10,000.

Let us show you what you can get for £10k, £20k, £30k and £50k, so you can see just how to turn that dream into reality…

The £10,000 Porsche

Porsche Cayenne (2002-2010)

The Porsche that can off-road with the best of them. It looks a bit like a 911, outside and in, and back on road, it drives with authentic enthusiasm as well. Just be careful: it may be cheap to buy but it’s certainly not cheap to run…

We spotted: 2005 S (78,000 miles): £7995

Porsche 944

A genuine Porsche bargain from the 1980s, the 944 four-seat coupe is very well balanced and has ultra-reliable four-cylinder engines that pack a punch. It’s so good, prices can only go one way: get in there now…

We spotted: 1984 2.5 (132,000 miles): £6950

Porsche Boxster (1996-2004)

The 1996 Boxster saved Porsche. It’s a delightful car to drive that, these days, is an absolute bargain. If you’re looking for a great ultra-affordable Porsche, look no further: this is a sure-fire classic.

We spotted: 2002 S (49,000 miles): £9950

The £20,000 Porsche

Porsche 968

The Porsche 944 morphed into the 968 by the 1990s, benefitting from a fantastic 3.0-litre engine producing a hefty 237bhp. Porsche upgraded the suspension and brakes to suit, making a real thoroughbred.

We spotted: 1993 Coupe (141,000 miles): £16,968

Porsche 911 (1997-2004)

Seeking an entry-level 911? Start here. Its styling was controversial at the time but is ageing nicely, and the prices some of them are going for are genuinely tempting. Be sure to choose one with a full service history though, and buy as late a plate as you can afford.

We spotted: Carrera (79,000 miles): £19,495

Porsche Cayman (2004-2012)

The ‘Boxster coupe’ was packed with balance and poise, making its mid-engined handling little short of sublime. Seek out a revised example; even the entry-level 2.9-litre engine is great.

We spotted: 2010 2.0 (67,000 miles): £19,995

The £30,000 Porsche

Porsche 928

This muscular V8 coupe didn’t quite do its intended job of replacing the 911, but it’s still a standout that handles like a genuine Porsche. It eats long distances and, today, is a wise investment as prices can only go up.