【Car Selection】 Is it good to buy a used sports car from Porsche? The Cayman and Boxster turned out to be surprisingly practical.

Recently, I've been interested in sports cars, and I'm expanding my imagination about which one I would choose if I were to purchase one—I researched what types of cars would be realistic if I were to buy my favorite car right now.

Suddenly, I think about the conditions for the sports car I want right now

Source: From Porsche Japan certified used car information.

The condition for the sports car I desire is simply "a car that looks cool." I don't prioritize specifications or features that would make a car enthusiast drool. Next, it has to be "reasonably priced." I'm basically considering used cars, but I want to avoid the situation where it feels like "if I'm going to pay that price, I might as well buy this new car."

By the way, there's an image of "sports car = MT (manual)," but since I want to enjoy a relaxed ride, I think it's fine to have an AT (automatic) as well.

Source: ebay.com

When I tried asking ChatGPT about "recommended used sports cars," I got suggestions like the Mazda RX-8, Roadster, Toyota 86, as well as the BMW Z4, and Porsche Cayman and Boxster as candidates. I was surprised to find out that even for the coveted Porsche, older Caymans and Boxsters can be bought for around 2 million yen!

Based on my experience with my car, the Jimny, I believe that whether it's a domestic or foreign car, buying an old used car will inevitably lead to repairs, so depending on the condition, I became interested in the idea that a Porsche might also be a good option.

The Porsche Boxster and Cayman Dilemma

Source: PORSCHE.

The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine layout two-seater convertible. The Cayman is the coupe version of the Boxster. It is said to be characterized by its low center of gravity achieved through a horizontally opposed engine and mid-engine layout, which contributes to its high driving performance. The current model, which has undergone several changes, is known as the 718, and there is a wide lineup ranging from 2.0L to 4.0L in engine displacement.

Concerns About Maintenance Costs

Because the allure of owning a Porsche might lead one to make purchases based solely on vehicle price, I also looked into the maintenance costs. Parts prices and maintenance fees seem to be significant factors; for example, an oil change at the dealer can cost around 30,000 yen… Additionally, the repair costs in the event of a breakdown can be quite high, so you will need to consider the overall costs of maintenance, including taxes.

However, there are certified used cars that come with maintenance performed by dealers and warranties, so if you can find a vehicle in good condition, some opinions suggest that maintenance costs may not be too high. Personally, I think a lightweight car with an engine displacement of around 2.0L would be ideal.

A genuine domestic sports car can be hard to approach

When considering whether domestic cars are indeed better, eye-catching vehicles tend to be high-powered, high-spec models. In my opinion, it would be the Fairlady Z, which has over 3.0L of high power and is priced close to 5 million yen even in the used market, with maintenance costs also contributing to a higher overall cost.

Moreover, as I am more of a light user not particularly fixated on deep driving experiences, it can be somewhat challenging to choose models that are mainstream manual transmission cars. My personal impression is that domestic sports cars often have numerous traditional-style models, so surprisingly, cars like Porsche feel more fitting for a light user like myself.

In conclusion, I want a Cayman

Porsche Cayman (Type 987).
Source: PORSCHE.

As someone who does not prefer convertibles, I have concluded that the coupe-style Cayman would be preferable. The 987 model's initial version is relatively inexpensive in the used market, and in earlier models, there have been issues identified with the bearings of the intermediate shaft, which is a part of the engine section, making these weak points a factor in lowering the price.

In later models, improvements were made, and the newer ones are also appealing. Additionally, while the vehicle prices are lower, the higher displacement of over 2.7L results in slightly higher automobile taxes, so if the current 718's 2.0L pricing drops, I believe it could come quite close to being the best option.

Source: hbiauto.com.

If you're concerned about malfunctions, the option of a standalone warranty is also available

Porsche has a warranty system called the "standalone warranty" which can be applied for up to 15 years. For vehicles purchased from authorized dealers, repair services for breakdowns can be received by paying a certain amount, limited to vehicles that meet the conditions of registration year, mileage, and have cleared inspection items.
*Not applicable to age-related deterioration or natural wear and tear.

If you're feeling anxious about expensive repairs, it might be a good idea to utilize the warranty from authorized dealers. However, it’s important to note that this will incur costs.

Changing your perspective might lead you to surprising vehicles you like

Source: PORSCHE.

This time, from the perspective of the author, who is not a serious user, I tried choosing a sports car, and I realized that when I changed my perspective, an unexpected car suited me perfectly. Since searching doesn't cost money, I would like to find some time to look for my “future beloved car” again.

Interview/Article by Kazuma Tanaka

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