Porsche Anyone? ($8k, $15k, $25k)

Today I write to you about Porsches. When one thinks of the term “Porsche” he/she instantly thinks of the terms “Luxury, Expensive, and Quality.” Then when he/she sees a Porsche they might say “Nice car, “Wow, he’s rich.” OMG IT’S A PORSCHE!” The myth about Porsche’s is that you have to be rich to own one. Truth is you don’t. Granted, if you want the current model fully loaded, you will be feeling it in your pocketbook. However, one can still drive home in a Porsche for less than $8,000. Now who’s big man on campus! Although with your purchase of an $8,000 Porsche, I would not recommend getting involved in a Porsche Club because you won’t get lots of credit. However, you will get lots of credit with your buds at school wondering how a teenager got a Porsche.

Porsche, like BMW, has iconic styling elements. Just one glance and you know what it is. The styling that is so iconic consist of: the lights defining the hood line, low and wide body stance, lots of curves and front bumpers with deep air intakes. The iconic Porsche is most-likely the 911. 911’s can be really expensive, even in the used market, so therefore I won’t give them a review. Other models that Porsche has that are in my opinion “equally cool” consist of the Cayman (base, S and R) and the Boxster (base, S and Spyder). Most Porsches on the used market will not have any of the “special” models for sale because the people that buy those cars are not likely to sell them. This would include the Cayman R and Boxster Spyder, in addition to the fact that they are out of this blog’s budget. The setup will be the same as the last article, but both cars will be mixed in.

Boxster(S): While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find late '90's models with about 130,000 miles on them; however I did come across 1 Boxster that had 80,000 miles. Lucky for you, these cars are convertibles! There is a couple of Boxster S in this price range. The late 90's and early 2000's start the iconic smooth curves, and aggressive stance similarly to the old 911’s. The Boxster also has in my opinion, one of the coolest looking “rear-ends” out of any vehicle. Something about those inwardly sweeping lines pushing the taillights up, and leading into the (later center split exhaust) exhaust pipe gets me going. Do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great an 11year old car is with over 100,000 miles. These cars still have plenty of life left in them, and can be easily customized with aftermarket parts. The interior of these cars are extremely comfortable, and have signature Porsche elements leaving the driver nice and relaxed. The quality tends to be in O.K.-Average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Cayman(S): While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Based on Porsche’s range, the Boxster is the base, then Cayman, 911 ect. So it is not unusual that you cannot find a Cayman in this price range.

Boxster(S): While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '02's with about 100,000 miles on them; however I did come across 1 ’02 Boxster that had 30,000 miles and 1 ’03 Boxster with 90,000 miles so the range of mileage is vast. Lucky for you, these cars are convertibles! There is some Boxster S in this price range. The early 2000's continue the iconic smooth curves, and aggressive stance similar to the older Boxsters. Do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great a 7-8 year old car is with 100,000 miles. These cars still have plenty of life left in them, and can be easily customized with aftermarket parts. The interior of these cars are extremely comfortable, and have signature Porsche elements leaving the driver nice and relaxed. The quality tends to be in average-great condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Cayman(S): While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Based on Porsche’s range, the Boxster is the base, then Cayman, 911 ect. So it is not unusual that you cannot find a Cayman in this price range.

Boxster(S): While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find late '05's with about 50,000+ miles on them; however I did come across a $22,000 ‘02 Boxster that had 14,000 miles on it. THAT IS CHEAPER (and cooler) THAN A NEW (insert car here. Scion, Toyota, Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, ect.). Lucky for you, these cars are convertibles! There is lots of Boxster S in this price range. The mid 2000's develop the iconic smooth curves, aggressive stance, and aero kit even further giving it “Modern” touches which make it look VERY similar to a new Boxster. These cars can be easily customized with aftermarket parts. The interior of these cars have been upgraded from the 2002’s and are even more comfortable, and have signature Porsche elements leaving the driver with a content driving experience. The quality tends to be in Great-Almost new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Cayman(S): GET EXCITED. While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find a few 2007 Porsche Cayman with around 70,000 miles on them. There are only a few out there, but they are GREAT cars. Another benefit is that these cars are 2007’s! Meaning that they are only 4 years old! Yes, they may have 70,000 miles on them but WHO CARES! FOR $25,000 YOU COULD BE DRIVING A CAYMAN HOME AS A TEENAGER! Cayman’s are not convertibles, and never will be. There is no Cayman S in this price range. They are sport coupes built for fun. The Cayman is a car built for people who love and enjoy the driving experience. This is yet another Porsche that I feel has a sexy rear-end (sexier than a Boxster!) This car is loads of fun and gets great fuel economy. This car also features two “Trunks”, one in the front, and one in the back. This car is extremely comfortable, and everything is where it should be. From the shifter, steering wheel and switches everything is within arm’s reach. If you wanted you could join a Porsche Club and get some credit because it is recent and not a base Porsche. Also, if you are driving one of these, your buds are guaranteed to freak out. Plus your girlfriend will want you to drive her to the parties!

Bottom line: Boxster(S): Great fun little toy, cool, and classy. If you can get one, get it. The only thing that is close luxury wise is the BMW Z4 and performance is the Lotus Elise (even though the Lotus out performs the Porsche, it lacks luxury).

Bottom line: Cayman(S): A blast to drive, cool, elegant, sophisticated. If you can put up 25 big ones, this is your car, especially in High school and College.

BMW M3 ($8k, $15k, $25k)

I start with the M3 because I am a BMW driver myself, and have always had a soft-spot for these lean mean racing machines. Just one glance and you know what it is. The styling is iconic with the split kidney grills, low and wide stance and "boxy" like fronts all screaming BMW. The M3 has gradually morphed into the looks of the rest of the BMW range through the 2000's. Now a graceful curving hood, aggressive aero kit, and an optional carbon fiber roof make this car one that you can't pass up a chance to drive/own.

While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find late '90's models with about 130,000 miles on them. Sadly, no convertibles are showing up in this price range. Some best case scenarios are 1999's with around 110,000 miles on them. The late 90's and early 2000's kept the iconic boxy front, and aggressive stance that the M3 is commonly known for today. Do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great an 11year old car is with over 100,000 miles. These cars still have plenty of life left in them, and can be easily customized with aftermarket parts. The interior of these cars are extremely comfortable, and have the signature BMW seating position, nice and relaxed. The quality tends to be in average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '02's and a few '03's. The '03's however are going to have more miles on them than the '02's. You can get a 2002 M3 with as little as 100,000 miles, and going back to the late '90's models, one could find them in the mid 60's. One big advantage to this price range is that it does contain the convertible option. However, as with every car, expect the roof extensively before purchase because you could end up having to replace the top. The body style for this price range is just beginning the morph into present day M3 styling with slight curves added to the aero kit, and various parts of the car. Again, do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great a 8-9 year old car is with 100,000 miles. These cars still will turn some heads no matter where you live. The interior of these cars are about the same comfort as the previous years, and the quality tends to be in average-above average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find numerous 03's with 25,000 miles on them and numerous '05's (some '06's) with 55,000+ miles. There is still a convertible option available at this price point. However, as with every car, expect the roof extensively before purchase because you could end up having to replace the top. The body style for this price range is continuing the morph into present day M3 styling with more curves added to the aero kit, and various parts of the car. Do not be disheartened by the thought of driving a '03 with 25,000miles, or a '06 with 60,000miles. These are great cars that will turn heads even more than in the last price point. The interior of these cars received a huge upgrade in the comfort compared to the late '90's model. The quality tends to be in above average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Bottom line: If you want a nice reliable classic racing BMW, this is your car no matter what year. If your budget is greater then 25k, you can get more current models, or older with less miles.

Teen boys, and cars.

Like most teenage boys, I have come to find that I have the disease as my sister calls it "An obsession about everything cars." Going into my senior year in high school, I can reflect on what a car means for a teenage boy (sorry, I'm not a girl, but hopefully it might be similar). A student's first car is a sign of freedom, responsibility, and liberation from having to be driven to the Friday night football games, school and parties by their parents. For most guys I know, a car is a way to express their "lifestyle" (if they are able to pick their own car) and to be considered "cool" to roll up to school in their new ride. However, some students that are more financially blessed find cars as an opportunity to "show-off" their money. Now this blog is not to bash anyone for being less or more fortunate, but as the first post on this blog I want to set some ground rules. In no way do I mean to offend anybody with any of my post/pictures. I will have specific post with a set price range each time I post so that you know what you can get for that price. I also recommend that you comment on my post, so that I can better serve you. Some of the cars that I will be writing about may have 100,000+ miles on them, AND THAT'S OK! A car should last for about 225,000-250,000miles. However, the down side to a high-mileage car is the maintenance, especially if you are driving a foreign car. I will admit that I am somewhat biased towards foreign cars because I drive a BMW 530i and love every second of it. Once or twice a month, I plan to do a "Max-out" where I will show what supercars are now available under $80,000. Granted, nothing in the $80,000 price range is "Affordable" and "Practical" for a teenager (let alone a teenage boy!), but nonetheless the cars are great to dream about and should be even more affordable when I graduate from college. I hope that you enjoy this blog as much as I do, and please leave some comments!