Welcome!

Dear Teen, You want an awesome sports car, but your parents want something cheap, safe, and reliable? The solution is Affordable Teen Rides. This blog is dedicated to educating the parents and teens on what they can afford, while not forcing their teen to drive a clunker. This blog post two reviews per week, and a MAXOUT bi-weekly. The prices will be set at $8,000, $15,000 and $25,000. If you or your parents have a request, simply leave a comment after an article or send me an e-mail at affordableridesblog@gmail.com Thanks for viewing. I hope that I can make the car search a whole lot easier, and a much less confusing. Happy Reading! -ZS
Cars talked about are all over the USA. Currency in USD ($).
Comment if a personal (regional) search is needed. Comment if needing a certain car reviewed.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

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.

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