Best $40k Porsche and is Porsche the Next Ferrari?
About this episode
Porsche’s recent financial pain—China sales slump, heavy EV bets, and tariff hits—sparks a debate about whether Porsche is drifting toward Ferrari-style exclusivity with ever-more expensive “halo” cars. The host argues that this strategy risks disconnecting Porsche from the next generation of owners, creating a “vacuum effect” that pushes aspirational buyers into pricier used models. The episode then pivots to a practical $40k buying question: 997.1 911 vs 981 Boxster/Cayman. He says drive both, notes maintenance isn’t cheaper on Boxsters, and recommends 981s for daily-driver comfort while 997.1s suit those wanting older-car drama.
Is the "Everyman’s Supercar" disappearing? This week on The ElevenAfterNine Podcast, Derek dives into Porsche’s recent financial shift toward a "Value over Volume" strategy. With operating profits seeing a massive shift and a new focus on ultra-exclusive halo cars, we discuss the "Vacuum Effect"—how rising new car prices are sucking up the values of the 997, 991, and 981 generations.
Later in the episode, Derek answers a high-stakes listener question: If you have $40,000, should you buy a high-mileage 997.1 911 or a modern 981 Boxster/Cayman? We break down the "Loyal Friend" vs. the "Idiosyncratic Icon," the reality of the maintenance myth, and the one "Don't Settle" rule every first-time buyer needs to hear.
Links & Resources:
- Official Website: ElevenAfterNine.com (Send your questions here!)
- YouTube: ElevenAfterNine – Watch the new 991.1 vs 991.2 Gearbox Comparison!
- Instagram: @theelevenafternine
- Support the Show: Please leave a worded review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us grow the community!
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Porsche 911
"... in my pocket, should I go with a higher mileage 911 like a 997.1? Or should I look for a more modern..."
Porsche Boxster
"...hould I look for a more modern Porsche like a 981 Boxster or Cayman from the early 2000s? And so I kind of..."
Porsche Cayman
"...k for a more modern Porsche like a 981 Boxster or Cayman from the early 2000s? And so I kind of want to g..."
Porsche 918 Spyder
"...the new Halo car, which is kind of like the next 918 super-duper car. They're going to be coming out ..."
Porsche Cayenne
"...s as we can. Pushing really hard for a nine seat Cayenne that's partially electrified, that's going to be..."
Bentley Bentayga
"...lars to buy for an SUV to compete with a Bentley Bentayga or like a Halo car that's going to cost millions ..."
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