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Too good to be true (but it's true)
This week: The first 991 featured, and the most rapid-fire picks yet
Really excited for this week's issue. We finally have a model never featured before: a 2013 Porsche 911, 991 generation (what an annoying generation code).
We also have a packed Best of the Rest with seven additional finds.
No more yapping. Let's find you your next affordable Porsche.
Onwards!
RF
The first affordable 991
PROS
| CONS
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I've been eyeing 991s (the generation right after the 997) for a while. But they're always priced well above what I'd call "affordable Porsche territory."
So you'd understand why this one, at $40,995, caught my attention immediately.
The price gives such too-good-to-be-true vibes, and the pictures are so over the top, that I even tried to verify the photos were real (they are: watermarked, and the company that took them is legit).
Yes, this car has a couple of catches (more on those later). But first, the pros: 991s are larger, roomier, more comfortable, better performing, more fuel efficient, with a nicer interior... the list goes on.
Think better daily driver and cruiser, but less mechanical, darty, and tossable than previous generations.
The gotchas: the car has a clear title, but a NAM (not actual mileage) note is present due to a clerical error at the DMV several years ago. The bumpers were also repainted, and probably a rear fender too.
Personally, neither feels like a deal breaker at this price. The seller acknowledges they priced it to sell, and comes across as genuinely knowledgeable about this 991 and car ownership in general.
This is the type of car I'd want to see in person, poke around thoroughly, and take to a trusted shop for a PPI. You're not getting the deal of the year without putting some work in.
If everything checks out, you've got yourself the most modern affordable 911 yet.
Market Report
991s normally sit well above $50K. Examples with 50K-ish miles routinely sell for close to $60,000 (here, here and here).
Only occasionally does one show up around a far more attractive $48–50K.
This week's car at $40,995 (even with 100K miles) is an absolute steal, especially with all the recent maintenance. A rare chance to get a 991 at cheap 997 prices.
What You (and Your Mechanic) Should Know
991.1 base Carreras are generally reliable. No IMS concerns or bore scoring from older generations, though isolated scoring and fuel system issues exist.
The platform is robust, but repairs are modern-Porsche expensive.
A good PPI should verify service history, check for internal engine noise or debris in the oil, and inspect for cooling leaks, coil and mount wear. Also assess PDK smoothness and service history.
For this car specifically, the seller reports an extensive PDK service, replaced engine and PDK mounts, new spark plugs and coils, and brake rotors and pads with only 10K miles on them.
Confirm all of the above and go over that repainted rear fender carefully. Look inside and under the entire rear end for any signs of structural damage.
Best of the Rest
These cars also passed the Pepita filter this week:
🔗 This low-mileage 2014 981 Cayman for $27,991.
🔗 This manual 987.1 Boxster, with lots of upgrades and maintenance, for $14,850.
🔗 This 2012 black-on-black 987.2 Boxster, with manual transmission, for $19,500.
🔗 This other 987.2 Boxster, automatic, in an elegant color combo, for $21,950.
🔗 This 1999 996, cable throttle, manual, power seats, low miles, for $35,995.
🔗 This clean-looking 2-owner 996 C4S cab, with a manual transmission, for only $25,911.
🔗 This manual 996 C4S in Lapis Blue. Enthusiast-owned, well-maintained, and IMS-upgraded, for $34,500.
Adopted Puppies
While many folks are still trying to sell their base 997 with 100K miles for $45K, the ones that move fast are priced in the mid-$30s (like the one in last week's Best of the Rest). The Guards Red over Sand Beige interior Cayman S for $22,500 didn't last long either. |  |
Porsche Problems
See you next time with more affordable picks!
Take care,
—RF