10 Porsche Models You Should Buy Used

Buying a used Porsche can be one of the smartest ways to get behind the wheel of a performance car without paying the full price of a new one. But with dozens of trims, generations, and model years to choose from, finding the right Porsche takes more than simply picking the one with the biggest engine or lowest price. Some models have aged far better than others, offering a strong mix of reliability, driving enjoyment, value retention, and ownership experience.

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To help narrow down the choices, we ranked 10 of the best used Porsche models from the past decade using J.D. Power Consumer Ratings. Each model was evaluated on a 100-point scale, taking factors such as quality, reliability, resale value, and dealership experience into account. The result is a list of used Porsches that deserve a closer look before you buy.

2016 Porsche Cayman

J.D. Power Rating: 88/100

The first Porsche model on our list is the 2016 Cayman, which was the final year of the 981-generation Boxster/Cayman. This generation is met with both acclaim and criticism depending on which side of the electric-versus-hydraulic steering debate you fall on.

2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Performance Specifications

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Transmission	6-speed manual
Horsepower	380 HP
Torque	310 lb.ft
Driveline	RWD
0-60 MPH	4.4 seconds
Top Speed	183 mph

While the 981-generation Cayman did improve in precision compared to the 987.2 it replaced, steering feedback and road feel took a step back — leaving many Porsche purists dissatisfied with the compact coupe’s overall handling. Despite this, the 981 generation stayed true to the flat-six engine, offering Porsche’s signature layout in 2.7-liter, 3.4-liter (S, GTS), or 3.8-liter (GT4) displacements.

Pros

• Precise steering with mid-engine dynamics
• Seductive looks
• Flat-six engines come standard across trims

Cons

• Steering feedback compared to the 987.2 predecessor
• Holds value well, so prospective buyers need to search hard for a deal

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster

J.D. Power Rating: 89/100

Porsche

The 2017 model year ushered in the new era of the Boxster/Cayman, dubbed the 718 or 982 generation. This Porsche model debuted when the global downsizing of engines across all segments was in full swing, and it was not spared from the new downsizing standard.

2017 Porsche Boxster Performance Specifications

Despite this, the 718 Boxster was in essence superior in every way to its 981 predecessor except for engine sound. The improved steering feel in this generation is thanks to the adoption of the 991.1 911 Turbo’s electronic steering rack. The trade-off is the disappearance of the beloved flat-six from lower-end models — the turbocharged four-cylinder is your only choice in base and S trims.

Pros

• Improved steering feel compared to the 981
• Improved interior/tech features compared to 981
• Improved efficiency compared to 981

Cons

• No flat-six model available
• Lower resale value than the 981
• How much does your Porsche’s sound matter to you?

2018 Porsche 718 Boxster

J.D. Power Rating: 89/100

Porsche

The next model year of the 718 Boxster, 2018, introduced a new GTS model which offered a larger 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four with a healthy increase of 65 horsepower over the base model.

2018 Porsche Boxster GTS Performance Specifications

The GTS model bundled many of the optional features found on Boxster and Boxster S models, including the Sport Chrono package — which adds a stopwatch to the center console along with a drive mode selector dial and relaxed stability control settings. The 2018 718 Cayman was evaluated across three categories (Quality & Reliability, Driving Experience, and Resale), with its lowest score a still-impressive 88/100, underscoring this model year’s top-tier consistency.

Pros

• The GTS model is handsomely equipped but $$$
• A drop-top model without real competition at its price
• Top-level fun daily driver

Cons

• The flat-six GTS 4.0 model only available after 2020+
• Add options to a base 718 or buy a higher trim?
• Porsche’s endless options

2017 Porsche 911

J.D. Power Rating: 89/100

Porsche

Our first 911 model on the list is the 2017 911, part of the 991 generation, considered the third true full redesign of the iconic 911. In 2016, the 991 generation received a mid-cycle refresh (known as 991.2), which brought updated styling and new twin-turbocharged engines across the entire 911 lineup.

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera Performance Specifications

The 991.2 update elevated the 911 to not just one of the best in its class and price point, but cemented it as one of the most livable supercars masquerading as a sports car on the market.

Pros

• All-new turbocharged flat-six engines across all trims (sans GT3 or R models)
• Porsche Active Suspension Management now standard
• The reigning ultimate all-around sports car

Cons

• Carrera and Carrera S trims are too similar
• The manual-only 911 R model commands a $200,000+ price
• No Android Auto available for 2017

2019 Porsche 911

J.D. Power Rating: 89/100

Porsche

The 2019 911 marked the final available model year of the 991.2 generation, closing the chapter on one of the most highly acclaimed modern 911 generations (2011–2019).

2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Performance Specifications

If you have around $100,000 to spare on the used market, the 991.2 makes you feel like every dollar is well spent — a sports car where no corners are cut in the pursuit of driving excellence.

Pros

• The ultimate daily supercar?
• Impressive comfort levels with PASM
• Turbocharged low-end torque is well-appreciated

Cons

• Still no Android Auto
• Options can inflate prices exponentially

2015 Porsche 911

J.D. Power Rating: 90/100

Porsche

2015 marked the last year of the 991.1 911 model, which still offered naturally aspirated flat-six engines in the Carrera, Carrera S, and Carrera GTS trims. The 991.1 retains a bit more old-school Porsche character than its successor, owing to the temperament differences between the 991.1’s high-revving naturally aspirated flat-six and the 991.2’s turbocharged variant.

2015 Porsche Carrera Performance Specifications

In a 991.1 Carrera, you are encouraged to rev to the moon to reach peak torque of 288 pound-feet at nearly 6,000 rpm. That torque figure isn’t particularly spectacular, yet the output is more than adequate for such a light (nearly 3,000 pounds) and capable sports car. If chasing the redline is your idea of a good time, the 991.1 is the generation to seek out.

Pros

• Stunning character of the naturally aspirated flat-sixes
• Aging very well

Cons

• No manual GT3 or Turbo model
• As expected, low fuel economy

2016 Porsche 911

J.D. Power Rating: 90/100

Porsche

The next year, 2016, brings us back to the 991.2 generation, which is the highest-rated generation of the iconic 911 model with our available data.

2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S Performance Specifications

Although the higher-end Turbo, Turbo S, and GT3 models saw only minor changes between the 991.1 and 991.2 generations, the base Carrera models underwent a significant character shift. Many Porsche enthusiasts still prefer the high-revving nature of the 991.1 Carrera’s engine, but the 991.2’s turbocharged torque delivery is hard to argue with — its instant surge from as low as 2,000 rpm is addictive.

Pros

• The highest-rated modern 911 generation
• A no-compromise luxury sports supercar all-in-one package
• You could always spend more, but it doesn’t get much better than this

Cons

• Some may still prefer the nature of the 991.1’s engine
• Still rev-happy, but not quite the same experience
• Maybe too fast for its own good?

2023 Porsche 911

J.D. Power Rating: 90/100

Porsche

The 2023 model year 911 is the only 992 (current) generation Porsche on our list, earning its place with an impressive 90/100 J.D. Power score. The sheer breadth of trims and customization available for the 992 generation illustrates why the 911 remains as relevant today as it has been throughout the decades.

2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Performance Specifications

Extreme variants like the hyper-aerodynamic GT3 RS and the rugged off-road Dakar demonstrate that Porsche is not afraid to push its brand icon into unexpected territory. The 992.2 refresh, which takes effect for the 2025 model year, represents a significant update in the 911’s life cycle, with Porsche introducing its latest hybrid technology in the new GTS model.

Pros

• 992 interiors significantly improved compared to 991.2
• Looks, feels, and drives as expensive as it is
• Still the benchmark for an entry-level supercar, even in base trim

Cons

• Not even $100,000 will get you a base 992
• So many exclusive versions. How exclusive can they be?

2016 Porsche Boxster

J.D. Power Rating: 91/100

Porsche

Our runner-up is the 2016 Porsche Boxster, which scored an impressive 91/100. Despite the switch to electric steering, this 981-generation model is well-loved for its diverse lineup of naturally aspirated flat-six engines.

2016 Boxster Spyder Performance Specifications

2016 also saw the release of one of the most desirable limited-production Boxster models ever made: the Spyder. The Boxster Spyder was not as track-focused as the GT4 but shared the same 375-horsepower 3.8-liter flat-six found in the Carrera S and GT4 models. As far as street sports cars go, few vehicles of any era can match pound-for-pound what the Boxster Spyder delivers.

Pros

• Sole year for the desirable Spyder model
• Works well for taller drivers
• The quintessential modern Boxster model

Cons

• Bad base model audio system
• Base Boxster is a bit underpowered

2018 Porsche 911

J.D. Power Rating: 92/100

Porsche

Our top-rated used Porsche is the 2018 Porsche 911, which earned a stellar 92/100 J.D. Power score — the highest of any Porsche model in the available data. The 2018 model year was the penultimate year of the 991.2 generation, which has proven to be the highest-rated generation of any modern Porsche.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Performance Specifications

This means the 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 model-year 911s are among the best Porsche models to buy from the last decade. You will seldom find a genuine reason to complain about the driving experience, quality level, or resale value of any 911 within this window.

However you look at it, the 991.2 generation has very few flaws you will actually notice — and you will find that every time you settle into the cabin, it’s an absolute joy. Although a 991.2 will cost a pretty penny, you can take comfort in knowing you are not compromising on the experience in any meaningful way compared to the competition in that price range.

Pros

• Comparable to 992 for less money
• The base turbocharged flat-six platform is a riot
• $100,000+ performance for a fraction of the price

Cons

• The base interior is not as nice as 992
• Not having one in the garage already

Sources: OEMs, J.D. Power