Old Enough To Drink: 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4

This next car is tempting.  Really tempting.  It looks the part of the $100k sports car, but costs less than a used Kia from your local dealer...what gives?  Two things -- first it IS a 996 with 147k miles on the clock and second it is a 996.  However, it has de-fried egg headlights, updated IMS, clear corners, a GT3ish wing, and newer 991 wheels that makes it look newer than a 21 year old car...which makes it almost a classic.  Find this 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 offered for $13,000 in San Diego, CA via craigslist.

6-Speed Rear-Engine: 2003 Porsche 911 C2

As a non-Porsche owner, it has been painful to watch the rise in prices of vintage aircooled P-cars...but I've been watching the prices of the 996/997 and they offer a shocking amount of performance and comfort (sorry 993 owners...but they are faster and more comfy...maybe not as cool...) for the cash.  To be honest, I'm thinking I need to trade the BMW I've been driving for one of these German rear-engine equipped machines...I'd better do it before they become unobtanium. Find this 2003 Porsche 911 C2 offered for $18000 in Long Beach, CA via craigslist.

996 In Blue: 1999 Porsche 911 Convertible

The Porsche 911 is an iconic classic imbued with a finely tuned suspension, classically understated good looks and raucous sounding rear mounted flat-6 engines - a combination that is seldom imitated.  The 996 was a 911 that was faster, more comfortable, and better than the previous generation, but of course the purists and naysayers complained about the changes to watercooling...etc etc. Ironically, for the first time in Porsche history, they were correct...perhaps.  Find this 1999 Porsche 911 996 offered for $14500 in Redwood City, CA via craigslist. Tip from Fuel Truck.

Fake GT3: 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera

Can't afford a new Porsche 911 GT3?  Yeah...okay, that is probably 99.9% of the adult population in the USA because those things are murderously expensive.  Okay, head to the used side of the car lot and eeeeeEEEEEESH, they are still expensive.  Like, a new BMW M3 expensive...so dig a bit deeper (there is always a lower level) and get yourself into something DT approved like a 911 C2 that has been sauced up to look like a GT3.  Who is gonna know?  And does it matter if they do? Find this 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera offered for $16,500 in Pittsburg, CA via craigslist.

I'm Mighty Shocked: 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2

Who says a 911 is a rich man's car? Well...the mechanic might think so...but if you've got another car for when the 911 is getting its interplanetary marmon spindle (IMS...just google 996 IMS and read all about it) replaced then the 996 is a car you could drive every other day of the year without needing a second job or a rich daddy.  Find this 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 offered for $10,500 in Paradise Valley, AZ via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Cheap Success: 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 2

Nothing say's you've made it like driving a Porsche 911. To most people it is this bulbous shaped billboard proclaiming to the world that you've worked hard and now you are ready to play.  But the truth is that you can buy a 911 for less than the price of a used Hyundai. Find this 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 here on eBay offered for $8995 in Costa Mesa, CA. Tip from George.

Twisted or Twister? 1971 Porsche 911 Olds V8

The original Porsche 911 has seen incredible price appreciation in the past decade, to the point that you've got to own a software company or be a rap star to own one of these things and the worst part is that even the cleanest museum quality version is dangerously slow in the modern world of minivans that hit 60 mph in 5 seconds and family sedans with 700 horsepower.  But you can fix that with a simple injection of V8 power from an Oldsmobile Toronado.  Find this 1971 Porsche 911 Olds V8 offered for $12,000 in Long Beach, CA via craigslist. Tip from Lars.

Das Cheapbriolet: 2000 Porsche 911 Convertible

I can almost feel the wind in my hair now and smell the occasional waft of a mild chemical scent (all Porsches emanate some kind of petroleum based scent from time-to-time...just don't take it to the dealer and ask for a diagnosis because they will say you need a new rear main seal and a complete blinker fluid flush for only a few thousand bones.) But what was that noise...and what will the next trip to a mechanic cost you...but seriously, how bad can a REALLY cheap Porsche 911 be anyway...? Find this 2000 Porsche 911 Convertible offered here on eBay for $12500 in Tyrone, GA.

Nine Five...Nein! 1973 Porsche 911 Custom Limo

Wow.  I made a request for Horrorods the other day and BAM -- you guys delivered.  This next one is scarier than Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un taking a strawberry scented bubble bath with Putin, Trump, and Hillary.  Find this 1973 Porsche 911 Custom Limo offered for $24,500 in Silverlake, CA via craigslist.  Tip from Sean S.

The Art of War: 1981 Porsche 911 with Cadillac V8

The ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu said a lot of things...but my top three have to be (1) "All warfare is based on deception." (2) "Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance." and (3) " It is better to drive Porsche with fake luggage engine cover that goes like a scalded cat than Porsche that handles like a Cadillac." Those ancient Chinese philosophers sure said some wacky stuff, but it sure makes a good t-shirt. Find this 1981 Porsche 911 here on eBay with Cadillac V8 bidding for $15,000 reserve-not-met with 9 days to go, located in Corona del Mar, CA. Tip from Rod S.

Thursday Twister: Most Overpriced Car On Ebay

I get it.  Really.  Porsche 911s are awesome.  Coolest car ever.  But the prices these things have been reaching is getting out of control.  Here is a great example, it is a 1977 Porsche 934 race car offered here on eBay for $9,550 buy-it-now...which is crazy because it is beat up and used...and hang...on...you want $10k for just the front right fender?

Thursday Twister: Best Custom Show Car

In the past few weeks I've been to SEMA and to the LA Auto Show (more on that in a later post) and it got me thinking about show cars for this week's Thursday Twister...the quiz with a twist.  Find the best ex-SEMA (or other Hot-Rod) show car for sale on the interwebs.  Be prepared to defend your choice.

Fried Eggs Benedict: 1997 Porsche Boxster with 911 Flat-6

I've been a big fan of the Porsche Boxster since it hit the market about 20 years ago, and my enthusiasm has only grown as they've aged into cheap abused late models.  You really can't beat the performance-per-dollar ratio of a $7,500 mid-engined Porsche, particularly one with the big 3.4 liter engine from a 911. Find this 1997 Porsche Boxster with 911 Flat-6 offered for $7,800 in Millbrae, CA via craigslist.

Roll The Dice: 2002 Porsche 911 Targa

A rear engined Porsche is iconic, collectible, and desirable in just about any configuration -- even the detestable 912 is priced like some kind of ancient Ming Dynasty vase. So the real question is --how do you get a cheap rear engine Porsche that you could (maybe?) drive without breaking the bank.  You gotta ask yourself, do you feel lucky?  Well...do ya...punk?  Find this 2002 Porsche 911 Targa here on eBay bidding for $8,445 with 3 days to go, located in Los Angeles, CA.

2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 997

What were you doing 12 years ago?  And more importantly, what were you driving?  Probably not a $80k+ Porsche 911, but if you did drive it for 150k miles, you might end up selling it for an almost $60k loss...which would be like throwing away a Corvette Z06 that you purchased new.  But for the guy who was driving a used 70s van or a Camaro for the past decade, now is your chance to get a 997 for the price of a new Honda Civic.  Find this 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 997 offered here on eBay  for $22,995 buy-it-now located in Costa Mesa, CA with 19 days to go.

Cheap Style: 1999 Porsche 911

The 996 generation Porsche 911 was introduced for the 1999 model year with drastic changes to the exterior that included a swept back windshield, fried egg headlamps, and a tidy rear end -- but the biggest change was to the engine with the addition of watercooling.  Find this 1999 Porsche 911 here on eBay offered for $11,000 buy-it-now located in Costa Mesa, CA. Tip from Gielamonster.

Not So Little Brother- 1997 Porsche Boxster 3.4

The all new mid engine Boxster made its debut as the entry level Porsche in 1997.  Power came from a modestly powered 2.5 flat six engine that made 201 horsepower.  In subsequent years, a higher power S model was introduced, but no Boxster was able to outperform the 911.  Today's Boxster has a engine swap from a 2000 911 Carrera gaining at least a 100 hp and about 75 lbs of torque in the process.  Find this 1997 Porsche Boxster 3.4 for sale in Roxbury, CT for $15,500 via craigslist.