I’ve loved Porsches for a long time. My first one was a 1983 944, and I bought it for just $1,500. The color was awful—a dull gold-beige—but it was my pride and joy. I’ve owned about a dozen since then, always at reasonable prices. Now, it’s frustrating to see their values soar. It’s just not the vibe we loved.
Rory Carroll, a former Jalopnik writer, recently shared how he feels about his old air-cooled 911. He reflected on how people today buy these cars not to enjoy driving, but to impress others. He said, “In 2026, if you want to show you’re refined yet rugged, you can buy an old 911.” That’s not what Porsche is about.
Ferry Porsche, the founder’s son, famously said that Porsches are meant to be driven, not just polished. Sadly, that spirit seems to be fading. Too often, conversations among Porsche owners focus on options, resale values, or customizations—like it’s a stock market rather than a car culture. It shouldn’t be about the dollars you spent but rather the joy of driving.
Recently, YouTube creator James Pumphrey sparked discussion by declaring, “Porsches aren’t cool anymore. Not in 2026.” He argues that the enthusiasm that once fueled this community is being replaced by a focus on investment. The presence of flippers and speculators is changing the landscape—like turning a lively neighborhood into a bland, expensive one.
Brian Scotto also addressed this issue on his podcast, discussing how to restore the fun to owning Porsches. These cars are born from racing history and precision engineering, not just comfort or luxury. They are made to be appreciated on the road, not just as collector’s items.
As for me, I don’t care about values anymore. I bought my 1997 Boxster for $7,500 and my 2013 Cayenne for $21,000, but those numbers don’t matter to me. I measure my enjoyment by the miles driven, the people I meet, and the experiences I have. It’s all about memories.
I used to get caught up in discussions about resale values, but now I avoid them. I love Porsches for their stories and the thrill of driving, not their prices. If you want to talk about market value at a car show, I’ll walk away. Let’s celebrate what makes these cars special—fun, history, and a shared love for driving.
