14 Used Porsches You Can Buy For The Price Of A Base Honda Civic
Ever dreamed of owning a Porsche but thought your budget only qualified for something more… Honda-ish? Well, buckle up, because I’ve got news that’ll make your wallet do a double-take.
While a new Honda Civic starts around $22,000, that same cash could put you behind the wheel of a genuine German sports car with that magical Porsche crest on the hood.
Ready to trade practical reliability for head-turning prestige?
Let’s explore some pre-owned Porsche bargains that cost less than America’s favorite compact car.
1. Porsche Boxster 986
Launched in 1996, the first-generation Boxster saved Porsche from financial doom while delivering pure driving bliss.
Its mid-engine layout provides nearly perfect balance, while the flat-six symphony behind your ears makes every drive feel special.
Known for the controversial “fried egg” headlights (which are now retro-cool), these roadsters offer genuine Porsche DNA for Honda money.
Just budget for an IMS bearing replacement if it hasn’t been done already – it’s the one mechanical gremlin that haunts these otherwise reliable machines.
2. Porsche Cayman 987
Hardtop heaven awaits in the first-generation Cayman. Stiffer than its Boxster sibling thanks to a fixed roof, this mid-engine masterpiece handles like it’s reading your mind.
Many enthusiasts consider it the purest driving Porsche of its era.
Finding one under Civic money requires patience and compromise – likely higher mileage or earlier model years. The reward?
Jaw-dropping looks and cornering abilities that embarrass cars costing three times as much. Plus, that distinctive flat-six growl never gets old during spirited drives.
3. Porsche 944
Criminally undervalued for decades, the 944 is finally getting the respect it deserves.
Born in the 1980s with perfect 50/50 weight distribution and those sexy pop-up headlights, it delivers a driving experience that feels thoroughly modern.
Values are climbing, but plenty still lurk under the Civic price threshold. The non-turbo models offer the best bang-for-buck proposition with bulletproof reliability when maintained.
Bonus points for the practical hatchback design that lets you haul surprising amounts of stuff while looking impossibly cool.
4. Porsche 924
Often dismissed as “not a real Porsche” by purists (ignore those snobs), the 924 represents the ultimate bargain entry point into Porsche ownership.
Originally developed for Volkswagen, this front-engine, rear-transaxle sports car pioneered the layout later perfected in the 944 and 968.
Early models feel underpowered by modern standards, but the balanced handling still impresses. Later S and S2 variants added more punch.
These cars’ simple mechanicals make them surprisingly DIY-friendly – perfect for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking to wrench on their own Porsche.
5. Porsche 928 (early models)
Tom Cruise drove one in Risky Business, and you can too – for less than a new Civic!
Porsche’s V8 grand tourer was originally intended to replace the 911 (thankfully that didn’t happen) but became its own legend with rocket-ship styling and autobahn-crushing performance.
Early examples from the late ’70s and early ’80s fall into our price range.
Yes, maintenance costs can be steep, but nothing matches the experience of piloting this front-engine GT with its pop-up headlights and futuristic dashboard.
6. Porsche 968
The final evolution of Porsche’s front-engine four-cylinder lineup, the 968 represents the pinnacle of the breed.
With a muscular 3.0-liter engine producing 236 horsepower and styling that still turns heads today, it’s a criminally overlooked gem.
Production numbers were low, making these relatively rare finds. The VarioCam variable valve timing was cutting-edge for its day, while the six-speed manual transmission is a joy to row through the gears.
Finding one under our Civic budget typically means embracing higher mileage, but these are robust machines when maintained.
7. Porsche Cayenne (first generation)
Fancy an off-road capable Porsche? The original Cayenne caused purists to clutch their pearls when introduced, but it saved the company financially and proved SUVs could handle like sports cars.
Early examples have depreciated massively, putting them squarely in Civic territory. V8 models deliver genuine muscle-car acceleration with a surprisingly competent off-road capability.
Sure, maintenance costs can be steep, but nothing makes a statement in the school pickup line like a Porsche SUV.
Just budget for potential air suspension repairs on higher-trim models – or seek out ones with the more reliable coil springs.
8. Porsche Macan (early models)
Believe it or not, early examples of Porsche’s smaller SUV have depreciated enough to sneak under our Civic price ceiling.
The Macan delivers a genuine sports car feel in a practical crossover package that many consider the best-handling SUV ever made.
Finding one at this price point requires some hunting – look for higher-mileage base models from the first production years.
Even the entry-level four-cylinder turbo versions drive brilliantly, with steering feel that puts many dedicated sports cars to shame. Plus, your neighbors will never guess you paid less than a new Honda.
9. Porsche Panamera (first generation)
Roll up to your high school reunion in a Porsche luxury sedan! Early Panameras have plummeted in value, making these tech-laden grand tourers available for compact car money.
The controversial styling has aged into distinctive character, while the luxurious interior still impresses.
V6 base models from the early 2010s offer the best value, delivering surprising performance despite being the “entry-level” variant. The hatchback design adds genuine practicality to the mix.
Just be selective about condition and maintenance history – these complex machines can be expensive to repair if neglected by previous owners.
10. Porsche 911 Carrera 996
Yes, you can own a genuine 911 for Civic money! The 996 generation (1999-2004) represents the most affordable entry point into 911 ownership, thanks to controversial styling and the switch to water cooling that purists initially rejected.
These cars deliver the authentic rear-engine 911 experience – that unique handling character, the flat-six howl, and the unmistakable silhouette.
Like early Boxsters, the IMS bearing issue must be addressed, but many examples have already been fixed. Grab one before prices climb, as they inevitably will for any 911.
11. Porsche Boxster 987
The second-generation Boxster refined everything great about the original while fixing the controversial headlights.
Launched in 2005, these roadsters offer more power, improved interior quality, and styling that has aged beautifully.
Base models with higher mileage fit our Civic budget, delivering open-top thrills and that signature flat-six soundtrack.
The 987 also benefits from engineering improvements that addressed many first-generation reliability concerns.
For the money, you simply won’t find a better-handling convertible that still turns heads wherever it goes.
12. Porsche 911 SC (project condition)
Feeling adventurous? Air-cooled 911 prices have skyrocketed, but project-condition SCs from the late ’70s/early ’80s can still be found under our price ceiling.
These represent the last of the impact-bumper classic 911s before the Carrera 3.2 era.
Expect significant work needed – likely some combination of mechanical refreshing, interior restoration, or body repairs.
The upside? These cars are simple by modern standards and have passionate communities supporting them.
Plus, you’ll own an appreciating asset that delivers one of motoring’s most distinctive experiences once restored.
13. Porsche 912E
The unicorn of affordable Porsches, the 912E was produced for just one year (1976) as a four-cylinder alternative to the 911.
With only 2,099 made, they’re rare finds, but examples needing work occasionally appear under our budget ceiling.
Essentially a 911 body with a VW-derived flat-four engine, these cars offer classic Porsche looks with simpler mechanicals.
They’re lighter than contemporary 911s, giving them nimble handling despite modest power.
The rarity factor alone makes these potential investment pieces, especially as interest in vintage Porsches continues to grow.
14. Porsche 914
Once dismissed as the “Poorsche,” the mid-engine 914 has finally earned respect as a brilliant handling sports car with Porsche engineering.
Developed jointly with Volkswagen, these targa-topped two-seaters offer a raw, connected driving experience rarely found in modern vehicles.
Four-cylinder models are most common and affordable, while six-cylinder versions command premium prices.
With their distinctive angular styling and removable roof panel, they attract attention everywhere.
Rust is the main enemy, so shop carefully, but mechanically they’re relatively simple and robust compared to later Porsches.