The Porsche 911 is currently in its eighth generation. Like the 996, the 992.2 update brought some firsts, key among which was a hybrid powertrain for some 911 variants like the GTS. Porsche’s model has steadily evolved over the years, but this has taken away some of the classic traits that Porsche purists cherish. This is one of the reasons why older Porsche 911s retain value so well. Even the most hated 911 – the 996 with its fried-egg headlights– has begun appreciating, due to being the most affordable way of getting behind the wheel of the iconic German sports car.

With that said, the base-model Porsche 992.2 Carrera with 388 horsepower from that 3.0 flat-six, has a starting MSRP of $120,100, and this is before options and the dreaded dealer markups. So if a base-model 911 doesn’t work for you, in that case, there are plenty of pre-owned alternatives from older 911 generations that can be had for similar money to that of an entry-level 2025 Carrera. But my question is, should you really go for them? Stick around to find out as I explain with the following five models listed below.

5. Porsche 911 GTS (991.1)

The GTS badge represents what many consider the perfect middle ground of, not just the 911, but all Porsche models. The 991.1 GTS is the last normally-aspirated 911 GTS while the 992.2 GTS is the first 911 to feature the new T-Hybrid powertrain. A very similar setup will be featured in the Porsche 992.2 Turbo for even more performance.

The 991-generation Carrera GTS is also the last to feature a seven-speed manual, which is not something the 992.2 Carrera even offers. Prices start at $65,000, but go beyond $200,000, depending on condition, options, body style, and whether the car is a special edition.Classic.com shows an average market value of $117,772 for the Porsche 991.1 GTS. Manual coupes are the most expensive, with an average value of $121,020.

4. Porsche 911 Turbo (997)

When people are talking about usable high-performance sports cars, they typically refer to the Porsche 911 Turbo. The Porsche 997 marked the end of another era for the 911. After this generation, Porsche’s flagship sports car switched to electric steering instead of hydraulic and the new platform grew in size. This is where we also got the last manual 911 Turbo. In fact, the 997.1 Turbo S and 997.2 Turbo were the last all-wheel-drive 911s to feature that iconic six-speed manual. The 997.1 was also the last Turbo to feature the legendary Mezger engine, before the switch to direct injection.

If you are partial towards older 911s from the last 20 years, the 997.1 Turbo manual can be had for around $102,640 on average, according to Classic.com. For the money, you’re getting a classically correct 911 design with tech that’s modern enough, needed to make a great high-performance daily driver.

3. Porsche 911 GT3 (997)

The average market value of a Porsche 997 GT3 is very similar to that of the 997.1 Turbo and for good reason. The more track-focused, normally-aspirated 911 can easily be counted among the most driver-focused Porsche 911s in recent times. A special variant of the 997 GT3 is also the last 911 to feature the iconic Mezger engine, mated to a six-speed, close-ratio manual no less.

Pristine examples with very low miles are currently going for nearly $300,000, but cars with more miles can be found for under $100,000. However given that the GT3 market has been cooling off, your average, good-condition 997 GT3 will set you back around $130,000, although there is nothing average about a track-focused 911 that’s road-legal. A total of 5,217 units of the 997 GT3 were produced between 2007 and 2010, with almost half of those produced in the first model year.

2. Porsche 911 Turbo (993)

It’s hard not to lust after a Porsche 993 Turbo. This generation marked the end of what is considered the most epic era of 911s. The last air-cooled 911 is also the first to feature all-wheel drive and develop over 400 horsepower. The 993 is also the last 911 to use remnants of the old platform, dating back to the original, 1964 Porsche 911. Of course, heavy revisions have been made to improve chassis rigidity and enable the car to handle the powerful, turbocharged, boxer engine without a sweat.

Between 1995 and 1998, a total of 5,978 Porsche 911 Turbos were built, which accounts for roughly 12 percent of the total 993 production. The 993 Turbo is the second-rarest 993 after the Carrera RS (1,014 built) unless we include the 993 Speedster that was never officially produced. Prices reflect that as the average market value of the 993 Turbo is $210,114. That said, there are examples with sensible miles, that have sold for around $100,000.

1. Porsche 911 Turbo (930)

The original Porsche 911 Turbo was dubbed the Widowmaker for a good reason. Despite negatively painting the brand shortly after its introduction, this did not deter enthusiasts from lusting after the classic Porsche. In fact, the 930 is one of the most iconic Porsche 911 variants ever made, and the basis for more than a few successful race cars, in the 1980s. The Porsche 930 Turbo used market shows an average value of $170,000, but many examples can be found for under $100,000.

The most valuable are the early Euro-spec 930 Turbos, which came with the smaller, 3.0-liter engine. Those are much rarer, with just 2,819 examples built between 1975 and 1977. The 3.3-liter Porsche 930 Turbo was much more mass-produced – 18,770 units between 1978 and 1989. U.S.-spec models were dubbed the 911 Turbo Carrera, but they were down some 20 horsepower due to smog regulations. It didn’t stop people from buying them. Nowadays, for a similar price, the 992.2 Carrera offers a lot more bang for the buck.

GALLERY