"The Good The Bad And The Ugly" About Porsche In 2024

The Ugly

A Brand for the Privileged?

Let’s face it, Porsche ownership these days is increasingly becoming a collector’s game, and I’m not even talking about the super-high-end stuff that generally fetches millions at the auction block, like the 917s of the world. Remember the days when a 911 was the ultimate "attainable dream" sports car? Those days it seems are long gone.

Limited production runs and surging demand are pushing prices through the roof. It’s a seller’s market out there, and aspiring buyers are getting squeezed out. So my question really is, where does all this need to please the elitists and purists leave the true enthusiast, i.e. someone who cares more about the drive rather than the color of the stitching on the dash?

The Bad

Patience is a Virtue (You’ll Need It)

Now for the BAD. So you’ve finally managed to save your pennies and have decided to pull the trigger on a Porsche. Hold your horses, because wait times are brutal for some models. We’re talking months, or even years in some cases and I’m not even talking about models like the GT3 RS. Even on the 911 Carrera which is essentially the base model, wait times can sometimes be two to three years.

Getting your name on the list is another hurdle. Unless you can pull some strings to skip the line, getting an allocation, i.e. the number of cars a dealer receives, are tight. Forget just walking in and ordering your dream ride. Those days are long gone. You’ll need to build a relationship with a dealer, which brings us to the next point...

Dealer Markup Madness

Dealer markups are still a thing, it seems. Despite Porsche’s official stance against the practice, some dealerships are adding hefty price tags on top of MSRP. We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars for popular models. You’re looking at anywhere between 20 to 25%.

This just adds another layer of frustration to the already agonizing wait times. On this list of the top 20 cars with the highest markups in 2024 compiled by Road & Track, four of the top five models are Porsches. The most preposterous one I’ve come across is a 250k markup on a 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic.

Electric Future, Uncertain Driver Engagement?

Porsche is diving headfirst into the electric vehicle market with the Taycan and its all-electric Macan and upcoming 718 EV. But a big question mark remains: Can they translate the visceral driving experience that the Porsche brand has been renowned for, into the silent world of EVs?

This is a concern for many enthusiasts, myself included, especially when Porsche has made its stance clear on the possibility of offering up simulated gearshifts, similar to what you get on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Having ruled this out, I wonder if the sci-fi sounds and blistering acceleration enough to offer an engaging drive on future Porsches?

Reliability? Not Exactly Porsche’s Forte Is It?

Let’s be honest, Porsche hasn’t historically been known for class-leading reliability. Okay, while things have improved significantly, brands like Lexus and Toyota still reign supreme in this area. This might not be a dealbreaker for every enthusiast, but it should be a consideration, especially when you’re dropping serious cash. According to Consumer Reports, Porsche ranks 8th out of 30th of the most reliable car brands in the United States. But RepairPal has given Porsche a score of 2 out of 5 stars and a rating of below average.

The Good

A Porsche for (Almost) Everyone

Alright, alright, enough negativity. Porsche still gets a lot right. Now for the GOOD. Despite the gripes I touched upon above, Porsche offers one of the most diverse model ranges in the luxury car segment. From the iconic 911 and 718 to the practical Cayenne and Macan SUVs, there’s a Porsche for (almost) every taste and need. This breadth of choice is a major strength, allowing the brand to cater to a wider audience.

Sports Car D.N.A. at Its Core

At the heart of every Porsche lies a genuine sports car. Even the sedans and SUVs, with their sharp handling and responsive steering, retain that playful spirit, that you associate with the Porsche. This dedication to driving dynamics is what truly sets Porsche apart, from other performance car brands out there.

Not Sacrificing Practicality In The Name Of High-Performance

Speaking of SUVs, Porsche has mastered the art of blending practicality with performance. The Cayenne and Macan offer ample space for families and cargo, while still delivering a thrilling driving experience. You don’t have to sacrifice fun for functionality with a Porsche.

But it’s not just the family haulers, even a model like the 718 Boxster or Cayman are truly well-thought-out sports cars. I mean, can you name a sports car with a frunk and a trunk? As for the 911, Jeremy Clarkson has famously ridiculed it for being a glorified VW Beetle, but I still remember his review of the 997 Turbo, where he explains why it remains one of the most daily usable sports cars out there.

Quality You Can Actually Feel

Let’s not forget, that Porsche builds some of the highest-quality cars on the road today. The fit, finish, and materials used are top-notch. Porsche in fact topped the 2024 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study in Premium Category. Their Special Wishes or SonderWunsch Program takes bespoke to another level, but then again, you will spend a pretty penny.

A Haven for Resto-modders

Porsche enthusiasts are a passionate bunch, and the restomodding and aftermarket scene around the Porsche brand are thriving. This year’s Monterey Car Week was a prime example of the growing number of options available to you if you’re looking for a classic Porsche, with modern embellishments. While brands like California-based Singer Vehicle Design, really got the ball rolling, Porsche themselves also embraces this passion, offering official restoration programs and parts for classic models. This is in my opinion is commitment to keeping their heritage alive.

Porsche Isn’t As Harsh When It Comes To Banning Or Blacklisting People

Unlike some other luxury brands (I’m looking at you Ferrari), Porsche has a more open-minded approach. The brand simply doesn’t ban people from buying, modifying their cars, or participating in aftermarket culture. This freedom of expression is a major draw for many Porsche owners.

A Strong Porsche Community

One of the most underrated aspects of owning a Porsche is the vibrant community that surrounds the brand, and this is not just a national phenomenon, but a global one. Most Porsche owners are passionate, knowledgeable, and always willing to lend a helping hand. From online forums to local car shows, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie among enthusiasts.



So, is Porsche all sunshine and rainbows? Not quite. But there’s no denying they’re an exciting brand with a loyal following. I only hope they can navigate the challenges of exclusivity, production delays, and the electric future while staying true to their core values, of being a sports car brand above all else.