Affordable Exotics: Porsches

924 (1977-1982)
The Audi-engined 924 was not highly praised due to annoying vibration from its large four-cylinder engine, high noise levels and mediocre performance. However, they were inexpensive (for a Porsche) and a large number were sold until the Mazda RX-7 blew it out of the market. Still, what fun is a Porsche that a Honda can easily kick around? Cheap at $2,000 to $6,000, you get what you pay for. For not much more you can get the improved 944. In 1980 a 924 Turbo model upped performance, but they are more expensive to maintain and many have been abused. Amazingly, the Turbos sell for about the same as the regular 924s.

928 (1978-1986)
The big 928 was a great touring car, but never sold in the numbers Porsche expected. Once touted as a replacement for the 911, it was phased out in 1995 with little fanfare. They are expensive to maintain, and with relatively low resale value, and many have not been properly taken care of, leading to monumental repair bills for unsuspecting buyers. In 1987 the improved 928S4 model came out, which have more value than the earlier models. Early 928s sell for as little as $5,000, but don't even think about fixing up a rough example. Some have even had Chevy engines installed, but these have low resale values.