Used Porsche buying guide
About Porsche
Founded in 1931, this German brand is well known for its iconic sports cars. From the entry-level Boxster and Cayman to the long heritage of the 911, this is dream-car territory. Porsche cars are known for their exceptional driving experience with each vehicle well-balanced for handling, comfort, and fun.
In more recent years, the brand has expanded to offer SUVs, such as the Macan and Cayenne, as well as an all-electric sports car, the Taycan. Consider a Porsche if you're looking for a vehicle that balances style and substance, all backed up by precision engineering.
What CarMax customers like
Ride and Handling
Power
Styling
What CarMax customers don’t like
Cost to Maintain
Fuel Economy
Cargo Space
Porsche FAQs
Luxury cars are often more expensive to maintain than entry-level brands. It's worth considering the servicing schedule of your chosen model as well as how well it has been maintained by previous owner(s). If you're looking to keep ongoing costs down, you might want to consider a model with lower mileage.
There are seven Porsche models: Boxster, Cayman, Macan, Panamera, 911, Taycan, and Cayenne. All of these are for sale on CarMax.com and come in a wide range of different model years, options, and variations. For example, the all-electric Taycan has a rugged all-wheel-drive Cross Turismo version across all model years.
While Porsche might be known for its sleek sports cars, the compact Macan SUV continues to wow drivers with its balance of practicality and performance. This is followed by the larger Cayenne SUV, which gives you the same experience with even more space. At the top of the sports car lineup is the 911, famous for its iconic silhouette.
The iconic Porsche 911 sits at the top of the lineup. However, the popularity of SUVs means the Cayenne and Macan are highly sought after for their versatility. Not only do you get a practical SUV but you also get something that's enjoyable to drive no matter where you're headed.
1. Porsche Boxster
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Excellent handling
Engaging engine options
Artfully designed cabin
Well-insulated soft top
Cons
Weak standard stereo
Poor rear visibility
Cargo space split between two small trunks
2. Porsche Cayman
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Fantastic driving dynamics
Surprising storage capacity
Impressive automatic transmission
Cons
No six-cylinder option
Some competitors offer rear seats
Price climbs quickly with options
Compare used Porsche models
Powerful engines and head-turning good looks are a given with the Porsche 911 and the Porsche 718 (Cayman and Boxster trims). If you're deciding between these two sports cars, you really can't make a bad choice; they do have a few defining differences that might sway your mindset. The 2026 Porsche 911 was designed completely for driving pleasure, on the open road. The twin-turbo V6-powered Porsche, paired with a manual or automatic transmission, sits low to the ground so it can hug every curve in the road. Of course, racing bucket seats (and removing the rear seat) are an option to really feed your inner racecar driver. Now you just have to decide among the many trims and features: coupes, convertibles, two-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive. The 2025 Porsche 718 comes in two body styles, the two-wheel drive Cayman coupe and the two-wheel drive Boxster cabriolet. That's it. They both have four and six-cylinder engine options, as well as manual and automatic transmission choices. They're a dream to drive too, but are a touch lighter in weight than the Porsche 911, making them feel less grippy on the road.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
If a luxury SUV is on your shopping list, the Porsche Macan and Porsche Cayenne both offer seating for five (or four in the Cayenne coupe option), large rear luggage storage space, and the posh interior you expect from this automaker. However, these two SUVs differ greatly in size. The 2025 Porsche Macan, the smaller of the two, comes in both traditional gas-powered and hybrid electric-fueled models (introduced in 2024). Thanks to clever design, the electric components do not interfere with the cargo area. As a mid-size SUV, it's a fabulous daily driver for singles, couples, or small families. The 2025 Porsche Cayenne is a large SUV with two body styles: a sportier, low-profile coupe with a sloping rear roofline that mirrors the Porsche 911 and a standard model with a more traditional SUV vibe. Want some electric power? Consider the Cayenne E-Turbo Hybrid.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
The Porsche Taycan and Porsche Panamera sedans both offer sleek, sporty exterior styles with roomy luxury cabins and the modern tech you expect from Porsche. The key differences are under the hood, with various drivetrain options. The 2026 Porsche Taycan is an all-electric sedan with 16 trim options, including a wagon body style and multiple horsepower options. The 2026 Porsche Panamera third generation (2024-present) comes with gas-powered or electric hybrid engines, for a total of seven trim options, including the impressive Turbo SE-Hybrid powered with a robust 771 hp. Both drive like sports cars, but offer the elegance and refinement you've come to love about a sedan.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
The mid-size luxury Porsche Cayenne SUV delivers what you expect from this automaker: high performance, sharp steering, sporty styling, and an opulent cabin. Now you need to pick a body style. The third generation (2019-present) offers up two options: the Porsche Cayenne and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Both feature the same engine choices (a turbocharged V6, a larger V8, or an electric hybrid), seat five passengers, have LED headlights, a sunroof, a heated windshield, and more. But when it comes to size and exterior styling, the two bodies differ. The Porsche Cayenne is larger with a more traditional boxy SUV shape and spacious cabin feel for cozy family roadtrips. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is smaller overall with a slanted rear roofline that's reminiscent of a sports car. It does accelerate a bit faster than its partner trim, giving you a classy presence on highway merge ramps. The rear in the coupe can feature two or three seats, whereas the Porsche Cayenne always has three seats. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe has an optional glass roof for those who want to see the sky.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
The curvy exteriors and zippy engines in the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman and 2025 Porsche Macan will please any driver, but with a closer look, you'll discover these two vehicles fit very different lifestyles. The two-seater Porsche 718 Cayman sports car can serve as a head-turning daily driver for singles or couples. Or, it might stay in the garage waiting for weekend drives when you can really push the 300-hp four-cylinder engine. The Porsche Macan, on the other hand, is a sporty compact crossover with SUV styling, including a spacious cabin, a zippy twin-turbo V6 (added 2020), and seating for five passengers. This ride easily handles daily commutes, school drop-offs, and weekend adventures with the family — including the dog.
Are you curious about other vehicles? Check out our comparison tool, where you can view the specs for up to three vehicles at a time.
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RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.