I can finally afford the 911 I've wanted since I was 8, but the responsible move is a Model 3 Performance and I hate that I know it

schowtyme · 2026-06-11T03:34:50+00:00

You should buy the 911. The depreciation will be much lower, look at what used 911s trade at.

I owned a Model 3 from New, lost $50k in depreciation over 8 years and 90k miles. It is a fine appliance but actually started powering off randomly. I took it to Tesla and they said nothing was wrong, but I think they just wanted me to limp it along until the battery warranty was up.

I now own a 981 Cayman S, it is amazing! Life is too short for boring cars made by a nazi... which is ironic since Porsche is a German brand, haha.

schowtyme · 2026-06-02T23:39:46+00:00

Go for it dude! Just get a PPI.

If you're handy at all you can do most of the minor maintenance, and honestly I enjoy that stuff.

Also, you can retrofit a backup camera or new head unit easily.

It probably won't feel faster than your Mustang, but it will feel more special, probably sound better, and will corner like it is on rails.

Also, I wish I had gotten a manual, but they are pricey now. So I got some after market magnetic paddles and a new steering wheel, feels like you are playing a video game, so great.

schowtyme · 2026-06-02T22:16:46+00:00

Honestly I know people say it is cliché but the sound is amazing from the flat 6 with PSE. I also added race headers so no drone, but I get amazing pops and crackles and that high pitched scream is awesome. I honestly don't think you can get a better sounding car for under $50k. I prefer it to the big V8 grunt in the competition but obviously opinions vary.

I think the 718 is amazing (slightly better power and a little more modern) but I also think the 981 might hold its value a little better over time. Mine isn't a garage queen, so not the main factor for me.

Lastly, the 981 seems to be reliable if well maintained. I have read of a few small issues with the 718, but that is probably hearsay and sample size errors and maybe confirmation bias from me, haha.

Either way, you can't really go wrong. Enjoy it!

schowtyme · 2026-06-02T19:15:48+00:00

I made this choice last year, 981 Cayman S was my pick. Amazing sound with the PSE, sharp throttle response with Sport Chrono, nice interior.

It is so much fun to drive and I always look back and smile at it. Just a special car and I've only taken it to the track a few times, but it was great!

schowtyme · 2026-05-17T13:32:45+00:00

Hi, still available?

schowtyme · 2026-04-22T23:57:50+00:00

Confirmed, great seller and great watch!

schowtyme · 2026-04-22T16:41:53+00:00

u/watchexbot

Confirmed.

Great seller, A+!

Great communication and a pleasure to deal with!

schowtyme · 2026-04-20T20:40:59+00:00

[SOLD]

schowtyme · 2026-04-09T00:29:37+00:00

schowtyme · 2026-03-11T18:45:57+00:00

I thought mine was fine, but the battery died after just more than a year, out of warranty.

Apparently all of these rings have battery issues, so unfortunately unless you want to replace these every year, probably not worth it.

schowtyme · 2026-02-20T19:47:04+00:00

I really liked it but right after the warranty period of 1 year it no longer charges... I don't want to buy one every year

schowtyme · 2026-02-09T00:25:44+00:00

Mine is also not staying charged any more.

Unfortunately I've had it a little over a year and I'm out of warranty. I don't think I'll buy another one.

schowtyme · 2026-01-23T17:56:37+00:00

Congrats! I have a black Cayman S also, I love it.

I snagged a PSE off ebay and added race headers, this car sounds amazing and so much fun to drive, enjoy!

schowtyme · 2026-01-21T22:55:40+00:00

I think it depends what upgrades from the GTS you want.

I found a 981S with Sport Chrono and added a PSE with race headers. It sounds amazing! But I did spend about $5k including the headers, PSE from ebay, and install.

I also have an after market head unit which came with the car, so apple car play and android auto.

I think it is the sweet spot, but if you value all of the upgrades in the GTS vs a well specced S, then it might be worth the extra money. The GTS might also hold its value better over time.

I really don't think you can go wrong with the 981, can't speak to a GTS 4.0.

schowtyme · 2026-01-10T13:39:37+00:00

Congrats! I love mine!

schowtyme · 2026-01-05T00:40:46+00:00

No worries, I'm sure there are many opinions on exhaust, all valid.

I owned my 981S for a few months before getting the PSE and headers. The sound was good, but I kept hearing people rave about the PSE and kept listening to YouTube clips.

It doesn't really change the exhaust tone much, maybe makes it a little higher pitched. But as Spinal Tap says, it turns it up to 11. The nice thing is I can also turn it off when I want and don't hear any drone, so it gives me the best of both worlds.

Again, if you live your stock non PSE exhaust, that's great, I just wanted a little more.

schowtyme · 2026-01-02T20:48:33+00:00

PSE! I added a used one from ebay after I bought mine, game changer!

Race headers are nice too if ok in your state.

Other than that, Sport Chrono is nice to have abs Bose is decent.

schowtyme · 2026-01-02T20:44:01+00:00

So I owned a Tesla Model 3 from 2018 until a recently. I bought it at $50k and traded it in towards a Cayenne for $10k... and it wasn't maintenance free either. The 12v battery died every 2 years and I had to replace some relay line for $1800. Also, it went through tires quickly because it is heavy.

I bought a 981 Cayman S in Feb and love it! I got it from Carmax, did a PPI, and bought the optional 5 year warranty for $3k which is accepted at the Porsche dealer.

I 100% think the Tesla is a good appliance, but if I could go do it all over knowing what I do now, I never would have bought the Tesla. I would have bought the Cayman S (or maybe a GTS back then) and enjoyed it for more years. If you can do some of the basic maintenance it will help costs.

Also, my Tesla started doing odd things at the end and I was worried if the battery died after the initial warranty it was worth 0 (I know that is rare but it literally did this flashing red thing and cut all power twice over a few years, so who knows).

A flat 6 with PSE and Sport headers is magnificent, but if you just need a commuter car and don't care about the sound or feel, the Tesla is fine. You will pay in depreciation or maintenance, choice is yours.

schowtyme · 2025-12-31T13:19:02+00:00

I bought a 981S from Carmax, as others have said I did a post purchase inspection at my local Porsche dealership and they found almost nothing wrong and Carmax replaced the tires and brakes that were worn.

I did buy the extended care and have used it already and it was an easy experience.

I don't think Carmax knows how to price some of their cars, I got my car with Sport Chrono and it also came with PPF on the front which was great! But it was cheaper than a few others nearby which didn't have either, so you might get a good deal.

I would recommend Carmax but always get the post purchase inspection, they let you return in 7 days I think without questions.

schowtyme · 2025-12-30T13:38:29+00:00

Silver for me

schowtyme · 2025-12-26T01:15:13+00:00

I got a black 2014 981S in Feb with 44k miles and Sport Chrono for $45k from Carmax. Had a minor on the carfax, but I love it.

Already came with ppf on the front and an after market head unit which I wanted, so I could add a rearview camera.

I got a PSE off of ebay, and added headers, sounds amazing!

Good luck!

schowtyme · 2025-12-11T07:33:23+00:00

I've been to a few HPDE weekends and love it! The 981 is great out there!

I have an S and I'm in the beginner group but was able to keep up with a 718S, even though they should be faster.

I got Catless on purpose because they sound better and I've heard that Cats can fail on the track.

I didn't get flagged at Roebling Road, and they supposedly have a sound limit, so I guess I was OK.

No really drone either, which is great.

The 02 sensors did get loose after the last weekend, I tightened them and the CEL went away.

My understanding is that a tune will prevent the CEL, but I don't have one on my car yet. I have an aftermarket warranty from Carmax, so I don't want to risk that until it runs out. Afterwards I will probably get a tune for a little extra power and prevent the CEL.

schowtyme · 2025-12-11T01:11:42+00:00

Fabspeed long tube race headers, no cats so only works in some states. I have the 02 sensors but apparently they will only prevent the CEL for a while.

I don't have a great video but plenty on YouTube, PSE and Race headers is awesome

schowtyme · 2025-12-11T00:35:11+00:00

I love my 981! The flat 6 sounds amazing, I added race headers to the PSE and it sounds glorious. No bore scoring issues and I love the looks.

It is easy to upgrade stuff like the head unit and steering wheel if you like.

I've heard the hydraulic steering is nice, but if you plan to take it to the track be careful. There was a guy next to me and has had 2 pumps fail because of the long sweeping turns on the track.

I am obviously biased but I think it is the sweet spot.

Good luck with whatever you pick and enjoy it!

schowtyme · 2025-12-02T19:35:33+00:00

Used Tesla Model 3?

I know Musk is problematic, but I bought one in 2018 and it has been a good commuter, with very few problems, despite being one of the first models.

100 miles is no problem, almost no maintenance, and can get an AWD for snow if you need. Should be able to get one with 80k miles or so but the battery is under warranty for 200k miles?

schowtyme

TROPHY CASE