Have you ever dreamed of one day being able to afford a luxury sports car or sport sedan? With new vehicle prices at all-time highs and dealers trying to make room for new inventory, used vehicles are a great option. When they’re priced between $25,000 and $30,000, buying a pre-owned Porsche should definitely be on the table. Porsche also offers owners one of the best luxury resale values on the market, which is a huge plus.

Two Porsche models listed among the best luxury cars under $30,000

Recently, U.S. News published “The 10 Best Used Luxury Cars Under $30,000 in 2020.” The 2010 Porsche Panamera and the 2013 Porsche Boxster made the list, though they can be priced over $30,000. However, you shouldn’t have to pay more than $31,200 for the Panamera and $35,300 for the Boxster — much cheaper than a newer model Porsche. For example, U.S. News had a 2019 Panamera listed at $77,999 and a 2017 model listed at $62,997.

Both Porsche models received fairly high scores from U.S. News as well. They earned a score of 9.1 out of 10. However, the Panamera got a higher Critics’ Rating of 9.7, while the Boxster received a 9.2. Additionally, the Panamera scored higher than the Boxster in performance and exterior.

The 2010 Porsche Panamera

Reviewers wrote that the 2010 Panamera offers “unparalleled performance for a four-door car.” Unlike many four-door sedan reviews, its interior is described as being comfortable for all adult passengers. Test drivers said the interior is sparse compared with those of its competitors. However, given the Panamera’s raw performance and pleasurable driving experience, there’s no need for internal distractions. On top of that, its cargo space is as spacious as “some full-size SUVs.”

Plus, the supercharged Panamera goes from zero to 60 faster than a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Now that sounds fun.

The 2010 Porsche Panamera is considered a full-size luxury sedan. That’s because it weighs 4,000 pounds, well above the average weight of cars in its class. As a matter of fact, the average SUV weighs no more than 4,800 pounds. But don’t let that number fool you — its V8 engine reaches speeds upward of 170 mph.

That’s another reason why Porsche probably thought it wasn’t necessary to cram its interior with too many gadgets.

The 2013 Porsche Boxster

If you’re willing to spend a few thousand over the $30,000 budget, the 2013 Porsche Boxster is the way to go. As with the 2010 Panamera, U.S. News seemed to have nothing but good things to report. Test drivers were very impressed with its “stellar” performance and upscale cabin. 

Its exterior styling is still striking, even if it’s nearly 8 years old. Maybe it’s the side view that gives this model year an uncanny likeness to the Porsche Carrera GT. Or maybe it’s the “retro-esque” front end meshed with newly designed LED running lights that resemble other Porsche models at first glance. Whatever it is, no one can deny the 2013 Porsche Boxster is a head-turner.

Both trims come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission and an optional 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. Test drivers love how it handles, with a longer wheelbase, wider track, and bigger wheels. And those who test-drove it on a racetrack said it feels lighter than the Porsche 911.

Porsche offers buyers a mechanical torque-vectoring rear differential and optional Sport Chrono package with dynamic transmission mounts. The Sport Chrono package offers four driving modes — Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual — with a push of a button.  

The 2013 Boxster Roadster is the base model, with an average MSRP of around $27,883, according to U.S. News. This entry-level model got an entirely new 2.7-liter flat-six engine that can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The next trim model is the Boxster Roadster S, with an average MSRP of about $33,094. This model features a 315-hp, 3.4-liter flat-six engine that can go zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds.

You don’t need to spend over $30,000 to snag a Porsche. This writer’s online search turned up some 2012 Porsche Panamera models for $25,000 to $30,000. So if you’re ready to buy that dream car once and for all, there’s no better time than now.