I'm sure it means something different to each person, so to me, my idea of a "starter" Porsche is one that is affordable, that I can drive around and not be paranoid when I drive it in the rain or it gets too dirty, and finally because I had never even driven one before, it will give me an idea of the "marque" if you will. Example... my 1st Mercedes AMG was a pre-owned CLK55A. Loved it but wanted something more & moved into an E55 Wagon (which I still have & love) & then got into an SL55 with performance package. It was a natural progression for me as I learned more about AMG models, features and how they drove.

BTW, I drove a 2010 C4S with PDK yesterday and was VERY impressed with how quickly it shifted & how easy & fun it was to drive. (I have yet to drive a 6MT.) I'm pretty certain if I enjoy whatever Porsche I end up buying as my "starter", a PDK vehicle may very well be my next. (I just need to get the "first" one, first )

 

The word Porsche and "affordable" sounds more like an oxymoron . No matter how one rationalizes it --the cars are expensive . Whatever you save in buying the car doesn't rule out how much it costs to replace tires , or a repair, or for insurance .
And if the idea is to start with one and move to another .. the multiple transactions and deprciation can add up to more than if one just dug deep and swung for the bleachers .

It reveals uncertainty .. even those examples with the Mercedes .Perhaps the emotional steps made more sense but had you skipped the CLK55 and bought the current wagon and SL you would be ahead in savings.

My feeling is when one is in doubt .. Don't buy the car . You's still have the savings and that's never bad . However if you love the PDK car why settle for less ?

 

Any pictures of the E55 wagon? I just purchased one and love it!

 

I just had my alternator cable / harness replaced.
PM me if you have any questions.