Porsches—hailed by car enthusiasts for their excellent German-engineered craftsmanship—are known for their long-term reliability and ability to perform well over time. In general, a Porsche can last at least 100,000 miles and about 9 years.

According to the J.D. Power’s 2020 vehicle dependability study, Porsche ranked 4th—falling below competitors Genesis, Lexus, and Buick, but landing way ahead of the industry standard.

As with every manufacturer, each Porsche model has its unique advantages and disadvantages. This may leave you wondering—which of Porsche's luxury vehicles is right for you?

Car insurance

comparison app

Jerry

is here to take the hard work out of choosing the most reliable Porsche for you. Here are the Porsche models that will last the longest, sour the soonest, and some tips on how to make your Porsche stretch its shelf life. We'll even show you the easiest way to reduce your

Porsche insurance cost

Are Porsches reliable?

The short answer: Yes, but…

Offering some of the best automotive technologies on the market, it seems counterintuitive to question one of the most sought-after European luxury car brands. Porsches are known for their longevity and long-term reliability, but there’s a small catch. Maintenance, driving habits, and service history can knock years off of your model. With a two out of five score on RepairPal’s Reliability Rating, a Porsche may not seem to be worth it.

According to J.D. Power, Porsche ranks 4th on its list of dependable cars in 2020. In 2018, the same company surveyed owners of three-year-old vehicles and found that Porsches have better long-term dependability than competitors, like

Chevrolet

That said, Porsches are infamous for high maintenance costs, which is one reason they scored so low on the Reliability Rating. Expensive cars, like Porsches, are also engineered with complex mechanisms. This means a mechanic will spend more hours repairing your vehicle, which drives up the average cost of maintaining and caring for your metal baby.

But, if you’re willing to invest the proper amount of time and money into your vehicle, a Porsche is one of the most reliable cars you can buy.

How many miles can a Porsche last?

Porsches have an average lifespan of about 150,000 miles.

It’s common for Porsche owners to have their vehicle last between the 100,000 and 200,000-mile mark. With exceptional maintenance, and forgoing the urge to skimp on repair costs, it’s not uncommon for Porsche models, like the

Cayenne

, to hit 250,000 miles and surpass the average lifespan.

How many years can a Porsche last?

On average, the lifespan of a Porsche is about 10.6 years. Compared to other luxury vehicles and sports models, like the Ferrari Enzo, the Chevrolet

Corvette

, and the Ford

Mustang

, Porsche owners not only reported their vehicles lasting longer but also claimed to have higher satisfaction with their purchase over time.

As a luxury car brand, Porsche is a safe bet if you’re looking for longevity and dependability. Where Porsche succeeds, other luxury and sports brands (even those with cheaper price tags and repairs costs, like the Corvette) fall short. Even used car dealerships like Truecar.com and Carfax.com have high-mileage Porsches on their lots.

Key Takeaway Your vehicle’s model, age, and your maintenance practices will determine how long your Porsche will last. Your car could last as long as 250,000 miles or 11.3 years.

MORE: Factors to consider when getting insurance for a new car

The most reliable Porsche models

On average, Porsches have no problem speeding past the competition when it comes to dependability. They not only rank well above the industry average, but you can find them sitting pretty (and why not, flaunting is permitted!) in the top five. But not all Porsches are created equal. Let’s take a closer look at the most reliable Porsche models.

A car’s reliability depends on:

The rate of recalls

Mechanical mishaps

And maintenance costs

Using that metric, along with

J.D. Power’s

Quality & Reliability ratings and

Edmunds.com’s

True Cost to Own® estimates, we’ve evaluated each Porsche model’s overall reliability and cost of ownership. Here’s a closer look at the breakdown.

718 Boxster

2021 starting price: $63,350

True cost to own (5 years): $82,444

J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 88/100

For those with a slightly smaller budget, the Porsche 718

Boxster

is a perfect choice. The 2021 model has options: roadsters can choose either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic. But that’s not even the best part.

In 2021, the 718 Boxster was not only named J.D. Power’s #1 Premium Sporty Car but also made Car and Driver’s Editor’s Choice List and their 10Best list. Along with the Porsche

Cayman

, the two models have won 22 Car and Driver 10Best in total.

Macan

2021 starting price: $53,450

True cost to own (5 years): $83,004

2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100

Whether you’re running errands or tearing up the roads, the Porsche

Macan

has impressive performance. The SUV comes with all-wheel drive, and drivers can choose between one of three turbocharged engines, leaving you in control. In 2021, the Macan was J.D. Power’s #2 choice for Best Compact Premium SUVs and made Car and Driver’s Editor’s Choice list, as well as their 10Best list.

Cayenne

2021 starting price: $68,850

True cost to own (5 years): N/A

2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100

Providing a range of power options, from a V-6 engine to a twin-turbocharged V-8 or the plug-in hybrid, the Porsche

Cayenne

will have you wondering if driving a sports car or an SUV. In 2021, the SUV was ranked #1 Upper Midsize Premium SUV by J.D. Power. The 2021 Cayenne also made Car and Driver’s Editor’s Choice List.

The Cayenne on average gets between 200,000 - 250,000 miles and can last up to 11.3 years(!)—that’s the longest average lifespan of any other Porsche model. So buckle up, your SUV just got a little spicier.

MORE: Why you should consider an SUV over a sedan

The least reliable Porsche models

Unfortunately, not all Porsche models will have the longevity of the Cayenne or the dependability of the 718 Boxster. The

Panamera

is far and away Porsche’s least reliable model.

Panamera

2021 starting price: $88,550

True cost to own (5 years): N/A (for the 2020 model, the true cost was $107,452)

2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: N/A

According to Repair Pal, the Porsche Panamera scored a 0.5 out of 5 reliability rating, causing it to rank the lowest (30 out of 30) out for luxury full-size cars.

Another thing to take into consideration is maintenance cost. The Panamera averages an annual repair cost of about $1,252, making it difficult for owners to save money. The frequency of repairs is also much higher than the average vehicle—and because Porsches are luxury cars, you can’t skimp out on cheap parts.

Another thing to bear in mind, 25% of Panamera buyers reported that their repairs were for severe issues. That’s 11% higher compared to other luxury full-size cars.

How to make your Porsche last longer

When it comes down to it, the longevity of any car is dependent on the care it receives from its owner. If you’re a motor enthusiast who has the time, resources, and all-out love for everything car-related, then a Porsche is a great bet for you.

Here are some tips on how to make your Porsche outlive the competition:

Follow a

maintenance schedule

to keep your car running smoothly and prevent damage

Stick to what your car knows—use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts

Avoid unexpected issues by scheduling inspections in between services

Maintain a clean vehicle to fight aging caused by the elements

Be cautious when driving—accidents shorten your car’s lifespan

MORE: How to make your car last longer

How to find affordable Porsche insurance

Even though Porsches are one of the most reliable vehicles to buy (and most fun to drive!), you’ll need insurance to further protect you and any unexpected issues that may arise. Fortunately, the

Jerry

app can help you find the cheapest Porsche insurance there is to offer, all within seconds!

How does Jerry work? If you want to save money on car insurance, the Jerry app is a good place to start. As a

licensed broker

, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance for you. Have an old policy you need to swap out? Not a problem! Jerry will help you cancel your old policy, making it easy for you to get into your Porsche and on the road.

FAQ

Are Porsches expensive to maintain?

A Porsche is a luxury car, so upkeep can come at a hefty price. If you’re seriously considering housing a Porsche in your garage, you should set aside about $1,200 a year for maintenance alone. This of course doesn’t factor in other common issues that Porsche drivers often experience, like oil changes, brake repairs, and cooling issues.

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