Buy now or wait for next-generation car?

[dcp10]

Based on previous timescales, we should be expecting a new "Gen-3" (or "J2.1") car by end of 2027 (MY28). There are lots of great deals around for used (CPO) cars, but what if you're fussy like me and want to spec a brand-new car? (one to keep for 6-8 years). Is it worth buying a new car right now, or should one be patient and wait for the next-generation model?

As I see it, the pros of each option are:-

1. Buy Now
• Lower pricing ("Black Edition" + Dealer discounts)
• Get to enjoy a great car now

2. Wait for Gen-3 (end of 2027?)
• Latest tech + range
• Improved resale value (down the line)

What do you think?

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[CoolDadLo]

I was semi debating the same thing. I’ve been on the buy timeline for the last year. Looking and waiting, saving and debating. Being choosy and passing on some ok cars. Finally the time was right for me to spec and new 2026 with June delivery. Totally spec’d out car. I didn’t want to wait another 1.5 plus…. But that due to my situation. I put 120 miles a day, 5 days a week and my suv needed some much needed help. It had creeped over 100k on the odometer plus 17-23 mpg was soo annoying with twice per week gas fill ups!

I don’t think the next gen adds too much. Probably electric shifting sounds and surely some battery tech, but 300 miles is good for me and I left nothing unchecked in the config as far as tech options. For me, waiting would have only increased my down payment, but that’s what I was stacking the last year plus. It’s go time for me!!!

 

[dcp10]

It’s go time for me!!!

Well done!

My Tesla is starting to get expensive in repair bills (£2K-£3K annually) - but it's the uncertainty of knowing what's going to fail next (and where!) that I don't think I can live with for much longer…

 

[dcp10]

Probably electric shifting sounds

I think that's going to be MY27, and I'm happy to give that a miss. It's the potential new battery tech that's of more interest to me (plus changes to the PCM, perhaps similar to the new Cayenne?).

 

[CoolDadLo]

I think that's going to be MY27, and I'm happy to give that a miss. It's the potential new battery tech that's of more interest to me (plus changes to the PCM, perhaps similar to the new Cayenne?).

I have this theory in life: “Pay now or pay later” All the new stuff will sadly only increase in price based on Porsches trend. You’re right it’ll just be battery tech and PCM. I’m happy with it all now. They will get my attention again after the kids in college!

 

[69Mach390]

Well done!

My Tesla is starting to get expensive in repair bills (£2K-£3K annually) - but it's the uncertainty of knowing what's going to fail next (and where!) that I don't think I can live with for much longer…

If it’s a financial decision, that 2-3k/yr is still super cheap compared to the depreciation of a new car.

If it’s just a “what do I want?” Question, the answer is always “buy what you want today.”

The problem with waiting for the 2028 is that we have no idea what exactly that car will be like. It should be a tech improvement, but it also may be ugly.

In your situation I would buy a used 2025. Then if you love the 2028….. you won’t take as much of a bath if you trade up.

Oh and your point 2. About “improved resale?” Highly unlikely vs buying a CPO or used now. The 2025 was a huge leap forward in power and range and the resale is following the identical path of the 20-24 cars.

 

[W1NGE]

Personal view here is sadly to skip the Taycan now until such times as the tarnished reputation has worn off if buying new.

Discounting Porsches is never a good sign if you are a private buyer.

Prices of J1.1s are at "fire sale" levels and great for 2nd user purchase.

J1.2s are dropping chunks now too but more desirable than J1.1 primarily due to better usable range. Again great for 2nd user.

I would wait until solid state is a reality or at least significantly improved range of at least 300 miles in winter. MY28 could be that moment.

Cayenne EV is looking to be a better bet all round - not hugely efficient but the bigger battery helps to disguise that.

Of note is that the forthcoming 7 seater SUV (codename K1) won't now be electric.

I've toyed with a Cayenne e-hybrid to replace the wife's Macan T - same power as Cayenne S ICE vehicle - and range never an issue. Stumbling block is the price when compared to the Cayenne EV (with my spec of towbar and rear axle steering) which is materially cheaper.

Allocations are all gone for this year now at my dealership (40 cars) and a new order would see April 2027 delivery currently.

 

[d00d]

I'm on the configurator, then I go and look at my J1.1 and wonder what was I thinking.

 

[FlyingPoint]

As it stands now, when my lease is up in 15 months this will be my last Taycan. I am going back to the some 911 variant. My reasons are not what one would expect. For me its simply drivability on the horrific roads in the NY metro area. It simply is not workable once the potholes appear. If I have to garage the car because potholes are not seeable at night or in the rain, the car is of not much use as a DD for about 4-5 months each year. If this what it has come to, I would rather go back to a 911 as a fair weather/weekend car and use my Tesla as a DD.

 

[CoolDadLo]

As it stands now, when my lease is up in 15 months this will be my last Taycan. I am going back to the some 911 variant. My reasons are not what one would expect. For me its simply drivability on the horrific roads in the NY metro area. It simply is not workable once the potholes appear. If I have to garage the car because potholes are not seeable at night or in the rain, the car is of not much use as a DD for about 4-5 months each year. If this what it has come to, I would rather go back to a 911 as a fair weather/weekend car and use my Tesla as a DD.

Makes perfect sense. You already have a Tesla, then despite the beauty of the Taycan, why the need for both. I’d definitely add the 911 to the stable. See, in the summer time I still have a choice of the 2 motorcycles on a clear day in bike season. Point is, gotta have your choices. Yea add the 911!!!!!

 

[TonyR]

Given the depreciation on Taycan’s I’d be inclined to get a good deal now on a used J1.2 and then trade it in for a used J2.1 in a two or three years. You will get to know and enjoy the J1.2 for the next year or so and will save a lot of money over buying a new J2.1 next year if indeed it ever appears.

 

[SergeyIndy]

Always fun to discuss this decision point.

MY26 specing now may miss on the goodies of the MY27 if they matter. We are may be weeks away from the MY27 orders to be open. I put the order for MY26 Macan GTS EV so not waiting on the MY27 as price was increased in January and they do it now any time they want without notice.

MY27 seems to be the last one of the J1.2 so I would call it the best of the last but will be the same car for a lot more money as we have learned it from MY24 vs. MY23. I locked M23 but missed on very minor Air Quality display. MY27 Paddles will be extra cost or whatever other things they may add Phone as Key, etc.

MY28 looks like will be the next one, but do we all know this is happening at all given dismal sales, and current models piling up on the lots.

MY28 if this is happening, cannot imagine the prices, the look could be not desirable, and improvements may not matter, like what everyone wants more of out of the car, if we are talking some incremental changes, that may matter less and less to the buyers. For example, J1.2 improvements are nice to have but not material to trade up, to me, such as Range, Cold temp charging, Power increase and some things are just plain do not want such as the new Look, revised Assistance Stalk and not having a clean Gauge cluster where you always see the Lane Keep Assist icon, Move of Assistance system selection to PCM, etc.

I think this comes down to Pros/Cons but interesting to discuss and see how purchase decisions are made.

 

[KLHubb]

I continue to love my 2020 Taycan 4S which I have owned since Sept 2020....absolutely no problems save those of my own making. I have been waiting for the 718E but now have given up....I have a 992.2 911S arriving in May.
If the 718E arrives toward the end of the decade, I will trade the Taycan for it. Otherwise, I will trade my 2020 Taycan 4S for a J2.1. I am sold on the Taycan and will look forward to its next gen model.

 

[CoolDadLo]

For me in 2028 if and when the Taycan comes, I’ll be off the bigger and better things…. Hopefully. Maybe another house, adding a true 2 seater sports car to the personal fleet, or a 58 corvette dream car! I decided to go big now, and not even care about 2028 models

 

[69Mach390]

I would wait until solid state is a reality or at least significantly improved range of at least 300 miles in winter. MY28 could be that moment.

OP is talking about waiting 18 months.

if waiting until solid state is a reality for a production model, that may be some time between 5 years and “never.”

Not everyone needs more range for their use case. And IF true solid state makes it to a production model, expect it to come at a huge $$ premium. More likely solid state would be used to increase efficiency, reduce charge times and weight.

You don’t need a huge range if the car is lighter and charges faster.

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