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Magazines like features such as “A Ferrari for the price of a Ford Focus”.

They’re not lying because it is possible to pick up a 1980s Ferrari Mondial for as little as £14,000.

I know because I’ve just seen one on the ­Pistonheads car website.

There’s a snag though. If your Ford breaks down it’ll be fixed under warranty.

When its tyres wear out they’ll be cheap and if the clutch goes you won’t have to sell your house.

But Porsches, that’s a different matter. First, they’re very reliable. Second, the bits aren’t ridiculously expensive.

They will cost more to run than a family hatchback, but there is a massive network of independent Porsche ­specialists to help you out.

The great advantage of running an old Porsche is that they are extremely ­practical.

Even this week’s road test 911 cabriolet will be more than happy if you drive it every day.

So let’s have a look at what’s available in the land of cheap Porsches.

THE 944

Don’t think of this car as a Volkswagen with a Porsche badge. The early 924s had a VW engine but the 944 has a proper Porsche engine.

It’s at the front with the gearbox at the back (a transaxle) for perfect balance. Early 944s had a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and the later ones a 2.7-litre then 3.0-litre donkeys.

There’s a turbo version, too, with as much as 250bhp. The Turbo is underrated and makes a great occasional track car.

We found: An immaculate 1989 car with impeccable history, unmarked inside and out. The £5,995 tag reflects its condition (it was winning concours events 10 years ago). Sub five grand 944s are plentiful, however.

THE 968

(Image: Porsche)

The 968 replaced the 944 and was produced during the dark days when Porsche nearly went bust. Like the 944, the 968 handles great. Pick of the bunch is the Club Sport. Tricky to find in good condition and will cost over £10,000 at least. Don’t discount the ordinary 968 though, it’s still a cracking drive.

We found: A 1993 Guards red 968 Lux with 90k miles for £5,500. Only snag is that it has the less desirable Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

THE 928

(Image: Porsche)

The only sports car ever to win the Car Of The Year competition. Porsche had planned to axe the 911 at the end of the 1970s and replace it with this V8-engined grand tourer. Bet they’re glad they didn’t. The 928 is a great long distance car with high speed cruising ability. Once you’ve had a 928 you’re hooked. The GTS version is rare, and costs almost £20,000, but does a good 175mph.

We found: A 1982 S in white with 86,000 miles on the clock. A nice old motor for smoking around in at only £2,950.

THE BOXSTER

(Image: Porsche)

One of our favourites. ­Brilliant mid-engined ­roadster was the dawn of a new era for Porsche when launched in 1996. The Boxster S has the most power, but for a bargain that’s got life left in it a simple 2.5-litre early car is best. Engines did give trouble but usually early in the car’s life.

We found: A blue 1999 2.5 with some history and 86,950 miles on the clock. A lot of style for only £3,950.

THE 996

(Image: Porsche)

The 996 was the first of the ­water-cooled 911s. Not the best loved 911 of all time when it was new but it’s not a lemon. Today it’s the cheapest 911 that you can buy and if you find the right one it’s a serious bargain. Two and four-wheel drive and automatic and manual ­gearboxes. Choose manual, it’s more fun.

We found: A silver (as most seem to be) Carrera 2 (two-wheel drive) with 105,000 miles on the clock for £9,995. This 1998 car is almost as cheap as they get but you might find one for less privately.