bombfactory

I used to have an E30 M3 and made the dumb move of selling it in 2002. Now I couldn't afford one as a second car - unless it was a wreck. Asking prices now are all pretty much over $20K. Do you guys think this may happen with the 968?

I see a lot of similarities between the two cars - both were imported to the US in limited quantities, around 5000 units, for only a few years. They are similar in size and weight, feature inline 4 cyl. engines and rear wheel drive, and have just enough creature comforts to be comfortable drivers cars while delivering near race-worthy handling and performance.

Now that I finally own one, I'm hoping 6-speed LSD 968 coupes will be fetching $20K in five years or so. Assuming we can avoid an oil industry meltdown and gas prices remain relatively stable, what do you guys think of the market future for the 968?

RajDatta

E30 M3's have cult following. Not sure, we will ever have that for the 968. As you probably know already, the E30 M3 was the most successful touring car of all time.
It's funny that you brought this up. I was thinking the same thing the other day, how M3's have shot up in price. The big problem is finding an unmolested M3 that is all original and doesn't have any rust issues.
Raj

JDS968

968s could develop more of a cult following...just look at 951s. Of course there are like five times as many of those...

Will never be as popular as the E30, but I think the perception of the 968 will develop into that of a modern classic.

jeff968

Well, I think they will go up at some point. They have all the elements required by a collectible (low production, great pedigree, final evolution, timeless design, unique vehicles, last of the hand built Porsches). And an interesting item to note as reported to me by Steve who has been visiting the Porsche parade in IL this week. He told me that he came across an incredible 92 coupe painted in Amethyst with full cloth script seats and only 9K miles (a 1 of 1 in that combination). He had a nice conversation with the owner. The next day he reported that the owner was approached by a collector who wanted the car and paid him more money for it then he had paid for it when new. The owner let it go.

BlueRiver86

Wow. Any more pics of that car?

jeff968

One more for you.... Courtesy of Steve...

bombfactory

I agree that the racing history of the E30 M3 puts a shine on it that the 968 probably will never quite match. I used mine as a daily driver for a few years and after a complete suspension refreshening, it was without a doubt the best handling, most communicative and tossable car I'll ever own. I'm glad I was able to have one while they were still relatively available and affordable.

I'm hoping the 968 will approach that level of balance in the corners as I continue to replace suspension bits. Not there yet tho...

-Austin

BlueRiver86

Wow.. That thing belongs in a museum..

As for the topic, the E30 M3 will always have pedigree.

968Geb

A very nice car! What kind of options does it have Jeff? Love those full script seats and the rest of the interior. I believe there will be a following for these cars for many years to come especially for the "rarer" ones with desirable options and color combinations. It really is a very manageable and classic looking Porsche to own. In my opinion, it has all the right styling touches. Also, lightweight, 2+2, good parts availability both aftermarket and used oem and pretty reasonable to maintain are all good points. I plan on keeping mine for a long time and probably acquiring another one or two .

jeff968

Geb, it has some nice options, limited slip, hi-fi sound with amps, CD changer, rear emblem delete, and door panels in matching cloth!!! It is 1 of 2 968s with Amethyst and magenta/light gray interior and the only 1 with full cloth (the other is partial leather, and i'm not done with the coupes yet).

bombfactory

I haven't documented it, but in keeping my eye on the 968 market as a potential buyer for the past three years, it seems to me that ASKING prices have been rising slowly. However, I have no way of knowing, due to usual used car haggling between the buyer and seller, if that translates into higher actual SALE prices.

I've decided to start a database of monthly 968 sales info using the cars that are advertised for sale on AutoTrader. I know it's not all encompassing, but it is the largest used car marketplace - in the US anyway.

Every 3 weeks or so I'll record the total number of 968's for sale, number of coupes vs. cabs, average asking price and mileage for coupes and average asking price and mileage for cabs.

I'll plot all this info on a graph and in a year or two we'll be able to see where the trends are going - for average asking prices and mileage anyway. Stay tuned...

-Austin