paulbeck45

Hi,

I'm planning to buy a 991, model years 2012 - 2015, (I won't be taking it to the track, just driving to and from work and around town), and hope to avoid losing 15-20k via depreciation over the next 3-5 years. I will probably switch to another car in a few years to spice things up a bit. Would people recommend I go with a Carrera S, 4S or just a standard Carrera? The standard Carrera is 10k cheaper than the S and 20k cheaper than the 4S. Any car will be a PDK. The Carrera are around 60k and I expect in 3-5 years they'll be closer to 40- 45k since there are a ton of them, which is what I'm trying to avoid.

But, saying all this, if I'm only driving 2,500 miles per year, is depreciation of 15k-20k in 3-5 years even a reality? I'm thinking more likely on the Carrera, but less likely on the S or 4S a they will be more rare, more desirable and mine will still have mileage on the lower end for these model years.

Should I just say screw the analysis and shoot for a 4S with mileage under 30k, enjoy it and not worry about the 15-20k depreciation?

Thank you!

SARGEPUG

Wrong forum, but FYI, '13 was the first year of the 991. I bought a new '09 997.2 and it ran through '12. You are way overthinking and just get what you want and what is within your means. Only air cooled cars are appreciating now and for the foreseeable future.

EMpunker

There was actually a small overlap, as 2012 was both the last model year for the 997.2 and the first model year for the 991.1 cars. Just like in 2005 with the 996.2 and 997.1 cars.

@SARGEPUG - I'd just buy whatever variant you enjoy driving. The entire 991 lineup will continue to depreciate for some time.

snake eyes

If you are worried about depreciation you can’t afford the car.....
go with a 997.2 they are bottomed out and won’t go much lower.. same engine as in the 991.1 with 997 body

JamesBaxter

If you are worried about depreciation you aren't mentally ready to own a Porsche...most could easily afford it. Their brains just tell them it's not smart (because, to be clear, it's not financially smart lol). Gotta get past the conservative financial mindset to get a car like this.

Zylinderkopfdichtung

You need to decide on the experience you want first, then decided which 911 generation, then which model, and then which variant.

shammerman

Sorry about the somewhat discouraging responses above. A GTS or Targa models would be the least depreciating variants in my opinion.

fast1

Cars suffer their greatest depreciation during the first four years. So the 991 has already taken its biggest hit, and I'd estimate that $15K depreciation is a good estimate for 4 - 5 years. Since I always buy new and custom order my cars, I'd probably do the same if I were shopping for a used car. I'd start off by making a list of all the options I'd want: interior & exterior color, options, and HP. Prioritize them and go shopping. The good news when shopping for a used 991 is that you will save at least 40% off the MSRP, the bad news is that unless you get real lucky, you'll have to make compromises.

BSO

All I can say is that I bought mine knowing I wasn't going to have a Porsche that is going to hold it's value like the GT models. I planned to daily drive, so mine is an ordered '19 C4S with 14k miles in two years.

It's running smoother and freer now than when it was brand new. I don't understand the view of buying a 911 and limiting your miles. I jump in mine every day for the joy of it.

Any 911 is fine, as previously stated, the trick is finding the one that comes the closest to what you want, if you find one you like, don't wait too long to decide, good ones go quickly.

CTDan

I’m a long way from an expert, but the 4s models seem to bring a larger percentage of their original sticker price than other models do when 10 years old & older.
it seems to me that is your most protection from depreciation.

Bud Taylor

Ok so figure you drive 10k per year so 50k miles. I would say the lowest depreciation would be on a high mileage (over 50k miles) base model. If you paid 48 and sold it for 34 at 100k miles you would be doing well. Here is the catch, what you save in depreciation you may pay in maintenance. These cars make no financial sense. To maintain happiness you have to embrace this idea and change your thinking.

fappds

I drive a 2013 c4s now , I love the feeling of driving on rails with this car and the sound, I have owned one air cooled carrera, one water cooled targa, and three 911 turbos (996 and 997) all prior to 2012, i can honestly say that I just love the non turbo NA sound, there has been a premium on the naturally aspirated cars recently, life is short buy what you can afford and enjoy it! don't worry about the depreciation, I would recommend a S model between 2013-2016 . I want to buy a gt3 touring

rugu6869

OP: I'm not sure you're in the right frame of mind. You're starting out worrying about depreciation and residual value. No one here has a crystal ball to know what the depreciation will be.
Yes, the S, 4S and GTS retain more value, but they also cost more initially.

If you want the car, then buy it. If you're worried about depreciation, I'm not sure you really want the car that badly to make it worth your while.

james280

The advice I've heard over and over again for years (and worked for me) - buy the nicest, best condition 911 that has (at least most of) what you want, that you can comfortably afford - and then drive it and enjoy it. Trying to calculate future depreciation seems to take the fun out of the whole thing.

Schorsch

My 2 cents and how I decided on mine: I looked at my budget and there was only room for a C2 991.1. I'm totally happy with the car. I don't drive it in winter/snow so no "4" is needed. An S would be nice to have but my base has plenty of power. To get a feel for what you want or need you have to drive it and see if it fits YOU.

I care little about depreciation. Enjoying the ride is worth every penny. Lost or gained?

Here is a video if you want to dive in numbers and charts: