HK G36C

I was looking at some 996s and was suprised to see the resale value of the 996 models are so low. What gives? Are they really as bad some people say they are, like the clutch going out after a few thousand miles, etc.?

mrsullivan

this is like asking Democrats why they dont like Republicans, or vice versa...

for some (many on this board), a 996 is like a Lexus... the 996 is a more advanced car than our 993s in almost every way, except for the spiritual aspects of driving one... in addition to better steering feel, sounds, smells, etc... the 993 also looks better to many... the 996 looks identical to a boxster until you are right up on it... slab sided, cheapy looking... all these comments are sans 996 turbos and gt3, gt2 of course...i am not a technical expert (there are many on this board), but obviously there are some reliability issues like any Porsche series... for the 996 it appears that the rear main seal leaks are one of the big ones...

bottom line, the 996 is a great value right now for those that dont have the burning desire to experience the air-cooled Porsche mystique... i have friends that think my 993 is old/outdated in terms of looks and performance... for them, the 996 is a great deal...

i saw a 2003 996 c4s today at the local dealer in Dallas... it has only 6k miles on it, black on black with porsche sports exhaust, xenons, bose, carbon fiber interior, sports seats, deviated red stitching and seatbelts, white guages, the list goes on and on... it stickered for over $90k two yrs ago... and has clearly been well-cared for... they are asking $68k for it... amazing bargain for a water-cooled Porsche...

mooty

996 has no resale value unless gt3.
no, 996 isn't as bad as ppl think it is. great chassis occasionally troubled by rms. i had 3 of them only one had rms prob. (not including the gt3)
part of the reason is that there are lot more 996 than 993's.
but 993 and 996 are very different cars. best to have both, else drive them, you will gravitate to one or the other.
stock 996 is way softer and luxurious than 993. but you can make a 996 stiff and handle, dare i say, better than 993.
your choice. both are incredible machines.

Typhoon

There also a rather more 996's for sale on the second hand market. So I would expect depreciation to be similar to a BMW or Merc that cost the same when new.

Pedro356C

A well kept 993 will be a classic soon and will hold value due to the enthusiasts demand...the 996...well...there will be always a Boxster suffering more depreciation than you! : )

Monique

The 993 is a traditional Porsche... built before Porsche started to compete in the lease markets

Midnight Rider

Agree with the above comments.

SteveAbrahams

I think mooty got it right, best to have both cars.
Both great but slightly different cars. Experience
both, make your own judgement and enjoy.