Why does the rare headlight design not drive up value?
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 42
Likes: 30
From: Sarasota, Florida
IMO the headlights got a bad rap because they were also on the Boxter. The high paying Porsche owners and enthusiasts did not like that it was hard to tell the difference looking head on. They thought that it cheapened the brand and also the fact that Porsche moved from Air cooled to Water cooled. It was the 996 that basically saved the Brand from going under.
At the end of the day we buy these cars because they are what they are. And that my friends is "Good" Am I petrified of "Bore Scoring" and "AOS" failure? You bet I am. But I could also be hit by some Snowbird in their Buick.
My 996 has paint chips on the front and the drivers seat is a little tatty, but that is what makes it a drivers car and not something to be put in a garage and polished never to see the light of day.
Does it really matter if the price goes up or down? Not really. Think how nice it is to get up in the morning and go "Wow, I own a Porsche" and then when you get in it you automatically turn into the Cheshire Cat with that silly Grin.
I never thought I would own one. I am just you average Joe, but, my goodness does it make me happy. Isn't that what it is all about?
At the end of the day we buy these cars because they are what they are. And that my friends is "Good" Am I petrified of "Bore Scoring" and "AOS" failure? You bet I am. But I could also be hit by some Snowbird in their Buick.
My 996 has paint chips on the front and the drivers seat is a little tatty, but that is what makes it a drivers car and not something to be put in a garage and polished never to see the light of day.
Does it really matter if the price goes up or down? Not really. Think how nice it is to get up in the morning and go "Wow, I own a Porsche" and then when you get in it you automatically turn into the Cheshire Cat with that silly Grin.
I never thought I would own one. I am just you average Joe, but, my goodness does it make me happy. Isn't that what it is all about?
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 8,050
Likes: 819
From: Kauai
I really loved the look of the headlights of the 996 when it came out. Much more aero looking than the 993 and older "bug eyed" look. It look more like the real racing cars of the time, like the GT1 and any other modern car. I felt the people who complained of the headlights were just being nostalgic and stuck in the sixties. I was glad the engines had problems that afforded me the opportunity to buy one (or three) knowing the problems could be fixed, hell anything can be fixed. I also hoped it would increase in value, but with the increase in parts prices and engine prices going up much faster than the value of the car, it doesn't make them popular right now at all, but I don't care, I love mine !!!
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 106
I'm spoiled with GT cars but... I also really really like my 996. 
Headlights are fine IMO.... it's unique and one of a kind for a 911, that's a rare characteristic in my book.
Best 911 bang for the buck is the 996...
Headlights are fine IMO.... it's unique and one of a kind for a 911, that's a rare characteristic in my book.
Best 911 bang for the buck is the 996...
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 248
Likes: 44
From: Columbus, Ohio
Love 996.1 headlights. When the 996 came out I thought it was the best looking 911 yet, and 20+ years later I still feel that way. 997 and 991 are nice, but to my eyes not as “clean” as the 996. And to me a 996 makes a 993 look cluttered and dated. At the time I thought Porsche took a step backwards with the turbo, then the 996.2.
But as others have said, to a non-Porsche owner it is just a 911, and a nice looking one. I get compliments frequently from people that think my car is much newer than it is.
Daryll
But as others have said, to a non-Porsche owner it is just a 911, and a nice looking one. I get compliments frequently from people that think my car is much newer than it is.
Daryll
