Prices Keep Drifting Up
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 703
Likes: 252
From: Scottsdale
Not denying the truth of your statement, but at 58 I came back to the 996 my favorite 911. Before doing so I test drove the 992 and thought that Porsche did for sports cars what auto tune and pro tools did for music (that may be going too far but it's at least partly true). Ended up buying three cars instead of the 992 over a six seek period, a 2005 NSX, 2009 S2000, and a 1999 996. All different and don't love one over the other. Their like my kids. Fun factor cubed. Had a new 997 back in the day. Too many buttons, prefer the 996.
Last edited by Putt-Putt; Feb 10, 2021 at 09:59 AM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 3,046
Likes: 3,028
From: Miami
FWIW my budget could've gotten me a 997.X and I picked the 996.2 only because in my humble opinion that it was a good mix of old school and new school. I test drove a Mustang GT350, C6 GS and a TTRS which are more expensive... just felt better in the 996.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 859
Likes: 513
@barbancourt i was in the exact same position, had a budget that would have allowed a later model 997 or an early 991 but drove a 996 4s and it was game over. The car and I bonded during the test drive, and thankfully the Porsche dealership salesman (yes i bought it used from a dealership) who accompanied me on the extended test drive put zero restrictions on how hard i pushed it, and even encouraged me to shift at rpms much higher than i was thinking about ever doing. "The car chooses the driver" as they said in Harry Potter, or something like that!
Last edited by barbancourt; Feb 11, 2021 at 12:02 AM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 364
Likes: 72
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...carrera-4s-51/
Nearly $38k after fees for a Tip Cab 4s without sports exhaust or a hard top.
Nearly $38k after fees for a Tip Cab 4s without sports exhaust or a hard top.
https://mart.pca.org/ads/48022
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 295
Likes: 357
Though he doesn't need defending, I have to step in and defend Jack Baruth here. I followed his writing for many years on thetruthaboutcars.com and it was usually well-informed and often transcendent (see: Boomerang Basement Bolides). He had a 986 and 993 in his garage around the time this was written, and was an occasional pro racer and instructor. So he's not some keyboard jockey. When you strip away some of the unkind things he said about the 996, the article is on point. My local dealer has a black 1997 C2 for sale for 6 times what I paid for my 1999 C2, though the latter is a superior car in just about every measure. The fact is, most of us own the 996 because it is the best 911 we can afford, notwithstanding that the car has some definite charms we can all agree on. Even if, as I read somewhere, it has "the mechanical durability of a potato chip".
I enjoyed this article. It was obviously meant to be provocative, otherwise it wouldn't be worth reading. The author was simply trying to make the counterpoint to prevailing excitement at the time that *all* Porsches will become super valuable collector items. His main thesis was "speculators think it's about to become collectible. Not so fast," which is a fairly accurate statement. He was basically saying that we shouldn't expect 996 prices to rocket up as quickly as air-cooled prices did in the preceding 5 years.
I love the 996, which is why I bought one. It's got a super unique, bold, "futuristic" design. Clearly there is strong demand for them for all the right reasons - people want to drive and enjoy them - rather than the wrong reasons - people want to flip them for a quick profit. This should result in a steady increase in prices over time, and I doubt we'll see an unsustainable speculative rise in prices like the 930 had, for example.
So yes, he's correct in saying that speculators are wrong about the 996. Speculation won't cause their prices to go up. But a healthy market of true enthusiasts who appreciate the car for what is, should.
The article is written in hyperbole, almost to the point of sarcasm. It's just a funny opinion piece from a certain point in time that of course will be even more amusing to look back on in future years.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 163
Likes: 47
From: Bloomfield MI
You can't keep seeing examples such as this and not conclude anything other than there's been a significant movement upward since beginning of 2020:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...carrera-4s-55/
$41,750 + $2k fee + shipping, no factory sports exhaust but does have the LN Solution. Do like the stance with the lowering springs vs my stock 03 4s suspension, will admit that.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...carrera-4s-55/
$41,750 + $2k fee + shipping, no factory sports exhaust but does have the LN Solution. Do like the stance with the lowering springs vs my stock 03 4s suspension, will admit that.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 53
Likes: 13
From: Nova Scotia CANADA
Various ramblings from me in regard to the article.
To use the phrase 'will never be collectible' goes against all advice given since the dawn of time: Never use the word never.
I purchased the 996 as it was the best 911 that I could afford. I looked at various other P cars (924, 928, 944 and 986) and in the end I decided that I decided I am a 911 snob, and that the only Porsche I would own is a 911 (well except for a 356). I longed for a 911SC but their price increase pushed me out of that market. So I did what I have always done in life and simply said - the 996 is good enough. I bought a black 1999 C2 coupe, even tho red or green or blue or tan or brown are my preferred colors and I prefer the air cooled 911s. It is good enough. I do like my 996 - it got me in to a 911 at a price point I was willing to accept. I will enjoy it for as long as I can. That being said, if a 911SC became available for a similar price I would be very tempted to jump ship.
I buy cars for enjoyment, not as a financial investment. Once I have had my fill of enjoyment then it will be sold on. In some ways I hope that its value does not sky rocket - I would lose enjoyment of it and it would also reduce the available pool of purchasers and others that could enjoy it.
At the end of the day, I don't get excited if Joe B thinks my car is an exceptional value or an exceptional albatross. I like it. My enjoyment of the car is not based on whether someone else likes it or not. And most importantly, my car is a car - in no way is it who I am.
Cheers.
jb
To use the phrase 'will never be collectible' goes against all advice given since the dawn of time: Never use the word never.
I purchased the 996 as it was the best 911 that I could afford. I looked at various other P cars (924, 928, 944 and 986) and in the end I decided that I decided I am a 911 snob, and that the only Porsche I would own is a 911 (well except for a 356). I longed for a 911SC but their price increase pushed me out of that market. So I did what I have always done in life and simply said - the 996 is good enough. I bought a black 1999 C2 coupe, even tho red or green or blue or tan or brown are my preferred colors and I prefer the air cooled 911s. It is good enough. I do like my 996 - it got me in to a 911 at a price point I was willing to accept. I will enjoy it for as long as I can. That being said, if a 911SC became available for a similar price I would be very tempted to jump ship.
I buy cars for enjoyment, not as a financial investment. Once I have had my fill of enjoyment then it will be sold on. In some ways I hope that its value does not sky rocket - I would lose enjoyment of it and it would also reduce the available pool of purchasers and others that could enjoy it.
At the end of the day, I don't get excited if Joe B thinks my car is an exceptional value or an exceptional albatross. I like it. My enjoyment of the car is not based on whether someone else likes it or not. And most importantly, my car is a car - in no way is it who I am.
Cheers.
jb
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 788
Likes: 276
Not denying the truth of your statement, but at 58 I came back to the 996 my favorite 911. Before doing so I test drove the 992 and thought that Porsche did for sports cars what auto tune and pro tools did for music (that may be going too far but it's at least partly true). Ended up buying three cars instead of the 992 over a six seek period, a 2005 NSX, 2009 S2000, and a 1999 996. All different and don't love one over the other. Their like my kids. Fun factor cubed. Had a new 997 back in the day. Too many buttons, prefer the 996.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 148
From: near Jackson, MS
Lot’s of auto people scoffed at Fast & Furious and all the cars in those movies. Now 4th gen Supra’s and 3rd gen RX-7s make 996s look cheap. There is no way to predict who will buy what and for how much in the future. Clean twin turbo Supra’s are more expensive than 997 turbos and GT3s.
Enjoy your cars. No one knows what the future holds.
Enjoy your cars. No one knows what the future holds.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,968
Likes: 2,342
From: Cleveland Georgia
I have noted a big difference in my engine purchasers today, too. More people are buying 996s and then almost instantly wanting to buy an FSI engine, even though they don't need it. The ownership has gone from guys that just want a "cheap 911" back to the guys who want a 996 because it a great, simple, analog car. The ownership today has gone back to where it was around 2010 or so.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 434
From: Apalachin, New York
This increase in value makes it really tempting to list a 996 Aero.
Not the best timing for me, as mine is at my Porsche Techs shop getting a new waterpump, thermostat, coolant tank, hoses, flush, new UAOS (Thank you Porschetech3) & clutch.
Not the best timing for me, as mine is at my Porsche Techs shop getting a new waterpump, thermostat, coolant tank, hoses, flush, new UAOS (Thank you Porschetech3) & clutch.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 560
Likes: 147
From: San Francisco Bay Area
Why the 996-Generation Porsche 911 Will Never be Collectible
I enjoyed this article. It was obviously meant to be provocative, otherwise it wouldn't be worth reading. The author was simply trying to make the counterpoint to prevailing excitement at the time that *all* Porsches will become super valuable collector items. His main thesis was "speculators think it's about to become collectible. Not so fast," which is a fairly accurate statement. He was basically saying that we shouldn't expect 996 prices to rocket up as quickly as air-cooled prices did in the preceding 5 years.
I enjoyed this article. It was obviously meant to be provocative, otherwise it wouldn't be worth reading. The author was simply trying to make the counterpoint to prevailing excitement at the time that *all* Porsches will become super valuable collector items. His main thesis was "speculators think it's about to become collectible. Not so fast," which is a fairly accurate statement. He was basically saying that we shouldn't expect 996 prices to rocket up as quickly as air-cooled prices did in the preceding 5 years.
The 996 is the unloved stepchild of the 911 line. Guess I just like buying unloved Porsches because my 1986 944 Turbo was considered the "poor man's" Porsche when I "leased" it but even so, even it is considered at least moderately "collectible" now. Same applies the IMO to the butt-ugly 914/916.
To me the 996 is looks "nice" and, even though it shares some features w/the Boxster, it is NOT a Boxster and for those of us who don't want to throw $100k at a car, it works just fine in stroking our egos (we own a Porsche!) and also providing us w/a fun ride.
I think that prices will continue to rise for the 996 (as it will for other models) simply because of the demand and the ever increasing prices of new/late model Porsches that few "normal" people can afford. Just like the most expensive house in a neighborhood arises the price of the cheapest price in the neighborhood at the same time.
The 996 also is currently in the "sweet" spot for most people to buy a "fun" 2nd or 3rd car which they will seldom drive.
Asking prices in my area for a 1999-2004 are currently fixed between $20-25k in my area. I bought mine for $15k but put over $5k in it already fixing/upgrading it. I was offered $22k for mine which I rejected.
I'd rather keep it for that price but, if prices rise to the $25-30k level, I'd more likely be a seller. In the meantime, my 2000 C4 Cab will remain in my garage along w/my 2014 Corvette Z51 Stingray 7MT convertible and my 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder.
Leno I'm not but I have a very nice collection of rag top sports cars that I think most people would be happy with.
Life is good!
Last edited by sgt1372; Feb 13, 2021 at 06:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2,162
From: NJ
https://www.pcarmarket.com/auction/d...911-carrera-1/
Things are reaching crazy levels when this didn't reach the reserve at $48,250......Now it's offered at $55,000
Things are reaching crazy levels when this didn't reach the reserve at $48,250......Now it's offered at $55,000
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 479
From: PA
Not denying the truth of your statement, but at 58 I came back to the 996 my favorite 911. Before doing so I test drove the 992 and thought that Porsche did for sports cars what auto tune and pro tools did for music (that may be going too far but it's at least partly true). Ended up buying three cars instead of the 992 over a six seek period, a 2005 NSX, 2009 S2000, and a 1999 996. All different and don't love one over the other. Their like my kids. Fun factor cubed. Had a new 997 back in the day. Too many buttons, prefer the 996.
I've been saying this for a while. I've had a lot of cars for my age and I think there is something special about this era of cars. The 911s, the E46 M3 and E39 M5 are some of my favorites. These generations were the end of the line of the analog era.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 2,314
From: Washington DC
https://www.pcarmarket.com/auction/d...911-carrera-1/
Things are reaching crazy levels when this didn't reach the reserve at $48,250......Now it's offered at $55,000
Things are reaching crazy levels when this didn't reach the reserve at $48,250......Now it's offered at $55,000
Average of 250 miles a year is just so sad!