Which will have a better residual value - 996 or 997?
09-29-2009, 11:40 AM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Which will have a better residual value - 996 or 997?
Hi guys,
I am in the market for for a 911, but in doing some research, I can't figure out if over the long term the 996 or 997 will be better. I am looking at either a newer 996 C4S, or just jumping to a std 997 Carrera. Ideally, either car would have around 30k miles, and I'll most likely drive it until close to 100k. At 100k and 4-5 years, which one will be the better buy (yes, I know I am posting in a 996 forum)? Thanks.
Nick
I am in the market for for a 911, but in doing some research, I can't figure out if over the long term the 996 or 997 will be better. I am looking at either a newer 996 C4S, or just jumping to a std 997 Carrera. Ideally, either car would have around 30k miles, and I'll most likely drive it until close to 100k. At 100k and 4-5 years, which one will be the better buy (yes, I know I am posting in a 996 forum)? Thanks.
Nick
09-29-2009, 12:12 PM
#2
Race Director
Hi guys,
I am in the market for for a 911, but in doing some research, I can't figure out if over the long term the 996 or 997 will be better. I am looking at either a newer 996 C4S, or just jumping to a std 997 Carrera. Ideally, either car would have around 30k miles, and I'll most likely drive it until close to 100k. At 100k and 4-5 years, which one will be the better buy (yes, I know I am posting in a 996 forum)? Thanks.
Nick
I am in the market for for a 911, but in doing some research, I can't figure out if over the long term the 996 or 997 will be better. I am looking at either a newer 996 C4S, or just jumping to a std 997 Carrera. Ideally, either car would have around 30k miles, and I'll most likely drive it until close to 100k. At 100k and 4-5 years, which one will be the better buy (yes, I know I am posting in a 996 forum)? Thanks.
Nick
The 996 will likely be cheaper to buy and because it has less value starting out and is already older and a model year down depreciate less. Its value won't increase but it will lose less value over the years. It seems these cars in general reach a certain point then the value doesn't drop much if not at all. In some cases -- though I don't know the 996 will see this -- values can rise a bit even.
The 997 will be of course the younger car and provided by that time no inherent weaknesses in the car will have more residual value but you will have started out paying more for the car to begin with and suffered more depreciation.
My advice would be to just search out a good example of either model. Find and buy the best example of either model. Try to find a car you like, is in good condition, pay a good price for it and then drive the car and enjoy it.
Take good documented care of the car and you'll do as well as anyone when it comes time in 4 years to move it on.
The biggest depreciation hit will be suffered by the original buyer provided you do not over pay for the car and absorb some of the depreciation the seller should.
Oh, in general any used car that reaches 100K miles generally will see another "big drop" in resale value. There's something about 100K miles...
My point is if you are reall worried about residual value do not drive the car you buy over 100K miles. Stop driving the car at something less than 100K mile mark.
Sincerely,
Macster.
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09-29-2009, 12:53 PM
#4
Race Car
I don't think either will retain their value well, given the large production numbers for both series. The economy will play a role, too - but 4-5 years is a long time off. I would buy the car you can afford and really love, whether it's a 996 or 997. The 997 is probably a better car technologically, but there's something very classic about a 996. Too bad - you missed mine by a month. 
09-29-2009, 01:17 PM
#5
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There won't be a huge model specifc diifference I don't think.
To the general public, the cars aren't really that different. I bet most just view the 997 as a facelift, and production numbers aren't low enough for cult status.
I would expect a slight difference for the 99s perhaps as the first model year (plus throw in something for the "engine failure" thing).
To the general public, the cars aren't really that different. I bet most just view the 997 as a facelift, and production numbers aren't low enough for cult status.
I would expect a slight difference for the 99s perhaps as the first model year (plus throw in something for the "engine failure" thing).
09-29-2009, 01:18 PM
#6
If I had a crystal ball that I could see into the future I sure as heck woudn't waste it on determining which used car would lose less money over the next 4 years and have the better residual value. The best residual value would be to leave the car purchase money in the bank.
The 996 will likely be cheaper to buy and because it has less value starting out and is already older and a model year down depreciate less. Its value won't increase but it will lose less value over the years. It seems these cars in general reach a certain point then the value doesn't drop much if not at all. In some cases -- though I don't know the 996 will see this -- values can rise a bit even.
The 997 will be of course the younger car and provided by that time no inherent weaknesses in the car will have more residual value but you will have started out paying more for the car to begin with and suffered more depreciation.
My advice would be to just search out a good example of either model. Find and buy the best example of either model. Try to find a car you like, is in good condition, pay a good price for it and then drive the car and enjoy it.
Take good documented care of the car and you'll do as well as anyone when it comes time in 4 years to move it on.
The biggest depreciation hit will be suffered by the original buyer provided you do not over pay for the car and absorb some of the depreciation the seller should.
Oh, in general any used car that reaches 100K miles generally will see another "big drop" in resale value. There's something about 100K miles...
My point is if you are reall worried about residual value do not drive the car you buy over 100K miles. Stop driving the car at something less than 100K mile mark.
Sincerely,
Macster.
The 996 will likely be cheaper to buy and because it has less value starting out and is already older and a model year down depreciate less. Its value won't increase but it will lose less value over the years. It seems these cars in general reach a certain point then the value doesn't drop much if not at all. In some cases -- though I don't know the 996 will see this -- values can rise a bit even.
The 997 will be of course the younger car and provided by that time no inherent weaknesses in the car will have more residual value but you will have started out paying more for the car to begin with and suffered more depreciation.
My advice would be to just search out a good example of either model. Find and buy the best example of either model. Try to find a car you like, is in good condition, pay a good price for it and then drive the car and enjoy it.
Take good documented care of the car and you'll do as well as anyone when it comes time in 4 years to move it on.
The biggest depreciation hit will be suffered by the original buyer provided you do not over pay for the car and absorb some of the depreciation the seller should.
Oh, in general any used car that reaches 100K miles generally will see another "big drop" in resale value. There's something about 100K miles...
My point is if you are reall worried about residual value do not drive the car you buy over 100K miles. Stop driving the car at something less than 100K mile mark.
Sincerely,
Macster.
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09-29-2009, 05:05 PM
#9
997
Because it will always be newer and more "advanced" than a 996.
Of course the difference being the 4S is an AWD car.......is that a requirement for you? If it is, why look at a 2WD car?
Because it will always be newer and more "advanced" than a 996.
Of course the difference being the 4S is an AWD car.......is that a requirement for you? If it is, why look at a 2WD car?
09-29-2009, 05:25 PM
#10
Intermediate
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The '99 isn't really the first model year for the 996. For the US, yes. But there are '98 models in Europe and beyond, and I've even read that a few 97s made it to South America.
09-29-2009, 07:20 PM
#11
Three Wheelin'
997 less perceived issues plus newer and faster. I think they are just too new that the 997 won't sell for more then a 996 when you want to sell but you will pay more now as well.
09-29-2009, 09:06 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
4WD isn't a requirement, but is a nice to have. Being in Indiana, it would really payoff about 5 days a year. Aside from the 4WD, the turbo bumper is another draw (yes, I know, superficial). Just curious to see what everyone's thought is...
09-29-2009, 09:32 PM
#14
Nordschleife Master
I don't think either will retain their value well, given the large production numbers for both series. The economy will play a role, too - but 4-5 years is a long time off. I would buy the car you can afford and really love, whether it's a 996 or 997. The 997 is probably a better car technologically, but there's something very classic about a 996. Too bad - you missed mine by a month.
09-29-2009, 09:55 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
If you're really picking between an 04 C4S and an 05 C2 (non-S), you should really drive them both and decide from there. I thought they were very different from behind the wheel.
I liked the C4S better (drive experience and looks), and thought it was more car for the $. Thats why I ended up with a lower mileage 2002. Its the same car as a 2004, but much cheaper - although you'd choke to see what I paid 18mos ago compared to today
I liked the C4S better (drive experience and looks), and thought it was more car for the $. Thats why I ended up with a lower mileage 2002. Its the same car as a 2004, but much cheaper - although you'd choke to see what I paid 18mos ago compared to today