That's an interesting thought re PCCB and I don't know what % of GT3's came with that option (maybe 1 in 4?). A lot of people like myself didn't think PCCB was worth the cost and were leery of it given its questionable reputation. Also, I'm sure the C4S had some pricey options that you wouldn't find or have to pay for on a GT3 (Nav, Hi-Fi, CD changer, sport seats, etc).

The other issue (which was true in my case) is that the dealers were discounting the GT3's starting about mid-2004. I bought my $114+ car new in August of that year for $107. I know this doesn't apply to everyone and is harder to factor into the equation when generalizing. I don't know if C4S's were seeing the same type of price breaks at the time (I'd guess not).

When we post about prices here, it's usually about the actual sales price. GT3's seem to have a different owner base with a tighter-knit and more informed community (i.e. "enthusiasts"). Hence, we can all guesstimate GT3 car values within a tight range of what they are going to sell for with decent accuracy. I don't know if the same is true for the C4S and for all I know we may be comparing transaction prices for the GT3 with asking prices for the C4S.

 

So true. I have seen C4S prices all over the map from the mid 40's to the mid 60's.

 

I paid $79,500 US for my red '04 GT3 with 980 miles in July. It was immaculate.

To me, the premium over what I was wanting to pay (low 70s) to what I did pay was offset by the superlow milage (think new rotors & pads), a clean PPI and flawless paint.

 

I doubt C4Ses are selling for asking. 02-04 996s are a bargain right now ranging from mid thirties to fiftyish, but there's no comparison to the GT3 market, even w/ the C4S.

I've just got out of a 993 and am now watching the GT3 market considering buying. First look is that the asking prices have been holding for the last year or so. Though, and this seems to be confirmed by a couple of posts here, the selling prices are dropping below $70k even for no excuses lowish milers.

There's a bunch of cars for sale too, around 35 showed up on an Autotrader search yesterday, including a couple of sub 2k mile cars.

BTW: Any issues w/ getting a 2 or 3 year old GT3 w/ almost no miles? I know on a 993 its kind of an issue because of oil seals etc. How about for GT3s?

 

Below 60 and above 80 are the rarities. most are trading in the 70's with the low miles going toward 80 and the higher going toward 70. Those that get sub 70 examples are getting a great deal.

 

If any of you are selling in the not so distant future. Get a hold of me. I want to track the car until it explodes. I should be good enough then for a cup car. The car was meant to be driven, not garaged and then look at values.

you all have great cars, Know how to drive them? forget the price...enjoy!!!!!!! you all had enough money to purchase, so go and enjoy. I hope you didn't purchase these for an investment, that is just silly. go and play!!!!

 

Jetmech:

I enjoy the conversation about GT3 pricing. My interpretation of some members' fascination with pricing is that while racing a car could never be characterized as economically rational, a low rate of depreciation makes it seem less expensive. So buying a GT3 might be more a more economical alternative to building a race car with similar performance characteristics.

So, I don't think most of us bought these great cars as an investment it's just that seeing them hold their value is comforting. I like, LVDell, plan to run this car for a long, long time.

 

good point.
however, cars like dells, NJGT and mine are driven so much that we are the outliers of the pricing curve.... we are at the BAD end of that curve too... but we sure have a lot of fun.

 

 

I can understand all the mind games. I am on fence. One hour I want to purchase a GT3 and the next keep my 993 and enjoy. I can learn to drive anything to the best of my ability, but the wall of excitement comes up everytime. it came up in my 914, 911, 993, and sure to come up with a gt3. I have paid for them all, and the need never goes away. however, I am a corporate man, with limited funds, and need to stay within my budget, until I start getting some funds to enjoy and not feel strapped, I will probably move to a gt3 cup car. I am sure not to be able to push that car.


Im confused. someone just shoot me.

 

I might be BACK in the market for a 996 GT3 again, but the example I'm looking for is one that's been DRIVEN and is not perfect, but it won't stay that way with me behind the wheel. So I'm probably looking in the high 60s right now. Good to know.

 

How about the one Autometrics has in the classifieds for 65?

 

"Nice" 964 RS Americas have rebounded to their original pricing levels after falling and then leveling off before beginning to rise. Real nice ones demand a premium above their original selling prices. None of them would have beat the return on any decent performing mutual fund. I personally believe the GT3 will follow suit. The only questions are how long the fall, how long the level off, and how long before the prices recover. I might be wrong...but it seems a similar situation/car and a sound thought process.

In the end, a GT3 is a poor investment, but a good car to own long term. One you can enjoy driving, occasionally tracking, and maniacally maintaining and cleaning, etc (me) and then one day actually get some decent money for it when you sell it. It is a "special" car because of the fanatical feelings it engenders in people who see and/or drive it.

On the other hand, I think that "regular" 996s, "regular" 964s, most 944s, and all 986s will likely continue to fall, level off, and then stay put. They're good/great cars, but in the end not "special" cars.

If I were to sell my 7K mile Carrara White GT3 that's been DE'd but fanatically maintained (and has CS seats, TQ roll bar and Schroth Harnesses) right now, I would plan on getting 75K for it (or not selling it). Late next year, I would plan on 68-70K, After that probably something in the 60's. In ten years I'd be thinking that I'd probably be getting close to where I am now (75K) and seeing prices climb after that. My 2c.

 

I don't know, but buying a GT3 for in the 60s would probably yield very little depreciation since it's largely already happened. That wouldn't be a bad financial move.

 

+1. I think the 996 GT3 will go the way of the RSA as "the" choice 911 track car in the 2010+ timeframe. I think the purists will prefer it over the 997 GT3 variant.... My $0.02.

Until then, I will continue to leave the track with a big grin on my face... I am so committed, that I now keep it at the track in a garage... Let the slippery slope continue!

(Looking back, this is definitely worth the money in both memories and pictures/videos! I love my Gt3.)

-B