997.2 Carrera might depreciate another 5-15% depending on model and options. knock off another 6-10% for every 10k miles you put on the car.
also, don't have an accident
Also, don't own during a recession

 

I don think you are going to see much depreciation on the 997, as long as its a 6MT coupe. I've actually seen a bit of appreciation on low mile cars over the last 18 months, particularly 997.2. On the other hand, the 991.1 looks to have had a pretty steep drop with prices starting to trade lower than 997.2's.

I wouldn't shy away from the 997.1 either. You are going to get a lot better selection in your price range. I saw a low mile X51 with PCCB brakes go for $50k on Bringatrailer.com. I take that over a base 997.2 anyday.

 

 

Jeez. On a lighter note though, if I had to have that kind of discussion and calculations with my wife for each car I bought I would never have bought much more than a Buick or a Ford sedan. With all the variables involved including two completely different cars, the economy, other global events and the fact that this will never be even close to an exact science no matter how much effort you put into it I honestly don't see how it's a constructive exercise you're engaged in. Buy the car you want. If cared for as well as you say, neither one will make you money in the short term and neither one will bankrupt you. If I was forced to make a prediction on which one would hold its value best over time I would say the 997.2. It was made in pretty small quantities during the recession and some say it was even over engineered after the issues with the 997.1 so I think it will have a lot of appeal going forward. Especially since the 991 is a bit controversial and seems to depreciate at a pretty steep curve. My 2c....

 

997 all the way! The MB will depreciate down to zero. No matter how many miles are on the 997, I don't see it much below 30k. In 5 years, you will be listing the MB for $7500.

With that said, if you really want "economical", buy a 1st-gen Toyota Tacoma 5-speed. Those things can be driven for free, and even appreciate in the right market. Mine did! It was worth more at 190k miles than it was at 150k miles.

 

I think the remark that coupes hold their value better is nonsense. That may have been true with initial depreciation, but it would be damn hard to prove now that the 997.2 is 5 - 9 years old and on the second or third owner. Go to CarGurus, select a given year and model in both coupe and cabriolet form and tell me you can find a pattern. Remember, everything is an expensive option on a 911.

 

These discussions just make me shake my head. Paralysis by analysis, and meanwhile life's pleasure keep just floating by, while you stand on the sidelines and watch.

As to the cars, not even close. If you want to dally to the golf course on Sundays, by the MB E 350 cab; if you want a sports car to carve the canyons or do an occasional track DE, by the 997. If you want something that will hold value, buy a Monet or pump the cash into a mutual fund of some sort. If you need your wife's sign-off/permission, then ask her to pick. Sorry not trying to be brutal, but sometimes you just need to go for what will give you enjoyment, since after all, that's the only thing a Porsche is for. Look for and buy a 997 cab, and report back with pictures

 

Buy the Porsche! Your wife loves you and wants you to be happy. The Porsche will make you happiest!
Good luck in the hunt.
T

 

997.2...but what did you expect asking the question here. Go over to the MB forums and ask the question there too.

 

 

Permission will be based on what car the wife likes driving.
If she is allowed to drive either car??? You estimate 10k per year?
If wife likes the car, she will add an additional 8000 miles onto your projected maximum millage.
Get the car she will hate, thus keeping the millage down, and keeping your depreciation to a minimum.