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I stand corrected (re the engine platform of the M3/M4).
Regarding the SUV as a DD, I live 3 hours from you in Lafayette, and the heavy rain and bad roads here are exactly the reason I"m considering keeping a SUV as as DD.
I just thought maybe a M3 could be enough to get by here as a DD, while still being plenty fun.
I already drive a BMW X6 as my DD, but it's 6 years old and past the extended warranty, so I'm going to sell it and want something I can beat up, while being reliable.
That's why I'm considering the 4runner. I've test driven it and it will of course be a huge change from my X6, but I like the trail premium with KDSS suspension in terms of its drive. And I love the reliability and low cost of ownership/high resale value of 4 runners.
The more I think about it, the more I think I'm really going to regret giving up my GTS. I'm fortunate enough that finances aren't the issue/reason to give it up and can have what I want as as DD AND keep the GTS if I wanted, but don't see the value of having both the M3 and GTS. I would rather have a SUV if I'm going to go the 2 car route.
We can debate the value of a future Porsche for pages here. You can never sell a car that is terrible or you hate. You only sell a car that you like or love. Every car I've sold, I miss. I should have kept the last 60. I should have kept my 1976 brian hart twin cam Lotus Elan... blah blah
Your GTS? Every manufacturer will build anything to order. Rare? Unless its a limited build, there could be an unlimited supply. Your GTS value? It could go up, it could go down. I would call it stable value. Your not driving this car a lot from your millage. Why not bring the car with you and see if you really like it at your new place. You can sell it there, if you see fit, then.
While I could dd the 997, I do like having the suv as it makes getting in the Porsche even that much more special. While the 997 will occasionally see a mall or grocery store parking lot, it's nice to have a beater for the days you have to run 10 places close by, have to carry something big, or the days you want to go for hike, or days you know your likely to hit some heavy traffic.
I agree having an SUV and the GTS is a perfect combination.
I only regret selling one of my former cars. I had a '95 BMW 540i that while not a sports car was a blast to drive. I subsequently had a '03 540i and it was a disappointment. Had all kinds of repair / maintenance issues that the '95 didn't.
I consider selling my 997 because I am not driving it that much and with the traffic these days in the bay area a lot of the fun factor is gone. The only time I can drive it in a "spirited" manner is if I get up early on a Sunday and head for the hills.
The reason I hesitate to sell the 997 is because I also know what a great car it is. It's the best I've owned on many levels. I keep thinking if I sell it I will look back and have a major case of seller's remorse.
Hmm, I'm pretty sure many of the cars you mention here, especially the older air-cooled models, are money in the bank. Though there may be bubbles and dips in the future, no doubt that the longer you hold them, the more they will be worth.
Sure, I can sell my 993 C4S now for $70K, but I'd be willing to bet in 20 years, it'll be worth much more than that by orders of magnitude. 356s are a good reference for how old air-cooled Porsche are pricing many decades later, and they made many many 356s.
I'll think I'll hold on to my 993 C4S. Talk to you in 20 years and let you know if I made more than $70K on it
You'll have to sell for about $300,000 in 20 years to break even vs selling it for $70,000 now.
Can't offer much insight as to value projections for the 997, but I can offer my experience with 4Runners- you will NOT find a better value in an SUV or car in my opinion. Reliable, SMOOTH AS GLASS with michelin's, utilitarian and highly capable. Resale value as you stated is incredible.
I've owned 2 and never had a problem with either. Just sold my 06 with 153K to a good friend. I have no doubt it will run to 300K with just routine oil changes.
My opinion (biased of course) would be to keep the 997 and pick up a 4Runner of any generation. I'm partial to 4th and 5th gen 4Runners.
Provided you have done your work, bought the right car and are happy with your choice, then it is always better to hold onto it. Every car, or motorcycle- come to think of it just about every thing of any significance (watches, turntables, furniture) it all works the same: big declines in resale value the first ten years or so, followed by first stabilization, then gradual increases. Thirty years later, worth more than new. Everything like this I have ever owned- Yamaha RD-350, Basis 2000, even a Seiko digital watch!- in good condition today sells for more now than it did when new. My 911SC is worth a lot more than new. Since I bought it around the bottom of the depreciation curve its probably worth more than what I paid, plus all parts and labor, probably even including gas!
For some reason however, and in spite of this being practically an immutable law of the universe, hardly anyone seems to be aware of it. I put this down to the combined efforts of Madison Avenue, manufacturers, governments and, of course, the banksters.
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