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YOUR RESEARCH996s shouldn?t be this affordable
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"it" model
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I will go out on a limb and say that the majority of 996 owners today didnt own their 996 back when it was the new "it" model.
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It was the biggest selling Porsche model in history at that time and a big freaking hit.
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Part of that difference in production numbers between the 993 and 964 was due to changes at the production line.
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I ran into that same issue when I was looking for a low mileage white manual Carrera 2 - there were hardly any anywhere!
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I ended up paying in the upper 30s for one of the very few I could find since it was at a local dealer and I could have it inspected by my favorite shop.
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It makes me sad to say this but eventually the market will only consist of 996s that were well maintained for all or a vast majority of their lives, at which point, the market will change dramatically.
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(2) running the math years ago on the out of pocket costs (purchase price, service costs, parts replacement, engine rebuild) and financial losses (depreciation) incurred by continually trading up for the next 911 model and realized that it was cheaper to buy the one you like, enhance it the way you want, and then keep it, drive it and enjoy it.
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Folks discussing in the 992 forum about the 992.2 are talking about how expensive the new cars are. It�s now $122k for a base 911, and the GTS is upwards of $200k.
Since so many items have gone up in price these last 5 years or so, not just cars, but many items, something is amiss in the 996 world.
Prices for 996s cannot stay this low for long. I know we have that thread about prices going up, and they did during Covid. Sure, they are still holding, but still, the days of the $20k 996 are still around.
It�s wild you can still find a Porsche 911 for $25k here and there.
Think about this: I have a triple black manual 99 C2 Cab. Isn�t not really anything special. It could sell for $25k, $28k, $30k, $32k. But here�s the problem: how many triple black manual 99 Cabs are there for sale? I go to Cars.com and search the nation, and I see only one for sale.
I don�t think it will be that much longer that folks can pickup a 996 in the 20�s. Same goes for the Boxster S.
Perhaps after they are all past the 25YR (antique plates) status we will see prices into the 30�s and 40�s.
I know some of you will rightly point out that we already have 996s well into the 30�s and 40�s, some even much higher. All true.
But there are some still in the 20�s, that�s my point. It�s bizarre, and it cannot last.
The crazy thing is that not only is the price insanely low, but if you like the lightweight sports car feel of the earlier 911's, a base 996 is the best driving of all of 911 models ever produced. I say that without any asterisks. If you're a power junky, get a newer 911 model, or a Turbo or GT, but if you just want the best driving 911 sports car there is, I don't think you can beat a 6-sp/coupe/2wd 996. How often is the best driving model also the least expensive (by a wide margin) to buy????
Polarizing styling, loads of BHPH examples, tons of well documented critical engine issues, and just sheer production numbers will hold the 996 down for awhile yet.
Once a lot of the bad and abused cars get pulled from circulation, you may see values rise more. The special cars like the early �98, 40AE, 2000ME, aerokits, PTS/rare colors, and the like already command a decent price.
Just picked up an early build (1/98) with nearly zero options (even has 17" wheels) which should make it one of the lightest 996 models for not much more than a well used VW GTI.
I ran into that same issue when I was looking for a low mileage white manual Carrera 2 - there were hardly any anywhere! I ended up paying in the upper 30s for one of the very few I could find since it was at a local dealer and I could have it inspected by my favorite shop. Silver cabriolet? All over the place. White coupe? Good luck!
I said this in the other thread too. I was looking at 992s but saw a 2003 C2 with 21K miles with good service history and IMS bearing update for $45K near me. I test drove it with a friend who has a 997.2 GTS and I bought it on the spot. I've always wanted a 911 and the 996 is amazing. After driving the 996 about 2K miles the last two months the desire for a 992 is gone. The 996 is so fun and engaging to drive everyday. I don't need anymore power and to me that is all the 992 really adds. I have a 718 with the more modern infotainment and I've realized all the extra creature comforts and technology don't do anything for me.
More often then not I pick the keys to the 996 over my 718 GT4 for my daily commute. Might be because it is new to to me so we'll see how it goes long term. The 996 price to fun ratio is unbelievable. I'll take the $100K I saved from not getting a 992 to get a Flat 6 engine upgrade or maybe another car with a different driving experience down the line (S2000, NSX, Z3M coupe, old AMGs are on the short list).
The polarizing styling thing has gone away for the most part.
Engine rebuilds for the 996 are no worse than any of the other 911s, if not 1.5X to 2X cheaper than the other models. By the time an engine gets to 25 years and 150,000 miles, a 911 owner will need to understand that the engine may need to be rebuilt.
Wellll, I did have a 2DIN Alpine head unit put in mine with android auto, and front and back cameras. I'm old and spoiled, I know, but I really like those features. With those additions my little C2 Coupe is better than most of the new cars I've encountered - it doesn't flash, beep, squawk, vibrate, or otherwise try to split my attention when there's something serious going on. It doesn't turn itself off when it feels like it. It doesn't help drive whether I want it to or not. I'll take the ABS though - I'm not that good at cadence braking. Awesome car with old-school functionality combined with a more modern interior. Another thing - today's sportscars have so many vents, ducts, fins, etc, that they look like they're ready to defend the Frontier against Xur and the Kodan armada. Nothing wrong with that look, but I loooove the clean lines and look of my little '02 C2.
Mike, I agree with you.
The headlight bs coupled with a complete lack of understanding of the issues and the availability and affordability of preventative solutions all play a part.
We still have many owners and potential owners that dont get how easy it is to bullet proof these cars. But what's encouraging is that many of the new owners have read up on issues and preventative procedures and are proactively addressing everything at the beginning of ownership. Great to see.
Funny thing is the biggest issue which is bore scoring, can afflict all water cooled models from the 986 to the 991, but even bore scoring can be mitigated and managed. Haven't yet seen anything on the 992 and bore scoring, but who knows.
We can tell the 996 market is still misunderstood accross the board when a 996 Turbo is getting the same price as a C4S. Not to mention when a C4S is getting susbtantially more than a 40AE. Shows us that the market still doesn't understand the 996 variants, issues and plethora of solutions that are available.
But to your point, it's only a matter of time. At least we have stopped focusing on the headlights.
I was in Porsche South Orlando on Tuesday, and they had a 2022 Cab for $122K. and my first thought was that I could buy 5 or 6 996s for that and drive a different one every day.
The problem as I see it is that there are still 996s in the market that have never been properly cared for but still run, and most of us on this board would never buy one of these. We also see people on this site every week that are surprised that something went catastrophically wrong within weeks of purchase despite the ample buyer beware information on the web. That gives the whole 996 market a black eye.
It makes me sad to say this but eventually the market will only consist of 996s that were well maintained for all or a vast majority of their lives, at which point, the market will change dramatically. I don't think it will take more than another 2-3 years for this to play out.
And yeah, no one craps on the headlights anymore. They look more modern now than they ever did.
IMHO this combined with high production numbers will keep prices low for the foreseeable future.
The market is full of 996s that were treated like the sub 20K used cars they were for many years.
Just go to Cars and Bids and see for yourself.
I�m convinced that the 996 will always be the cheapest entry into the 911 world
Not that there�s anything wrong with that
Anecdotally, when plugging in my 2000 XAA's MSRP on an inflation calculator comes out to roughly $145k today. $122k for a new base model, while not "great" (whatever that Porsche definition is for you), doesn't seem far off base. Then comparing buying a bunch of 996's that are still at a heavy low comparatively (much like 964's and others saw for a time), seems odd.
996's were mass produced and inventory (especially good low mile) will always dwindle with any model or series as it ages. That means, there will always be 20-30k options out there that actually got used or maybe didn't get proper maintenance, it's the outliers that bring the bucks over time (Supra, NSX, E46, hell even a low mile Type R Integra). The economy & older collector car demand, will all be different in 2044 (24 years forward just like my 996 - who the hell can truly speculate at this point), so maybe 992's then will be the 996's of now.
Enjoy your car, enjoy the drive.
Well, when you factor in inflation, base price for a 1981 911 would be about $100K today. A 2011 would be about $110K, and 2024 base is $120K. So, yes, they have been going up, but the same is probably true for every make and model. Safety and fuel economy have added costs ove the years, so it makes sense.
The 996's valuation has not risen as much due mostly to its looks and the stigma attached to it. It's still a great car, but overshadowed by the 997 and subsequent models. I guess Harm Lagaay must have thought the world would go "Oooh - Ahh" with the 996 first debut, but the world sort of screwed up their mouths and it kind of stuck, despite all of the technological advancements. Even the doors were stronger and better, but people complained about the sound of it closing.
Porsche was forced back to the drawing board to make the 997 doors sound like the air cooled thunk. And they revamped the interior and headlights for good measure. Go figure.
Personally, I'm glad the 996 is "affordable", at least relatively. It provides a gateway for young enthusiasts to join the Porsche ranks. God knows we need the new blood. The latest models have become more like status symbols. Just look at the ADMs some people are paying.
Maybe I am wired a bit differently, but I think I could more easily justify an engine rebuild if it didn�t cost as much as or more than the car purchase itself. I�m sure that�s some kind of logical fallacy though or could be hand waved away by saying �you should have considered that before buying the car.�
No, I think you are right. A new GT3 engine is $80k or more, and that�s new and a GT3 is $200k all day long. So that�s what I mean, the 996 should cost at least $50-$60k based on engine rebuild costs, lol.
The world did go "Oooh-Ahh" over the 996. I remember it clearly. Everyone was complaining about how slow, antiquated and ugly their air cooled 911s were in relation the the 996 during track days. Everyone was in awe of the brand new 996. I remember my first driving instructor eventually sold his 964 RS America in frustration.
All you have to do is look at the number of 996s sold. It was the biggest selling Porsche model in history at that time and a big freaking hit.
I will go out on a limb and say that the majority of 996 owners today didnt own their 996 back when it was the new "it" model. Today's 996 owners have been conditioned by the same BS that happened to the 964 and 1995 993 with the basket handle.
Good to see the people and markets finally came to their senses. But it took a long time for the people to weed thru the BS. Same is happening with the 996. But it takes time.
Yep, and so on, and so on with every new model until it isn't.
It's a fallacy that the 996 wasn't popular and sought after as the new model. Back in the day, it was just as hot to the world as the 992 is today. Why, because it was the all new whizbang 911 and everybody wanted one, as demonstrated by its sales.
So let's put into perspective the home run that Porsche hit with the 996 by comparing the number of cars produced and sold by porsche by model according to the porsche.com.
964 - 63,762 cars
993 - 68,881
996 - 175,262 (more than the 964 & 993 combined)
997 - 213,004
991 - 233,540
On any scale, the 996 was a HUGE incremental success over the previous 964 and 993 air cooled models. It's success paved the way for the water cooled 997, 991 and now 992.
Part of that difference in production numbers between the 993 and 964 was due to changes at the production line. Porsche could only hand build so many cars a year.
Porsche's breakthrough was being able to ramp up (modernize) production and lower production costs (increase profit) along with a new model, the Boxster. It was the pivot point.
The one factor that demonstrates the discord amongst Porsche owners with the 996 is the resale numbers (compared to all other models).
Not that I am unhappy with what I own. It is a great car just like all 996s are and a great value today.
You write this as though the 996 is some big secret that the rest of the Porsche world isn't aware of. Porsche buyers and sports car buyers are
well
aware of them.
996s show up in every time when someone search for: "Porsche 911" [sort by price - low]
They just aren't buying them. Which is fine. But, that's the reality of it all. Porsche buyers are spending good money on the 996 Turbo, GT3, and GT2...because they buy them for the performance. Those who buy the non-fast 911s of all generations, buy them for the styling. The non-fast 996 don't sell at a premium because they styling is (was?) the least desirable.
What's more, every day the prices of the non-fast (but more stylish than the non-fast 996) 997s and 991s go down, making them more attractive to folks who want the look.
I bought my 996 C4S WB because it has one of the best looking a$$es of all 911s. If the 996 C4S weren't available (for conversation's sake), I wouldn't have bought a 996 NB for a steal and I wouldn't have jumped up in cash to buy the 996 Turbo/GT3/GT2. I probably would have bought a 997 NB or BMW M3. No way in hell I was gonna buy a vert (of any make/model).
The 996 prices will always be lower than 996 fans expect. And now that they are within reach of younger buyers, don't be surprised if they get a new stigma of being, "the entry level 911 for kids".
So, this is from a guy who is constantly in the car market as a hobby.
No, people are buying plenty of them.
The 996 is one of the hottest cars in the used car market. Just ask any Porsche dealer. They are all looking for 996 trade-ins because they sell quickly. Problem is there is alot of 996 supply due to the sales success of the 996 model.
Just be glad you didn't pay top dollar for a 997, 991 or 992. As Marv points out, even more of those babies have been manufacturered and sold than the 996. They will be riding a depreciation cycle that won't be kind.
I lived thru it back in the day. There was no discourse or complaints on styling when the 996 was released. Everybody loved the new 996 or it wouldn't have crushed 993 and 964 sales. These babies sold like hotcakes.
Maybe I should have clarified that people aren't buying them at the premium that OP is suggesting that they should sell for.
It's very difficult to sell a C2 for $30-$40K when there are so many of them.
And if the suggestion that the 996s will go up in value as their numbers wane over time (due to wrecks, neglect, and normal attrition), my assertion that the 997s and 991s will become less and less expensive as they age and get miles on them seems to line up with yours:
First of all, I don't really care what happens to the 996 market -- if I win the lottery 10 times in a row, I will still keep the 996.1 I own right now (don't think I can find a better one for my needs). I don't think your comment that people "know" the 996 is accurate at all. Most people are internet educated about the 996, which means they've heard oodles of horrible stuff, and that 996's are the worst car, but they've never driven any 996 (so they don't really know anything about it), nor have they driven any other of the 911 models (so they don't know how the 996 stacks up). The second thing is that even people who own a 996 may not know 996's. Why? Because the way they drive changes completely based upon options (most profoundly Tip or 6sp, 2wd or 4wd, cab or coupe. Unless you've driven all the models of 996, you don't really know what the 996 can be.
We've all benefited purchase-price-wise because of internet-educated ignorance, combined with presumptive ignorance (e.g. Porsche owners who have never driven a 996 but presume it's horrible). I've owned several air-cooled 911's, all of which are worth many multiples of my 996. And even though I am a huge fan of the earlier lightweight 911's, the 996 is profoundly better in every way. It's a highly unique model in Porsche's entire line-up -- it's lighter than the both the 993 and 964 models that came before it (when has that ever happened????) and it only weighs 35 lbs more than the late 80's G50 Carrera 3.2 (but the 996 is profoundly more powerful, plus power steering). The 996 uniquely captures the great light feel of the early cars, but with way more power, better handling, and creature comforts.
Very few people realize any of this about the 996 -- which is the single thing that makes the 996 so special among all 911 models. So, no, people don't know the 996. They just think they do (and literally 99% of them are wrong because they've "learned" about them from the internet). As long as they stay uninformed, we can all buy cheap 996's. Viva la ignorance!
I agree with all of the above.
Here's how that all works:
- When they know, they want. When they want, there is competition to buy. When there is competition to buy, prices go up.
- You've made a great case for why they don't know and will likely never know. And thus, the prices will never go up.
The only thing that will make the prices go up are popular YouTubers, Instagramers, etc... actually buying 996 C2s and convertibles, not Turbos, GT3s, GT2s, and raving about them and thus introducing them to the next generation. They already buy the 996 fast cars and rave about them, and those prices are already inflated.
All of the Porsche people who are gonna buy these either already have them or they are going after budget GT and Turbo cars, like so:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Porsche/com..._not_the_last/
Basically, the internet hype game.
There are lots of internet hype for older cars our there, but they are almost exclusively the top of the range for these cars. The E46 M3, not the E46 325i. The Subaru Impreza WRX, not the Impreza. The E39 M5, not the E39 525i.
I agree that the 996 is a great generation. But, I'm saying that the hype follows the top cars in the line and doesn't really trickle down to the others.
Again, if some YouTuber out there figures out how to take a C2 and get 400-500 HP into it reliably, easily and on a budget, then it can happen. But, I can't see that happening. There are those guys who are putting Audi turbo engines in these. But, I'm not sure how that's going or how much it costs.
Also, modern hype seems to follow HP, not handling. So, many of the 90's and early 2000's vintage cars that get love now are the ones that made loud noises and did burnouts like the AMG cars.
And to echo my point in the previous post, no one is checking for the non-AMG cars from those generations.
I agree the 996 was a success beyond what was expected - but the success of the Boxster paved the way for the 996.1 and the success of the Cayenne paved the way for the 997. Selling a $35 Touareg for $100k was rather brilliant.
It was kinda the other way around. The Cayenne/Touareg/Q7 was an amazing vehicle. I'm not familiar with the Q7 (never owned one), but I'm very familiar with the 7P Touareg and it was more Porsche than VW or Audi. It shared very little with the other VW siblings. It even had 5x130 wheels and many other components (even seats) would direct swap from Cayennes into Touaregs.
So, the real bargain was getting Cayenne tech for a VW price.
I wonder if we can speculate how the market has changed by type of buyer.
When new, perhaps the 996 was bought by:
Wealthy people?
Hard core 911 fans who wanted the latest model?
Those who thought they'd like a Mercedes, but once the 996 because a modern and refined 911 it then it entered the Mercedes market?
Regular moms and dads who made some $ in the tech boom?
And.......
Today, perhaps the 996 buyers are:
Sports car enthusiasts who can now have a 911 rather than a Miata or a BMW or VW GTI?
Long time Porsche entry level lovers (944, 912, Boxster) who can now move up to a 911?
Retired guys who now have the means to get into a Porsche of some kind?
Collectors: for the ones that have under 15K miles and in excellent condition?
And.....
I don't know, I am just trying to make educated guesses. But it's not only about the car, it is about the buyer characteristics. Hoping to stimulate thoughts on how the buyer side has changed in 25 years.
You are dead right. You can in fact compare today's 992 buyers and mindset with the original 996 buyers and mindset. It's the same demographic. Same socioeconomic background. Every buyer of a new 911 thinks it's the greatest 911 ever and will pay up.
There is a huge driving difference, and ownership experience in a "cared for" 996 or any other 911. Standard service intervals don't constitute "cared for" in a 996 those with an IMS pre-qualification. Nickies displacement, UAOS, and full suspension upgrades/interior refresh - drive differently - way better than a close to standard serviced 996. And are much less likely to bite after purchase.
There are certainly more speculators than there used to be thanks to the 996 clearly being at or near the bottom of the depreciation cycle. There are people that get interested in the platform because it's a cheap *911*; there are folks chomping at the chance to flex they own a *911*, for cheap; there are people who look at the price tag (ignoring maintenance) and ask why they should spend $25k on a used Miata or M3 instead; and there are people like me who bought one to develop stuff for the tinkerers. I don't think there's anything particularly special about the new buyer demographic, it's the ones that hang on for 20+ years that are interesting since statistically they've spent quite a lot of money keeping a heavily depreciating car online.
Good list to add to
@911Syncro
list for used 996 buyers.
Appreciate any and all folks that develop "stuff" for the 996 tinkerer. Keep developing!
Haha, the guys that keep their 996 for 20+ years like me ended up...
(1) finding the right car that they enjoy owning and driving,
(2) running the math years ago on the out of pocket costs (purchase price, service costs, parts replacement, engine rebuild) and financial losses (depreciation) incurred by continually trading up for the next 911 model and realized that it was cheaper to buy the one you like, enhance it the way you want, and then keep it, drive it and enjoy it.
But it's easy to appreciate the 996 since I have driven just about all of the various models of the 964, 993, 996, 997, 991 and 992 on the track. When you get to compare and contrast the different models it certainly helps to confirm how attractive the 996 is on the street and track and why long-term ownership is a must.
This is an interesting thread. I agree that the 996 generation of the 911 is undervalued in the market. It has been that way for a long time. For reference, I bought my 2002 996 C4S nearly 20 years ago with ~60K miles on the odometer. I paid under $30K for it. I’m not sure what a similar car would fetch today, but I don’t believe that it’s much more than that. For what it’s worth, I loved my 996 and it was a pleasure to own and drive.
My son is currently shopping 996 cars, and he has looked at many examples in the $25K range. Most of them have some kind of issues. These include cosmetic issues, deferred maintenance issues, high mileage, etc. When he does stumble across a good 996 with the right combination of colors, options, and mileage, it is out of his price range.
I won’t pretend to be an expert on what drives prices on cars like the 996, but my guess is that the relatively high production numbers are part of it. I think the 996 is also in a strange spot between the older, air-cooled cars and the modern 911s. My son is in his early 30s. He’s never owned a car that didn’t have bluetooth phone connectivity, Sirius XM radio, etc. The switch to a 996 from his 2018 Macan would be a big step backwards in terms of technology. I don’t know if he’s going to do it or not.
Yup. I did that in my 996 also. My point was that these cars are getting pretty old now and that kind of stuff needs to be addressed before these cars appeal to some of the younger crowd.
I am a millennial that is getting close to 40 and just bought a 996.2 C2 a couple months ago. I have an E90 M3 since 2008 and a 718 GT4 since 2021. Loved the E36 and E46 M3s growing up in the 90s but 911s always felt a little bit out of reach. Like GC996 mentioned above, Porsche is the best marketing company on the planet. When I bought my M3 in 2008, the 997.1 GT3 was released around the same time and that was my dream car. A Porsche GT car was my goal but unfortunately other priorities and the price appreciation of GT3s kept those just out of reach. I found the GT4 right at the early pandemic when prices were low (I bought it for less than MSRP) and went for it.
Like most car enthusiasts I am always thinking about cars, checking prices and see what is near me at certain dealerships. I still wanted a 911 at some point but didn't want to give up the M3 or the GT4 since I loved both. I was worried that by the time I could add a 3rd car the 911 would be a hybrid, no manual or some combination of the two, which I am not a huge fan of.
I see a 20K mile 996.2 C2 with good service records pop up at a very reputable dealer near me for $45K. The first thought in my mind was, I can buy a practically new 911 for the price of a Civic Type-R? How can I pass this up? At this point I had never driven a 911. I go test drive the car and in person the car is beautiful. I had fallen into the trap that the headlights were ugly etc. but when I saw the car in person the headlights fit the car well and the overall aesthetics are great. Compare how a 996 looks to a new M3, M2 or Corvette etc. and its not even close. The 996 wins by a mile in my opinion.
All that to say, I agree the 996 should NOT be this affordable and I paid a premium for a low mileage and well taken care of example. I have the means and I am willing to pay the preventative maintenance costs in the future to keep this car on the road so that was not a factor for me. I think that is a major factor that depresses the price of the 996 because some people my age may be scared of or unable to pay the maintenance on these cars and will buy a new Civic Type-R or GR86 instead that will have less cost in the short term.
Other people my age may want all the latest technology in the car. One attractive area for me was availability of PCCM+ to solve that problem but right now I don't think I'll get it. I may just burn a few CDs to be honest and otherwise I listen the radio or podcasts on my phone speaker, which is fine.
I think you may have a group of buyers in their 30-40s who want to experience these cars but they might gravitate to the 997, without realizing how amazing the 996 really is. I was in that place to be honest but the lower price of entry to the 996 was what drew me in first but now I am totally a 996 convert after driving this car 2,500 miles. The price of my 996 C2 plus a decent 996 GT3 would 100% be less than a mildly specced 992.2 GTS. I think I would choose the C2 and GT3 over just a 992.2.
The Blaupunkt Frankfurt was perfect for me. I removed a double-din CarPlay unit to install it.
I have a 2016 X5M as the family ride, and a big media center and large maps are appropriate there. But, in the 996, a single-din radio with BT audio and phone is
perfect
. It fits the vibe and solves all problems. If I need a map, I'll just use my phone. Also, maps were difficult to see when I did have CarPlay in my 996. The radio sits kinda low
and
the angle is such that there is a lot of glare on the screen somehow. The experience wasn't good. The Blaupunkt Frankfurt is great. Plus I now have double cubbys!
I went from this:
to this:
and couldn't be happier.
I documented the journey here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...do-i-need.html
The E36 and E46 M3 were also �too affordable� maybe 10 years ago when I was looking. Easily, I could find E46s in the teens. It was a tough choice between the M3 and the 996 that came down to real back seats and the exclusivity of the 911.
How are M3 prices today?
E46 M3 prices are still very affordable -- you can still find decent drivers in the high teens & low-mid 20s. Same for the Z4M coupe (mid 30s for a decent one) which is probably the last BMW I would ever have any interest in owning.
I think the M96.0 996s are fairly priced for what you get (discounting for perceived chance of catastophic failure & general high upkeep costs). I don't really understand why P-car drivetrains cost so much -- I find it quite funny that it's probably cheaper or equal money to keep a 360/430 on the road as a 996.
Dixit appropriate name for a member with over 16k rennlist messages
you do lack knowledge and or communication skills please explain to the 996 people why you vomit a comment like this
I bought a 7/98 build 996 coupe, black on black, bone stock, no options, and the forsaken tiptronic (i know, flame me lol) with 78k miles, for 25k 2 years ago. he wanted nearly 30k lol. i know i overpaid for it, which i regret not talking him down more. it was in good condition and i still enjoy driving it as a daily in the city. i've already spent a lot of money on it (aerokit, aos, tires, brakes, suspension, fuel injectors, coilpacks, new/used 50k mile trans. and misc. other problems that needed fixing), i dont expect to get my money back in anyway, im just here for the ride lol. i do know that i should be able to AT LEAST, get 25k back whenever i do decide to sell (currently dont, but have thought about it). 996s should be owned to be driven, not bought to be expected to make a profit off them. unless theyre extremely low milage cars.
porsche sold 175,000 996's, many more than any previous model. It was wildly successful in its own right and the 997 version of the 996 sold another 212k cars. To suggest the 996 was unloved beyond a vocal minority, is baselesss.
Besides the major transformations and innovations that Porsche created in the 996 that’s enjoyed today
the bashing that some guys want to create is based on production problems on only 10-15% of cars produced?
isnt this on par with most automakers today
Yep. Go to any Porsche shop and ask them about the block swaps that have occurred with the 991 and 992 engine failures. They don't rebuild because it's too costly. Just like the m96 engine full block swaps done in the early years, they would rather swap the engine.
Every engine and every car has issues, but you don't hear much about them until years later on Rennlist when it's out of warranty and someone buys the car and has to pay for it. We are extremely lucky we own the 996. Every issue known to man has been identified with well thought out and affordable replacement and preventative procedures and solutions.
I feel bad for the 991 and 992 owners when they are out of warranty. Unfortunately, they will be a money pit. But prices will fall in response. Just the way the car market works.
The 996 is in a sweet spot.
But we all know, you dont buy a sports car as an investment. You buy it because you want to have some fun.
Every 911 is romanticized and therefore overpriced EXCEPT for the 996... so it's also the only generation where most owners are rather real about what we own. I'm 100% here for it even if it means dropping $20k on the M96 later to make it do what I want. I already put >$30k into blowing up BMW M5X's and people swear up and down that those are bulletproof, it's a wonderful thing when I can spend half of that and get Skip's assurance that it won't lose oil pressure!
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.