Why Do You Care So Much About Your Car?s ?Value??

Its certainly not going to appreciate up anytime soon, so why focus on it so much? It�s not an investment, its not real estate, it�s not your 401k, it�s not your kid�s college fund. If your 996 dropped $5k in �value� tomorrow, what are you going to do? Sell it, or just make another post about it? So some dingus gets a deal on a 996 just like yours for $10k less than what you paid. Who gives a F? Is your 996 all of a sudden worth $10k less to you ? The way I see it, my property taxes are smaller, but its still worth a million to me. Are you any less excited about it when you walk up to it in your garage? If so, you are in the wrong car. Daily drive it, rub it, track it, detail it, etc. The constant moaning of �values� makes us look like another set of Porsche owners who think their cars can drive on water, and not get wet.

Fair post. I think the only thing that bothers me is that 6 months after I bought my car it could have been had for 6k less. But you're right, it's mine now, I love it, and what its value is doesn't really bother me outside the "If something terrible happened and I had to offload all my belongings, how much would I end up with" line of thought.

EXACTLY. Always buy a car based on what you think it's worth at the time you buy it. Afterwards, it's a done deal. I mean, if people were always worried about value, they would NEVER buy a computer. It's the same thing with a house. If you didn't stretch, and it's fallen in value, but you're planning to enjoy it for years, who cares? Man, more people care about money than care about enjoying what they already have and living well. Then again, you're talking to a guy who could pick up a brand new TT tomorrow but still drive my almost 9 year old cab because it still gives me a spring in my step when I walk up to it.

Don't care here. Havn't sold a car in the past 7 years and honestly don't ever intend to sell any of them ever unless I'd be absolutely stupid not to due to a rediculous offer. I'm trying to buy back my drag truck I built when I was in HS. I guess I just get attached to them. Andy

It only really hurts when you buy new, but then you have to expect high depreciation rates. I still think buying a high-end sports car for half price (or less) w/ 25k mi on the clock is a screaming deal.

I love my 996, these cars are meant to be enjoyed... nothing else!

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+1

Opportunity cost is what one usually associates with value on a good or service. Since money is the medium used to make the exchanges of services and goods in our lives; it becomes the yard stick. I am glad your million dollar house is still worth a million dollars to you because it sure isn't to anyone else right now. Hopefully; it will change in the future. For example: I am currently thinking about buying a 964 in addition to my current car or selling the 996 and upgrading to a turbo. That is why monetary value is important. We are all happy for you that you will never sell any of your cars/houses you buy. I deal with the fact that material goods age and will need replacing. I do it in a way that is most economical and not what is most emotional fulfilling. How you measure that is your yard stick.

I care about it for a bunch of stupid reasons, and one not so stupid. Most of it is emotional. I paid a bunch for it not too long ago and now it's worth bunch less. If I'd waited I could have gotten a bigger, badder vehicle. Those who did wait and paid what I paid don't visit the 996 board, they visit the Turbo board. So that makes me jealous and feel like a dope. The subjects of "what it is worth now" and "does it get me excited to drive it" have little in common. Just telling it like it is, I'm shallow However, if my financial picture suddenly changed tomorrow this car would be the very first thing that would go, hands down. Since that is not so far fetched these days, what the car is worth matters in real terms. There is nothing I can do about it but that doesn't mean I'm not going to think about it on occasion.

Watching the market at this minute just make me want to go out and drive it this minute. Unfortunately, 30 degrees here and I only have summer rubber. At least I'm having fun in my 911. I'm not having any fun in any of my stocks/funds/bonds/etc.

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The major market indicies are back to around 2002 low levels. Just think how much your car would have cost in 2002 and then realize how much you just paid for it. It not all that bad!! You should get a set of winter rubbers on your C4S. Make that AWD work. I put my winter treads on my C2 and run it when its clear out. The car feels like its got an extra 15hp because the air is denser.

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Opportunity cost? For a 996? Its huge, no matter how you slice it; its discretionary income. I�m with you there. And the harsh reality is, it�s gone and its not coming back. There are 997s and 996 TTs within the price range of what I paid for my 996 a few months ago, but I wanted this car, with this CPO coverage, with this set of options, this close to me, so I�m happy with it. You�re always in that position though � waiting for something better or cheaper to come along. The grass isn�t always greener on the other side, the brown spots are just in different places. I understand, but the impression I take away from these threads, not yours specifically, is the constant hang wringing and personal detriment due to the values. My point is, if you�re not in that dire circumstance, enjoy it!

I'll certainly do winter rubber next year. Just bought the wife a MacBook, got a V1, have 2 sets of summer tires in the shed for our DD (not much extra room for another set). So I may hold off this year.

I think the only reason I even contemplate the value of my 911 is when I think about a trade, and that's only because you can buy 6 turbos and 997s so inexpensively right now (many for about what my C2 went for in 2007). Unless you're selling/trading today, what difference does value make? You can't lever against it really, so I fail to see the logic.

Sounds like my house. Value had increased incredibly since I bought it (although taxes are going up). I don't care how much I can get for it because I love it and don't want to leave it. I can make it to NYC in 1 hour, but have the benefit of living in the country. If I sold it and got close to what it's worth, I probably couldn't afford anything in the area. All I know is bottom line "I have a Speed Yellow 911 Carrera 4S and I love it!!"

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It's really too bad that you have this attitude. These cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed for what they are now. Don't equate "turbo" with more expensive or more desirous,--you have been brain washed by Zuffenhausen. Be happy with what you have. Most people will never ever own a Porsche in their lifetime.

Interesting thread. . . I have had some of the thoughts expressed, but most go away with a drive. Purchased a 2003 back in 2007 for a little less than half the price the original owner paid. Today it is down further, but hey it is a car. Like I said, nothing takes care of these feelings faster than a drive. My friends would think we are all crazy to complain--a Porsche is it! Regarding a turbo, GT3, etc. Sure it would be nice, but unless you have unlimited funds there is always something faster. As with many others, I bought the best I could at the time, and still really like it. Actually, if I had my wish, I would come into some money at the same time Dan(Edgy01) wanted to sell his cab. Alas. . .

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WOW!!!! +100

If, I still had my 996.......I would say "because I a'int rich", that's why....

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+1 I Love Mine

To the OP...I agree. I never cared what the street value of my car is....it's like those commercials. Paid this and that blah, blah, blah....owning your dream car, priceless. That is my car!

I agree that if you can't enjoy the car for what it is, regardless of current value, you are missing out! I also agree with Deckman's point - the odds of being out of work for an extended period of time have risen daily since last October. If I lose my job, the 996 will be my emergency money. The fact that it is losing value daily doesn't help. I guess if I lost my job, and the car become worthless, I wouldn't have to sell it - until that first repair!

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Me, too. Drive it over an f-ing cliff.

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I am sure some of us, myself included, have pissed away 10Gs on something like a week in Vegas and not have enjoyed it as much.

So true!!!!!!!!!!!! 99% of people have no clue what a Porsche costs, they just believe that they are really really expensive and the envy when they are talking to you about the car is palpable. I never tell what I paid when I bought it and to say it again, most people don't know how low the price has gotten. They won't look either because the perception of luxury/cost is always there regardless. The fact that I could buy one now for a lot less than I did a few years ago.......big deal!! I still get all "giggly" when I walk past it in my garage cause I know it is MINE!! Pete

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Truth be told, so do I

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+++ I did NOT buy the car to worry about what it's not worth!

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I find myself constantly apologizing and explaining that it's really not as expensive as people think, and I didn't blow the kids' college funds on a car, really!

As far as I am concerned, my P-cars have all held their value (and actually appreciated) every time I get in and drive. The ROI in these cars is one I look forward to every time I drive especially meeting up with my good friends of the region at our coffee and drive every Saturday!

+1 I'm living the dream. I look at the auction prices now and know that I could have spent a few thousand less dollars on a car. However, I love the one I have!

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Well, At least you would actually be DRIVING it!!

Priceless: Yep, at least it's paid for! 99C2

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I couldn't disagree with Edgy any more...the attitude that allowed me to purchase my first Porsche in my 20s is the same attitude that makes me always strive for and expect more. Edgy is right about one thing--most people will not own a Porsche in their lifetimes. That's their fault, not mine--I guess I set the bar a little higher for myself. I don't mean to sound so serious, but I guess I just don't feel "lucky" to own a Porsche...like I don't necessarily deserve it or something. I look at it as a stepping stone to a 996TT or a 997, either of which have already been approved on the home front. Of course, I'm still considering keeping the 996 and picking up an additional car--an Elise, most likely. Then y'all will be stuck listening to me yet.

Agree with all... just use it!

I believe that this is a great time to own "stuff", and a horrible time to save. No one knows how low the market will go, and if you study the depression you'll find that the market took decades to recover. If an investor added a position at the peak of the bull run on 1929, he would have to wait 30 years before he managed to break even, not considering the dividends that he might received throughout the entire holding period. After the recovery to it's previous high which took 30 years, the stock market tanked for almost another 30 years, from 1958 - 1986 thereabout. So rather than investing in stocks which may fall even further in value or put money in banks at less tham 2% interest, why not buy things, especially if you enjoy those things. Of course I'm not advocating going into debt to buy these things, but if you have discretionary income why not buy the sports car of your choice. You can always enjoy your car regardless of what it may be worth.

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thats exactly my attitude right now....

man, like I needed that.... that's a lot of reading ! Next time post pics, its easier for me to catch up ! That said........my .02 is I dont care what its worth, I do care a little what it costs to fix in the event of something major, and the memories I have made in the last year will last a lifetime (and took 1/2 a lifetime to finally arrive) I do agree that there has been WAY to much "worry" over prices.... If they had a suburban forum I bet they have the same concerns... in fact since I have one the depreciation on the P-car seems kind of tiny...what do you think my burb is worth......YEA, well load it up with 6 kids 2 adults and 2 dogs and co camping for the weekend (or skiing) and then tell me what its worth... A car is only WORTH what it provides for you (like a tool) The more you get out of it and the more times you get it out, the higher the worth to you. AND unless you sell, who care what someone else thinks it worth! (I think there is a commandment about covet?)

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There are some absolutely amazing investment opportunities in this market. You may take some lumps before it gets better, but in the long term, you have the potential for an extremely large upside with minimal downside (assuming proper hedges). Im at the point where I could buy a 996 Turbo or a 997. But I'd rather have money in the bank for the "what if" than a rapidly depreciating vehicle in the driveway that I can't really use because Im so busy at work trying not to be the next victim. Also, I can't imagine how anyone could think that a 996TT is not more desirous than a naturally aspirated 996.

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Let me know how that works out for you. It's that myopic thinking that put the economy in the state it's in.

It seems that although the value of the car as a trade may be down the prices of what you are going to buy are also down. Doesnt that just make the process the same only lower prices?

When trading up you want a falling market, so long as the drop is even across the models. Here's a simple illustration... If both your car ($24k) and the one you want ($48k) lose 25% of their value, you're only $18k out of pocket on the upgrade instead of $24k.

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Thanks. Never thought of it that way.

"Also, I can't imagine how anyone could think that a 996TT is not more desirous than a naturally aspirated 996. " I may be the odd ball here, but to me 911s have always been about rear weight biased, rear wheel drive and perfecting the technique of not lifting no matter what in a turn. I love it, maybe it has something to do with driving hotrodded VW Bugs in the '60s and roadracing motorcycles for a decade in the '90s. Racing motorcycles on ashphalt is a lot like driving a C2 Porsche. The boosted 4x4s are nice, but just not the same. As to value depreciation. I figured going in that I'd loose about $5k a year. I might be a little ahead of that actually if my pristine, loaded, low mile '99 Cab C2 is worth over $20K. 5 1/2 years of ownership and I still pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I'm a very happy owner and happy with my decision to buy the '99 that I searched for over a 15 month period and drove 1600 miles to bring her home.

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I've been hearing this phrase in just about every conversation about any behavior that someone perceives as indulgent - c'mon. We're smarter than this generalization. Not to sidetrack this dialogue, but the economic situation is so much more than the supposedly "myopic thinking" that is addressed here. +1 on the OP. A car is a poor "investment." I didn't buy a classic Aston Martin DB5 - That's an investment. However, my 996 is an outstanding adrenaline rush every time I drive it. That's all I wanted - and I expect it will deliver that rush regardless of what someone else wants to pay for it. Doesn't matter. I'm not selling. Bob

I drove a TT and just like every other turbocharged car I've driven, I find I HATE the spooling time. At least the TT is much better than the 335i, which also supposedly has "no lag". I LOVE the looks, sound, and amenities, and no IMS issues, but I'd probably like it more if it was Sced. So, yeah, I can understand not prefering a TT. Plus, it left a lot more $$ for upgrades...Just my $0.02.....Sigh, I guess I'll just have to live with "only" 320 normally aspirated hp. Hey Bob, did you end up needing all 4 center caps?

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A very good way to think about it.

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And Porsche and most other manufacturers love you for it. Frankly, it's the debt-laden purchases of all of these 'assets' that got us into trouble in the first place. It always cracks me up how we come out with the HP wars at the very peaks of recessions (take the 70s for example). Anyway, you're right about one thing: drive what you love. But do it because you love it and haven't been conned by the marketing gurus on Madison Ave.