Will 996 prices go down when 997 is introduced?

So the 997 will be available soon. I've been wanting to buy a Porsche for some time now, but have been putting it off in order to get a better deal. Here's my question. Do you think the 996 will use in value faster now that the 997 is here? The 993 seems to hold it's value very well, whereas the 996 has a tendency to depreciate quicker. Or do you think that the 997 will have no influence on the 996 prices? By the way, I'm looking for one in Europe, so either Germany, Italy or Austria. Thanks, Indy

I think there are way too many market variables to accurately predict what will happen to 996 prices. Just get the newest model you can afford.

996 prices will drop with the introduction of the 997. So will the 993.

My theory is that the 993 retains a stronger value than the 996 because it is the last air cooled Porsche. The air cooled cars carry a greater sentimental value with them along with that great original Porsche sound that you can never get from a 996. While no one car really predict the future, I am guessing that the 997 will slaughter prices on any remaining new 996 cars. This will in turn drive used prices down. I'd like to be wrong, but I don't think I am.

I doubt it. Porsche has been holding a line on production this year, so overall market held up better. There is no large inventory to discount, so prices will stay where they are.

As Paul said there are way to many variable to accurately predict the extent prices will be effected. However, you can be fairly certain that the 997 will result in reduced prices of used 996's. In general a new car always reduces the prices of the older car. You mention the 993, however, the 993 was somewhat of anomaly. However it also dropped in price just not as much as other examples had in the past. You have to consider a couple factors when look at the 993. Some of these factors include (i) there was a fundamental change in the 911 (water vs. air cooled); (ii) at the time of the change the US economy was at the peak of the dot.com boom; (iii) a dramatic change in the look of both the exterior and interior; (iv) popularity of leasing the 996 along with the limited production of the 993 in comparison to the 996. Since those early years of the 996 when the 993 held its value so well, the market for 993 has somewhat softened. There are many examples of the �95 (arguably less desirable than the later years) selling in the low 30�s and some extraordinary cases of selling in the upper 20�s. Now, the thing about the 993 is that the �exceptional� examples are getting harder and harder to find. There seems to be mini rebound in the 993 market for good quality cars. Whereas, the 996 was made in such numbers there are still many fine examples of exceptional cars to find. Basic supply and demand dictates the price out comes. Historically if you look at the 911�s life the older cars are always worth less than the newer cars (special models being exceptions). Even the much maligned 2.7 liter 911�s from the mid 70�s and the 964�s are generally worth more than the predecessors (not always it depends on the condition and model).

friends, a lot of what you are seeing in the current reflects the introduction of the 997; prices are not going to fall further unless you think that all current owners are selling in anticipation of the 997, or that prices will drop FURTHER because of its release (u would be making the assumption that ALL <996 will sell for the 997). but there is some truth that there may be a marginal increase in p=car supply in front of the new release. my .02

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The 997 will surely influence the prices of the 996s, but the effect will decrease with the age of the car. 04s will drop precipitously, 03s less, 02s less, etc. This is based on the fact that these earlier 996s already experienced enough depreciation to shield them from a much bigger hit. My 99, as an example, will probably not be worth 1 dollar less with the 997 on the market than it would have if the 996 were to continue production. The value will slide on a reasonable curve downward, just as it would have anyway. Conversely, an 04 will drop much quicker with a new model on the road, since the depreciation factor increases dramatically when demand drops. Eventually, in a few years, the value of the 996s will have more to do with mileage and condition than the year it was produced. My advice (for whatever it's worth) would be to buy the oldest and least expensive 996 that you can, since the depreciation will most likely already have reached its peak. Buy private-party, and you can actually look at the 996 as an investment. The newer 996s will drop into the same price range as the older one you bought, which will help all of them to hold their value at some reasonable amount...

ZeeZee - I hope you are correct then I can sell my '99 at less of a hit and upgrade to an '04 at a large discount.....not that I would bother unless I could upgrade to a TT and I don't think the 997 will have any impact on those. The Turbo S is just an X50 with a new sticker.

I feel pretty confindent in the analysis. The 04s will always retain a price edge over the 99s becasue of the design changes, horsepower, chassis rigidity, etc. But the gap will close with every year. 99s are already pretty affordable, so I just can't see them dropping too much more than they already have. And they're GREAT cars, very desirable. I'm really happy I have a 99. I got it at a steal, and will be able to drive it for years and still sell it for very close to what I paid for it (if I ever sell it). You just can't say that about almost any other car on the road.