Older Turbo or newer 996

[NorthCoventry993cab]

Although I have only been in the PCA world for a little over a year, I did a ton of research, pricing and driving before I bought my 97' 993 Cab (ok, so I am obviously not a track guy - yet!). In any case,  although the 996 will be much more realiable and quite a bit cheaper at this time,  that is all you wil get out of it - fun driving. They will never appreciate significantly like an nice air-cooled turbo has done and will continue to do.  Watching how the airs-cooled cars have continued to appreciate over the past couple years while the mass produced, water cooled cars depreciate like new Caddys is only going to continue in both directions.  Hey, 30 yrs ago who would a thought their mint Chevy Nova 444 would be worth 3-400k now??  Grab the best air cooled Turbo you can and hang on to that puppy!

[Marty Kocse]

NorthCoventry993cab wrote:

Although I have only been in the PCA world for a little over a year, I did a ton of research, pricing and driving before I bought my 97' 993 Cab (ok, so I am obviously not a track guy - yet!). In any case, although the 996 will be much more realiable and quite a bit cheaper at this time, that is all you wil get out of it - fun driving. They will never appreciate significantly like an nice air-cooled turbo has done and will continue to do. Watching how the airs-cooled cars have continued to appreciate over the past couple years while the mass produced, water cooled cars depreciate like new Caddys is only going to continue in both directions. Hey, 30 yrs ago who would a thought their mint Chevy Nova 444 would be worth 3-400k now?? Grab the best air cooled Turbo you can and hang on to that puppy!

Call me crazy, I thought that was the point of owning a Porsche, fun driving... I went with the 996 for all the fun driving reasons.

[NorthCoventry993cab]

Or course it is fun to drive, but read the original question - he is worried about getting his money back when he goes to sell.  No brainer there - that 996 will never appreciate.

[Brian Minkin]

I am not so sure that the 996 will never appreciate.  It is a Porsche and not made in huge numbers.  I think that over time it will stop depreciating and hold its value and perhaps even begin to climb in value just as has happened to the older models. As the newest model become more and more expensive buyers who desire the marque will drive prices up on used ones. But right now the older 996 is a bargain.

[Marty Kocse]

Brian, I think you make a great point.  The 996 has definitely depreciated down from the $'s they commanded when new, but as with most Porsches, they don't continue to depreciate at the same rate.  It seems that the early 996's are right around $30k whether you find one with 30k miles or 70k miles on the odo - not much difference in price and a bargain as you said.  As the new 997's are $90-100k, it should definitely help to stabilize the 996 values.

One other thing also...  I believe the maintenance costs for some of the other models like the 930 turbo can be significantly higher than with a normally aspirated 996 that has roughly the same horse power (300 bhp).  It's not that any of the Porsche models are cheap to maintain, but I think you may have to take that into account also (along with the headache factor) when considering the purchase.  From what I understand, a 993 engine rebuild is about the same $'s as a new 996 crate motor (around $10k).  And if by chance you need a new 993 motor, that's about double the rebuild cost and the equivalent to the cost of two 996 crate motors.  So, what one may lose in depreciation $'s on the overall value with the 996 they may more than make up on the maintenance costs.  Oh yeah, and then there's that fun to drive factor...

[michael lang]

Marty that was nicely put

[Marty Kocse]

michael lang wrote:

Marty that was nicely put

Thanks Mike. I just had to justify (defend) my decision for purchasing the 996 over other, very worthy, models. Simply put, they are all great cars...

[ccm911]

No need to justify, Marty.  You have a really nice car.  A great Highway driver as well. Seems likewhatever Porsche I choose, it will work just fine. 

But those repair bills!!!

[Tony356993]

From what I understand, a 993 engine rebuild is about the same $'s as a new 996 crate motor (around $10k).

Try about 20k for a 993 rebuild if you use track grade hardware and have to do the upper and lower end.

The 996 is the way to go if maint costs are a major concern.

That said, I prefer the look and styling of the older cars or the 997's.

 

[Darren]

I wasn't thrilled with the look of the 996 when I got one.  Though I bought my car used, it was still the latest body style, so I felt like I was buying a "new" car.

I've come to really like my car, and though I like the 997 and it does look more "Porsche" I honestly don't care

My car is street/track, probably too stiff for most but I just have so much fun driving it around town.

The other advantage worth mentioning is that the climate control system in the 996/997 puts prior 911's to shame.  I often drive DE with the AC full on.  If it's hot out, and you see me, check inside, it's on.  Even with the windows down, the system still keeps it relatively cool.  I can also keep the windows fairly open in the winter with the heat full blast, if I wanted to, and be totally comfortable.

Climate control, PSM, decent stereo system, the only complaint for a daily driver (and why I miss my e46) is the cup holders are a joke at best