A question regarding depreciation and the 997 Turbo / S
Discussion
Hi guys,
Right, so a year ago I decided I need to upgrade my car. I've had my 106 GTi for seven years now and absolutely love it.
I've taken it to 11 countries, it's been around the 'ring twice, I've slept in it, had countless friends pass through it's doors and have even allowed a trusted few behind the wheel. Every nut and bolt has my sweat on it and every little imperfection tells a story. I saved for it for over two years with a bar job, I took it with me to university... and now for the last few years, it's been driven as a commuter from London to Wiltshire on the weekends. (It's not a great GT car I'll admit!)
Consequently I never did have the heart to sell it and upgrade though the thought crossed my mind at least once. I also couldn't afford or see the point in two cars...
However, things are going much better now financially and I've managed to save enough money for a 997 Turbo. I know this is a big step up from a 106 GTi, but then again... my 106 GTi was a big step up from my 0.95 litre Saxo! I also intend to book myself on to a few courses to learn the car in safety on the track/with an instructor.
Basically, the more I look at the Turbo I think to myself... if I wait another year and let the 991 come out, I'll save a fortune. Then I start to look at the later Turbo and wonder whether that might be a better bet... and might be within price range in a year. Then I consider the Turbo S. They are still £80-90k... but they are seriously cool... I could save and work very hard... hmm.
So after the above muddle, my question:
Do those in the know have any idea whether the 997 Turbo S depreciates as fast as the Turbo? Or do we expect them to hold their value slightly better?! Just for my ponderings!
Thanks all!
Right, so a year ago I decided I need to upgrade my car. I've had my 106 GTi for seven years now and absolutely love it.
I've taken it to 11 countries, it's been around the 'ring twice, I've slept in it, had countless friends pass through it's doors and have even allowed a trusted few behind the wheel. Every nut and bolt has my sweat on it and every little imperfection tells a story. I saved for it for over two years with a bar job, I took it with me to university... and now for the last few years, it's been driven as a commuter from London to Wiltshire on the weekends. (It's not a great GT car I'll admit!)
Consequently I never did have the heart to sell it and upgrade though the thought crossed my mind at least once. I also couldn't afford or see the point in two cars...
However, things are going much better now financially and I've managed to save enough money for a 997 Turbo. I know this is a big step up from a 106 GTi, but then again... my 106 GTi was a big step up from my 0.95 litre Saxo! I also intend to book myself on to a few courses to learn the car in safety on the track/with an instructor.
Basically, the more I look at the Turbo I think to myself... if I wait another year and let the 991 come out, I'll save a fortune. Then I start to look at the later Turbo and wonder whether that might be a better bet... and might be within price range in a year. Then I consider the Turbo S. They are still £80-90k... but they are seriously cool... I could save and work very hard... hmm.
So after the above muddle, my question:
Do those in the know have any idea whether the 997 Turbo S depreciates as fast as the Turbo? Or do we expect them to hold their value slightly better?! Just for my ponderings!
Thanks all!
Hi,
Thanks for the reply!
The reason I want a Turbo?
Well, frankly I'm used to 'no frills' motoring with the 106! Now I know that is not anywhere near comparable to a GT3 for example. However, I would love a GT car that I can drive around Europe ... one that doesn't make me knackered after 500 miles as per the 106 ... I imagine a GT3 would leave me feeling abused.
I also want something that is ballistic in a straight line. Something that puts a big smile on my face on the Autobahns. But something that will happily sit at 80 and not bump my brains out on the M3.
I also want something usable every single day... as at home in rain on a muddy lane as it is on an f1 track. I also need to keep the girlfriend happy... I think another 'bone shaker' would see me paying regular visits to "Mrs Palm and her Five Sisters".
Thanks for the reply!
The reason I want a Turbo?
Well, frankly I'm used to 'no frills' motoring with the 106! Now I know that is not anywhere near comparable to a GT3 for example. However, I would love a GT car that I can drive around Europe ... one that doesn't make me knackered after 500 miles as per the 106 ... I imagine a GT3 would leave me feeling abused.
I also want something that is ballistic in a straight line. Something that puts a big smile on my face on the Autobahns. But something that will happily sit at 80 and not bump my brains out on the M3.
I also want something usable every single day... as at home in rain on a muddy lane as it is on an f1 track. I also need to keep the girlfriend happy... I think another 'bone shaker' would see me paying regular visits to "Mrs Palm and her Five Sisters".
But still, why a Turbo? A Carrera S will be much cheaper, more fuel efficient, and just as fast for 95% of the time; it'll still do 186mph, 10mph less than a turbo S, which really is plenty. 
Even a base Carrera will do 180mph, and that has the advantage of higher profile tyres on smaller wheels, which will make it a much better GT.

Even a base Carrera will do 180mph, and that has the advantage of higher profile tyres on smaller wheels, which will make it a much better GT.
davepoth said:
But still, why a Turbo? A Carrera S will be much cheaper, more fuel efficient, and just as fast for 95% of the time; it'll still do 186mph, 10mph less than a turbo S, which really is plenty. 
Even a base Carrera will do 180mph, and that has the advantage of higher profile tyres on smaller wheels, which will make it a much better GT.
I am not too fussed by the Carrera S. I think the turbo looks a lot nicer. And the difference in power feels significant in my opinion...
Even a base Carrera will do 180mph, and that has the advantage of higher profile tyres on smaller wheels, which will make it a much better GT.
Not worried about fuel costs as I only drive 400 miles a month these days and when it comes to Euro driving who cares about fuel costs? You're on holiday!
I've driven most of the 997s with the exception of GT2 RS and I really really like the Turbo. Yes, it's not as involving as others... but it's awesome in a totally different way. But I absolutely love the Turbo S wheels and options...
I would expect the Turbo S to depreciate in a similar fashion to the standard Turbo, because as far as I know it's not a limited edition, unlike the 964 and 993 versions. I agree with the others, the 997 C2S offers the best value at the moment, and there are some seriously tempting ones in the classifieds. However, live the dream and save up and buy the car you want - this sort of purchase should be made with the heart not the head.
You may have more luck discussing values in the Porsche sub forum.
I too love Euro trips and have similar plans for the future (not now though as I love track driving more and have just splashed out on a track day car). Oh, and if you get one, post pics and enjoy!
You may have more luck discussing values in the Porsche sub forum.
I too love Euro trips and have similar plans for the future (not now though as I love track driving more and have just splashed out on a track day car). Oh, and if you get one, post pics and enjoy!

davepoth said:
But still, why a Turbo? A Carrera S will be much cheaper, more fuel efficient, and just as fast for 95% of the time; it'll still do 186mph, 10mph less than a turbo S, which really is plenty. 
Even a base Carrera will do 180mph, and that has the advantage of higher profile tyres on smaller wheels, which will make it a much better GT.
Because it's better, faster and flasher of course.
Even a base Carrera will do 180mph, and that has the advantage of higher profile tyres on smaller wheels, which will make it a much better GT.
Why dont we all buy Priuses!
Freddy88FM said:
davepoth said:
But still, why a Turbo? A Carrera S will be much cheaper, more fuel efficient, and just as fast for 95% of the time; it'll still do 186mph, 10mph less than a turbo S, which really is plenty. 
Even a base Carrera will do 180mph, and that has the advantage of higher profile tyres on smaller wheels, which will make it a much better GT.
I am not too fussed by the Carrera S. I think the turbo looks a lot nicer. And the difference in power feels significant in my opinion...
Even a base Carrera will do 180mph, and that has the advantage of higher profile tyres on smaller wheels, which will make it a much better GT.
Not worried about fuel costs as I only drive 400 miles a month these days and when it comes to Euro driving who cares about fuel costs? You're on holiday!
I've driven most of the 997s with the exception of GT2 RS and I really really like the Turbo. Yes, it's not as involving as others... but it's awesome in a totally different way. But I absolutely love the Turbo S wheels and options...
Rob: I didn't know there was a porsche sub... I've not had a good look around Piston Heads yet! Love the pics of your track car btw.
If the Turbo S depreciates as heavily as the Turbo then I will buy one in a year's time once the 991 release of turbo has had its aftershock on prices. Though it's going to be hard to resist the pull of a Turbo for one whole year!
Thanks for your input!
Greg: Ruled out 996, just don't find them very pretty... also sick of constantly having to repair cars. Would be nice if I could have something newer with the added reliability that brings.
The guy below Greg: Haha! Exactly!
If the Turbo S depreciates as heavily as the Turbo then I will buy one in a year's time once the 991 release of turbo has had its aftershock on prices. Though it's going to be hard to resist the pull of a Turbo for one whole year!
Thanks for your input!
Greg: Ruled out 996, just don't find them very pretty... also sick of constantly having to repair cars. Would be nice if I could have something newer with the added reliability that brings.
The guy below Greg: Haha! Exactly!
davepoth said:
If you've looked at them all, driven most of them, prefer the Turbo S, and can afford it, you've answered your question. Get it bought, and enjoy it. Depreciation won't be too mental - the 991 is another step-change away from "911ness" so it's likely that the 997s will hold up quite nicely compared to other things.
Well that's the thing... I can't afford a Turbo S right now... but I would be able to in one year - I refuse to use finance. I can afford a Turbo right now... so I am really wondering whether I just get a Turbo, or hang on a bit longer and get the Turbo S (if it will hold up better).Not a bad dilemma to have, I'll admit.
Freddy88FM said:
I am not too fussed by the Carrera S. I think the turbo looks a lot nicer. And the difference in power feels significant in my opinion...
Not worried about fuel costs as I only drive 400 miles a month these days and when it comes to Euro driving who cares about fuel costs? You're on holiday!
I've driven most of the 997s with the exception of GT2 RS and I really really like the Turbo. Yes, it's not as involving as others... but it's awesome in a totally different way. But I absolutely love the Turbo S wheels and options...
If you are driving so few miles, then yes, I expect you'll do your brains in depreciation on a Turbo of whichever flavour vs the enjoyment you get per mile, IYSWIM.Not worried about fuel costs as I only drive 400 miles a month these days and when it comes to Euro driving who cares about fuel costs? You're on holiday!
I've driven most of the 997s with the exception of GT2 RS and I really really like the Turbo. Yes, it's not as involving as others... but it's awesome in a totally different way. But I absolutely love the Turbo S wheels and options...
I think those earlier in the thread steering you towards something GT3-flavoured had a point, TBH - it will both feel so special when you drive it over those 5K miles p.a., and will maintain its value significantly better.
Bonefish Blues said:
If you are driving so few miles, then yes, I expect you'll do your brains in depreciation on a Turbo of whichever flavour vs the enjoyment you get per mile, IYSWIM.
I think those earlier in the thread steering you towards something GT3-flavoured had a point, TBH - it will both feel so special when you drive it over those 5K miles p.a., and will maintain its value significantly better.
True, but those 400 miles will be composed of driving back and forward between Wiltshire and London. And it'll do 2k miles every summer around Europe. So it needs to be GT friendly. I'm sick of bouncing around the motorway!I think those earlier in the thread steering you towards something GT3-flavoured had a point, TBH - it will both feel so special when you drive it over those 5K miles p.a., and will maintain its value significantly better.
On the other hand, I want some pace for fun when I want it. If I just want something that handles like a gokart and is pure brilliant fun... then I'll take the 106 (it really is that good for me!).
Freddy88FM said:
Rob: I didn't know there was a porsche sub... I've not had a good look around Piston Heads yet! Love the pics of your track car btw.
If the Turbo S depreciates as heavily as the Turbo then I will buy one in a year's time once the 991 release of turbo has had its aftershock on prices. Though it's going to be hard to resist the pull of a Turbo for one whole year!
Thanks for your input!
No problem at all, I hope you enjoy the car! If the Turbo S depreciates as heavily as the Turbo then I will buy one in a year's time once the 991 release of turbo has had its aftershock on prices. Though it's going to be hard to resist the pull of a Turbo for one whole year!
Thanks for your input!
I saw one on Sunday and they do look awesome, yes.The Porsche sub forum is very active, so you should get some good responses there.
The fact you consider the 997 Turbo as a suitable replacement for the 106 GTi speaks volumes for how good the Peugeot is! If I were you though, I'd get a house (assuming you haven't got one) and get a manual 996 Turbo. If you are doing really well, maybe a house and a 964 Turbo or 993 Turbo.
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If the OP has the money, the Turbo S is a very nice way of spending it. So much technology.
t or told the op to buy a house yet? Are my eyes playing tricks on me 
