997.2 market - crystal ball time
Discussion
Hi all, I'm toying with the idea of buying a 997.2 PDK 3.6 as an early mid life crisis present too myself (im mid 30s).
Basically this would be a car for leisure use as i cycle to work. I'd plan to keep this car for good, dont mind buying private and not bothered about high miles as long as the cars a good un.
I'm starting to see cars in the mid 30K price bracket. This price range would be my upper limit, looking to save some money over the next 12 months topped up with a loan. However i'm slightly concerned that if i dont buy one soon ish 997.2s are going rise in price and i'll loose the opportunity to nab one.
I guess my question is - where do you porche guru's see prices going in 12 months time? Will more non S high ish millage PDK 997.2's drop into the mid 30K price range? Or is this a temporary dip?
Been looking at examples like the one below, just FYI:
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
Basically this would be a car for leisure use as i cycle to work. I'd plan to keep this car for good, dont mind buying private and not bothered about high miles as long as the cars a good un.
I'm starting to see cars in the mid 30K price bracket. This price range would be my upper limit, looking to save some money over the next 12 months topped up with a loan. However i'm slightly concerned that if i dont buy one soon ish 997.2s are going rise in price and i'll loose the opportunity to nab one.
I guess my question is - where do you porche guru's see prices going in 12 months time? Will more non S high ish millage PDK 997.2's drop into the mid 30K price range? Or is this a temporary dip?
Been looking at examples like the one below, just FYI:
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Thanks in advance for your thoughts

Hi - I have just been through a similar process. One thing I noticed is how few gen 2's were available, I wonder if this is due to not that many being sold when the economy was poor. If I'm correct that has to help, however there are lots of gen1 and I wonder if in years to come gen 1 and gen2's will be viewed that differently.
I use mine as a daily and wanted to buy Porsche approved to get the warranty (I actually got 2 years 9 months which was a bonus). I went c2s manual, probably last horah with a manual as chances are all my cars will be auto after this one. If you are using this one for weekends rather than commuting are you sure you want pdk?
Ultimately if you can do it, I say take the plunge, even in the worst case scenario i can't see them dropping more than any other £30/£40k performance car over a given period. My 2p.
I use mine as a daily and wanted to buy Porsche approved to get the warranty (I actually got 2 years 9 months which was a bonus). I went c2s manual, probably last horah with a manual as chances are all my cars will be auto after this one. If you are using this one for weekends rather than commuting are you sure you want pdk?
Ultimately if you can do it, I say take the plunge, even in the worst case scenario i can't see them dropping more than any other £30/£40k performance car over a given period. My 2p.
Hi - I have just been through a similar process. One thing I noticed is how few gen 2's were available, I wonder if this is due to not that many being sold when the economy was poor. If I'm correct that has to help, however there are lots of gen1 and I wonder if in years to come gen 1 and gen2's will be viewed that differently.
I use mine as a daily and wanted to buy Porsche approved to get the warranty (I actually got 2 years 9 months which was a bonus). I went c2s manual, probably last horah with a manual as chances are all my cars will be auto after this one. If you are using this one for weekends rather than commuting are you sure you want pdk?
Ultimately if you can do it, I say take the plunge, even in the worst case scenario i can't see them dropping more than any other £30/£40k performance car over a given period. My 2p.
I use mine as a daily and wanted to buy Porsche approved to get the warranty (I actually got 2 years 9 months which was a bonus). I went c2s manual, probably last horah with a manual as chances are all my cars will be auto after this one. If you are using this one for weekends rather than commuting are you sure you want pdk?
Ultimately if you can do it, I say take the plunge, even in the worst case scenario i can't see them dropping more than any other £30/£40k performance car over a given period. My 2p.
I think the S will always be more desirable by the market but the 3.6 is probably enough as a driver's car, it is supposed to be as fast as the 997.1S which really has plenty of poke
Can't see these going up in value for a few more years really, the upwards pull of the 996 & 7 Turbo and GT models is what has caused the normal models to hold their price in my opinion, that and the impact of the 2008 financial crisis which slowed orders down and had a knock on effect on values for a while due to lower supply both new & used. As the facelift 991 launches and lease deals end on 991s there will be gentle downwards movement - just look at 996 prices which bottomed out pretty low (although admittedly are now starting to pick up)
If you look at a few slightly rarer cars they have held their value well over 3 years, when I was last looking I considered V8V and R8 and they are about the same price now as they were then. The Porsche produced in greater numbers but also subject to more facelifts and so has done well to hold it's value .
Buy one that you will love driving mainly I'd say, great to get a 997.2, I'd try the PDK out and see what you think
Can't see these going up in value for a few more years really, the upwards pull of the 996 & 7 Turbo and GT models is what has caused the normal models to hold their price in my opinion, that and the impact of the 2008 financial crisis which slowed orders down and had a knock on effect on values for a while due to lower supply both new & used. As the facelift 991 launches and lease deals end on 991s there will be gentle downwards movement - just look at 996 prices which bottomed out pretty low (although admittedly are now starting to pick up)
If you look at a few slightly rarer cars they have held their value well over 3 years, when I was last looking I considered V8V and R8 and they are about the same price now as they were then. The Porsche produced in greater numbers but also subject to more facelifts and so has done well to hold it's value .
Buy one that you will love driving mainly I'd say, great to get a 997.2, I'd try the PDK out and see what you think
Im in a similar boat.
I started looking at 997.1 C2s, then realised I'd really want to either get one with the engine sorted, or be sure that I'd be keeping it for long enough that the cost of a rebuild wouldn't ruin it for me. So, the thought of a 997.2 started.
They seem to be £10k more expensive than comparable 997.1, but hopefully have the engine issues sorted. That's really only a £3-4k premium over a 997.1 after a rebuild, but more chance of a Porsche warranty, and a slightly more modern car.
In years time, I suspect a sorted 997.2 will be viewed similarly to a 997.1 and it will be down to personal preference which you buy - although as a poster above said, the more modern features (LEDs etc) might give the 997.2 that retro/modern feel - although Porsche seem to be able to make the 'old' model, which was perfectly 'modern' appear instantly outdated when the new model comes out.
As for PDK - I'd love it (with paddles), but I don't use the car much (I get the tube to work) so will probably go with manual.
I guess I haven't ruled either a sorted 997.1 or 997.2 out!
I started looking at 997.1 C2s, then realised I'd really want to either get one with the engine sorted, or be sure that I'd be keeping it for long enough that the cost of a rebuild wouldn't ruin it for me. So, the thought of a 997.2 started.
They seem to be £10k more expensive than comparable 997.1, but hopefully have the engine issues sorted. That's really only a £3-4k premium over a 997.1 after a rebuild, but more chance of a Porsche warranty, and a slightly more modern car.
In years time, I suspect a sorted 997.2 will be viewed similarly to a 997.1 and it will be down to personal preference which you buy - although as a poster above said, the more modern features (LEDs etc) might give the 997.2 that retro/modern feel - although Porsche seem to be able to make the 'old' model, which was perfectly 'modern' appear instantly outdated when the new model comes out.
As for PDK - I'd love it (with paddles), but I don't use the car much (I get the tube to work) so will probably go with manual.
I guess I haven't ruled either a sorted 997.1 or 997.2 out!
I recently bought a manual low mileage Gen 2 C2S from an OPC and paid well above my original budget. People say they are loads around it took me nearly a year to find this one. I believe prices will fall but if you are keeping it for a long while wouldn't worry about it.
Would def go for a Gen 2 C2 over a Gen 1 C2S it's got a better engine although I think you might lose less on the Gen 1. Bottom line for me is you can't take it with you and you're surely not buying as an investment so go for the one that appeals. Would also suggest you try them both it will make the decision a lot easier.
Would def go for a Gen 2 C2 over a Gen 1 C2S it's got a better engine although I think you might lose less on the Gen 1. Bottom line for me is you can't take it with you and you're surely not buying as an investment so go for the one that appeals. Would also suggest you try them both it will make the decision a lot easier.
Hi,
I feel NA 997s may dip a bit more tbh. As said before, fairly high volume & not as special as a turbo. Don't get me wrong you will enjoy every minute driving one - I've recently bought my 4th Porsche a 997 Gen 2 C2S PDK. Whilst I love it I am under no illusion that it will be as 'special' in years to come as my previous 993 & 996 turbo - regret selling both. Personally, if you want a Porsche for leisure only & have a budget in the mid 30S I would def buy a 996 turbo. that will increase in value. The 997 will feel more modern. Depends what floats your boat.
I feel NA 997s may dip a bit more tbh. As said before, fairly high volume & not as special as a turbo. Don't get me wrong you will enjoy every minute driving one - I've recently bought my 4th Porsche a 997 Gen 2 C2S PDK. Whilst I love it I am under no illusion that it will be as 'special' in years to come as my previous 993 & 996 turbo - regret selling both. Personally, if you want a Porsche for leisure only & have a budget in the mid 30S I would def buy a 996 turbo. that will increase in value. The 997 will feel more modern. Depends what floats your boat.
All of the above, just been through it, early mid-life crisis, and same thought process.
I went 997.1 > 996 C4S > 996 Turbo > 997.1 and then brought a 997.2
Mine is a daily driver, I need it to be reliable, so 997.2 has given me some comfort. And to justify the 10k budget increase with some man maths I went for a C2 PDK, £290 tax, late 20s mpg, cheaper insurance, cheaper brakes, Versus the C2S with £510 tax, mid 20s mpg, and more expensive other bits. Not a massive difference, but also a 997.2 C2S pushed me into uncomfortable price territory.
I drove some manuals, loved the gear change, but my commute means I'm ready to have a break from manuals (and the clutch was really heavy compared to my e46 M3). I've only done 400 miles in it but I'm liking the PDK more and more. And I have paddles, which I think makes a massive difference.
Anyways, to the OPs question... I've brought mine thinking they will fall in value, mine especially as I'll actually be putting real miles on it. But, the difference in .1 and .2 reliability is massive, whether it's a real reliability difference or just perceived, it will make a difference to market prices, and as such I think the .2s will hold better value than the majority of .1s. I think spec is important too, to help with long term value. I checked what was available daily from the start of this year when I decided the mid-life crisis issue needed sorting out. The range in spec is massive, I held out for one with a few key bits like PSE, heated sports seats, and importantly on the PDK ones, Sports Chrono and paddles (I was prepared to retrofit some stuff, but the costs can really mount up).
All of the previous comments are very good advice. But I think best advice is, don't over think the whole depreciation thing, you'll loose less than buying a new/nearly new car. Buy one, enjoy it, wish I did much sooner.
I went 997.1 > 996 C4S > 996 Turbo > 997.1 and then brought a 997.2
Mine is a daily driver, I need it to be reliable, so 997.2 has given me some comfort. And to justify the 10k budget increase with some man maths I went for a C2 PDK, £290 tax, late 20s mpg, cheaper insurance, cheaper brakes, Versus the C2S with £510 tax, mid 20s mpg, and more expensive other bits. Not a massive difference, but also a 997.2 C2S pushed me into uncomfortable price territory.
I drove some manuals, loved the gear change, but my commute means I'm ready to have a break from manuals (and the clutch was really heavy compared to my e46 M3). I've only done 400 miles in it but I'm liking the PDK more and more. And I have paddles, which I think makes a massive difference.
Anyways, to the OPs question... I've brought mine thinking they will fall in value, mine especially as I'll actually be putting real miles on it. But, the difference in .1 and .2 reliability is massive, whether it's a real reliability difference or just perceived, it will make a difference to market prices, and as such I think the .2s will hold better value than the majority of .1s. I think spec is important too, to help with long term value. I checked what was available daily from the start of this year when I decided the mid-life crisis issue needed sorting out. The range in spec is massive, I held out for one with a few key bits like PSE, heated sports seats, and importantly on the PDK ones, Sports Chrono and paddles (I was prepared to retrofit some stuff, but the costs can really mount up).
All of the previous comments are very good advice. But I think best advice is, don't over think the whole depreciation thing, you'll loose less than buying a new/nearly new car. Buy one, enjoy it, wish I did much sooner.
caymanbill said:
Hi all, I'm toying with the idea of buying a 997.2 PDK 3.6 as an early mid life crisis present too myself (im mid 30s).
Basically this would be a car for leisure use as i cycle to work. I'd plan to keep this car for good, dont mind buying private and not bothered about high miles as long as the cars a good un.
I'm starting to see cars in the mid 30K price bracket. This price range would be my upper limit, looking to save some money over the next 12 months topped up with a loan. However i'm slightly concerned that if i dont buy one soon ish 997.2s are going rise in price and i'll loose the opportunity to nab one.
I guess my question is - where do you porche guru's see prices going in 12 months time? Will more non S high ish millage PDK 997.2's drop into the mid 30K price range? Or is this a temporary dip?
Been looking at examples like the one below, just FYI:
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
The 997.2 is the sweet spot of the 911, in my opinion, and better than what went before and has come since (yes I have owned older and newer 911 models).Basically this would be a car for leisure use as i cycle to work. I'd plan to keep this car for good, dont mind buying private and not bothered about high miles as long as the cars a good un.
I'm starting to see cars in the mid 30K price bracket. This price range would be my upper limit, looking to save some money over the next 12 months topped up with a loan. However i'm slightly concerned that if i dont buy one soon ish 997.2s are going rise in price and i'll loose the opportunity to nab one.
I guess my question is - where do you porche guru's see prices going in 12 months time? Will more non S high ish millage PDK 997.2's drop into the mid 30K price range? Or is this a temporary dip?
Been looking at examples like the one below, just FYI:
http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Thanks in advance for your thoughts

However, they are quite sought-after and command good money.
Personally, I'd opt for the S rather than the 3.6 and would try to buy from Porsche.
Thanks for all the feedback chaps. That's all really useful. I should add that I'm not fussed about deprecation, more the fact that I'm going to need a rather large loan to get to 35K - so was concerned that if prices rise in the next 12 months they'll end up out of reach by the time i can afford one. The car will also need to be PDK in order for "buy in" from SWMBO 
Thanks for all the feedback. You 911 owners are an informed and chilled out bunch

Thanks for all the feedback. You 911 owners are an informed and chilled out bunch

I would say it highly unlikely that prices will go up anytime soon on these models. Given your budget and requirements sounds like a Gen2 CS. I have PSE and would say don't worry too much about it - a Sharkwerk bypass will give a better result. As mentioned else where I think you need the Sport button if you go for PDK. A sunroof is nice 

caymanbill said:
Thanks for all the feedback chaps. That's all really useful. I should add that I'm not fussed about deprecation, more the fact that I'm going to need a rather large loan to get to 35K - so was concerned that if prices rise in the next 12 months they'll end up out of reach by the time i can afford one. The car will also need to be PDK in order for "buy in" from SWMBO 
Thanks for all the feedback. You 911 owners are an informed and chilled out bunch
Obviously your choice but taking a large loan out on a weekend car that's going to depreciate each day whilst sat in the garage/drive doesn't make sense to me when other options are available.
Thanks for all the feedback. You 911 owners are an informed and chilled out bunch

Why not pick a model which has more chance of appreciating, which will offset the running costs and may even leave you better off.
You can then move to a 997.2 when it's further down the depreciation curve and you've hopefully gained from the first car and have to find less money. That way you'd get to own two different 911.
On the PDK, just tell her that a manual car will hold its value better long term.
Just an alternative view!

With the 997.2 and 991 mostly built as Pdk and the build number of 997.2 being at an all time low ie late 2008 to late 2011 and at a time of global recession I would say a good low mileage manual 997.2 3.6 or 3.8 is a safe bet and imo values will remain firm and increase overtime!whereas Pdk 997.2 will fall !the Pdk technology improved in the 991 and will continue to improve.
But only if you can find one!
But only if you can find one!
Edited by itsybitsy on Sunday 26th July 09:01
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