To sell or not to sell...

[gd]

I am probably going mad, but I have a dilemma I am hoping you can help me with, one way or another!

About 3 years ago I bought a 997 turbo, it's a late 2008 'generation 1.5' (i.e. mezger engine but modern PCM/bluetooth/etc.), a manual in black with lots of extras, my "dream car". I spent a bit on getting it set up properly, serviced, decent tyres, and putting an OPC warranty on it for peace of mind. Then I went out and enjoyed the hell out of it! I've not tracked it, but have enjoyed 'making progress' down some of the Cheshre country lanes and it has not failed to put a smile on my face.. especially under overboost with the sport button pressed!

But, it's been a weekend car, and I've only put about 8 thousand miles on it since buying it (it's still only got about 16k miles on the clock - so barely run it!) Work has kept me away from home, and I bought an old Boxster as a "station car" which I've tended to use more than I had planned. So I don't use the turbo as much as I should, I know these cars have to be driven and I am conscious that I'm letting a phenominal car go to waste.

And I had expected it to depreciate, so I was amazed at how the prices have held up when looking at this site recently. And so I've wondered, if this is a bubble, should I just sell it now?

So, either:

- Please tell me I am being stupid, it's a great rare car and I should stop being dumb and just get out in it more often as life's too short.

- Or, if you agree that I should sell it, can you give me some idea of what is a realistic price? I see some ridiculous prices on pistonheads, but are these really achievable? What could I really get for a private sale (I'd rather sell it to an enthusiast than an OPC/WeBuyAnyCar etc.)?

Thanks for your help - all opinions are very welcome!
Gary

[9e 28]

I don't believe it will now depreciate or appreciate. With that lovely mileage its worth circa £65k IMO if its a manual (no RR5 or 6) and you stick a 2 yr OPC warranty on it when you sell. Tip knock £5k-£7k off.

I'd enjoy it personally. Fantastic to use all year round.

[gd]

Thanks, for that sort of money I'd probably sell it though, but then regret it as soon as it drives away. That's the problem.

[Billsnemesis]

Bought my 997 turbo last weekend. I am already gutted that when I drive 270 miles to see the in laws tomorrow I will have to leave it behind and take the Merc so that we can fit the kids and luggage in. I can't see how anyone would sell unless they absolutely had to or were upgrading.

I think you just need to use it more. Book a couple of long weekends and do Lands End to John o'Groats or the Highland 500 or something.

[nwates]

Bought a low miles gen 1.5 Manual 997 Turbo last year as an investment and also as a fast fun car with good looks .
Prices are climbing and will continue you to for a good manual low mileage car . So I would hang onto it , but if selling guide would be £65k for it.

[AOK]

This sounds to me like a case of "I'll only sell, but for the right money"... and if there is someone out there who is saying to themselves "I'll pay whatever money I need to for a perfect black 997 Turbo manual"... then a deal will happen!

I'd really give some thought to doing an SOR, set a price you're comfortable with and give it a few weeks... if a full up offer is made, the decision is made for you. Whereas if they take no enquiries, then you drive it back home smiling!

Are you in the SE? I'm on really good terms with a prestige independent who would be ideally suited for this. I find that their cut is so negligible, even with it in mind you'd get far more than selling privately. And without all the faffing around.

[Get2Jaime]

Suggest the simple answer is stop debating and use it man!

If you're not going to, get it gone and let someone else in enjoy it....really dont get the principle of buying an investment car, they are designed to be used!

[r1flyguy1]

Seriously!!! Are these prices realistic!!!!

I have a 08 model but it's early 08 so yes the sat nav is st...

Artic silver with gt3 aerokit , manual box, currently in for major service, MOT & warranty renewal, it's now reading 37k on the clock, has the addition of iPod & cruise which the OPC fitted.....

Whilst in the OPC I noticed a rather nice 15 plate turbo with 3k on the clock....

Trade in value on mine 40k, so, if it were 6 months older and a Bluetooth PCM it would be worth anoth 20k gutted

[nwates]

We have also got 25,000 miles less on our cars

[r1flyguy1]

nwates said:

We have also got 25,000 miles less on our cars

Think I'd rather buy a 61 plate turbo S for a few grand more than an 08 1.5. Seriously I think your overestimating the value somewhat as a private seller, but hopefully I'm wrong

Those listed on the OPC used network are mainly cabs for £65k

Edited by r1flyguy1 on Friday 29th January 22:31

[Sam All]

nwates said:

We have also got 25,000 miles less on our cars

Are you in the trade?

[gd]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the advice.

Especially the idea of a sale or return to test the market - I hadn't thought of that, and it could be worth a try. Plus, without access to it for a week or two I'd also get a sense of how much I would miss it.

£65k would be very tempting though, I think I'd take that!

r1flyguy... don't judge the value of your car by the OPC trade in value, they will try to fleece you if trading in, I've experienced it (Boxster S trade in offer 20k, private sale 28k). It's probably worth a fair bit more privately or through an indie.

[9e 28]

r1flyguy1 said:

Seriously!!! Are these prices realistic!!!!

I have a 08 model but it's early 08 so yes the sat nav is st...

Artic silver with gt3 aerokit , manual box, currently in for major service, MOT & warranty renewal, it's now reading 37k on the clock, has the addition of iPod & cruise which the OPC fitted.....

Whilst in the OPC I noticed a rather nice 15 plate turbo with 3k on the clock....

Trade in value on mine 40k, so, if it were 6 months older and a Bluetooth PCM it would be worth anoth 20k gutted

If yours needs nothing doing to it and RR activity normal so it can have OPC warranty £55k all day. OPC is about £15k off. Even if you give it to JZM or 9e on sor they'll return you £50k plus. Food for thought!

A good turbo S is £80k plus - well the nice ones I've seen are but back on to yours I've seen mint cars with your mileage sell for £55k. They were in amazing condition though with all the rights bits - 2007 car so a bit older - 9e sold it. Have a chat with Ken about yours.

[nwates]

Sam All said:

Are you in the trade?

No

[nwates]

r1flyguy1 said:

Think I'd rather buy a 61 plate turbo S for a few grand more than an 08 1.5. Seriously I think your overestimating the value somewhat as a private seller, but hopefully I'm wrong

Those listed on the OPC used network are mainly cabs for £65k

Edited by r1flyguy1 on Friday 29th January 22:31

I am in an 09 plate try finding a manual coupe with low mileage under 20,000 miles for less than £60,000.

[chevronb37]

I'm intending to buy a manual 997.1 Turbo at some point during the next couple of months and have been looking at the market fairly regularly for a while. It seems there is a reasonable premium for low mileage but 'investor-grade' cars really aren't that expensive - if that's what you're after. If they attain classic, collector status (manual, Metzger, etc.) in the future then I think they're actually quite keenly priced at the moment.

Personally I'm looking for something <50k miles but I'm intending to put five or six thousand miles per year on it, including trips to Europe so there's little point getting something immaculate and low-mileage when I want to be able to use it year-round. You makes your choice, etc.

[AOK]

gd said:

Especially the idea of a sale or return to test the market - I hadn't thought of that, and it could be worth a try. Plus, without access to it for a week or two I'd also get a sense of how much I would miss it.

Gd, if you do decide to explore this please give me a shout. The dealer I know takes a microscopic commission and has a great success rate.

[gd]

AOK said:

Gd, if you do decide to explore this please give me a shout. The dealer I know takes a microscopic commission and has a great success rate.

Sure, where are you based?

[AOK]

gd said:

Sure, where are you based?

I'm in London, they are near Banbury... but they have transporter facilities if you're not nearby.

Not sure if the PM facility is working at the moment - there's a link to an old website of mine in my profile, if you want more info just drop me a message through that!

[Rocco1]

This should give you an idea what your car is worth

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...