Now is the time to buy an early low mileage 2.5 986?
Discussion
anonymous said:
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Agreed. The 981 is a luxobarge in comparison to the 986, feels heavy, big, overservoed brakes, relatively numb steering.I don't think the 986 is going up any time soon, massive oversupply and engine worries weigh heavily on it. Fantastic car though, I miss mine.
There should be a mini-fanfare next year as we hit 20 years since the launch of the 986 and this 'should be' amplified by all early water-cooled purists as it may coincide with the launch of the next generation 4-cyl cars boo-hiss!
It will be interesting to see what pecking order materialises in due course and if the market will ultimately place a premium on the 986 models and/or S models in particular (because race car).
The cable throttle 2.5 may have a certain appeal on track amongst left foot braking ledge's but out on the road, it's hard to find fault with PSM system on the later cars (which required the adoption of e-Gas) as in my opinion it inspires confidence in more marginal conditions and a hoon in the Alps is more fun with the added safety net.
I've just seen a 986 with a brand new vinyl window top in black and was shocked how good it looked. So many examples out there with slightly worn/faded tops/windows and then there are the hideous aftermarket glass window tops with their slot like glass that inevitably look a bit Strosek. You might as well fit LED tail lamps if you are going down this road. I fitted a face-lifted '03 glass window top and four-bar frame to my car and have loved the practicality of it, but will admit to coming around to the aesthetics of the original three-bar top and a crystal clear vinyl window!
It will be interesting to see what pecking order materialises in due course and if the market will ultimately place a premium on the 986 models and/or S models in particular (because race car).
The cable throttle 2.5 may have a certain appeal on track amongst left foot braking ledge's but out on the road, it's hard to find fault with PSM system on the later cars (which required the adoption of e-Gas) as in my opinion it inspires confidence in more marginal conditions and a hoon in the Alps is more fun with the added safety net.
I've just seen a 986 with a brand new vinyl window top in black and was shocked how good it looked. So many examples out there with slightly worn/faded tops/windows and then there are the hideous aftermarket glass window tops with their slot like glass that inevitably look a bit Strosek. You might as well fit LED tail lamps if you are going down this road. I fitted a face-lifted '03 glass window top and four-bar frame to my car and have loved the practicality of it, but will admit to coming around to the aesthetics of the original three-bar top and a crystal clear vinyl window!
Edited by Mogul on Tuesday 19th May 10:58
I am a big 986 fan being on my second but I can't see the 2.5 986 or any other taking off in price in the next few years to make them unaffordable. If you buy one for 'investment' and garage it you will need to make several times the initial purchase price to make it worth while as when the time comes to roll it out the dehumidified garage you will need to spend a not inconsiderable sum getting it back on the road anyway!
anonymous said:
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For that sort of money I'd be tempted to get one for occasional use, but I already own a 996 and I worry that running costs for the 2 cars would be similar. The old "if you can't afford to buy it new you can't afford to run it 15 years later". That's one of the reasons that I think there's some more depreciation to go here.Oh no...contributing to a values thread...
I don't think they'll ever go silly like 911s have done, but surely at some point they must start climbing gently. Re the 924 point made earlier, and even though I like them, they have dated badly, are essentially just a VW/Audi clone with a 4 pot engine. But even then, really good ones are on the up aren't they?
With the 986 you get one of the prettiest cars Porsche has ever made, top down fun, power and handling that is great but still perfectly useable/exploitable on the road, an arguably "Porsche" interior rather than VAG clone, a very analogue driving experience, a gear lever and clutch pedal (remember them), hydraulic PAS, practicality in boot space, a Porsche badge that does look like it belongs on the bonnet, and a flat 6 engine and soundtrack, and if you get the right colour combo, pretty much timeless looks. For £5k.
As 986s continue to get crashed, scrapped, raced, badly modifed, abused, not serviced, parked in trees, and people who grew up with them as an aspirational car suddenly realise they can buy one, surely the values on good ones can only start to increase?
I don't think they'll ever go silly like 911s have done, but surely at some point they must start climbing gently. Re the 924 point made earlier, and even though I like them, they have dated badly, are essentially just a VW/Audi clone with a 4 pot engine. But even then, really good ones are on the up aren't they?
With the 986 you get one of the prettiest cars Porsche has ever made, top down fun, power and handling that is great but still perfectly useable/exploitable on the road, an arguably "Porsche" interior rather than VAG clone, a very analogue driving experience, a gear lever and clutch pedal (remember them), hydraulic PAS, practicality in boot space, a Porsche badge that does look like it belongs on the bonnet, and a flat 6 engine and soundtrack, and if you get the right colour combo, pretty much timeless looks. For £5k.
As 986s continue to get crashed, scrapped, raced, badly modifed, abused, not serviced, parked in trees, and people who grew up with them as an aspirational car suddenly realise they can buy one, surely the values on good ones can only start to increase?
They may go up a bit, but not when you factor in inflation and maintenance costs.
Most out there are dogs now, and the fact remains that it ain't a 911. As Porsches become more mass produced, it's only the GT models that will be worth anything because there are simply too many cars available.
Most out there are dogs now, and the fact remains that it ain't a 911. As Porsches become more mass produced, it's only the GT models that will be worth anything because there are simply too many cars available.
anonymous said:
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'Hateful' is surely hyperbole as why would you then go and buy a 987 Cayman ...I had an early S 1999 build Jan 2000 registered and a last of the line 550. In terms of drive there is barely if any noticeable difference. Brakes are the same, gearbox the same, suspension aside from wear and ageing pretty much the same, engine drives the same, interior is largely the same. So money aside, from a driving and ownership perspective there is little difference. In this case, the old adage of buying on condition and history rings true.
Very nice one here for £4,500 - if you like the red interior..
http://www.northloop.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?52...
btw LFB in my early 3.2S doesn't seem to cut the power? (no PSM on my car - is this relevant?)
http://www.northloop.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?52...
btw LFB in my early 3.2S doesn't seem to cut the power? (no PSM on my car - is this relevant?)
Edited by edh on Thursday 21st May 11:26
anonymous said:
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Ha ha, I have never been accused of being in the shiny-shiny brigade before. I have very little interest in most new cars. I'm talking about build quality. You can tell me I'm wrong if you like, but I work on them every day. I know the opinions of my colleagues and myself. 986 Badly built! Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff