Is the 997 a future classic?

[HypeM135i]

I've wasted too much money over the years on new cars that just depreciate so now I want to find a car that's reliable enough for a couple of thousands miles a year, but more importantly will hold its value or better yet appreciate. I plan on keeping the car mint for at least 5 - 10 years.

Currently considering low mileage (20k) 997 C4S and 997 Turbo with around 50k miles on max. Never owned a Porsche before mainly BMWs and Mercs...

Any advice?

[GT4P]

manual 997.2 but you have missed the boat on a good price!

[IMI A]

Colour seems to divide opinion but I think this may be a decent long term investment. C4S not going to do what you want. GTS worth looking at too. I think gen 2 manual C2 and C2S Coupe well worth look too.

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

[SRT Hellcat]

In a word no. Wind the clock back a good few years

[Magic919]

The Turbos are holding their money, as are the Gen 2 NA cars. Buy the one you like most and enjoy it.

[W1TAK]

GT4P said:

manual 997.2 but you have missed the boat on a good price!

What he said, prices on these have been really strong for good reason, they take the best of the water cooled 911s and throw in a reliable engine, classic design and you can see why they are popular, not many about either.

All turbos a safe bet apart from tiptronic which isnt as loved.

997 GTS will always be popular too, but entry price is high already i might be wrong but not sure they can get higher.

Dont discount PDK, ive got one and its fantastic.

[harleywilma]

These things aint cheap to run, any appreciation will be offset by running costs, Same as the 993, unless you are just going to stare at it forget it cos this will also cause problems as these things need to be used,In real terms 2k+ per year to maintain properly ie consumables servicing etc,and that's only if nothing goes wrong with it, Talked about many times on here but in reality it would need to be very special and uber low mileage to be an investment,Porsche have seen massive gains on select earlier models so boat has probably sailed.996 a better bet at the moment but still dogged by reliability issues same as gen 1 997, Just buy the best one you can find drive it enjoy it spend money on it.

[Mintbird]

They are 911s, but comparing them to the old aircooled stuff is just bks in my opinion. Been there, gotten the medal - and so have many of my friends.

They are wonderful sportscars, but anodyne in comparison to old aircooled stuff. it really is chalk and cheese. For many including myself they are not special enough for weekend drives.

They will hold their value well because they are great sportscars, NOT because they "combine all the best things from the old 911s aaand the new" . They dont.

[harleywilma]

Mintbird said:

They are 911s, but comparing them to the old aircooled stuff is just bks in my opinion. Been there, gotten the medal - and so have many of my friends.

They are wonderful sportscars, but anodyne in comparison to old aircooled stuff. it really is chalk and cheese. For many including myself they are not special enough for weekend drives.

They will hold their value well because they are great sportscars, NOT because they "combine all the best things from the old 911s aaand the new" . They dont.

Talking about value appreciation depreciation,running costs etc comparable to and same as 993 , Not the way they drive, There are plenty of other threads about that.

[roca1976]

Unfortunately the stigma of the expensive engine issues will always keep prices of the 997.1 in check, a potential rebuild cost of 50% of the value of the car makes it a potentially risky long term keeper. High mile 997.2 are dropping below 30k so the difference price difference isn't vast.

The relatively high production numbers will probably never result in a situation where demand outstrips supply unless there are several buyers all fighting over unusual and low prod number colours (Speed yellow, Riv blue, Orange) or specifications.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Porsche-911-3-8-Car...

This seller is obviously hoping for the above considering a C4S in a more common colour is 10k cheaper...

I personally love the colour and spec and would def pay a premium but not that much.

[Cheib]

W1TAK said:

GT4P said:

manual 997.2 but you have missed the boat on a good price!

What he said, prices on these have been really strong for good reason, they take the best of the water cooled 911s and throw in a reliable engine, classic design and you can see why they are popular, not many about either.

All turbos a safe bet apart from tiptronic which isnt as loved.

997 GTS will always be popular too, but entry price is high already i might be wrong but not sure they can get higher.

Dont discount PDK, ive got one and its fantastic.

Agrees but I think if the OP wants to keep the car for a good while PDK will date, 991 already a step on and whatever comes next will be even better.

I'd also say if the OP is going for a Carrera rather than a Turbo avoid 4wd. Turbo is a different argument re PDK as obv 997.2 only available with PDK.

I bought a manual C2 997 GTS in Feb. Absolutely love it and would disagree that these cars are not good enough for a special weekend car. It's just brilliant on country lanes and B roads.

[Mintbird]

Cheib said:

Agrees but I think if the OP wants to keep the car for a good while PDK will date, 991 already a step on and whatever comes next will be even better.

I'd also say if the OP is going for a Carrera rather than a Turbo avoid 4wd. Turbo is a different argument re PDK as obv 997.2 only available with PDK.

I bought a manual C2 997 GTS in Feb. Absolutely love it and would disagree that these cars are not good enough for a special weekend car. It's just brilliant on country lanes and B roads.

Didnt mean to offend your car, I like the 997 GTS alot - if I did more driving every week Id have one. To put it into perspective ,I dont think the 991 GT3 is special enough either - Im just crazy for the old aircooled stuff

[MrVert]

Just collected a 997 Carrera this week, manual, with PASM and PSE.

Superb combination, easily quick enough, great engine / gearbox combo, fantastic steering, ride and handling.

Would like even more noise though, even with PSE but overall it is a superb machine.

There's a few nice ones for sale on PH with decent mileage, get one if you can, a bit of a performance car bargain IMO.

[Cheib]

Mintbird said:

Cheib said:

Agrees but I think if the OP wants to keep the car for a good while PDK will date, 991 already a step on and whatever comes next will be even better.

I'd also say if the OP is going for a Carrera rather than a Turbo avoid 4wd. Turbo is a different argument re PDK as obv 997.2 only available with PDK.

I bought a manual C2 997 GTS in Feb. Absolutely love it and would disagree that these cars are not good enough for a special weekend car. It's just brilliant on country lanes and B roads.

Didnt mean to offend your car, I like the 997 GTS alot - if I did more driving every week Id have one. To put it into perspective ,I dont think the 991 GT3 is special enough either - Im just crazy for the old aircooled stuff

No offence taken! We all have different opinions and after all PH is about opinions more than anything

[Cheib]

MrVert said:

Would like even more noise though, even with PSE but overall it is a superb machine.

There's a few nice ones for sale on PH with decent mileage, get one if you can, a bit of a performance car bargain IMO.

Sharkwerks kit is what you want. ABP import them into the UK the owner of ABP is a member on here.

I'd have one on mine but have the OPC warranty

[Phooey]

No. Too many of them. GTS's are looking toppy and my feeling is the 'GTS' badge is being overused - so if there is any market correction at any time in the next few years then the GTS we all think is the Holy Grail of the standard 911's might take the biggest plunge. A 997 turbo would be my pick - it's Porsche's icon 911, relatively rare, and always a market / cult following for the 'turbo'. You might (will) be looking for a while, and may have to increase your budget for a good one, but I would keep checking the classifieds every day, and when you find one, don't snooze. A clean manual 3.6 Mezger-engined 997.1 turbo with good history is IMV the safest place for your lolly.

[krallicious]

Even better if you can get a turbo with the PCM3. They seem to be holding their value well.

[Phooey]

krallicious said:

Even better if you can get a turbo with the PCM3. They seem to be holding their value well.

Was PCM3 introduced on the gen2 3.8?

Another option - bit older but... check out JZM for a clean 996 turbo. Admittedly they've gone up a bit over the past few years, but I reckon these are good value for money. They are the cheapest 911 turbo's

[Mintbird]

gen 1.5 - new dash and pcm3 - 2009 model

[Phooey]

Ah, cheers guys. Thought the black PCM3 was only on gen2 3.8dfi. Gen 1.5's must be quite rare then