Most Porsche fans I talk to spend a lot of time “browsing”. They look through classifieds, they look on eBay, they peruse various forums, everyone always seems to be looking for their next Porsche. I know I’m guilty of doing that. I’ve been after a 996 Turbo Cab and a nice driver 914 for quite while. In fact, I had a deposit on a 996 Turbo Cab earlier in the year before that deal went sideways after a few surprises were brought to light during the PPI. With all the browsing I’ve been doing lately and the current state of the Porsche market it got me to thinking. What model Porsche will be the next big collectors item?
The air cooled market has shot past the moon and is on its way to another galaxy. The 993 Turbo S is already a $500,000+ car depending on condition and the “regular” 993 Turbo routinely brings a quarter of a million. Hell, we saw a 993 C4S with 40k miles on it sell for over $120k just last month (good for us, bad for those looking). Even the much maligned 914 is having a revival. Porsches that were once selling in low 4 digit range now have asking prices in the low teens into the mid twenties, and that’s just for the four cylinder versions (never mind a 914-6).
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
With the market as hot as it is right now, where does your everyday Porsche enthusiast (and want-to-be collector turn)? A lot of people say the 996 is the way to go, especially the Turbo. We tend to agree with them. For $35 to $45k you can get a hell of an example with none of the IMS issues that most people associate with the 996. Making 415 horsepower, this is an all-wheel drive 911 that has a top speed of 190 mph and a zero to 60 time hovering right around 4 seconds. It’s not 918 fast, but that’s damn respectable for a car that’s at least a decade old and more.
What about Porsche’s front-engined cars?
Magnus Walker’s Porsche 924
The 944? The 924 (Magnus Walker bought one recently)? The 968? How about the 928? The 928 GTS already commands some fairly significant dollars, but “lesser” versions can still be had at bargain basement prices.
What About Newer Models?
The Cayman GT4 was released just a few month ago and has already reached legendary status. Will they start selling for more than sticker sooner vs. later? The 918 is already commanding higher than sticker prices with gently used versions showing asking prices of $1.25MM to $1.50MM. Look what’s happened to the Carrera GT market. Three years ago you couldn’t give one away for $300,000. Today, we’re seeing nice example trade in the $750,000 to $850,000 range. Insanity!
View Comments (81)
1. 997 GT3 MK1 CS
2. 997 turbo
3. 964 turbo 3.3
996 C4S, 996 40th, GT2 and GT3 I think are all good candidates, in addition to the 996 Turbo You mentioned. Also as a side note, many know to factor in getting the IMS and RMS done and just get on with it. We need to stop making this IMS and RMS issue such a distraction, we all know it's there, just fix it and enjoy the car.
Quit worrying about IMS and RMS and go for a 996 Turbo coupe with the Mezger engine- and six speed, preferably a 2003-- with the stiffened chassis and upgraded interior. Several European Porsche magazines have identified the 996 Turbo as the next great investment, particularly since the 993 s are off the chart.
I bought a 2003 Porsche Carrera 4S, stick shift, with the Turbo body style. . Love the fat bat wings, big lights in the back, and yes, I like the headlights. It's got 315 horse power, but has pick up like a beast. I get compliments all the time. The new Porsche autos have small lights in the rear and faux shift sticks. It's jut not a Porsche to me. Plus I have heard, Porsche is thinking about eliminating the manual stick shift. That's a deal breaker for me, and a boring Porsche. Give me a raw Porsche with a manual shift stick where I drive the car, and the car doesn't drive me. I want a RAW PORSCHE!
If you want a RAW PORSCHE i´d recommend a Boxster Spyder 987.2,2011/12.I recently bought one and just love it,it´s a roadster and you really feel connected to the machine,engine,road,sound,etc.The car performs exelent in the track.just an idea.
New 2016 boxster spyder will go up in value very soon , fact is you have a hard time finding one below list price on the used car market if you can find one at all !!
I bought my 2003, Porsche C4S, for $31,000! It had only 43,000 miles. A WINNER! The IMS, RMS, and CLUTCH, had been replaced. The previous owner put in a $7,000 exhaust system and it's a BEAST! I get flirted with, my husband gets flirted with along with turning heads! It's darn right sexy. Everybody loves our Porsche C4S with the fat butt. We love our Porsche and will keep it forever. It will eventually go up in value because you don't see these cars very often. Our mechanic was stunned when he saw it. He was in love with our car
997 6-Speed Turbo. Can only get PDK now.
I collect cars and have had an 86 944 turbo guards red with 36,000 miles I bought from the original owner 15 years ago for $3,500. The lady could sell it fast enough. The car is in perfect shape and people are offering me anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 for it. Have been reading up only a total of 25,000 turbos were made and most turned into track cars due to their weight distribution. Am hoping it keeps climbing in price
996 Turbo is the sleeper-prices rising even though the 993 prices seem to soften.
Boxster 987 Series 2 either 2011 or 12 model....they have a purity similar to the 356 from the instrumentation, equipment and clean lines....the 981 is cluttered...982 improved by FOUR banger....so the 987 Series 2 is IT...
I'd love to say the early 986 Boxsters, that are now officially a "classic," but they seem to be in the tank that 914's were in for several years. I'd also have to go with the 996 and 997 Turbo.
The Turbos, GT3 and GT2s will always command the highest prices, but the 996s are the most underrated and currently undervalued 911s. Now that the IMS issues have resolved and are nothing more than a maintenance item (there’s even a permanent repair), these cars now fall in line with previous generation 911s which also had serious inherent engine design flaws but were also corrected within Porsche or through the aftermarket. The early 996s are the first generation of water-cooled cars without all the electronic driver aids, a genuinely working air conditioner, and have the lowest maintenance costs. Additionally, the 996s have more horsepower and better handling than previous generations 911s providing a more genuine 911 experience. Aesthetics on the headlight, fried eggs or borrowed from the turbo due to consumer pressure are irrelevant. The evidence is there. The negative internet chatter has been dying down the past year. Genuine IMS issues seem to only surface for those living under rocks. It’s a no-brainer.
+1 Rod, my thoughts exactly. The 40th and C4S are worth collection as well.
I have to agree Rod, thanks for commenting! IMS/RMS issues usually seem to strike at low miles and with limp usage as these cars are meant to be driven with some enthusiasm. Maintenance done properly per the factory specs is also vital. The water cooled cars are a pleasure in hot weather, and don't seep oil like the air cooled cars seem to do. The 2003 is the last 996 with an oil dipstick, but also has the electronic readout. Prospective Porsche owners could do a lot worse.
I would think that the Porsche 996 Gt3 Mk 1 and Mk2 would be right up there especially the Clubsport versions. A raw Porsche experience with that wonderful Mezger engine and very few electronic aids. The 987 Boxster Spyder for its sensationl look and a magic driving experience.especially in manual transmission form. Light and nimble and a quirky manual lift off soft top a very beautiful rounded look in keeping with the earlier Porsche look. Both these cars were very limited in production numbers.
for me it has to be the 997 GT2. the RS at the top of the heap but these are as rare as hen's teeth, so go for the regular GT2. Limited numbers, Mezger engine, manual transmission and a more traditional Porsche headlight set up. this one will last the test of time. prices of these cars have already started to climb - soon they will be past the purchase price ????
Anthony, i think you are spot on, sir. In the current market, everything that is truly desirable and worth a poster on the wall (GT, European RS models, and 993's) are probably more than fully priced. Models from the 60's and 70's are slow to move of the lot at present - even in Europe. 991's are too young and simply not very unique. The 997 GT2 and RS versions are unique and over time they should be maintaining their value.
The 996 is an ugly undesired duck that will never become a collectible. It is a very good car compared to many other vehicles ever built, but it will never ascent to be a real 911 collectible. If the 996 is the 911 you can afford, buy it and drive it. It will make you very happy. However, do not speculate on making your money back and don't borrow money to buy it in hope for price appreciation. Personally, i cannot see that happen and no true Porsche enthusiast, garage owner or mechanic i speak to would have a different view.
Hoffers, I hope you are wrong!
We joined the Porsche family in early 2011. I was hoping to find a 930 and no matter how much money I could justified they continued to stay ahead of my ability to buy one. I looked for other options. Today my wife and I own an '86-951 (944 turbo), a matched set of 968's and a 996 turbo. After reading your article I think we are on the same page.
I thing the beautiful 996 Targa will be an item very soon. Especially now that the glass top Targa is no longer in production. I bought mine 8 years ago and they make up less than 3% of the 996 production. What I like about the 996 vs the 997 is the rear drive. It is more like the original 911's in that respect and that rear hatch is quite convenient.
I recently purchased a 2008 997 turbo with 14K miles. I've owned BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, all good cars but NOTHING like this! Why any well heeled enthusiast that is into German performance would choose anything else is beyond me. I'm an older guy, always loved Hi-Po cars, and am not criticizing American brands, as some are VERY good, but fit and finish are important to me. If it's in your budget, get a 911 Turbo, ANY 911 Turbo, with reasonable miles and in top shape. You'll be glad that you did!
I couldn't agree with you more. I just purchased an '07 turbo and quite delighted. Having owned an '85 930, '86 Careera and a '95 993, was blown away by the advancement of technology and performance. I feel in love with '07 turbo the minute I drove it.
I'm with you,i recently bought a 997.1 turbo tiptronic,and before complains about transmission well it's not PDK but the car is a flyer,no german car comes close to this Turbo,480hp and at 2600 mts above sea level it pulls and feels like a rocket,i totally love my 997.1 turbo
Recently purchased a 2008 997 Turbo with 14k miles. Thrilling car, and as an older man, the best that I've owned! I've had C63 AMG, M3, S4, all great cars, but none compare! Buy any 911 Turbo, you'll be glad!
I'm with you,i recently bought a 997.1 turbo tiptronic,and before complains about transmission well it's not PDK but the car is a flyer,no german car comes close to this Turbo,480hp and at 2600 mts above sea level it pulls and feels like a rocket,i totally love my 997.1 turbo
996 Turbo is starting to take off. You just can't beat the car for that money. it is rock solid and mine, which I have had for 9 years, just doesn't break. I have had 78 Porsches since my first('55 Continental Coupe 1500S) bought in my senior year of High School in 1964.. I have literally had every model except the 924 and 928. The Porsche market of late (especially) has been very good to me. I think there is a bubble in some of the models like the 356B and the 912.
Let's face it, if you can buy a 996 Turbo like mine that had a sticker price of $150K for less than a 105 MPH 912;"you be doin good!"
I just picked up a twin plug 914-6 race prepared car with a good track history. It really rips! I believe these Porsches are taking the launch pad.
Buy well my friends!
I used to own a 996 Turbo prior to PX it for a 997 GTS which I must admit is a far better and faster car. The turbo was expensive to run one service at the main stealer cost me 6k as there was a rust hole in one of the two turbos. I also own a 2004 Boxster S which is also a low mileage car ,a great car on the sunny days but no match for the performance of my 997 GTS ,I do feel the Metzger engine is over rated and the direct injection engines are a lot more efficient and reliable.