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Porsche 911

2170 messages,  Last post on Mar 20, 2013 at 9:25 PM

You are in the Porsche 911 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Porsche 911, Porsche Carrera GT, Coupe, Convertible

Messages Page 16 of 218

#144 of 2170 Re: 2005 911 vs. Boxster S vs. C6 Corvette Coupe [habitat1] by love2skicar1

Aug 03, 2005 (3:50 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Aug 03, 2005 4:38 am)
I'm sorry but you don't know what you are talking about when it comes to car values. I'm quite aware that the technology is better in the 997, but the rarity of a Porsche has more to do with resale value than the technology. Depreciation is by far the largest expense in owning a modern sports car. Check out the resale prices of 911's on the net over the years. Those with low production have best maintained their resale value, some have even appreciated over MSRP. Low mileage air cooled cars from 1996 which are rare anymore are selling for more than 996's 5 years newer which have "better technology."
   
And yes, my friend, 2004 C4S's routinely sell for more money than 997 Cab S's, so I must not be the only rich fool out there who likes the unique look of the car. You can buy slightly used Cab S's on ebay right now for $90K, soon to be $85K when the 06's come out; try to find a C4S in similar condition for the same.
 
So that's why buying a rarer 911 can be wiser in the long run than buying a less expensive Boxster which is produced in much higher volumes and depreciates like a normal car.
 
But you do what you want, I guess it's better to be a rich fool than just a fool.
 

#145 of 2170 Re: Question for Buyers: [habitat1] by nattyb

Aug 03, 2005 (6:54 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Aug 03, 2005 4:55 am)
Thanks very much. That's great advice. In fact, I was thinking of doing exactly as you say and getting a backup Honda Pilot for snow and my little ones.

#146 of 2170 Re: Comments Please [pabs1] by s4to911

Aug 03, 2005 (7:04 pm)

Replying to: pabs1 (Aug 02, 2005 11:23 am)
yes, I meant all of the late 05 and all 06 997 non-S and S have CD head units that read MP3s

#147 of 2170 Re: 2005 911 vs. Boxster S vs. C6 Corvette Coupe [love2skicar1] by s4to911

Aug 03, 2005 (7:25 pm)

Replying to: love2skicar1 (Aug 03, 2005 3:50 pm)
Have you actually driven a 2005 S Cab and a 2004 C4S Cab back to back? I have, and I own a 2005 S Cab. Interestingly, I asked my Porsche salesman about it as well, and he agreed completely--he would even take an 2005 S Cab over a 2004 Turbo Cab, which I found surprising.
 
It is an entirely different experience driving a 997 than a 996, from the apperance of better fit and finish in the 2005 to better handling and acceleration. A lot of this is subjective, so if you drive both and like the 996, then get it.
 
One thing that is interesting to hear is talk about resale value and "rarity." Look, we are all dropping close to or above $90-100K for these cars, from what I hope for many if not most of us is very disposable income (this car to me is really an extreme luxury). This is a purchase with your heart, not your head.
 
It is never a wise business decision to invest in a depreciating asset. Sure, a rare Porsche may be worth more in the future--provided you keep it pristine in your garage and never drive it, so there is no damage, dings, stone chip marks, etc when you sell it.
 
If you need to feel like you are making an investment to make you feel better about the purchase, OK, go with it--but there are better ways to make money, as I am sure you know.
 
I bought this car to drive it--period. Its a Porsche, so I think I won't get totally killed on the resale. The joy I have driving it is worth every bit of depreciation that I am going to take.

#148 of 2170 Re: 2005 911 vs. Boxster S vs. C6 Corvette Coupe [love2skicar1] by spiritinthesky

Aug 03, 2005 (9:00 pm)

Replying to: love2skicar1 (Aug 03, 2005 3:50 pm)
love2skicar1,
 
Sorry to jump on, but it appears to me that YOU don't know what you are talking about in this instance and, rich or not, you would be foolish to come even close to paying $100k+ for a used 2004 C4S Cab.
 
First, there is nothing particularly "rare" about a 2004 C4S other than the number of buyers that wanted to buy one new. Porsche increased its production capacity with the 996 model and could have produced as many of its 911's in AWD format as the demand warranted. The fact is that most Porsche purists don't want an AWD 911, especially the 996 base model with only 320 horsepower. To claim the C4S is rare because of anything other than limited demand is simply incorrect.
 
Second, while it is true that some Porsche purists have bid up the price of late model air cooled 993's, there is no love affair with the 996. It's neither as "pure" as the 993, nor nearly as good as the new 997. I personally agree with S4to911, I would choose the 997 S Cab over the 996 Turbo Cab. I would trade off 0.5 seconds 0-60 for the upgraded interior, better handling and other refinements.
 
Third, if you really want a used 2004 C4S Cab, shop around. I believe the price for a pristine one with under 5,000 miles should be closer to $75,000 - $80,000. I was in DC earlier this year and saw one at Select Auto Imports for around that price. They are reputable, as one of my business partners has bought his last two cars from them.
 
Finally, don't kid yourself with the economics of buying a "rare" car.. You want to talk really rare?? I owned a 1979 BMW M1. BMW's Motorsport Group made a grand total of 455 of these over a 4 year period of time. I sold the mine in 1983 (we were moving out of the country) for $55,000. I put $50,000 of the sales price into an investment account subject to an agreement with my wife that it would be available for a future sports car purchase when we returned. That fund, as of yesterday's stock market close, is now worth exactly $2,134,557.80. That's a compounded annual return of 18.6%. I have purchased several sports cars in the interim 22 years out of other discretionary funds, but decided to keep the "sports car" fund intact as a lesson to our kids of the importance of saving and the value of compounding (not to mention a pretty good fund manager).
 
If you really like the 2004 C4S more than the 2005 997 S, that is certainly your perogative. But I do think you are being shnookered into thinking you are getting something that you are not, and potentially paying an extremely inflated price for it. I hope at least that you shop around a bit more.

#149 of 2170 Re: Comments Please [s4to911] by pabs1

Aug 03, 2005 (10:31 pm)

Replying to: s4to911 (Aug 03, 2005 7:04 pm)
Thanks so much.
I guess I have to tell my Salesperson to be aware of the fact that Late models 05 and 06 997 and 997 S have an MP3 capability
Again, Thanks for the info.

#150 of 2170 Re: 2005 911 vs. Boxster S vs. C6 Corvette Coupe [spiritinthesky] by love2skicar1

Aug 03, 2005 (11:32 pm)

Replying to: spiritinthesky (Aug 03, 2005 9:00 pm)
You are very confident anyone paying $100K for a C4S is foolish, so go ahead and do a simple search on ebay or autotrader and tell us what you find. If you can find a reasonably equipped C4S for $75-80K TODAY (vs. winter) with 4K miles, then I suggest you buy it and sell it the next day, because you'll do even better than you did in your investment account. The lowest I found on ebay or autotrader was $94K for a car with fewer options and more miles.
 
The reason for the discrepancy is that you have to take into account options (and mileage) when valuing a Porsche (and other cars like classic Corvettes) because they influence the supply demand equation. The car in question has ceramic brakes ($8K), navigation ($3K), full leather, carbon fiber interior, special wheels, sports exhaust ($1K), power memory seats, and 4K miles so that accounts for the higher price vs. more normally equipped, higher mileage version. A car with fewer options and just a few more thousand miles would be worth significantly less.
 
I give up..the only person who added to this question was the person who had driven them back to back. It's hard to find dealers with both models in stock at the same time so that information was helpful, so thank you.
 
Still waiting for the $75-80K C4S

#151 of 2170 Re: 2005 911 vs. Boxster S vs. C6 Corvette Coupe [love2skicar1] by spiritinthesky

Aug 04, 2005 (4:53 am)

Replying to: love2skicar1 (Aug 03, 2005 11:32 pm)
I don't need to search autotrader or e-bay to find out what the "asking" prices are on a used C4S. Rather, I suggest you call some reputable Porsche dealerships and ask them to tell you what they would give you in actual trade value for the C4S you are considering.
 
I also don't need to be reminded that options and mileage need to be taken into account when valuing a Porsche. And I assume, as a previous 911 owner, that you don't need to be told that the resale value of $8k ceramic brakes on a car that isn't going to see a lot of serious track time is potentially a negative, due to the very high cost of maintenance and potential repairs (chipped rotors are $3k +/-).
 
Your previous posts had suggested that you had driven both cars, acknowledged that the 997 was superior in both performance and refinement, but you were being "advised" by the dealer to pay $104k+ for a used 996 C4S because it is "rare". Isn't he nice, watching out for your financial interests? I was simply trying to give you a more objective assessment, since I don't make a fat commission regardless of what you decide. Good luck either way.

#152 of 2170 My Problem by steelcruiser

Aug 06, 2005 (5:59 pm)

is I've driven lots of 911s over the years and as yet haven't had one of my own, so I'm just about ready to take the leap. I'd really like a Carrera S, but I'm wondering if the extra $10K or so is really worth it?
 
Help!

#153 of 2170 Re: My Problem [steelcruiser] by bsumner

Aug 07, 2005 (1:51 pm)

Replying to: steelcruiser (Aug 06, 2005 5:59 pm)
It really depends on what you want. If you are looking for more of a street car (and if you aren't price insensitive), then I'd recommend the straight Carrera. The additional features on the S (PASM, 30 bhp, 19" wheels) cost $10k and are more of a hindrance (in the case of the 19" wheels) on a daily basis or irrelevant (PASM/less than 10% bhp increase) unless you are taking the car to the limit.
 
For all but the most extreme driving:
--the 19" wheels reduce comfort significantly and unnecessarily increase expense (upfront price, tire wear and replacement cost). [as an aside, when is the wheel size inflation going to end?]
--PASM isn't necessary--and only makes the already stiff suspension stiffer
 
Furthermore, a 30 bhp jump is pretty meager for a "S" badge . . .
 
However, if you plan to take it to the track, then I'd consider the S . . .
 
From my personal perspective, I am spending my $$ on traction--and thus have ordered a 911 Carrera 4. It feels like a much better use of $6k--better wet weather traction and the wide rear fenders.
 
It is unclear to me whether the S or straight Carrera will hold its value better . . . they seem to be making them in equal proportions. And, frankly, I don't care since I will either lease and turn mine in . . . or keep it for 20 years. This is a minor point at best.
 
Enjoy your test driving either way!
 
Regards.

Messages Page 16 of 218

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