The Porsche 996 has always generated a lot of debate. It was the first 911 generation to come equipped with a water-cooled engine.
Much as when the 924 and its successors first went into production in prior years, many enthusiasts disapproved of the 996, which replaced the well-liked 993, when it first came into production.
Due to the 996’s lack of appeal to purists, prices dropped to bargain levels in the late 2000s and remained low for many years.
The Porsche 996 is becoming more valuable and will do so going forward, although more slowly than older air-cooled 911s. Porsche enthusiasts have a fantastic entry point into the 911 market with the 996 because to its low cost, outstanding performance, and authentic driving experience.
Therefore, it is likely that 996 values will continue to rise, but why have they been so low for so long, and are they trustworthy?
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The Carrera and 4S may continue to merge in the future.
The Porsche 996 Carrera 4S is probably going to continue to be the best of the best. The narrow body Carreras have minimal technical distinctions, therefore it’s probable that their prices will continue to converge. In any case, we wouldn’t be shocked if the 996 Carrera’s value increased in 2022 whether it was the 3.4 or the 3.6. especially given that the cost of well-kept 997s hasn’t exactly decreased either. While the Turbo and GT2 are unlikely to experience significant growth, the GT3 will undoubtedly keep moving up.
The Porsche 996 is one of the Porsche models with the best price-performance ratio, which is no longer breaking news. However, its “entry-level” model is not going to be reasonably priced for very long. The inevitable end of the internal combustion engine as we know it is feeding the upward price trend. We suggest? Purchase one now while the price is still low.
Values Are Starting To Increase
The majority of people shopping for a 996 are likely seeking for a vehicle they can use personally and aren’t overly concerned with future values. However, one notable advantage of the 996 is that they appear to be an excellent investment.
A 1999 911 Carrera in great condition has increased from $38,000 to $49,000 in the last 12 months, according to Hagerty assessments. A 2002 911 Turbo in concours condition has increased in value from $87,000 to a staggering $125,000. The Turbo appears to be a wise purchase after increasing PS38,000 in just one year.
Are 3.4-liter 996 Carrera prices likely to decline any further in sales?
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The 996 Carrera is by no means the most well-known 911 to ever leave Zuffenhausen, especially in Gen1 specifications, as we remark so often that it has become cliché.
Prices have decreased to as little as PS7,000–8,000 despite having iconic “fried egg” headlights and a 3.4-liter water-cooled engine known for gnawing through IMS bearings. But how much lower can 996 3.4 values go?
Since prices can’t go any lower, the 996 has a lot of potential, according to Mikey Wastie, manager of Autofarm’s projects division. They offer so much value for the money, and they are numerous.
Wastie acknowledges that despite these absurdly low prices, some purchasers are still “apparently turned off by the scare stories,” but he clarifies that 996 Carrera 3.4s are not only “bad news.”
Recently, a customer purchased a 996 and expressed concern about the possibility of engine failure. Upon closer inspection, Autofarm discovered that the vehicle already had one of their rebuilt engines with a stronger IMS bearing. Checking the past is definitely worthwhile because you might get a good, reliable car, says Wastie.
Joff Ward, the owner of Finley Goram, likewise disputes the reputation of the 3.4-litre for being unreliable. The 996 Gen1 is not the most unreliable Porsche in Ward’s experience, who has been in the industry for more than 40 years and seen more than 10,000 of them come through his doors.
“The 964 is perhaps the worst 911 ever constructed, is a statement I have made for years. He questions how someone could ever own one of those for more money than a 996, which was never the worst 911 ever produced. “You had to repair the engine on every 964 if you wanted to get the money for it.”
Ward doesn’t think the 996 3.4 will appreciate as quickly, even though 964 values have risen over the PS40,000 threshold. However, he believes that costs have already increased:
They have greatly increased. At the end of 2013, I sold a Gen1 996 for PS10,500. Recently, despite having a higher mileage, I sold the same car for PS13,500.
Wastie’s lighthearted remark that they “may become rare” may not be so far off the mark now that Ward is hoarding early 996s. Don’t claim that you weren’t informed, as Wastie put it, if the increase in value is greater than anticipated.
Check out our whole collection of sales debates, where we ask the 911 specialists the relevant market questions so you don’t have to, for market guidance on any generation or style of Porsche 911.
The pivotal 911 is the Porsche 996.
Porsche’s 996 911, which was once rather divisive and long neglected, is at a crucial point in its history as a collectible. Even if the 996 is extremely unlikely to become well-known among Porsche enthusiasts, it is still a vehicle that should be considered in the coming years, but more as a satisfying usable vintage than an investment item.
In comparison to the 911, the 996 appears to have certain flaws, but it actually has a lot of positive qualities. Is there any affection left for the 996 between the air-cooled legends and the widely popular current 911s? Let’s go out on the voyage and discover why we believe there is.
You can still afford one of these Porsches even if you don’t get the Club Coupe.
The Porsche Classic Club Coupe is a unique vehicle right now. But it is street-legal, unlike Project Gold. However, according to Hagerty, Porsche is apparently considering making some of its components, including the spoiler and Fuchs wheels, available as Classic extras. Additionally, the Club Coupe will be offered for sale after its yearlong tour is over.
But if this 996 can be challenging to acquire, obtaining a “normal” one is unquestionably simpler. Although it has long been undervalued, 996 values have recently increased. Nevertheless, these 911s are still competitively priced when compared to Turbos and GT3s. According to Hagerty, a fair-condition one normally costs between $20K and $30K, while a good-to-excellent one costs between $30K and $45K.
Is the Porsche 996 a vintage car?
The Porsche 911 from the 996 generation has held up well over time and is currently one of the greatest deals available on the used market.
Few automobiles have a more distinctive profile and timeless design than the Porsche 911. The mechanical setup and design have little altered since the vehicle’s introduction in 1963. However, several pretty major changes were introduced with the 1998 debut of the 996 generation automobile. Porsche did annoy some of its devoted client base, whether it was with the revised looks or the water-cooled engine.
Despite this, the vehicle played a significant role in the introduction of some significant improvements to the 911 lineup. The 996 generation greatly increased the range and added a number of additional varieties. Notable examples include the initial GT3, which was offered as part of the 996.1 range, and the GT2, which was offered as a 996.2 vehicle.
The 996 was introduced almost 24 years ago, and today, it is regarded as a modern classic. Let’s look at why it is an excellent choice for someone looking for a sports car from that era.
What’s the value of a Porsche 996?
The perfect 996 for you will mostly depend on your usage requirements and budget. Prices can range from $10,000 for a base Carrera Cabrio with a lot of miles in poor condition to $120,000 for a GT3 with very few miles and great condition.
Want a vehicle with greater power but don’t want to spend the money on a Turbo, GT2, or GT3? You might choose the Carrera 4S over the 996. The 320-horsepower Carrera motor and the Turbo’s body and chassis are used to make up the deficit. No, there isn’t a big wing out back, but we promise you’ll still have fun. The 4S raises the cost of a standard Carrera in comparable condition by between $5,000 and $10,000. Strangely, Porsche has never offered this package with rear-wheel drive, so if you want that, you’ll need to search elsewhere in the lineup.
Considering a 996 for use on the tracks? You want a GT2 or GT3, respectively. With powerful brakes, gripping tires, and functional aerodynamics, both cars are built from the ground up to be pushed to the absolute maximum. Despite having less power, we believe the GT3 to be the better option since it offers a more well-rounded package and a more distinctive engine. Naturally, the GT-badged 996s command the highest rates on the used market, with prices ranging from $75,000 to $130,000 depending on the car’s mileage, customizations, and track time.
If you’re a collector, neither GT car will let you down. Although their prices are comparable, it’s important to note that Porsche produced four GT3 vehicles for every GT2 vehicle. Therefore, if rarity appeals to you, we advise choosing the GT2. Additionally, there are two 996s that were produced in limited quantities: a Millennium Edition based on the 2000 Carrera 4 (of which only 911 instances were made) and a 40th Anniversary Edition based on the 2003 Carrera (of which only 1963 examples were made). Although the Millennium car is more uncommon, the 40th Anniversary 911 is the more desirable one (to us, at least), as it came standard with a limited-slip differential, a sharper suspension, and 25 more horsepower than stock.
The Turbo variant is a fantastic value because it hasn’t maintained value as well as its GT-badged brothers. Finding high-mileage vehicles advertised for under $40,000 is not difficult, and you can get a lot of car for the money. A new four-cylinder Supra costs more than a 415-horsepower AWD Porsche 911. Count us in. What’s best? The 996 Turbo’s engine is not susceptible to catastrophic failure in the same way that normally aspirated vehicles from this generation are. (I’ll get to that in a second.)
Is buying a Porsche 911 worthwhile?
Must you purchase a pre-owned Porsche 911? The answer is YES if you want a recognizable sports vehicle that is affordable, thrilling to drive, and dependable. The Porsche 996, 997, and 991 are fantastic vehicles for anyone’s budget, whether it is $15,000 or $100,000.
Which Porsche’s value increases?
The second-generation Porsche Boxster (987) is now a legitimate investment. The time when you could spend 20,000 euros on an early 987 Boxster is over. In addition to the 987.2, Its worth has also increased slightly in the wake of the 911. It is difficult to get a 987.1 for less than 25,000 euros. Naturally, this is not a great leap in absolute terms, but it is in relation. This is unquestionably also a result of the 987 being a more independent and emancipated vehicle than its predecessor. In terms of driving, there was no question.
Its performance is practically on level with the 997 Carrera, especially as a late Porsche Boxster S with 310 horsepower. It seems alluring to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in five seconds while driving with the top down on a sunny mountain route. However, the 987 Boxster S’s lateral dynamics are where it really shines. The little Boxster is the only roadster that is as appropriately tuned to be a sports vehicle. Due to the mid-engine design, the sound of the boxer engine can also be enjoyed phenomenally well. We assure you that the intake noise is compulsive. Here, you can expect lots of driving enjoyment, value stability, and, with proper maintenance, even increase. Although it is obvious that no value should double. Clearly a good idea to buy!