I have been watching the 996 TT market for a few years and I wanted to get some opinions from the board on 996 TT depreciation over the next few years.

Right now, a decent 2001 996 TT with 30-40k miles and a CPO warranty can be had at a dealer for $55k. Higher mileage cars are in the mid to high $40s. 2002s and 2003s are in the low $60s all day.

The depreciation is slowing and at a certain point I believe the 996 TT will hold its value. I don't see significant appreciation, as a result of the styling and production numbers, but I think the values will stabilize in the next 3-5 years.

I predict that we will see the early 996 TT values hold steady in the low to mid-40s. Higher mileage cars will dip into the mid $30s. Once you reach a certain price point, demand will stabilize the value.

YMMV.

 

Most of that I agree, to think a car like the 996tt at these prices it got to be the best thing going. To be able to buy a car like the twin at 1/3 the price it sold for new. Of course I wish I had waited, but on the other hand I would have missed the best 5 years of owning the best car ever. And for some of you that know me and know the cars I've owned that saying something.

 

I, too, agree with most of what you've prognosticated, except that higher mileage cars will drop into the mid $30s. Assuming the car has 60K or less miles and has been maintained correctly I think $40k will be the bottom and prices should hold at about that level. If Porsche were to raise prices on new Turbos more aggressively the 996TT resale prices would be 10%+ higher than your figures. One thing strongly in favor of firmer resale prices is the 996TT great overall dependability for such a high performance car.

 

We don't disagree. I consider average mileage on a TT to be 5k a year. My prediction is for 3-5 years from 2008. 50-60k will be average mileage for a 2001 or 2002 in 2011-2013.

When I say higher mileage, I mean 80-90k miles or more.

 

One thing I think that should be considered is the effect of the 997 TT on the market. With them sitting in the showrooms (as opposed to having to order and wait...), it will push down the 996TT price.
But - one hiccup in the press abt the newer Turbo will drive the 996TT prices back up. If, say, the 997 varient starts having a serious reliability problem folks will go back to the 996 due to it's reliability and ability to make serious power relatively easy...
The 997TT is still too new for any issues to surface - but if they do, I think folks will run away from them.
My 2 pennies...

 

I think it would have to be a pretty serious and long-term issue to have an impact on the overall market.

The 996 TTs are reliable, but have had their issues, such as the 2nd gear pop-out.

 

If they abandon the dry sump.....the GT1 block if you will.....or make the ECU impossible to manage...

Just thoughts.

 

You make an interesting point. The market for 997TTs, even @ $135k, is still dominated by the "working-man'- albeit a very well paid working-man. They, along with most of the rest of the general population is feeling a little squeezed and generally uneasy with the economy. This and overproduction, I believe, is to blame for the malaise in the new Turbo market. If Porsche were to build fewer cars, which it cannot do for economic survival reasons, prices across the board (new and used) would rise and some level of exclusivity would return to Porsche ownership. This would allow them to raise prices on the Turbos, at the very least, at a good clip each year, while keeping demand high. Think Ferrari- build one less than they can sell. The problem here is that years ago- in 1999 approx., Porsche dramatically increased their model lineup and production numbers. This move, while paying some benefits like the survival of the company and, the cash flow to introduce the Cayenne and Cayman, fundamentally changed Porsche into a more conventional car company who must now deal with adverse market conditions when they occur- which brings us to the realities we face in the Porsche market today- such as slow moving new inventory and horrendous depreciation of most models, especially 911 Turbos and all Cayennes, especially the Turbos.

 

I have heard that Porsche plans to move the 911 line upmarket in price and exclusivity and wants the Boxster and Cayman to be the volume leaders.

I think the 997 GT3 RS and 997 GT2 follow this philosophy and the trend is likely to continue in that direction.

 

I agree with all of that except one thing , I don't think you will see the TT drop in to the mid to high 30's.I think the car has taken most of its hit as it is.Lets be honest here its the best bang for the buck..then and now.

 

I do believe the high mileage cars will fall that far. I don't think the average mileage cars will fall that far.

 

Maybe, 80-90k cars, abused cars, or accident cars that arent in great shape may reach the 30's. But for a well taken care of decent mileage car (60's or better), I bet 50-70k (mileage based) will get you in one.

But I sure am glad I didnt buy one new.

 

This would be a most welcome move for all of us 996TT owners and would certainly help to firm up prices, to some extent.

 

Aint that the truth!!!

 

There is a special factor to keep in mind, the amount of mods available for the 996TT and the electronics on the new 997TT I think prices are hitting bottom and it will hold for some time there and later rise for the good ones with nice options