How much would the market of 996's depreciate after the coming of the 997? Right now I see some low mile high 30k C2's for $36-40k, how much will they be after 997's come in?

 

it's commonly referred to as "efficient markets." prices shouldn't drop much more than they have over the last 6 months. ask yourself this: why did the prices start dropping 3-6 months AGO?

a better 996? i don't think so (2001vs2002), a 997? perhaps. point being is that they started dropping a long time ago, and have seemed to buoy over the last two months.

my .02

 

The quandary i'm facing right now is what kind of car I will get in a year or so, I've narrowed it down to a used 30k-40k mile C2, a brand new G35 Coupe 6MT, or a used M3.

 

If you need the rear seatings, the G35 & M3 are viable choices, otherwise, like they said... there's just no substitute. If I were you, I'll try a MY2002 or newer for the suspension upgrade & the bigger 3.6L engine. I don't think the preown 996 market will drop much further, as a matter of fact, it might even firming up a bit because after seeing the pix & info of the 997, I don't see a big exodus to the 997 from the current 996 owners, I myself included, but the feelings might be quite different after we have a chance to try out the 997. We'll see...

 

I'm a strong beleiver that the market will continue to soften on 996s.

The initial backlash of a new car release like the 997 always happens. And owners all think that their current gen model is going to hold up fine value-wise. But the reality is that many owners (of any luxury marque) upgrade every few years almost regardless of what the new one looks like. Let's take the 7 series BMW. The market for the older body (E38) 7 Series is very soft despite the unpopularity of the new Body with the entusiast crowd.

Just my 2 cents of course. And I'm sure most people here will disagree with me since most here are owners and I'm a prospective buyer. I feel that the introduction of the 996 is going to bring the 996 used prices down to where it's more competitive with some of it's competition so to speak.

Thanks,
Adam

 

What are your opinions on the G35c 6MT?

 

Excellent car. As the owner of an 02 BMW 330Ci Coupe, the G35 coupe is a competent competitor. (I've driven the G35C & sedan, and have miles riding/driving a friend's G35 sedan, and recently 350Z). The G35 is certainly a better value. It is probably a tick quicker even in a straight line. But like most Japanese cars, the feeling is dialed out. Almost numb. The BMW (M3 or 330Ci) will have a more connected, sporty feel. The natural exhaust note is more throaty and less ricey, too.

It sounds like you need the extra back seat space. Otherwise, I would say 993's seem to be a solid value proposition in the $30k Porsche market.

So, IMHO, if you need to save the last couple grand on the initial purchase - knowing it'll cost you that and then some at resale - get the G35. Its a great car. If you can find the right slightly driven BMW or spend a few more grand for new - get it. They're just a little better in ways a ruler or radar gun can't measure.

 

side note: if you get g35 get 05 model I think they're bumping hp to 295 along with some other misc.

 

05 G35 is getting a brand new interior - in response to harsh criticism on their cheapass cr@p one they had b4

 

I'm completely content with the G35's interior, doesn't really bother me that much, once I do get one i'd like to just upgrade the suspension, get light weight wheels, and go for the big step, forced induction.