I may have finally found the 997.2 I want...right options, price, etc. With the 991's hitting the streets what do you guys think will happen to 997 values? If the 991 is superior in comfort, performance, technology...will the 997 become the new 996?

Just thought I would toss this out there and get some thoughts before I pullk the trigger.

 

It's car. It depreciates. You're not buying stock in the company. If you think depreciation is going to cause you financial trouble, buy something less expensive.

Sometimes people feel purchasing a Porsche is a financial investment. It's not. You're buying a toy!

Buy it and enjoy it. You could be dead before you know it.

 

Pull the triggger...or wait for the 991 after the intro of 992 or the 992 after the intro of the 993 - there will always be something better.

 

Personally, I would hold out another month or two to let the 991 soak in the market a bit. It's a bit early to speculate on the 997 prices but I'm watching closely too!

 

The 991 will depreciate also next year, when the second model year hits. It's a never ending circle.

It is very rare for a cars value to go up over time, so all you can really do is buy what you want, and what fits your needs.

I opted for a 997 because I actually like the looks better. My thoughts could (and probably will) change but as of now I like what I have. Plus, I wanted a new car now, and I have never liked the idea of buying a car on it's first year of production.

 

I bought in May of this year and it seems the price softened a bit. it easier to find 997.1s in the low 40 high 30 range, which were few and far between 6 mos. ago.

 

To be honest, I hope they go down quite a bit, because I'm looking to buy an '09 or newer S Targa or Cab. I'm astonished by how high they continue to be in some cases.

 

I've been following the market up close and it seems that the smaller than expected number of 997.2 imported to the US have some impact on the price, as expected.
Unless you plan to keep the car for 20 years and drive it to a minimum, you will lose money. How much you use your car (mileage) wont matter that much, unlikely the way you treat it.
Porsches are not garage queens anymore, it's my daily driver, and I miss it on the weekends when carrying the offspring. We don't buy sports cars or have children out of investment or logic, it's because they are fun and can be surprising everyday...
Go with your heart, try both models. I don't think the 991 will be unanimous in a similar fashion the 996 wasn't (not that bad, of course). The 997 is a well liked cars, especially the DFI version. Look for a 3.6L, on the 997.2, where the difference for the S model decreased significantly (not true for the 997.1 or 991).

 

Great feedback guys. I'm not looking at it as an investment but I also want to be prudent and avoid new car like depreciation if I can help it. I just read the new issue of R&T and C&D and they are heaping praise on the new car. If 997 owners are eager to switch I do think we'll see a drop in prices for 997's as they trade in or sell to make room for the 991.

I'll harass the dealer a bit and see how eager they are to deal.

In the meantime keep the comments coming.

 

I share your concerns...
The stealerships in the Houston area are not motivated at all, in regard to the 991. As they say, it's new and we can charge MSRP +.
The 997 MY 12 they still have should have some incentives, even more for the MY11. Just don't expect much as the used car market is somewhat cold for MY10-12.
Remember that the 991 will come as 2012 and will be sold for about 6 months. Perhaps starting August one might be able to purchase a leftover for a better price once the MY 13 arrives.
I'm trying to trade-in my 997.2 but it's difficult given the lack of options in this area. M5 only in June, 991 need to try before buying(also would wait for a MY13), M3 only 2014. On top of that, the stealerships low-balling is fairly annoying...

 

You can also look at he price of the new 991. As those prices keep going up the value of the 997 should at least hold it's own. But like others say, they will always depreciate, until they become classics if ever!

 

It's doubtful that the 997 will become a classic, so it'll continue to depreciate, albeit somewhat slowly. With the lower numbers of cars coming to the NA with the 997.2, there is a limited supply of well optioned 997.2 available for purchase as used cars in the market.

 

I was able to live with the 997.2 coupe because it had the sunroof.. now it's an option.... with the 991 I need the option or buy the vertible. It's a costly bump with the new model. I think I'll be able to live with the 2009.. Yep, I think I'll be able.

 

I'd go 997.1, or go directly 991 depending on budget.

 

Last month I traded in my 99 996 Cab I bought new. I bought a new 2012 997 S Cab.
If I keep this one as long as the last one I doubt it will make much difference. A 991 equipped the same would be 8k more. My 996 would not be worth as much next year. Got a discount on this one probably not as much on 991. All of these factors would have put me over what I would have spent. I'm a happy camper with the last and best of 997.