I remember somewhere around a year ago I made a post, wondering how long the Porsche 996 generation 911 would stay affordable (around $20K). I should have bought one then!
After a year of muttering that I want another 911, my wife told me to go buy one. So I decided to look around on the interwebs, and uh, it looks like the 996s are up to about $40. I found one around here (Cleveland) in the upper 20s, but it was a convertible automatic, so nope. Best price I found for a hard top 6 speed was $38K. I even found a couple for $50K(!)
After some searching, I found a decent looking one with 92K miles in Virginia for $30K.
Am I looking in the wrong place, or are the days of the $20K 996 forever gone?
Not sure, but I'm OK with it if so. Before the prices spiked, I picked up a super clean and low mileage 6spd cabrio. 
Gone, except for the rougher units.
Even the 40k ones have a decent chance of needing major engine work, depending on mileage.
They've been trending that direction for a few years now. Does make me regret not buying a low miles, 4S sport-aero package 6 spd (in black) some 10 years ago when a local dealer had it for $29K. Unfortunately, that was a bit more than I could afford to spend on a car at the time.
SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) said:
Not sure, but I'm OK with it if so. Before the prices spiked, I picked up a super clean and low mileage 6spd cabrio.
Just waiting for the 996 to drag it's little brother up the price chain, too, and I'll be right with you. 
Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) said:
SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) said:
Not sure, but I'm OK with it if so. Before the prices spiked, I picked up a super clean and low mileage 6spd cabrio.
Just waiting for the 996 to drag it's little brother up the price chain, too, and I'll be right with you.
It has. I paid $7200 for my 986 S. You can't touch one for under $15,000 now.
Even 944s are creeping up. Anything with the crest on it seems to be gaining
Javelin said:
It has. I paid $7200 for my 986 S. You can't touch one for under $15,000 now.
I still see them going for well under that in the 986/996 "for sale" group on Facebook. But you're right, they have come up some. I paid $9500 for mine in August of 2020. It's probably at least a $12k car now.
docwyte
PowerDork
4/26/22 10:05 a.m.
I've seen decent looking 996's for well under $40k but you get what you pay for. The more expensive ones should be much lower miles, desirable colors and fully documented maintenance. My 996 Turbo has probably doubled in value since I bought it
I think a $15k budget would buy a good 986S. I'm debating selling the corrado to get one.
I remember finding several 6 speed coupe 996s for under $20K only two years ago. Hell, even a year ago! Hindsight and all. Makes me wonder if I should hold onto my dream of owning another Porsche, or give it up entirely. I've wanted one for a long, long time and I'm finally at a stage in life where I can buy one.
There's a 2001 that looks in nice shape at a local Porsche dealership for $34K. I'm wondering if I should jump on that before it's gone as well.
Driven by covid listlessness.
once peoples cash machine(home) drops in price. They'll settle back down.
It's just not a normal world across the board. Got an offer to buy my BRZ for $33K this weekend for a car that MSRPed for $28K. My rental homes in Omaha of all places are both up 20% in value over the last 2 years. The 997.1 and .2 are still not horrible. I can still get 1.95% financing for the next 60 days.
Yes COVID/inflation/speculation has driven up all car prices, but some more than others. I bought my Z06 for $26K in 2020. I sold it for $26K in 2021. I can buy an identical one today for $26K. Meanwhile 996 Turbos went from $30K to $40K to $60K.
Also, manual trans models of cars that are announced as being electric next gen (like the Boxster / Cayman) are SOARING. People want the "last" of the ICE/manual fun things.
docwyte
PowerDork
4/26/22 12:21 p.m.
In reply to Javelin :
The only 996 Turbo's that were $30k three years ago were either very high mileage coupe 6MT's or were cab/tips. You can still buy a 996 Turbo coupe/6MT for $60k today but you're going to spend some time searching and might end up with one with higher miles and not the color you want.
I saw this one today on Craigslist. 99 guards red 57k miles, H&R coilovers, IMS done, fabspeed exhaust, GT3 wing, forgestar wheels
https://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/cto/d/waukegan-1999-porsche-911/7474178226.html
In reply to ClearWaterMS :
If the mods are to your liking, that looks well priced (in today's market).
I remember when manual 986 turbos were $35k in 2015 or so. You could also get really clean 987.2 Cayman S for around $20k. Those days are gone!
This is a thread that is annoying to me.
Placemotorsports said:
Even 944s are creeping up. Anything with the crest on it seems to be gaining
Hmmm, better start looking for 924's then...
docwyte
PowerDork
4/27/22 9:59 a.m.
In reply to yupididit :
They were that much in 2009/10. Then they started creeping up. In 2015 you could get one for $35k but it was higher mileage.
In reply to ClearWaterMS :
I would take that in a heartbeat.
Nothing is cheap right now. You can't find a used Civic Type R or Raptor for under what it's original MSRP was....I suspected 996s would jump in price eventually.
