Ahat7

I’d like to buy a 997 but don’t know if I should wait or just bite the bullet? I’m not sure if the market will continue to rise or will values take a hit with a down turn in the economy? If it matters. I’d like to find a manual S or 4S and I’d stick with 997.1 as it would get me to historic plates here faster in MD (20 years).

Thank you for any feedback.

4Driver4

I've never been in a situation where I was happy to wait for something cool to come down in price.
Most of decisions I regret are things I did *not* do, versus things I did.
Buy the car.

soundbehindyou

Buy now….Northern part of country have put cars away and/or are not thinking about sport cars during the Winter….prices always soften a bit now and will get new energy in Spring. Also, with inflation and interest rates (if you are following auctions), 997 and 991 prices have softened from last 1.5 years of Covid enthusiasm. You especially notice when seeing PDK prices…..now manuals are different and typically command more money…..I assume you have heard that the 997.2’s were less production as the 2008 recession set in….so 2009 -2012 there were a lot fewer Porsches bought and the latest and greatest PDK came out so about 20% were ordered with manual…..I feel you will see this current softening end in 6 - 8 months should interest rates go back down to the mid 5’s and especially if somebody shoots Putin in the head and the war ends…..

ShaunP

If you find a good car with a spec you like buy it. Values are going to fluctuate but you will 100% regret passing up a perfect (for you) spec.

Ahat7

Thanks for the feedback.

I thought it was necessary to “check” my decision making progress because of the market. The opportunist in me second guesses that I guess.

Scb1712

Completely agree with ShaunP - if you find the right car go for it. I found one a month ago that had everything I wanted but dragged my feet and lost out on it. Now I don’t know when or if I’ll find another like it

groovzilla

Make sure you do a thorough PPI and Bore Scope Inspection.
Lots of cars will be up for sale this winter/spring.
If you want a good deal buy private party and stay away from dealerships.

Enjoy the hunt!

sandwedge

Similar or almost identical question recently:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...l#post18452311

My response below while not helpful and I'm sorry about that but will be the same since that's how I see things. Impossible to know what the market will be going forward. Putin seems out of control and almost in panic mode so just one variable that could change a lot of things in a big way including car prices.

Petza914

Is it worth $5,000 to spend your time driving a super fun car for the next year vs scouring the internet, having cars sold out from under you, and waiting?

That's about as much movement as you may see by waiting, if any. Manuals are selling for big money and there are fewer and fewer of them becoming available so if you want a manual, buy now when you find the right car, and unless planning to drive it in the snow, the right car is 2S

alfetta

There is a good story about Bruce Meyer in the latest PCA mag. His guide to buying good cars is to say "ouch" only once. Meaning buy the best you can and moan about the price once when you purchase. Finding these cars is a bit of a job when you see the spec you want, buy it. IMHO, hold out for a MT .2.

Graufuchs

If you see the spec you like and the price is decent, grab it. (based on PPI) Don't hold out and try to judge the market, it rarely works out.

I searched and searched for low mileage 997.1 Aero cars.....very difficult to find. I bit the bullet and paid through the nose for clean cars to make mine. Will I ever get my money back? Nope, most likely not. Am I having a blast, ABSOLUTELY.

I think in general 997s will hold their values better than the 996's due to "classic" styling, better interiors and the last of the "analog" 911s.

Once govt spending retreats....interest rates will settle a bit also. You cant print your way out of debt.

997.2GTS

Personally, I think prices are the best I have seen for the last 24 months. If in the market, I would buy now if the right car came along.

groovzilla

It's been on my mind since yesterday - I can't help asking is your username Ahat7 short for "*** Hat"?
Just wondering...

voiceprint1

I missed a cayman in the LA area for 24k during the pandemic, kept driving by it and forgetting to look at it, when I called it was gone.

Nate R

To pile on to what is being said here, I wouldn't wait.. it took me several months of searching nationwide for a manual.. and had one purchased a few hours before I could.. you have to move quickly. I would have everything lined up and be ready to pull the trigger once you find one that you like.

The car I ended up purchasing was listed Monday morning on Autotrader and I called that morning to buy (pending PPI).. the dealership said that people were calling all week about the car. Good luck! I don't think you'll regret it.