Porsche 911 997: Have Values Peaked? Depreciation & Buying Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the 997 Market
3. Price Development of the 997
4. Analysis of the Base Models
5. Analysis of the S Models
6. Split by Transmission Type
7. Four Wheel Drive vs. Two Wheel Drive
8. Comparison with Other Models
9. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the market trends and price development of the Porsche 997. Known as the last mechanical Porsche and highly regarded among 911 enthusiasts, the 997 has gained popularity in recent years. We will analyze the different model types and generations of the 997, as well as the impact of factors such as mileage, transmission type, and drivetrain on its pricing. By examining the market data, we will determine whether the prices of the 997 have reached their peak or if there is still room for growth.

Overview of the 997 Market

The 997 market can be divided into three main model types: base, S, and GTS. Within these model types, there are also two generations, 997.1 and 997.2, which offer different features and revisions. Currently, the average price for a 997 in the US market is $59,900, with the 997.2 models being significantly more expensive than the 997.1 models, commanding a premium of around $20,000. However, there is a significant overlap in pricing between the different model types, highlighting the variability in prices. Factors such as mileage, model year, generation, and model type play a significant role in determining the price of a 997.

Price Development of the 997

Analyzing the price development of the 997 over time, we can observe a significant increase in prices between April 2020 and May 2021, with a rise of 25%. This is in line with the trends seen in the overall used car market during this period. However, the price trend lost some momentum between May and August, only increasing by 3%. More recently, there has been a resurgence in price growth, with prices surging by 7.1% between August and November. Overall, the prices of the 997 have increased by a remarkable 39% since April 2020. This trend is similar to what was observed in the 996 market, indicating a strong demand for Porsche sports cars.

Analysis of the Base Models

Taking a closer look at the base models of the 997, we can see that there is a divergence in price trends between the 997.1 and 997.2 generations. While prices remained stable for the 997.2 models, there was a slight decrease of 1% in the prices of the 997.1 models. This decrease, however, is not statistically significant, suggesting that prices remained stable for the base models overall. Further analysis reveals that the decrease in prices for the 997.1 models can be attributed to the manual transmission models, which saw a drop of 2% in prices. On the other hand, the automatic transmission models remained more or less stable. This divergence in pricing between the manual and automatic models can be attributed to their respective market demand and perceived value.

Analysis of the S Models

Moving on to the S models of the 997, we find an interesting trend in their pricing. Prices for the 997.1 S models increased by 7.1% in the last three months, while the 997.2 S models saw a slightly lower increase of 3.6%. This is contrary to expectations, as the 997.2 models are often regarded as one of the best 911s. However, when considering the overall price increase since April 2020, the 997.1 S models have experienced a significant rise of 47.6%, compared to 31.4% for the 997.2 S models. This unexpected result may suggest that the premium demanded by the 997.2 models limited their upward price potential. Additionally, a breakdown of the S models by transmission type reveals that prices for manual 997.1 S models also decreased by 2.7% in the last three months, while the automatic models remained relatively stable. The decrease in prices can be partly attributed to the increase in mileage, but overall, the prices of the S models saw a significant increase during the analyzed period.

Split by Transmission Type

Examining the price trends of the 997 base models and S models based on transmission type reveals interesting patterns. For the base models, the manual transmission models experienced a slight price drop, while the prices of the automatic transmission models remained stable. Conversely, for the S models, the manual transmission models saw a larger price decrease, while the automatic transmission models continued to increase in price. This suggests that there is a difference in market demand and perceived value between the two transmission types, with the manuals experiencing a decline in demand in recent months.

Four Wheel Drive vs. Two Wheel Drive

Differentiating between the four wheel drive (4WD) and two wheel drive (2WD) cars in the S model market, we observe that the 4WD models saw a larger increase in prices compared to the 2WD models. While the 2WD models experienced a price increase of 3-4%, the 4WD models saw a significant increase of 7%. This indicates that buyers may perceive the 4WD models as more desirable or valuable, leading to higher price growth in this market segment.

Comparison with Other Models

To provide further context, we compare the price trends of the Porsche 996 and 997 base and S models with the first generation Audi R8 V8. Between June 2020 and September 2021, the prices of the R8 increased by 17%, which is consistent with the general trends in the market. However, during the same period, the prices of the 997 increased by 24%, while the prices of the 996 experienced an astonishing 44% increase. This signifies the strong demand and appreciation for Porsche sports cars in recent years, with the 997 showing particularly high price growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the market trends and price development of the Porsche 997 suggest that its values may have peaked or are approaching their peak. While there has been a continued increase in prices for the S models, the base models and GTS models have seen price stability or even a slight decrease. Factors such as transmission type, generation, and demand for specific model types have played a significant role in shaping the price trends of the 997. It is important to note that the slight price decreases observed in certain segments are not statistically significant and may be the result of chance. Nevertheless, these decreases indicate a loss of momentum in the price trend and the possibility of a more stable or corrective price development in the future.

Highlights

• The Porsche 997 is immensely popular among 911 enthusiasts and is often referred to as the last mechanical Porsche.
• The 997.2 model receives a lot of praise for its PDK gearbox and improved engine.
• Prices for the 997 have increased by 25% between April 2020 and May 2021.
• The price trend of the 997 is losing momentum, with a 3% increase between May and August and a 7.1% increase between August and November.
• The base models of the 997 have seen a slight price decrease, primarily driven by the 997.1 models and manual transmission variants.
• The S models of the 997 continue to experience price increases, with the 997.1 models leading the way.
• The transmission type, four wheel drive vs. two wheel drive, and other factors can influence the pricing of the 997.
• Comparisons with other models, such as the Porsche 996 and Audi R8 V8, highlight the strong price growth of the 997.
• Overall, the market trends suggest that the values of the 997 may have peaked or are approaching their peak, indicating a potential shift in the market.

FAQ

Q: Are prices for the Porsche 997 still increasing? A: While there has been a continued increase in prices for the S models, the base models and GTS models have seen price stability or slight price decreases. This suggests that the overall price trend of the 997 is losing momentum.

Q: What factors influence the pricing of the Porsche 997? A: Factors such as mileage, model year, generation, transmission type, and drivetrain play a significant role in determining the price of the Porsche 997. Mileage is the primary driver of price, followed by model year, generation, and model type.

Q: How does the Porsche 997 compare to other models in terms of price growth? A: Compared to the Porsche 996 and Audi R8 V8, the Porsche 997 has experienced higher price growth, particularly in the base and S models. Between April 2020 and September 2021, prices for the 997 increased by 24%, while prices for the 996 increased by 44%.

Q: Should I invest in a Porsche 997 now? A: While the market trends suggest that the values of the 997 may have peaked or are approaching their peak, it is important to consider your personal preferences and investment goals. Conduct thorough research and consult with experts to make an informed decision.

Q: What are the key takeaways from the analysis of the Porsche 997 market? A: The key takeaways are that the S models of the 997 continue to experience price increases, while the base models and GTS models have seen price stability or slight decreases. The transmission type, generation, and market demand play a significant role in shaping the price trends of the 997.