'05 gt3 . . .

[LongRanger]

. . . on AutoTrader.

White on black, 29k mi.

Asking $49k.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

[500527]

Out of curiosity, what were these going for at the peak? A year ago?

[LongRanger]

I've been following 996 GT3 pricing for about a year. I only have first-hand knowlege of a few sales, mostly from Dealers; selling prices were in the $60s to lower-$70s. Private-party prices may have been better. I think the 'peak' (if there ever was one) occurred well before last year, though. I thought the 997 version would have had a lot to do with 996 prices falling, but the newer cars' pricing is soft, as well, so who knows what's going on. Maybe all the Barrett-Jackson types don't think of them as collector cars, yet.

According to figures from PCA, there were only 962 of the 2nd edition 996 GT3s built. Most originally stickered in the $100k-110k range, so their current prices --- $40s --- are pretty absurd. And they'll probably go even lower. Right now, these cars don't seem to be on a lot of people's radar.

I'm no 996 fan, but I've driven several GT3s and these cars are just spectacular. I mean, the thing'll do 190 MPH, ferchrissakes! I love my 'S,' but as I've said before, if I hadn't found my car when I did . . . I would've bought a GT3 --- (continued) depreciation be damned.

[creator8]

i was following these last year too and at end of Q3 they were still listing in high 60s even for private cars. Lost interest and didn't realize they are down at this level. Hell of a lot of car in the 40s. Bespoke motor and probably one of the purest driving cars Porsche has made since the 73 RS--at least for America. Considering that you can get a decent regular 996 in the mid to high 20s--also a hell of a lot car for the money--I think there may be a little more room for these to come down. Definitely future collectibles. Just another sign of the current times...

[Chris Tallon]

Bought my 04 last May, and sold it last August for $69K. If I had to sell it now, it would be $49K. That's down 30% in 9 months, and down 55% since new. Nasty!!!

Best car I've ever owned though. SPECTACULAR performance!!!! I'm thankful I got it out of my system.

[Homemade 911]

is chock full of great buys.

Consider this:
GT-3s: Very good examples (with some mileage) can be had for less than $55k, all day...the super low mileage cars are still fetching more dough, but not much. 996 GT-3s are a real scream...But they're rotten commuter cars though. Don't buy one expecting to drive it to work via the 10 freeway each and everyday...

'00 - '02 Twin Turbo Coupes: Good cars can be had for less than $50k, all day long...I've had my eye on a rather nice Tip equipped car for some time. Turbo Tips are an absolute hoot...The cabs are more money. PCCBs aren't real necessary - they're great brakes, don't get me wrong - but the fact a candidate car doesn't have em shouldn't be a deal breaker. A real steal would be an X50 equipped car. 996 Turbos are an excellent buy.

"generic" 996 coupes: the earlier 1st gen cars ('99 - '01) are seriously cheap. Just watch out for RMS issues (etc) on the engine. There were plenty of teething problems. A car fitted with a fresh PCNA crate motor might be the way to go here. As always, a full history is a huge plus. These early cars can be had for way less than $30k...all day long. Cabs are more money, natch.

Why is this? Well...not only is the economy trashing the overall market, but I like to think that the 997 series has exerted enormous downward pressure on 996 values. I think this "pressure" is here to stay - regardless of overall economic conditions...I almost bought a tip-equipped '99 coupe (high mileage car w/a crate motor in it) That particular car was a hair rough for the money, but it still had some upside to it...

996s just may the ultimate, "entry level" buy for some time to come. Of course, this is just an opinion based on what little I see...

Cheers
R/Thom