Car value discussions....

[Kris Clewell]

I'm relatively new to the 911 world. I've only owned for a couple of years, but I was just wondering if the value chatter is a new thing, or if its always been part of the story here? It seems to be the most important focus on the forum as there are several value threads going on at any given time. Just thoughts on the culture development and ownership development of these cars and how it ties into this. Any thoughts from those that have been around awhile?

[boba]

There has always been a value topic alive within the hobby, and I can personally go back to the early 70's. What we are seeing now is a reaction to the rapidly rising sales prices. For many years the discussions were why early 911's were not getting any pricing respect while muscle cars were going like skyrockets. At any point in time when change is happening rapidly there will be more activity by people trying to keep informed. People's behavior will change as the value escalates. A few years ago modifying an early car was not a hard decision. Now people are interested in taking their cars back to original. This value rise is not limited to early cars, just look at impact bumper cars and 964's. Only 996's seem to be immune.

[kentf14]

Kris-
I'm not sure from a historical perspective on the forum. Ive only been trolling here for 4 or so years, and I've been into the cars for maybe a little over 20 years.
With the above disclaimer, it seems to me that the value discussions have taken off in recent years due to inflection point in the value curve. Value isn't really a factor for me and I find the constant discussion here a little off putting. Don't get me wrong, I like that my car isn't depreciating , but that's not why I love the car. It's not a $$$ investment, but it is an investment in my happiness and satisfaction with life. I also like that I get to hang out with come great P car people, talk cars etc. Coincidentally, these great people tend not to be value obsessed, but enjoy wrenching on and driving their cars.

[Kris Clewell]

I feel like you do most of the time, and I for sure don't mind my car not depreciating. God knows I've dumped wheelbarrows of money into cars I bent over for at the sale. However, it often just seems like some of these guys are out looking for an escort, vs guys out looking for wives.... it seems a little sleazy to be obsessing over value all the time when some people are just into the car for the romance. Is this value being driven by passion for motoring and the car, or are some people just passionate about the value? Both? I suppose this is a mentality that has been around since cars met the showroom. I just didn't expect it to be so visual when I joined the ranks.

[Peanut]

I love cars, and love older cars in particular. I have a BMW 3.0 coupe that I've had for about 6 years, and another one for about 10 years before that. I was a member of the CSRegistry and there was almost never discussions about values. The CSRegistry went away, and now everyone folded into the e9 Registry. Lots of discussions regarding values over there too. I don't mind the topic, but I was way more inspired by the pictures of the nice 964 on the 90s R Gruppe thread!

I think its true all over. Hell look how many old car shows are being broadcast now- many of which are "how to make $ on cars".

[boba]

One thing to keep in mind is some of the value increase is driven by the Fed printing money. It has to go somewhere and tangible assets benefit. This also brings new players trying to understand the value parameters. Original cars are safe for these entrants.

[Andy 74]

I agree, the value thing is a little off putting for me. Ive owned my car for 5 years, I bought it as a resto project and one that needs a complete resto. I bought the car because I have wanted one since I was was about 15 (20 years ago) with no idea of how to go about the resto and no money to complete it, just the romance of having it in the garage and being able to work on it as and when the the money comes in. I now have my first born due in 6 weeks and while that will put more strain on cash, I now am excited about being able to share the process with my little man and the knowledge he will grow up knowing the car is part of the family.

It has never been about making money for me, just the thought of one day having the satisfaction of bringing it back to life. As I keep telling friends, its about the journey... but there is a very cool prize at the end of that journey.

[diegok]

I agree with everything that has been said. I'm pretty new (really new) in this forum and I've also wanted an early 911 for a long time. I've actually left sticky notes for over 5 years on an early 911 I've seen a few times parked in my neighborhood telling the guy I would buy his car. Now that I can actually get one, prices have rocketed and I find that there is not better place to know about values than talking to people that love this! Now that I'm looking to actually get a car, it is hard not to ask around for guidance, specially because cars are selling fast. I've missed three opportunities to get 911 because I didn't move fast enough which is pretty annoying. So, what I'm trying to say is that for some of us in the market for a 911, it is important to know how much is a lot and what's market. At the end of the day, nobody likes being the person that paid a lot and didn't make a good deal. Paying an extra $5k on a car you will keep your entire life (or at least I see it like that) shouldn't matter a lot, but at least you want to be in that ball park and that's when valuation discussions become useful.

[Sinnerman]

Value discussions are all the rage.

[steve shea]

So here we are again with a discussion about the value of value discussions. Heh Heh