Porsche 996 Prices Rising

Revving up the engine of anticipation, the Porsche 996 aficionados prepare to witness a remarkable turn of events in the realm of iconic automobiles. As the winds of change sweep through the automotive market, eagle-eyed enthusiasts have noticed a captivating phenomenon: the resolute ascent of Porsche 996 prices. A captivating saga of unforeseen proportions, this metamorphosis leaves no one indifferent, leaving car connoisseurs everywhere eagerly speculating about the cause behind this unprecedented surge. In this article, we explore this seismic shift in the luxury car landscape, objectively dissecting the factors that have led to the intensifying allure of the Porsche 996. Buckle up as we embark on this wild ride, unravelling the captivating journey of the Porsche 996 and its soaring market value.

The Porsche 996 has always been a very controversial car. It was the very first generation of 911 to feature a water-cooled engine.

It replaced the popular 993, and many enthusiasts turned their noses up at the 996 much like they had when the 924 and its successors came into production in previous years.

996 prices dropped to bargain levels in the late 2000s as a result, and have been affordable for many years due to their lack of appeal with purists.

So will the Porsche 996 appreciate?

The Porsche 996 is rising in value and will continue to appreciate, but at a slower rate than older air-cooled 911s. The 996 offers Porsche fans a great way into the 911 market at an affordable price whilst still providing impressive performance and an authentic driving experience.

So it’s likely that values of the 996 will continue on their upward trend, but why have they been so cheap for so long, and are they reliable?

What Years did Porsche make the 996?

Porsche made the 996 between 1997 and 2004, although the GT2, GT3 and Turbo S models stayed in production until 2006.

Over 179,000 cars were produced during the 996’s eight years in production.

Despite its perceived unpopularity among Porsche fans, these numbers made it the best selling 911 at the time.

Why is the Porsche 996 so Cheap?

The 996 appears cheap because it was mass produced, whereas older Porsche 911s were not. The appearance is also not to everyone’s taste, and the perceived engine issues put many potential buyers off.

The number one reason that the 996 has been so cheap for many years is down to the large numbers that were produced.

That, combined with styling that’s not to everyone’s taste and the horror stories that circulate online regarding the longevity of the engines has been enough to keep prices very affordable.

Why is the 996 Hated?

Porsche purists hated the 996 because it was the first 911 to be water-cooled. People also took offence to the headlights that resembled fried eggs, and criticized the car’s lack of character.

A water-cooled 911? How could Porsche be so stupid?! Actually, they weren’t. The 996 pulled the company out of the mire in the late 90s after it was decided that radical changes needed to be made to keep the 911 in production.

Aficianados believed the 996 was the low-point of the 911’s illustrious existence, and the car’s styling and lack of character have been criticized over the years.

But no 911 stays cheap for long, and the tide has changed in recent years with many enthusiasts now revering the once unpopular sports car. Some motoring journalists are even daring to claim that it’s one of the best 911s. Oh how times change.

Porsche 996 Common Problems

The IMS bearing failure is the problem that’s most commonly talked about online, but actually it only ever affected a small number of Porsche 996s.

Other potential 996 problems include:

• VarioCam actuators
• Cracked cylinder head and liners
• Leaking coolant reservoir
• Leaking water pump
• Leaking rear main oil seal

The IMS bearing is the most talked about issue because if it fails, it will lead to catastrophic engine failure.

A worrying problem, but one that is overplayed on many of the forums nonetheless. Failure is preventable at a relatively cost-effective price, so you can always have the work done for peace of mind.

Is the 996 Reliable?

The Porsche 996 is a reliable car. The engine is bulletproof if it has been serviced at the correct intervals, and the IMS bearing issue only affected a small number of cars. 

On the whole, the build quality of the 996 is excellent. It has built up an excellent track record for reliability over the years, despite what you may read online.

Regular preventative maintenance of wearable parts combined with regular servicing, and keeping an eye out for the problem areas mentioned above, should make 996 ownership relatively worry-free.

Maintenance costs will be as expected with a high-end German car; you’ll pay a little more for servicing, but nothing crazy like you’d see with some exotic vehicles.

The Porsche 996 does have the potential to rust given its age, although it’s rare to find extensive corrosion unless the car has been left to deteriorate or involved in an accident.

Coolant radiators and turbo components on the 996 Turbo model are also susceptible to corrosion so pay particular attention if you’re looking to buy.

Porsche 996 Years to Avoid

Avoid the earliest models if possible. It’s better to go for a post-2000 model if you can afford it, and even better if you can get a 2002-2005 facelifted example.

The Carrera was available with a 3.4 litre flat-6 engine until 2002, when it was replaced with a 3.6 litre flat-6 engine.

At the same time, the headlights received a welcome upgrade to the Turbo-style lights, which had been introduced in 2001.

Whilst there’s nothing inherently wrong with the pre-2002 Carrera models, the facelifted version with increased power will always be more appealing to collectors and are more likely to command a premium over the earlier examples.

Is the Porsche 996 Collectible?

The Porsche 996 isn’t as collectible as other Porsche 911s, but the high-performance models (Turbo, Turbo S, GT2 and GT3) are all considered collectible cars.

The sheer number of 996s built means it’s unlikely to ever be as collectible as its older siblings, but just because the 996 Carrera isn’t necessarily collectible doesn’t mean it’s not desirable. Especially with the value this car brings to the table.

The high-performance models of any car will always command a premium, and the 996 is no exception. These models, especially the GT2 and GT3, are already being considered collectible.

Will the Porsche 996 Increase in Value?

The Porsche 996 is already increasing in value and will continue to do so, although not as rapidly as other 911s.

Values of 996s have been slowly rising since around 2015, although many of them are still very affordable today.

At the time of writing, the Porsche 996 is showing a 6.5% annual increase in value.

Source: themarket.co.uk

The earliest Carrera models with reasonably high mileage can still be picked up for under $20,000 / £15,000, a great way into the market for younger enthusiasts.

Prices go all the way up to $185,000+ / £135,000+ for the highly desirable GT2 model, with the Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 falling somewhere in between.

Is the 996 Turbo a Future Classic?

The Porsche 996 Turbo is destined to be a future classic thanks to its impressive performance and recent changes in attitude towards the 996 from prospective buyers.

For many years, even the Turbo and Turbo S models of the 996 could be picked up for a bargain price.

With improved performance and enhanced styling, the Turbo models offered a vastly different experience to Carrera ownership.

The 996 Turbo came with a twin-turbocharged 3.6l flat-six which produced 414 horsepower and featured all-wheel drive, with an extremely quick 0-60 time of 4 seconds.

Worldwide there were 20,499 Porsche 996 Turbos made, along with 1563 Turbo S models.

Despite the high numbers produced, the Porsche 996 Turbo is likely to go up in value in the future. Amazingly, when you consider the value of other Porsche 911 Turbos, they can still be picked up for well under $60,000 / £40,000.

There aren’t many other cars that can offer you that level of performance for that price tag.

It’s fast, even by modern-day standards, and is a usable supercar with a great reliability record.

What’s more, the 996 Turbo engine does not suffer from IMS failure like the Carrera does as the bearing design is totally different.

Why is the 996 the best 911?

The 996 offers the best value for money, provides good performance, gives the younger generation a chance to enter the 911 market, and it’s a sports car that can be used everyday.

Calling the 996 the best 911 won’t go down well with many Porsche purists, but for some car enthusiasts this is exactly the way they see it.

We all know that prices of earlier 911s have gone crazy, and not everybody has the spare cash to put into one of these.

Some people simply want a sports car that they can live with everyday, and the 996 Carrera provides sports car practicality in abundance.

And some younger petrol-heads want a way to get into 911 ownership without having to take out a second mortgage. The 996 provides that, and is essential to the longevity of Porsche popularity across the world.

Is the Porsche 996 a Good Investment?

Certain variants of the Porsche 996 will make for a good investment. Values are already on the up, although they’re climbing more slowly than other 911 models.

If we’d been asked this question six or seven years ago, the answer would have been very different.

But attitudes towards the 996 in recent years have surprised us, and the market has cottoned on to the fact that there’s a bargain to be had with this 911.

It may not be the most loved, but it’s certainly still capable of putting a smile on your face and turning a few heads at the same time.

It may well turn out to be a worthwhile investment if you find a clean example and you’re looking to hold onto it for the long-run.

The only danger is that once prices reach a certain level they will fall into 997 territory, which is widely considered to be a better buy than a 996.

It’s unlikely values will ever outperform the 997, of which there were also plenty built too. So if you’re in the market for a 996 it’s wise to keep an eye on 997 trends as well.

It’s inconceivable to think that prices could ever be lower than they were in the mid 2010s and despite values being on the way up, the 996 is still a very affordable way to get behind the wheel of a 911.

1. “The Porsche 996: Ascending the Price Ladder Amidst Growing Popularity”

The Porsche 996 has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, and with its growing acclaim comes an increase in price. As enthusiasts embrace this iconic sports car, its value has been ascending the price ladder, making it a coveted vehicle for collectors and performance enthusiasts alike.

One of the factors contributing to the rising price of the Porsche 996 is its timeless design. With its sleek lines and unmistakable silhouette, this sports car captures the essence of Porsche’s legendary design language. The attention to detail in every curve and contour ensures that the 996 stands out from the crowd, a true icon on the road. Such timeless appeal is highly sought after, further fueling its climb up the price ladder.

Additionally, the performance capabilities of the Porsche 996 add to its allure. Equipped with a high-powered engine and advanced technology, this sports car delivers a thrilling driving experience that enthusiasts can’t resist. From the adrenaline-inducing acceleration to the precise handling, the 996 offers an exhilarating ride that continues to captivate enthusiasts. Its exceptional performance capabilities make it a top choice for those seeking a world-class driving experience, solidifying its position as a must-have dream car.

2. “Unleashing the Value: Exploring the Soaring Prices of Porsche 996 Models

It may sound ridiculous, but there were times when the Porsche 996 was not much in demand as a used car. Two financial crises shortly after the end of production caused prices to plummet. And that didn’t just affect the Carrera either. Even for the 996 GT3 there was so little demand that potential buyers didn’t even have to invest 40,000 Euros for a good one.

Certainly, this also had something to do with the somewhat infamous design and reliability issues with the M96 engines at the time. But over the years, the 996 has become a real alternative. The independent looks at the front have long since been forgiven. You could say, it has aged very well. Harm Lagaay’s S-swing has found its very own fans over time.

Whereas die-hard aircooled enthusiasts would probably have turned up their noses at a Porsche meeting ten years ago, the 996 is now socially acceptable again. And even the biggest advocates of the good old pre-996 era have to admit, that it is a more uncomplicated companion than its ancestors. Both technically and in terms of driving.

Well-maintained Porsche 996 Carrera already cost about 30,000 Euros!

The first Carrera 3.4s will already turn 25 years old in 2022. Even the very last 996s would theoretically be allowed to drink legally next year. Just kidding. Naturally, vehicles tend to become more expensive after 20 years. This effect is even more pronounced in the case of the Porsche 996. The boom in air-cooled 911s in the mid-2010s suddenly made them “the next big thing”.

Looking at the price development since 2015, we are talking about up to 50% growth for the Carrera! You now have to pay around 30,000 Euros for a decent one. The price increase for the GT3 is even more extreme. As recently as 2017, 996 GT3s could be had for less than 50,000 Euros. That means, prices for the first water-cooled homologation model have roughly doubled in the past five years!

Prices for 996 Carrera 4S and Turbo stagnate

The situation is somewhat different with the Porsche 996 Carrera 4S. For a long time, it was considered the most desirable of the first water-cooled 911s. That’s why its price never dropped below 35,000 Euros, and even tended to be closer to 40,000 Euros. But while the narrower models have increased significantly, the 4S, despite its adorable hip swing, hasn’t seen much upward movement. Even in 2022, you can still find a nice 996 Carrera 4S below 40 grand. Amazingly, the same tendency is true for the 996 Turbo and GT2. The price level is relatively stable, starting at around 50,000 and 110,000 Euros respectively. Of course, there are outliers upwards, but the structure is consistent in itself.

What does that tell us now? 996 Carreras may still be the low-priced entry-level 911s, but its prices already increased dramatically, especially in 2020 and 2021. A glance at the Elferspot glass ball reveals, that it could continue to do so in 2022. One reason for this is simply that – with the exception of the GT models – there will be no more supply of naturally aspirated 911s. The simple, enjoyable Carrera has found a special place in a world full of speed limits and speed traps. Especially since the children of the ’90s are now economically able to purchase their dream car of yesteryear.

It’s quite possible that the Carrera and 4S will continue to converge

It is pretty likely, that the Porsche 996 Carrera 4S will remain primus inter pares in the future. However, since there are no huge technical differences to the narrow body Carreras, it’s possible, that both will continue to converge in price. In any case, we wouldn’t be surprised if the 996 Carrera, regardless of whether it’s the 3.4 or 3.6, continues to grow in value in 2022. Especially since prices for well-maintained 997s haven’t exactly slowed down either. The GT3 will certainly continue to climb, while the Turbo and GT2 are unlikely to make huge leaps.

It’s no longer news that the Porsche 996 is one of the absolute price-performance winners in the Porsche world. But its “entry-level” model is unlikely to remain affordable for too long. The foreseeable demise of the internal combustion engine in everyday use continues to fuel the price spiral. Our advice? Buy one while the opportunity is still relatively cheap.