Sporty "Investment" Car
04-12-2017, 08:55 AM
#12
'05-08 was the 997.1, which had the 355hp 3.8L in the S, but unfortunately has the IMS bearing problem (maybe 1-2% the engine blows, which is $$$). I think early '05s you can replace the bearing with an improved one, but later ones you have to split the crankcase or something to get at it.
'09-11 was the 997.2, which had a 385HP DI 3.8L in the S and no IMS bearing. They also introduced the PDK then, replacing the Tiptronic (yuck), so MTs are harder to find because of the more-attractive alternative. Accordingly, they go for about $15k more unfortunately and are far less common (something about the economy in 2008-11...).
There are a LOT of people who made that mistake!
'09-11 was the 997.2, which had a 385HP DI 3.8L in the S and no IMS bearing. They also introduced the PDK then, replacing the Tiptronic (yuck), so MTs are harder to find because of the more-attractive alternative. Accordingly, they go for about $15k more unfortunately and are far less common (something about the economy in 2008-11...).
There are a LOT of people who made that mistake!
04-12-2017, 09:04 AM
#13
The first year for the 997 (997.1) was 2005. The second generation of 997 (997.2) came out in 2009. The 997.2 was a meaningful upgrade. It had a brand new engine, the 9A1, which did away with the intermediate shaft. There was a failure issue with the intermediate shaft bearing that was a risk for all water-cooled engines other than Mezgers through the 997.1. The 997.2 also introduced PDK to the 911 range. Although the PDK is an excellent transmission, manual would be better for collecting.
04-12-2017, 09:11 AM
#14
My top pick under $50k is the 2014-2015 Z/28. This is such a trick car. It has the Multimatic spool valve shocks, carbon ceramic brakes, the dry sumped LS7 from the C6Z, and gigantic Pirelli Trofeo tires. Production volume was pretty low. IIRC, there were fewer than 2000. The 2015 is very rare, but carries a premium that pushes it out of the price range.
04-12-2017, 11:03 AM
#15
Thread Starter
997.2 sounds great. I have driven a couple and liked them, but my girlfriend is no fan of Porsche's (mainly Porsche drivers)... I can say screw it and buy what I want, but "happy wife, happy life..." and there are other cars she'd be more agreeable with. Then again a 911 would be my primary car as she is no good at manual. An automatic car could be either of ours.
What are your thoughts on the Maserati GranTurismo 4.7? Seems like they would have a high bottom end with the 4.7 engine upgrade. Fix the sticky buttons and should be go to go, no?
What are your thoughts on the Maserati GranTurismo 4.7? Seems like they would have a high bottom end with the 4.7 engine upgrade. Fix the sticky buttons and should be go to go, no?
04-12-2017, 11:36 AM
#16
Not sure if anyone is selling a Boxster Spyder for $50K but I'd bet that one holds its value very well.
Mustang GT350 won't hold value as long they keep making them a part of the Mustang family (continued production of a GT350-esque model). In my opinion, they'll drop eventually, just like the Boss 302 did (they'll come out with a new version). Now, a GT350R is a different story - they're quite rare and will always be rare as production seems to be quite limited.
I like an older 911 for generally staying flat in terms of depreciation. Good examples seem to have bottomed out and if you don't drive them too much, I think they'll do well. Same for the late-model flat-six Boxster and Cayman in the newer body style.
Mustang GT350 won't hold value as long they keep making them a part of the Mustang family (continued production of a GT350-esque model). In my opinion, they'll drop eventually, just like the Boss 302 did (they'll come out with a new version). Now, a GT350R is a different story - they're quite rare and will always be rare as production seems to be quite limited.
I like an older 911 for generally staying flat in terms of depreciation. Good examples seem to have bottomed out and if you don't drive them too much, I think they'll do well. Same for the late-model flat-six Boxster and Cayman in the newer body style.
04-12-2017, 12:04 PM
#17
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As someone that owns a FJ Cruiser, I would say their value retention is relative to area. When I was in NC where they are somewhat rare it seemed to pull a premium. However, since moving to CO, they are a dime a dozen and as such don't seem to go for as much. I do thoroughly enjoy mine though, and would second it if you're into camping or going off road.
04-12-2017, 01:19 PM
#18
Registered User
I started a similar thread though I limited it to under $20k and reliable, low cost to operate. https://www.s2ki.com/forums/car-talk...s2000-1166867/
Corvette C5 Z06 got a lot of love.
Without those restrictions here's a few. Most of these are somewhat rare with the S2000 being the exception. I think the price of the S2000 has held constant because they are simply that good and no other recent or new car gives quite the experience for anything near that money.
Honda S2000
Lotus Elise
Acura NSX (not the hybrid)
Shelby GT350R. Like others are saying, probably just the R version. The others will be like regular Mustangs before too long.
BMW E39 M5. You said not to worry about maintenance and repairs so its included.
BMW 1M. N54 engine and M3 suspension/wheels. Should be a monster. The M2 will depreciate like a regular car. This will hold up.
BMW Z3M coupe. The one with the S54 engine from the M3. I think these are 2001-2002. The early ones had a different, less powerful engine.
911. Anything aircooled though I wonder if we're in a bubble. Having said that these were the childhood poster cars of many an orthodontist and investment banker.
Corvette C5 Z06 got a lot of love.
Without those restrictions here's a few. Most of these are somewhat rare with the S2000 being the exception. I think the price of the S2000 has held constant because they are simply that good and no other recent or new car gives quite the experience for anything near that money.
Honda S2000
Lotus Elise
Acura NSX (not the hybrid)
Shelby GT350R. Like others are saying, probably just the R version. The others will be like regular Mustangs before too long.
BMW E39 M5. You said not to worry about maintenance and repairs so its included.
BMW 1M. N54 engine and M3 suspension/wheels. Should be a monster. The M2 will depreciate like a regular car. This will hold up.
BMW Z3M coupe. The one with the S54 engine from the M3. I think these are 2001-2002. The early ones had a different, less powerful engine.
911. Anything aircooled though I wonder if we're in a bubble. Having said that these were the childhood poster cars of many an orthodontist and investment banker.
04-12-2017, 01:25 PM
#19
Registered User
As someone that owns a FJ Cruiser, I would say their value retention is relative to area. When I was in NC where they are somewhat rare it seemed to pull a premium. However, since moving to CO, they are a dime a dozen and as such don't seem to go for as much. I do thoroughly enjoy mine though, and would second it if you're into camping or going off road.
curves like this.
04-12-2017, 03:19 PM
#20
If I had a $50k budget to invest in cars I don't think I would spend it on one. I think I would buy a nice clean $20k E36 M3 and a $30k CR or super low mile GPW AP1. Those two cars I think will offer the best potential return on your $50k.