986's a rare breed?

[Finnegan]

I've only seen 3 or 4 in my town of ~160k, (Western Oregon) and nobody else seems to be DD-ing theirs in the winter.

[Ciao]

Haven't seen but 1 or 2 986s in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood area in Colorado

[Perfectlap]

I see a lot more water cooled 911 than 986. I agree people deferring the maintenance and repairs now exceed the resale of the car and that has taken a toll. In states with perfect year round weather the 986s are in way better shape at this point, so you see more of them. Everywhere else they're dropping like flies. Winter is brutal on these cars and the cost of repairs do not scale down over time...

Also, I'm seeing a lot fewer air cooled 911 and 944. One have become too valuable to drive regularly the other too niche, not a lot of younger drivers into 944/968/928. Gen x and older have by now given up their toys for $50k SUVs and pickups to haul the kids.

Got pulled over this morning for no front plate. First time in 16 years. 19 if you count the previous roadster.

[cas951]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I see a lot more water cooled 911 than 986. I agree people deferring the maintenance and repairs now exceed the resale of the car and that has taken a toll. In states with perfect year round weather the 986s are in way better shape at this point, so you see more of them. Everywhere else they're dropping like flies. Winter is brutal on these cars and the cost of repairs do not scale down over time...

Also, I'm seeing a lot fewer air cooled 911 and 944. One have become too valuable to drive regularly the other too niche, not a lot of younger drivers into 944/968/928. Gen x and older have by now given up their toys for $50k SUVs and pickups to haul the kids.

Got pulled over this morning for no front plate. First time in 16 years. 19 if you count the previous roadster.

You're spot on on these comment. I'd like to add a few.
We are seeing a lot more water cooled 911's because they're all water cooled since 1999. I do see more 996 than I do 986 here in the Bay Area.

Some of us 944 owners have moved on to newer Porsche's but also keep the 944. From what I see those that have one in good condition have kept them and not use them as often. I'm one of them and know of another 5 individuals in the Bay Area that did this. I drive my 944 turbo only once last year.

Did they actually give you a ticket for no plates or just a fix it ticket? I've been lucky so far. I do know not to go to SF without front plates. They give tickets while you're parked.

[BIGJake111]

I feel like I see 928s fairly often, only on weekends and only ever few months but that seems often for the cars age.

There are a lot of Craigslist special 944s sitting around lower income areas of the upstate as it seems any money pit sports car of the era populates front lawns in these areas.

[BRAN]

Porsche sets new sales record
In 2016, Porsche AG far exceeded its 2015 record. The Stuttgart-based sportscar manufacturer delivered a total of 237,778 vehicles around the world, some 6 per cent more than the previous record.
The key drivers of growth were Europe, the USA and China. The Macan and the new 718 Boxster had a particularly positive effect on the result. The excellent response to the new Panamera provides an additional boost.
“Our strong product range has enabled us to once again exceed the high levels from the previous year”, says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Porsche is synonymous with emotion and quality. The positive trend in the global markets confirms how enthusiastic our customers are.” However, he adds that exclusivity is more important to Porsche than sales targets. Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales and Marketing, gives further reasons for this clear growth: “the strength of the brand and the exceptionally motivated dealership network, which we have continued to expand”.
The legend of the Porsche 911 continues
There were 12,848 deliveries of the 718 Boxster, exceeding last year's result by 9 per cent. Meanwhile, the legend of the Porsche 911 continues: With a total of 32,409 models delivered, sales of the 911 once again grew by 2 per cent, helping it to maintain its special position in the market for exclusive sportscars. The Macan reinforced its position as the best-selling Porsche with 95,642 vehicles delivered, representing an increase of 19 per cent.
In the sales regions, Europe surpassed last year's excellent result by 5 per cent, delivering 78,975 vehicles. Germany remained stable at 29,247 vehicles delivered (+1 per cent). Porsche has also continued its success story in the USA, where last year the company delivered 54,280 models, some 5 per cent more than in 2015. After the great success of the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Porsche reinforced its presence in the key American market by opening a second site in Los Angeles in November 2016. China is once again the strongest individual market, with a total of 65,246 vehicles delivered – an increase of 12 per cent. Porsche is responding to the good level of demand by further expanding its dealerships and it plans to open the Porsche Experience Center in Shanghai in 2017.
The coming weeks will see the launch of the completely redeveloped second generation of the Panamera in the USA and China. The shooting-brake version – the Panamera Sport Turismo – will celebrate its world premiere in March at the Geneva Motor Show.