986 boxster value

[jr1966]

is there any potential for a boxster to become a future classic? it may not reach the status of a 911, but it is still a Porsche. And how much lower would it still depreciate if it's a '97? i am considering the purchase of a '97 Boxster.

[Brucelee]

As a dealer, I would NOT buy a 97 to either be a driver or a classic.

If I was better on colector value, i would say the 2000 S would be a candidate.

However, like the 944, I don't see tons of topside.

IMHO!

[Ronzi]

The term "classic" is a slippery one. In some circles any car over 25 years old is a classic. Others hold a much narrower view of what consitutes a classic, and bring in such things as limited production, price, performance, and even snob appeal.
Going by the first definition, all you have to do is hang on to it long enough and virtually any car is a classic. By the second standard, the Box will never be a classic because too many of them have been built.
If you go by the opinion of the Porsche expert that writes for Sports Car Market magazine, virtually no road-going Porsche made since the 904 will be a classic.
I think there will be a couple, the 959 and the Carrera GT. But don't hold your breath on the Boxster, in any of it's varieties.

[blinkwatt]

I think time has shown that ANY porsche can hold some value if it has been taken care of.

[rdancd816]

I bought a '97 in November '05 with real low miles and drive it every day. I anticipate certain expenses due to the age of the car and so forth. So far I have put about 4,000 miles on it and it's been flawless. I don't expect it to appreciate at all but I also expect it to hold some value so I can put a year or two on it and move up to a newer Boxster. I love the car and sometimes feel the vehicle gets a bad rap for some of its delinquencies. I am logging all maintenance and problems and will post as they occur. So far no issues at all, but I just past 13,000 miles. I drive in all weather conditions (including snow) but I do "baby" the car. If the vehicle you're considering has been properly cared for, and the records prove it, I would not be too afraid of an older Boxster. Just understand the car is 9 years old and you must be prepared for the contingencies. Anyway, if I had to do it all over...I still love the car! This group can help you along and I wish you the best! Good Luck!!
P.S. I agree the Boxster will not be a collectable. Except for mine!

[limoncello]

I agree with Ronzi - there are multiple definitions of classic. One added category: cars that remind people of their youth. There's a generational buying point when people reach financial security. Production numbers don't necessarily correlate - each generation has a couple of cars that caught the imagination. Model A's for my dad, '55 or '57 Chevy's for the generation slightly ahead of me, etc.
The sixties were interesting because of an explosion in the number of performance cars. Triumphs and MG's were made in large numbers; people went back to them later, but the prices stayed low. XKE prices soared. Sunbeam Tigers, never a highly known or popular car in their day, but the prices stayed high later on (!?). Mach 1 Mustangs, Hemi-Cudas, etc. - collectible.
Late 70's and early 80's were mostly dogs because of smog gear. I have often wondered where that gen will go for their classics. Mustang II? Probably not.
The Boxster: hard to say. There are a lot out there, bad for prices but good for the fact that a lot of people have access to them and enjoy them. Looks: a real winner IMHO. Collectible? I don't think the prices will skyrocket. But I think they will never be dogs ("hundred dollar cars) either, they will always hold a certain market value.
Looking for an investment to put the kids thru college? Look elsewhere. Looking for a great car to drive and enjoy, get near 911 performance at half the cost, and be safe in the knowledge that you can sell it down the line without taking a bath (if properly kept)? Look no further.