What have prices done in the last 2.5 years?

Dropped like a rock

Not true. If anything, stable and heading a bit upward. My 2002 S books for over 14k as it sits, that's nearly 2k over when I bought it.

Granted, there are the oddballs out there, but a very good condition, well maintained car is going to come at a premium. These model years are the last of the "inexpensive classics" and plenty of people are canning them as they die rather than fixing them. The market will thin. Will they ever become top dollar? Who knows? But then, who would have EVER thought a 924 of any sort would have value? An 11k example just sold for 53k. Or a better example is look at the 914 market... it's crazy right now. And, now that Porsche is doing the classics reboot, that just brings the 986 back into the headlights. Look at the above post, the high majority is all in on the release.

Boxter prices mimic any used car of similar age and condition. A $50K new Boxster from back in the day now worth $7.5K represent depreciation of 85%. One can find decent Boxsters al day at $7.5K +/- a grand.

Well, I just bought an '04 with 44K miles, for $14.9K recently. Why so much, well, hardly a scratch on it, the original (1 owner) had sheepskin covers on the seats so they are perfect, original top, Bose, S wheels, all records, one owner car, etc., etc.

Here is the 5-year value chart...

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1541047311.jpg

I wonder if the upswing for 2004 is because of the SE? The SE is already becoming a collector's car.

What's the latest update in 2020?

pretty much the same as it was in 2018.

with few exceptions, these cars aren't worth much

Got a very good 2002 S for 10,500 with 80k miles 6 months ago... California car and great service record. IMS and clutch were done at 70k and it runs like a top. Just minor interior wear... I thought it was a great deal.

My .02
 

If you want a driver and not a weekend toy, buy a 2003 or 2004.

Glass window.

Glove box.

Improved engine compartment cooling.

Improved styling.

Lots of improvements to interior fit and finish.

And the youngest of the 986 series, so rubber and hose deterioration is the lowest.

Good luck.

Prices have been going up lately, don't be fooled by comparing 10 year old cars to 20 year old cars. The 986's that have been well maintained inside & out including engine are very much in demand, even the non loaded with options that people like me prefer over "loaded" with non performance, weight adding options & nannys. That's why I bought a 2000"S" to avoid PSM.

Plastic window = lighter weight & better access to engine

No glovebox = less crap in the car to make noise, console is big enough for my needs

Styling change is personal preference. For me lighter is better.

How so? Can you elaborate please. Thanks

Interesting opening statement to say the least! I thought "Driver car" meant performance, but your list says driver comfort as in weekend toy? And to stir up the masses the only car in the chart going up is the '98' :)

I know you're just stirring the masses.... :) but

the chart is actually pretty useless. it doesn't specify N of each year, separate base vs S, factor in mileage, options, or even where the supposed numbers are taken from - IE asking price? sales price? source of prices? etc

Ahmen the original shape is the best so I went 2000 S as well. And all there is, is wheel spin control which you can turn off. Thought about rear glass but more weight put me off as well as the change in roof line. It's more about plastic window and Spyder for me

Your experience may differ. I did these repairs myself for:

torn boots - cost of the boots, nuts, bolts, circlips and grease $50
replace window - hand sewed in a new one - $70 could have done it for less... a learning experience.
verified IMS and replaced clutch plate - $350-$400

The total for getting the maintenance up to date - $1400 (including above items)
Paid less than $4000 ($5000 CDN) for the car, a 2000 base 5-speed with 115,000 miles.