SL/R129: Why don't Porsches depreciate?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 6
From: Seattle
2002 G500, 1961 190b, 2001 SL500 Sport
Why don't Porsches depreciate?
I saw that the new RUF tuner porsche is a late nineties throwback model. Pretty classic and good looking. So I checked out 911 prices and holy smokes those things hold value well. 50-65k for a late 90s 911. Even the newer cars go for less than that though I may have been comparing newer caymans to 911s which I've heard aren't worth much. What's the deal? Why don't Mercedes hold value like that?
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
1999 SL500, 2001 S430, 1998 Boxster, 1978 930
Porsche supports their older cars very well. You can still get parts for 40 year old Porsches. Mercedes is discontinuing parts left and right for 15 year old cars. I paid 44K for my Boxster in 1998 and even with over 200K miles it is worth double what I just paid for my 1999 SL500 with 55K miles that was almost 90K when new.
I can still get parts for my Boxster, but every time I look for a part for my SL, it is discontinued. The cost to keep an older Mercedes running is at least double what a Porsche would be.
I have no trouble finding parts for my 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo. That is one reason that the value is sky high on those cars.
That should spark a healthy discussion from this group.
I can still get parts for my Boxster, but every time I look for a part for my SL, it is discontinued. The cost to keep an older Mercedes running is at least double what a Porsche would be.
I have no trouble finding parts for my 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo. That is one reason that the value is sky high on those cars.
That should spark a healthy discussion from this group.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
1999 SL600;1971 Citroen DS; 1973 Citroen SM 3.0; 1973 Citroen SM 2.7 EFI
IMHO these cars are going through the "It's just an old car" phase. Hang onto them, keep them in good repair and wait, but don't forget to enjoy them. I know from my experience with Citroens (google my name and the word Citroen if you don't believe me) that cars with a reputation for being difficult to maintain do not hold their value until they become rare enough that folks realize how cool they were in spite of their complexity. 10 years ago, I could buy a Citroen SM in decent shape for $10K. Now they are $100K.
John Titus
John Titus
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Not many built, ownership in strong hands, and us old guys still want fun!
Each vehicle I have owned seems like a special moment,... until I'm offered enough!
I find the air cooled power plant my choice. Not so for the after 98 models Some are getting to investment level now.
Each vehicle I have owned seems like a special moment,... until I'm offered enough!
I find the air cooled power plant my choice. Not so for the after 98 models Some are getting to investment level now.
