A Semi-Forgotten Volkswagen Crossover You'd Be Smart to Invest in Now

[81SCRosewood]

Just ran across this nice article of the 914 and thought you guys would enjoy seeing this. I have a 911SC and would really like to have a 914 some day. A buddy of mine had one in the late 70's it was one of the funnist cars to ride in.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/porsche-914-6-semi-forgotten-121222699.html

Here's a new link that works:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-30/the-porsche-914-6-a-semi-forgotten-volkswagon-crossover-you-d-be-smart-to-invest-in-now.html

[Cairo94507]

The secret is out! Oh well, I have loved these cars since they were new. I have owned 2 1970 Sixes and presently own my '71 Six. I will not sell that car and hope to drive it until I am no longer able.

[TheCabinetmaker]

A 34% increase in value over five years as reported is hardly stellar. My home went up more than that in two years time. Heck some basic food item prices have gone up more than that. I got a can of peaches that I paid $1 for two years ago, now selling for $2. Canned peaches beat the investment results of the 914-6 over this time period.

Also remember that investment 914-6 they claim went from $32k to $43K would have to have the sales tax of the sale subtracted form any "profit". In California the sales tax is near 10% in some areas, which means the $32,000 purchase price needs to include the roughly $3000 sales tax, making the profit only $8k, rather than $11k thus the profit would be far less than 34%
($35,000 / 8000= 23% rather than the reported 34%)

they are still nice cars, but not a great investment using the reported figures.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I've always said that cars were a lousy investment. But then, stocks and bonds don't give you a big s--t eating grin when you drive them.

--DD

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by Dave at Pelican Parts

I've always said that cars were a lousy investment. But then, stocks and bonds don't give you a big s--t eating grin when you drive them.

--DD

I don't know, I've taken AAPL for a nice drive over the last year or two that has put a grin on my face.

I've owned 7 914s, starting with one as my first car when I was 16. Have had 4, 6 and even an 8 cylinder (SBC) one, I've put probably over 500,000 miles in them. So, yeah, I'm a fan.

That being said, I'm not sure I see them appreciating much, at least not the 4 cylinder ones. I just don't know how much universal appeal they have. I love em (as my first car, I'll always have a soft spot for them), but I think most people think they are weird looking and not particularly pretty. They are also very "stark" cars with their simple low cost vinyl interiors, one piece seats, etc.

I suppose that also describes a $400,000 Speedster, though.

The 6 I think has appreciated quite a bit over the past few years, I think more than the article estimates. But that's based on it's tie to the 911, and it's rarity. Those prices are being driven up by investment speculators, not enthusiasts.

[biosurfer1]

Originally Posted by TheCabinetmaker

Also remember that investment 914-6 they claim went from $32k to $43K would have to have the sales tax of the sale subtracted form any "profit".

You don't pay sales tax on a used car in California, its a "use tax" and the seller doesn't pay it, the buyer does.

[Nazgul280]

If the 912 can triple in price in the last 5 years, then I wouldn't count out the 914 when "investors" look for the next "sleeper". It's one of those cars that have been valued relatively the same for a long time, but has a cult following. I personally wouldn't buy one just to wait for appreciation, but if you like the 914 and don't own one, I believe the longer you wait to purchase the more you are going to pay.

[David McLaughlin]

A client at my last job bought a '73 1.7L for $25k. Beautiful car. Still smelled new. Not more than a few months later, he was offered and additional $20k from a collector. My client turned it down. I've seen this repeat over and over with this guy's cars; granted most are 356s. Just sitting on these cars, they're going up in value.

[racer]

Perfect cars will continue to go up.. drivers, not so much. But, as they age and disappear, they all become the more intriguing (valuable) to a small group of owners/buyers.

If you consider that the 914-6 sat in its line up like the the "Boxster S" does today, prices seem inline ($60-80K)

Then again, what would $5-6K in 1970 yielded you today if invested wisely? (vs buying a 914-6) my bet is more than current 914-6 asking prices

[David McLaughlin]

Similar car for a bit more I'm 1970.... 246 Dino. Just worked on that that should sell for between $600 - $700k

[porschetub]

Originally Posted by Nazgul280

If the 912 can triple in price in the last 5 years, then I wouldn't count out the 914 when "investors" look for the next "sleeper". It's one of those cars that have been valued relatively the same for a long time, but has a cult following. I personally wouldn't buy one just to wait for appreciation, but if you like the 914 and don't own one, I believe the longer you wait to purchase the more you are going to pay.

True enough but the 912 only going that way because the original sixes are slowly moving out of reach for most people,or the fixer uppers involve huge investment of parts(sheetmetal) and qualified people ($$$$).

Many 912's are being converted but they will dry up also,then we get to the 914...it will happen and sooner than we think.

Years ago most people won't be seen dead with a SWB 911(handling) let alone a 2.7 911 (engine issues) and look @ the interest now,also you look @ members garages and you see a 914 on the list more often now.
The above comments are what will really happen.

[81SCRosewood]

New updated link for this article!

The Porsche 914/6: A Semi-Forgotten Volkswagen Crossover You'd Be Smart to Invest in Now - Bloomberg

[javadog]

Useless article. The values are wrong and they should have said that the time to invest in one was 5-10 years ago, not now. The cat's out of the bag and values are already pretty high for the -6.

JR

[CharlieB]

Sold my cherry '70 914-6 back in the mid '80s for $5500. Felt like I had hit the jackpot!