[m962b]

I know they are water cooled. I know the IMS and RMS issues. I know they lack the old world feel and sound of the early cars. We all know all of the issues with the 996 and the stupid headlights. BUT- with any 915 or G50 going through the roof as of late, and the earlier ones way out of sight (even the 2.7s,) the 2000+ cars are fast becoming the least expensive cars out there.

So if you are stuck on the old car feel, this question is not for you obviously. If you are a fan of just the build quality, heritage, and longevity and community support of one of the greatest sports cars of all time, doesn't a 996 fit the bill? It's quicker than the SCs, it has more modern amenities, it has better brakes. It's a better daily driver, and yet still faster on the track.

SO when does the 996 become a better deal. At what point, if not already, do we see some people just say, "I'm not really that interested in buying and selling my car, i just want a 911 I can enjoy." Clearly the 996 won't appreciate like the older cars, but then again, someone has to start to check the market here. 30 year old cars with 200k miles shouldn't be starting around $18k (IMO.) There are going to be a lot of bits and pieces to fix in those cars.

Am I totally off the mark here, or are others starting to see some value in the 996 now with everything else skyrocketing? Or is the pleasure of owning an earlier car and talking about it with others who own the same car or the romance of a "classic" something worth the increase in price in the last 2 years?