Show Notes
Is that dream classic Porsche sitting in your garage actually a better investment than a new car? On this episode of the Automotive Icons Podcast, host James Reeves dives deep into thousands of auction listings (using data scraped with the help of ChatGPT!) to uncover the surprising truth about the values of iconic models like the 944, 928, 993, and the oft-maligned 996.
We talk to the experts, including a hilarious anecdote from buyer/exporter Aaron Ross and the market wisdom of Nathan Murz (Chair of Valuation for the Porsche Club of America), to see which models are a "rocket ship" and which are still attainable for the average driver.
Key Takeaways You Can't Miss: The 993 Spike: See the incredible data showing how the last air-cooled 911 has nearly doubled in value over the last 8 years. (Spoiler: it’s almost plateaued—did you miss the boat?)
The Attainable Porsche: We break down the 944—the perfect first Porsche for under $20k—and reveal how its value has quietly climbed 50%.
The Next Big Thing: Is the controversial, water-cooled 996 (with its "fried egg" headlights) poised to be the next classic to explode in value? Data suggests it's already showing significant gains from its trough!
The Mileage Trap: Learn the crucial mistake that can cost you thousands: the massive value hit cars take when they cross the sub-20,000-mile mark. Do NOT buy an ultra-low-mile car if you plan to drive it!
The Maintenance Caveat: We discuss the brutal math of maintenance (like the $1,500 timing belt on the 944) and why a higher-spec car might actually yield a better return on investment.
What's Inside: The age-old debate: Is it Porsche or Porsh-uh? (James explains why he uses both!)
A look at the Porsche 928 and its incredible 60-70% surge in value.
Why the cost of a classic Porsche is a better financial decision than buying a brand new, depreciating "appliance car."
Essential advice: Don't let insufferable 911 guys bully you out of owning a great car like the 944.
Press play and find out if your favorite classic Porsche is a sensible investment or just a money pit!
🗣️ What do YOU think? Is the 996 about to blow up? Did James get the math right? Let us know in the comments below!
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More from Automotive Icons
Can you actually find a "cool" car with a clean title and under 75,000 miles for less than $5,000? James Reeves spent hours scouring over 1,000 eBay Motors listings to find the diamonds in the rough. From German luxury and Japanese "Kei" icons to the ultimate American land yacht, we’re breaking down the best budget buys in the 0–$5k range. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can you actually find a "cool" car in the $5,000 – $10,000 range without buying a total lemon? James Reeves goes deep into the automotive trenches (1,000+ listings worth of research!) to find the best value picks for the third instalment of our budget mini-series.
Welcome back to our mini-series on the Automotive Icons Podcast! Last week, we tackled the $15k–$20k range. Today, James Reeves is stepping down into the $10,000 to $15,000 bracket.
We are BACK! After a brief hiatus involving the holidays, work chaos, and a never-ending warehouse renovation nightmare (apologies for the concrete reverb!), the Automotive Icons podcast is hitting the road again.
They both started as utilitarian Jeep knockoffs. They both built legendary cult followings. And today, they represent two of the greatest inventions in human history. But which one actually deserves the crown?