Depreciation is your friend when you buy used and almost any car you buy new is as certain as death to depreciate but there are some exceptions to the rule. There are a few modern luxury performance sports cars that are still fun to drive and no longer depreciating. Here are five.
1. 2011-2014 Mercedes SLS - The Mercedes SLS is one of the few cars in the world that is no longer depreciating. As recent as 3 years ago first year models (2011) could be had for about $135,000.00 but that is no longer the case as even those cars are now well north of $160,000.00 and rising. It delivers theater every time you enter or exit with its attention grabbing gullwing doors. If you can buy one now you should think about it because along with a timeless look and exotic door openings it delivers performance that is on par with most supercars. Depreciation is your friend but with this car it stop being one about two years ago. Buy now or pay more tomorrow.
2. 2004 - 2009 Ferrari 430 – What should be noted here is that the only version of this car that can be assured is no longer depreciating and actually appreciating fast is any 430 with a manual. The performance geeks or snobs will tell you to buy the coupe but either coupe or convertible aka “Spyder” will do. The 430 are a personal favorite and continue to age well. Pull up with this car and it’s still classic Ferrari even amongst the 458 and the 488.
3. 1999 – 2005 Ferrari 360 – I could almost cut and paste what I said about the 430 here and I wouldn’t be wrong but the 430 is a newer car. The average Joe might not even be able to tell the difference between these cars but if you can afford the newer one you the general rule is always get the newer one. That said, the 360 are more affordable and equally fun to drive. I’ve seen a few 360 that were tastefully modified that were impressive so these cars aren’t chopped liver in any form.
4. 2007 – 2009 Porsche 997 911 Turbo - This is another classic Porsche the first generation 997 911 Turbo! A big selling point for this car besides no longer depreciating is that it has the legendary Mezger engine but only Porsche geeks would appreciate that latter fact. These cars were built model year 2007 through 2009 and known to the Porsche geeks as the 997.1 versions. Porsche also used this body style for the 2010 through 2012 model years but it had a different engine and transmission. Available in coupe or convertible form the coupes with manual transmissions are more desirable for true enthusiasts but I consider myself a driving enthusiast and love the convertibles as well and yes I’d take the manual over the automatic transmission. What is there not to like especially since it's a street machine. I laugh when I read racetrack references because most of these cars will never see a track ever! These cars can start in the high $60K range for higher mile cars and go as high as the mid $80K range for low mile cars. Be reminded you will pay a premium for low mile cars hence the reason they tend to sell at a higher price.
5. 1999 – 2003 BMW Z8 – The BMW Z8 is a model that if I am being honest I never really understood. The traditional auto journalist raved about its beauty from day one and I just never saw it. I will admit that there are angles and views that I find attractive but as a whole it just looked like a big Z3, which will never be considered a head turner by most. I am certain I don’t stand-alone with my opinion on this car’s beauty or the lack there of but the fact of the matter is this car is no longer depreciating. It was near the top of BMW’s lineup when launched so this two seater has more than adequate power therefore it should be fun to drive. These cars have not only stopped depreciating but they are rising in value so if you can afford one of these you might want to buy one now. They range anywhere from $140,000.00 through $225,000.00.
