Enthusiasts revere Porsche for its manic-level attention to detail. Even though the German manufacturer offers easy-to-use everyday supercars, they are built to a near-unrivaled standard. Fortunately, Porsches serve as a great performance pick and a well-rounded financial investment.

Automotive research firm iSeeCars recently compiled a list of how much value vehicles lose over their first three years. Their analysis shows that the average car across all ranges will lose 16.9 percent of its value in that time. The nationwide average equates to a loss of approximately $7,123. Interestingly, the study revealed that five models didn’t depreciate at all. In fact, they gained value over MSRP. One of these is the enduring Porsche 911. The other is its cut-price baby brother Cayman 718.

Porsche 718 Cayman – 1.8 percent gain in value

The 718 Cayman provides a supercar experience for a sports car price. The two-door coupe provides uncontested feedback for driving enthusiasts despite sitting near the bottom of Porsche’s performance pyramid. In 2020, the base Cayman T could be had for just under $59,000, Car and Driver says. There were three potent four-cylinder engines, a lightning-quick automatic or an engaging six-speed transmission, and a single expertly-tuned chassis. Nevertheless, each could match a driver’s desire.

Caymans boasted minimalism in the entry-level supercar category. But it featured countless personalization options. However, gripping corners is where the Cayman sings, not in entertainment, tech, or straight-line speed. Over the last three years, the Porsche 718 has gained roughly $1,342 in value, according to the iSeeCars study. While it isn’t much, it’s one of the few models that have yet to lose any in the same time period.

Porsche 911 – 5.7 percent gain in value

With its base model coming in around six figures, the Porsche 911 is one of the most pragmatic supercars on sale. With seemingly endless trim levels, 911s can be sparsely equipped or sail into the $200,000 range with the spicy GT2 and GT3 variants. It’s packed with methodically engineered materials and can rev its flat-six past 9,000 rpm, but it’s remarkably reliable.

2020 was the last year potential buyers could step into a base Porsche 911 for under $100,000. While those days are gone, the investment is more than worth it. The automotive research firm’s analysis shows the average Porsche 911 will gain $11,373 in value over a similar three-year period.

Why are some cars appreciating?

Due to the supply chain turmoil over the past couple of years, the market is pricing some late-model used cars as if they were brand-new. Since new cars have been scarce, demand for low-mileage used models has caused some to appreciate. “This is unprecedented in used vehicle pricing,” iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer said. “Finding multiple three-year-old used models worth more than their new MSRP is something we’ve not seen before.”

Yet, Porsches commonly appreciate, especially the limited-edition models. Even though the desirability for the older air-cooled models is slowing, it presents an opportunity to seek increasing value in modern examples.