Nathan Merz is back on Rennthusiast Radio with Derek and Will.

If you buy, sell, or even daydream about Porsches, this one is for you. We talk ownership reality, what people get wrong before they buy, and what the market is actually doing going into 2026. Nathan has been around more Porsches than most of us will see in a lifetime. He’s also one of the few people who will tell you the truth even if it hurts your feelings.

What we cover:

We start with the mistakes that kill Porsche ownership for first timers.

Then we get into what’s hot, what’s dead, and what still feels like a deal.

We also talk online auctions and how they changed pricing and behavior.

We finish with a fun budget game where Nathan picks the best Porsche in a few price ranges.

Topics in this episode

Emotional buying and why people call for validation, not advice

Buying for status, buckets vs “sofas”, and the spec trap

Bring a Trailer, global demand, and why local deals feel harder

2025 market recap and why pricing stayed stronger than expected

What’s moving, G body 3.2 cars, 964 demand, and the 993 “settle” trend

What cooled off, longhood interest, SWB cars, 914 values, most 928s, and transaxle pricing

356 market shift, concours perfect vs driver and hot rod style builds

Where to find better cars, relationships and community beat scrolling listings

Budget game, Cayman R vs 981 Spyder vs 991.2 Carrera S, plus the $50k and $30k rounds

Risk talk, bore scoring reality, early PDK risk, and why you need reserve money

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:52 Nathan’s quick reset from last episode

03:57 The biggest buyer mistakes Nathan sees every week

07:16 Buying for other people, spec pressure, buckets vs comfort

12:07 Online auctions and how they changed the market

19:49 The underrated truth, you can still have fun under $10k

20:14 How to actually find good cars

23:48 2025 market recap and the 2026 setup

27:21 What’s hot in air cooled 911s

29:17 The best value right now, longhood 911s

34:02 What’s soft, 914, 928, transaxle market

39:29 356 market changes and what buyers want now

44:06 Budget game, $80k to $120k

48:26 $50k to $80k, why 981 keeps winning

53:09 $30k to $50k, 996 reality and 987.2 base sweet spot

59:30 Wrap up

Shout outs:

Watch Will’s channel, Rennthusiast on YouTube.

Watch Derek's channel, ElevenAfterNine on YouTube. 11afternine@gmail.com

Check out Nathan’s inventory and work at Columbia Valley Luxury Cars.

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