3 used sports cars with skyrocketing prices, in otherwise plummeting market
Think your sports car is just another used ride? Think again. A new iSeeCars study found that certain used sports cars have climbing prices while the rest of the market stumbles. The BMW 4 Series, Porsche 718 Cayman, and Porsche 911 Convertible are now listed for 5% to 14% more than they were last year.
Meanwhile, the average used car’s listed price has actually dropped. Vehicles overall are down 0.8%, and some—like the Porsche Taycan—have nosedived a staggering 26.5%. In a cooling market, these three performance machines are heating up.
3 performance machines outpacing depreciation
Here’s how much these used sports cars have had surging in prices over the past 12 months:
| Model | Avg Price February 2025 | $ Difference Year-over-Year | % Difference Year-over-Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 4 Series | $40,630 | $5,348 | 15.2% |
| Porsche 718 Boxster | $105,252 | $11,585 | 12.4% |
| Porsche 718 Cayman | $122,217 | $11,626 | 10.5% |
Most used vehicles are heading in the opposite direction. The overall market is trending downward, shedding an average of $305 per car. Some models, especially electric and luxury sedans, have lost over a quarter of their value.
Used vehicle prices are falling—but not these sports cars
For a while, used vehicle and sports car prices were out of control. Some were selling for more than their original sticker price thanks to supply chain chaos. Now that inventory is stabilizing, most vehicles are finally getting cheaper.
iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer explained, “The used car market continues to stabilize after several years of abnormal pricing trends.”
Translation? Prices are cooling because buyers aren’t biting at sky-high rates anymore. Rising interest rates may be pushing people out of the market, or maybe supply is simply catching up with demand. Either way, dealers are listing cars for less to keep them moving.
But not every car is following the trend. Brauer also noted, “The average used car price decline reflects an overall market correction, though some vehicles continue to see value appreciation.” One exception is the prices certain used sports cars command.
Why are these sports cars’ prices going up?
Most daily drivers are depreciating. These three sports cars aren’t. What gives?
Part of it is enthusiast demand. Some cars develop a cult following, and buyers pay a premium for clean examples. The Porsche Boxster is one of those legends—its design hasn’t changed much in decades, and new ones keep getting pricier, keeping used values strong. Then there’s the Porsche 718 Cayman. Porsche is rumored to be shifting away from gasoline-powered sports cars, which could be fueling demand for used gas-powered Porsches. The Porsche 911 has long been legendary for its resale value, it looks like more budget friendly Porsches are catching up.
The BMW 4 Series is a different case. It’s more affordable than the Porsches, but it hits the sweet spot of luxury, performance, and accessibility. Buyers who want a sporty coupe but don’t want to drop six figures on an M4 are scooping up the 4 Series instead.
Of course, just because these used sports cars are listed for more doesn’t mean they’re selling for those prices. But at least some of this appreciation is real. Whether it’s branding, desirability, or supply constraints, these three sports cars are standing out in a market that’s otherwise slumping. If you own one, you might just be sitting on a better investment than your retirement fund.
