If you’ve spent any time hunting for a quality used Porsche in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve likely come across the name Columbia Valley Luxury Cars. The operation runs differently from most used car lots, and that difference is worth understanding before you call or browse any other listing. This isn’t a high-volume dealership moving two hundred cars a month. It’s a tightly curated specialist dealership focused almost entirely on Porsches, and it handles over 100 transactions per year while inspecting hundreds more.
The dealer behind it, Nathan Merz, built the business around a simple idea: most cars aren’t worth buying, and most sellers don’t tell you why. His response was to create a selection process so strict that, by his own account, literally 1 in 1,000 cars survives the initial inspection in the condition needed to carry the CVLC brand. That number sounds extreme until you start looking at what actually makes it through. Every car that gets listed goes through a formal project plan, full reconditioning across mechanical, aesthetic, and functional dimensions, and documented preparation before it ever sees a buyer.
Columbia Valley Luxury Cars operates from Redmond, Washington, at 9121 151st Avenue NE, and is reachable at 425-273-9992. The earlier listing you may find showing a Richland, WA address predates the current location. Business hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Sunday and Monday, and viewings happen by appointment.
A Brief History
Nathan Merz grew up in the Pacific Northwest as a self-described car guy, and he started buying and selling vehicles well before turning it into a career. Columbia Valley Luxury Cars formed around that background, with a focus on Porsches almost from the start. The name references the Columbia Valley region of the Pacific Northwest, and the business has operated in the Redmond area of Washington State throughout its commercial life.
What set CVLC apart early on was Nathan’s decision to lean into education rather than just transaction. Most dealers put their energy into listings and follow-up calls. Nathan put energy into building public knowledge: YouTube model guides in collaboration with the Porsche Club of America, presentations at PCA Parades and Tech Tactics events, and contributions to publications like Porsche Panorama, Avants, and Spiel. By the time customers called to buy, they already knew who they were dealing with.
The business grew into a recognizable name in collector Porsche circles. Nathan now holds the formal role of Appraisal and Valuation Chair for the Porsche Club of America, the largest single-marque car club in the world with over 150,000 members. That isn’t an honorary title. He presents live sessions at PCA events where he evaluates actual member cars in front of live audiences, and the content gets published on PCA’s official channels.
Key Generations and Inventory Focus
CVLC doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. The inventory concentrates heavily on air-cooled Porsches and select water-cooled generations, with a strong emphasis on the following:
Porsche 911 Air-Cooled Generations
The air-cooled 911 ran from 1963 to 1998, and CVLC handles examples across this entire span, from early long-hood cars to the final 993.
The 964 (1989-1994): The 964 was the most significant redesign in early 911 history, with approximately 85 percent of its parts revised or replaced compared to the prior generation. Porsche introduced ABS, power steering, and a coil spring suspension for the first time on this car. The 964 was also the first 911 available with all-wheel drive through the Carrera 4 model, and the first available with Porsche’s Tiptronic four-speed automatic. Today, rear-wheel-drive manual coupe examples command a significant premium over the heavier all-wheel-drive variants. A Carrera 4 Cabriolet sits at the affordable end of 964 ownership with a #2 (excellent) value around $74,000 and a #3 (good) value around $56,000.
The 993 (1993-1998): The 993 was the last air-cooled 911 Porsche ever built. It arrived at a critical moment for the company, and for a brief period in early 1996 it was literally the only model in production keeping Porsche financially viable. The 993 improved on the 964 in nearly every area while keeping the air-cooled flat-six, and the design remains one of the most admired in the 911’s history. Current #3 condition values start around $59,000 for the most affordable 993 variant, with low-mile coupe examples well above $100,000 and RS variants exceeding $180,000. Average condition-3 values across the 993 range sit around $281,300, up 42 percent since 2020.
Earlier Air-Cooled Models: CVLC also handles 911 SC, 912, and select early 911 long-hood examples. Nathan has produced detailed buyer guides for the 911 SC in collaboration with PCA, running to 1 hour 45 minutes of documented model knowledge. These guides cover year-to-year production changes, factory option documentation, known failure points, and pre-purchase inspection priorities.
Water-Cooled Generations
The 996 (1999-2004): The first water-cooled 911 and still one of the most affordable entry points. Current #3 values average around $43,700, up 40 percent since 2020. IMS bearing risk on early engines is the primary concern buyers must address.
The 997 (2005-2012): Nathan has called this the “perfect sweet spot in the 911 world.” Current #3 values average $92,900, up 34 percent since 2020. The 997.2 (2009+) resolved the IMS bearing issue entirely. These move quickly from CVLC inventory.
The 991.2 (2016-2019): Modern 911 examples, including the Carrera 4S in desirable configurations, appear in CVLC inventory when the right car at the right condition presents itself.
What Makes Columbia Valley Luxury Cars Different
The CVLC Standard isn’t marketing language. The dealer publishes exactly what happens to every car before it goes up for sale, and the process has three formal phases.
First, an initial inspection determines whether a given car can even reach CVLC’s condition standard. According to Nathan’s own documentation, most cars fail this stage. The cars that don’t meet standard and can’t be brought to standard get passed over entirely, regardless of profit potential.
Second, cars that pass initial inspection receive a detailed project plan. This uses CVLC’s sister company, erhöhen, to address the full scope of the vehicle: mechanical condition, aesthetics, functionality, historical accuracy, and what Nathan calls “the fun stuff.” The goal is to make the car genuinely better, not to clean it up cosmetically and flip it.
Third, the finished car gets matched to the right buyer. That sounds simple, but it means Nathan actively educates buyers on known issues, model-specific quirks, and whether a particular car actually fits what a buyer says they want. Multiple reviews describe him telling buyers that a car they’ve fallen for isn’t the right fit for them, and pointing them toward something else.
The business carries a 4.6-star rating across 35 reviews, and the recurring themes in customer feedback are consistent: transparent communication, deep product knowledge, no pressure, and the willingness to discuss problems openly. Repeat customers describe completing six or more transactions with Nathan. One customer described a two-year process of selling a special car, during which Nathan coached pricing strategy through a shifting market without pushing for a quick sale.
Specs and Models Comparison Table
| Generation | Production Years | Engine | Displacement | Power Output | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 911 SC | 1978-1983 | Air-cooled flat-6 | 3.0L | 180-204 hp | RWD |
| 964 Carrera 2 | 1989-1994 | Air-cooled flat-6 | 3.6L | 247 hp | RWD |
| 964 Carrera 4 | 1989-1994 | Air-cooled flat-6 | 3.6L | 247 hp | AWD |
| 964 Turbo 3.3 | 1991-1993 | Air-cooled flat-6 turbo | 3.3L | 320 hp | RWD |
| 993 Carrera | 1995-1998 | Air-cooled flat-6 | 3.6L | 272 hp | RWD |
| 993 Carrera S | 1997-1998 | Air-cooled flat-6 | 3.6L | 285 hp | RWD |
| 993 Turbo | 1996-1998 | Air-cooled flat-6 twin-turbo | 3.6L | 408 hp | AWD |
| 996 Carrera | 1999-2004 | Water-cooled flat-6 | 3.4/3.6L | 296-315 hp | RWD |
| 997 Carrera | 2005-2012 | Water-cooled flat-6 | 3.6/3.8L | 321-345 hp | RWD |
| 991.2 Carrera 4S | 2016-2019 | Water-cooled flat-6 turbo | 3.0L | 420 hp | AWD |
Generation and Model Comparison
| Model | Current Avg #3 Value | Change Since 2020 | Best Use Case | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 911 SC (1978-83) | $35,000-$55,000 | Moderate increase | Entry air-cooled daily driver | Chain tensioners, carb rebuild |
| 964 Carrera 2 Coupe | $65,000-$110,000 | Steady appreciation | Weekend driver, collector | Rocker covers, AC system |
| 964 Turbo 3.3 | $120,000-$180,000 | Strong appreciation | Performance collector | Age of rubber lines |
| 993 Carrera Coupe | $100,000-$160,000 | +42% since 2020 | All-around classic | Finding honest examples |
| 993 Turbo S | $300,000+ | Significant increase | High-value collector | Authentication critical |
| 996 Carrera | $35,000-$55,000 | +40% since 2020 | Budget water-cooled entry | IMS bearing (pre-2000) |
| 997 Carrera (dot-2) | $70,000-$110,000 | +34% since 2020 | Modern analog experience | Bore scoring (997.1 only) |
What It Is Like to Buy from CVLC
Cars are shown by appointment only. This isn’t an obstacle; it’s a filtering mechanism. Nathan structures consultations to understand what a buyer actually wants before showing anything. That means conversations about intended use, budget, mechanical comfort level, and storage and maintenance realities, not just which generation looks nicest.
For buyers who can’t make it to Redmond in person, CVLC has completed long-distance transactions with customers across the country and internationally. One customer reviewed purchasing a 1992 Porsche 964 RS located in Germany, where Nathan conducted the inspection and assessment on their behalf. The car arrived exactly as described. Another review describes a buyer conducting the entire transaction from the other side of the country with “no hesitation.”
Nathan also runs a YouTube channel and social media presence that gives remote buyers an extraordinarily detailed picture of his assessment process. Inventory walkthroughs on camera cover mechanical condition, paint readings, option documentation, and known issues honestly. This is not typical of how dealer inventory gets presented.
The sell-side process works similarly. CVLC handles consignment for owners who want expert positioning, pricing strategy, and platform placement including Bring a Trailer, where the dealership regularly lists notable examples. The most recent listing at time of writing was a 1972 911S in Viper Green with 3-tone Pepita Sport Seats, the only year of the “oel klappe” external oil filler, fully restored to world-class standard.
Owning One Today
Practical Ownership Reality
Air-cooled Porsches require a different relationship with maintenance than modern cars. These aren’t difficult to own, but they need attention, appropriate storage, and a trusted specialist shop. Nathan’s educational content is explicit about this: he will tell a buyer that a particular car or generation doesn’t fit their lifestyle, and he means it.
For air-cooled 964 and 993 ownership, budget approximately $1,500 to $3,000 annually at an independent Porsche specialist for routine maintenance. Dealer pricing runs $2,000 to $4,000 for the same work. Major service intervals every two to four years can add $1,500 to $2,500 on top of that. Independent specialists consistently run 20 to 30 percent below dealer pricing while using the same OEM parts.
Water-cooled 996 owners face the IMS bearing as the primary planned maintenance item. Replacement runs $1,500 to $3,000 in parts and labor, far cheaper than the engine rebuild it prevents. Annual maintenance at an independent specialist runs $2,000 to $4,000. The 997.1 shares the IMS concern, plus bore scoring risk on Lokasil cylinder linings if the car gets driven hard before reaching operating temperature.
Hagerty collector car insurance is strongly recommended for any air-cooled example at current market values. Agreed-value policies protect against market fluctuations in ways standard auto policies don’t.
Market and Values
The air-cooled Porsche market in 2025 and into 2026 hasn’t followed the broader collector car market correction. While the general collector market saw the COVID-era price bump largely dissipate by spring 2024, Porsche prices have held or continued climbing in several segments. The 993 in particular remains one of the most appreciated collector car values of the last decade, with average #3 condition values up 42 percent since 2020.
The 997 has become the current “Goldilocks” car in the 911 world, attracting buyers who want a modern analog experience before the 992.2 generation’s hybrid powertrain makes that feel further away. Manual transmission availability on recent 911s is increasingly limited, which pushes more buyers toward the 997 generation.
Entry-level 996 values have climbed 40 percent since 2020 despite the car’s reputation problems from the early 2000s, driven by buyers entering the collector market at a lower price point. These remain the most accessible Porsches from CVLC’s core focus area.
Market Values by Condition
| Model | Condition #1 (Concours) | Condition #2 (Excellent) | Condition #3 (Good) | Condition #4 (Fair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 964 Carrera 2 Coupe | $135,000+ | $95,000-$115,000 | $65,000-$80,000 | $40,000-$55,000 |
| 964 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | $95,000+ | $74,000 | $56,000 | $38,000 |
| 993 Carrera Coupe | $175,000+ | $130,000-$150,000 | $100,000-$115,000 | $70,000-$85,000 |
| 993 Carrera 4S | $165,000+ | $125,000-$145,000 | $95,000-$110,000 | $65,000-$80,000 |
| 996 Carrera Coupe | $65,000+ | $53,000-$60,000 | $38,000-$48,000 | $25,000-$35,000 |
| 997 Carrera Coupe (dot-2) | $130,000+ | $100,000-$120,000 | $75,000-$95,000 | $55,000-$70,000 |
Values reflect current market averages based on auction data and Hagerty Price Guide ranges as of 2025-2026. Individual cars vary based on options, history, and documentation.
Ownership and Maintenance Costs
| Cost Category | 964/993 (Air-Cooled) | 996/997 (Water-Cooled) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual routine maintenance (specialist) | $1,500-$3,000 | $2,000-$4,000 | Oil, filters, inspection |
| Annual routine maintenance (dealer) | $2,000-$4,000 | $3,500-$6,000 | Same parts, higher labor |
| Major service interval (2-4 years) | $1,500-$2,500 | $1,800-$3,500 | Plugs, brake fluid, filters |
| Hagerty agreed-value insurance (annual) | $1,200-$3,500 | $800-$2,500 | Varies by value and storage |
| IMS bearing replacement (996/997.1 only) | N/A | $1,500-$3,000 | One-time preventive |
| Tire replacement (set of 4) | $800-$1,400 | $900-$1,600 | Performance rubber |
| Estimated annual total (conservative) | $4,500-$8,000 | $5,000-$10,000 | Excludes major one-off repairs |
FAQ
Is Columbia Valley Luxury Cars actually based in Redmond, WA, not Richland, WA?
Yes. The current operational address is 9121 151st Avenue NE, Redmond, Washington 98052, phone 425-273-9992. Older online directory listings from the Richland, WA period sometimes appear in search results and create confusion. The Richland address at 514 Warehouse Street, Richland, WA 99352, reflects a prior business location. If you’re planning to visit, confirm the Redmond address directly and schedule an appointment in advance, as the dealership operates by appointment only.
What does CVLC actually sell, and does Nathan handle non-Porsche cars?
The inventory focuses almost entirely on Porsches, spanning air-cooled generations from the 912 and early long-hood 911 through the 964 and 993, plus select water-cooled generations including the 996, 997, and occasionally the 991. Nathan handles other “rare gems” on occasion, as noted on the company site, but the core business is Porsche. He specifically prioritizes all-original, true #1-condition examples, and sells over 100 Porsches per year while inspecting hundreds more.
Why are CVLC’s prices higher than private-party listings for comparable cars?
You’re paying for the vetting, reconditioning, and the cost of what didn’t make it through. Nathan’s “1 in 1,000” standard means a significant proportion of cars he evaluates get passed over. The ones that carry the CVLC brand have gone through a documented project plan covering mechanical, aesthetic, and historical dimensions using the sister company erhöhen. You’re also paying for Nathan’s role as PCA Appraisal and Valuation Chair, which means every car he represents carries credibility that individual sellers rarely can match. Multiple repeat buyers in reviews explicitly state the premium is worth it.
How does the buying process work for out-of-state or international buyers?
Remote purchases happen regularly. Nathan documents inventory via detailed video walkthroughs that cover paint readings, mechanical condition, option codes, and known issues. He handles coordination for cars located internationally, including inspection assistance and purchase verification. A customer in Germany described purchasing a 1992 Porsche 964 RS with Nathan facilitating the inspection remotely; the car arrived as described. For any high-value purchase, an independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a Porsche-experienced mechanic is still recommended regardless of who the seller is.
What are the biggest things to watch out for when buying an air-cooled 911?
The 964 generation requires attention to rocker cover gaskets, air conditioning system integrity, and the age of rubber components throughout. The 993 suffers most from fraudulent documentation and cars presented as higher-spec examples than they actually are. Nathan’s educational content covers this in granular detail, including how to read option code stickers and what factory documentation should accompany a legitimate car. Both generations benefit from independent inspection at a specialist before purchase. Condition grading matters enormously: a #3 condition 993 and a #2 condition 993 can differ by $30,000 to $50,000 in value.
What’s the right 911 generation for someone new to the collector market in 2025?
It depends entirely on intended use. The 997.2 Carrera (2009 to 2012) is the most practical starting point: it resolves the IMS bearing issue from earlier water-cooled cars, drives like a modern sports car, and current good-condition examples start around $75,000 to $95,000. The 993 delivers the definitive air-cooled experience but demands more careful selection and carries a higher purchase price, with honest good-condition examples at $100,000 and above. The 996 offers the lowest entry point into the collector Porsche world at $35,000 to $50,000 for good examples but requires IMS bearing attention and carries less collector appreciation momentum than the air-cooled cars. Nathan’s PCA buyer guides, available on YouTube at no cost, cover each generation in exhaustive detail and are worth watching before making any decision.
Conclusion
Columbia Valley Luxury Cars occupies a specific and useful position in the collector Porsche market. It isn’t trying to be a high-volume operation, and it doesn’t present itself as one. The business sells cars the founder wants to stand behind, filtered through a process strict enough that most candidates never make it to listing. For buyers who want a collector-grade Porsche without investing months of their own research into authentication and condition assessment, paying the CVLC premium makes financial sense.
Nathan Merz’s dual role as dealer and PCA Valuation Chair creates an unusual accountability. He regularly appears in front of live audiences explaining exactly how Porsche values work, what makes certain cars worth more than others, and where buyers get misled. That level of public transparency is not common in the specialist dealer world, and it’s the primary reason first-time buyers from across the country complete transactions with him without ever visiting in person. The 4.6-star average across 35 reviews, the repeat customers completing six or more transactions, and the referral pattern visible across testimonials all point to a business that delivers on what it promises.
If you’re chasing a 964 Carrera RS, a numbers-matching 993 Turbo S, a pristine 997.2 manual coupe, or a properly sorted early long-hood car, Columbia Valley Luxury Cars is one of the first calls worth making in the Pacific Northwest.
