Online buying advice

[cbzzoom]

I'm looking to buy an early 997 (probably 06 or 07, 20k - 40k miles), and for various reasons it looks like I probably have to buy one from far away online (the biggest issue is that I want adaptive sport seats which seem to be very rare). I've learned a bit by reading here (eg. obviously get a PPI), but I have a few questions.

I'd prefer to get a car from a P dealer so it's CPO, or from a 1-owner private party, but it seems like most of the cars are being sold by independent sports car shops)

1. I've talked to two dealers (not porsche dealers - just some generic sports car shops) who refuse to let me get a car inspected unless I commit to buying it and put down a non-refundable deposit of $500 or $1000 or so. Is this common? Or should I take this as a bad sign and walk away?

2. If a car was a lease and then sold at auction and is now being sold by some random dealer, is that a bad sign? I've read a few times that P dealers will keep the good lease returns and dump the bad ones.

3. Is there a preferred shipping company that will treat the car right? Do I need to get insurance before I complete the purchase so that it's insured in transit ?

4. Is it insane to buy the car sight-unseen? If I fly out, should I get all the details in writing first? What if they give me the financial details in writing but refuse to get a detailed description of the car in writing?

5. How important are service records? eg. if I see a car that seems nice but has no service records and the carfax is blank, is that bad?

Thanks

[Ponch]

Hey cbzzoom,

I going through a similar effort - live in Portland, OR and I buying from a broker in Phoenix.

1. Re: Deposit, same here noting that deposit was contingent on no Mechanical or Electrical issues...Mechanical includes Level 4-6 ignitions and high levels in Level 2-3. I will be putting down a $1000 tomorrow...after which it will be off to the local P dealer.

2. From reading other posts, an auction does not necessarily mean something is bad.

3. My research tells me that Reliable Carriers (a 20%) premium is worth the piece of mind

4. In my opinion, either you, or someone else (that you know) needs to see the car. Often, the brokers put a little disclaimer into their add that you cannot rely on the content of their ad - so, grab the Vin and have a chat with your local P dealer - confirm options and warranty, if any.

5. Re: Service Records, I had two services done over the last 5 yrs, and neither appear on the CarFax, so...

All the best

[Boston Duce]

I'm looking to buy an early 997 (probably 06 or 07, 20k - 40k miles), and for various reasons it

1. I've talked to two dealers (not porsche dealers - just some generic sports car shops) who refuse to let me get a car inspected unless I commit to buying it and put down a non-refundable deposit of $500 or $1000 or so. Is this common? Or should I take this as a bad sign and walk away?

They may have been jerked around in the past (no offense) by a tire kicker, or there may be issues-your guess. "Non-refundable" is the part I don't like.

2. If a car was a lease and then sold at auction and is now being sold by some random dealer, is that a bad sign? I've read a few times that P dealers will keep the good lease returns and dump the bad ones.

Not so much in today's market. Nobody wants excess inventory.

3. Is there a preferred shipping company that will treat the car right? Do I need to get insurance before I complete the purchase so that it's insured in transit ?

Make sure whom ever you contract for transport does not "sub contract" you job to Goober and Gomer transport. Once you transfer money, you need your own insurance protection, its your money at risk-but you may find it hard to get w/o a registration. See who the auction guys use. Interstate advertises in "Excellence" every month.

4. Is it insane to buy the car sight-unseen? If I fly out, should I get all the details in writing first? What if they give me the financial details in writing but refuse to get a detailed description of the car in writing?

Yes, it's insane. You can never be sure a hired gun will have your 100% of your best interest in mind. Plus you'll never know if 'something' didn't go on behind the scenes. Any lack of transparency is a deal breaker.

5. How important are service records? eg. if I see a car that seems nice but has no service records and the carfax is blank, is that bad?

Low mileage cars may not have a lot of service records. You (or your inspector-see above) can usually tell if the car has been serviced. A couple of brake fluid changes and maybe 3 oil changes are really all that's been required for a car in your sights. Biggest questions is on a 6-speed -how many of type 2 over-revs have been recorded-hard to get out of an independent dealer and probably your most important piece of information.

Carfax will not show body repairs that have not been run through insurance.

Thanks

Good luck,

BD

[irysfan]

I just got mine delivered from out of state from a Porsche dealer. Coincidentally, for the same reason - adaptive sports seat.

1. Deposit yes. Deposit first before PPI is a red flag. What are they hiding? The good news is that's a sign that the PPI won't check out perfect. Save your $ and take that elsewhere. Very risky.

2. Why would someone lease a car and not buy it? Well, likely people who go through cars and drive it like a rental, then dump it. It's the lessor's problem to find a sucker to buy it. If no one bites, for a variety of reasons, goes on auction. Also risky.

3. My out-of-state Porsche dealer used a guy who owns his company and delivers car. Great guy, nice trailer, and delivered my 997 in perfect condition. He spot flaws better than I could when he picked up the car, and I thought I'm picky enough to detail my own car. I found out he delivered Ferrari before and one of the cars (Mustang if I recall) in Fast & Furious. PM me if you need his contact.

4. No, but it's more stressful. If you find a good indy or a Porsche dealer do a PPI at their own shop where they have the right equipments, should be ok. My opinion is that a good indy and Porsche technician will do a better job than I when inspecting the vehicle. Just be sure they know what you needed them to evaluate beyond their standard checklist e.g. smoker car, creases in seats, etc.

5. Carfax blank ok, they don't catch everything. No service record for a >3 yr old car begs the question what the heck is going on? Slightly risky but if PPI checks out, it's probably fine. You may already know, 997 is known to have RMS leaks so watch out for chronic "leakers"...