To buy, or not to buy...

[san_arthur]

HI every one!

I have been a Mercedes guy since I can remember; my wife drives one and I have a 1970 280SEL coupe garaged.

Unfortunately last November I manage to kill my 300SD which was my daily driver. With only 275,000 miles it was in perfect condition. I lost control of the car one rainy night and I ended up destroying the front suspension, engine and gearbox against a very tall sidewalk.

While looking into replacing my car, my brother offered to me his used Boxster, but had to back up on his offer because my sister in-law needs a kitchen renovation urgently!! We all know how it goes and who is the boss!

Anyway and sorry for the long story, the bug bitted me, I want a Porsche and found a 996 Carrera coupe, 01 with 70,000 miles, a two owner car. The current owner lives out of the country and the car is in a high-end cars storage facility. Asking 25K.

I let a local specialist perform a PPI. Leak test came 1, 5 and 6 at 93% and 2, 3 and 4 at 95%, with clutch and everything else ok, and as expected after reading your blog, RMS is leaking.

Yesterday I inspected the car myself and found that the front bumper was in too good condition considering the big scratches in the under tray and I also found some paint on the carpet behind the spear tire. There are no signs of repairs under the carpets and weather seals, everything looks original.

I also noted some color fading (barely noticeable change of tones) in the left rear fender and a spot (size of a credit card) where the clear coat is gone.

Also the rear bumper is 1/8 of an inch missed aligned near the wheel well.

When I drove the car the interior was a little noisier (small rattles) then expected, but again is a 10 year old car.

When I asked the seller about the front bumper he told me the owner hit the bumper and under tray while parking. He never noticed the color fading and he will ask the owner about it.

At night I did a carfax check on the car and found some interesting information.

In 3/2010 parts were requested to repair damage after an accident or other incident. Front bumper assembly.

Also 6 owners instead of 2, nothing on the left rear fender and no Porsche service information.

I called the mechanic how services the car and he remembered the incident, he told me his neighbor back up on the car.

And finally my question to you:

I’m not scared of main seal repairs and after 70k miles I’m expecting a new clutch will be in order, but is this a 25k car? Should I run away from this one or make a contra offer.

Thanks for taking time reading.

San Arthur

[TSC85]

With an accident history, and 6 owners, I would say no but to each his own though. I spent a little more to get the 02-04 style simply because they were not that much more and you get all of the extra benefits of upgraded features. All of these cars, if it has porsche or any other german name, has certain undesired characteristics but they are a blast to own. Mercedes and Porsche are in two different leagues, and when I made the change from hard leather, light throwing, Mercedes I have never looked back.

I'm getting the interior done up in mine right now (02 Carrera Cabriolet), to make it two tone to match the outside, but my wife and I are considering selling at the end of July when we leave for Manhattan if your interested. I'll PM you the details.

[dryslick13]

I just bought an 01 C2 Cab for $24K with h/t and under 40k miles with no accident history. I found several 996 cabs in the 99-01 range for under 25 with under 70k miles on them. I would say that it is a little too high priced.

[02tx996cab]

Let's see...owner isn't the seller, inconsistent stories on history, some mechanical issues with accident damage. IMHO, even if the car was priced well (which it isn't), run--don't walk--away from this car. There are plenty of better, lower-risk examples available at/near the $25K price point.

Give yourself the best chance of your first Porsche ownership being a fantastic, worry-free one.

[rusty1]

I was a Mercedes owner as well, a 2001 SL500 that put out 300hp and it was a great car but after getting behind the wheel of a 911, there is simply no comparison. It's sort of like comparing parasailing to skydiving. One is nice and peaceful and relaxing and the other takes your breath away. My advice, albeit i am still a newbie when it comes to Porsche's is to walk away from the current car you are looking at as there are way to many conflicting stories. There are plenty of great 996's out there and i would strongly recommend bumping up to a 2002 over a 2001 as someone earlier mentioned, the extra's are worth it (glove compartment, cup holders and of course, a little extra horsepower never hurts). Good luck.

[Rob357]

Walk away from it, if the current owner is not 100% truthful about the car and it's history then what else isn't he telling you? There are plenty of good deals with clean history Porsches with service records out there. I bought my 2001,911 Carrera with 44000 miles on it for $23400 last November, service records, clean car fax history. Sinc owning it i have had the L&N Engineering IMS kit installed not because it was bad or going bad but because i did a Pre-Emptive upgrade, also bought a set of new tires. I love this car.

When you are looking for a 911, especially 1998 to 2008 ask about the IMS and if it has been replaced, ask for the records showing it. The RMS is no big deal, my RMS was done with the IMS Retro kit (LN gives it to you).

Good Luck

[san_arthur]

I love this blog! Thank you all for your answers and good suggestions.

I don’t understand why people modify the truth when is so easy to go on-line and get a record of the vehicle.

The more I think about this first purchase experience the angrier I get and thanks to this blog, the wiser I get.

Is difficult to describe how I feel the seller thinks, but is something like this:

- Since you don’t have the means to purchase a brand new car out of the dealership, you don’t know anything about used Porsches and this used car is the only car you disserve, is perfect and is the right price.-

Instead of acting out of impulse, I need to learn more about the 996 and enjoy the purchase experience.

I have two questions for you?

Who is or who disserves to be the real Porsche enthusiast? The brand new purchaser, the racer, the collector, the mechanic, the hobbyist, the historian?

Where should I look for a used Porsche? Craigslist, ebay, clubs?

Thanks

San Arthur

[Rob357]

I bought my 911 from a reputable used car dealer who specializes in Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Audis, etc. has been in the business for over 24 years and is honest, does alot of repeat business. Check for individual sales first, there are alot of folks out there now who "bit off more then they can chew" so to speak and have to sell. Go to the For Sale section of this Forum, Also check "Germanautoforums.com" they usually have a few for sale listed.

Take your time, check out the car carefully, check for service records, Car Fax records, etc. Buying a Porsche on first impluse is tempting, you like the car, the way it drives, handles, etc, but do yourself a BIG favor and check into all of the previous listed things first.

As far as who is the "Real Porsche Enthusists"? My answer is that it is anyone who appreciates a well engineered, great handling, Fun to drive car that won't bankrupt you. This is my 3rd Porsche, I bought a 1956 356 in 1977 while stationed in Germany, it is now parked in the garage next the the 911. My second was a 1987 928, Great car, also bought while on my second tour of Germany. (Had to get out of Germany before i bought more!) :D :cheers: and the Beer was Bad not also!

Good Luck and keep us informed

Edited May 30, 2011 by Rob357

[rusty1]

I don't have much purchase experience with respect to Porsche's as up until recently i was a Mercedes guy however I found the following seller to be very reputable and straightforward. He specializes in selling used Porsche's although on occassion he will sell other high end cars (i.e. Audi RS4, etc). Anyway, the owners name is Phil Cracco and his website is http://www.weissachautohaus.com/index.html He's located about 45 minutes from me so if you see something that you like and you want to get someone else's perspective on it, I am always looking for a good reason to go for a drive on a sunny day and what better place than to look at some Porsche's. :)

[vdiblasi]

I agree that the car you looked at was overpriced and overvalued. Be patient and try to find one with as may options and lowest miles possible. I was fortunate in that I found a 99 C2 Carrera Tiptronic with 48,00 miles, full leather interior, heated seats, rear wiper, optional wheels, aero kit, etc. for $24,500. last May. Bought on eBay from a private owner in Boston. Not a scratch on the car. I'm happy as a clam. Did a carfax and it checked out perfect. There are more of these nice ones out there. Do your homework and look at as may cars as you can before you pull the trigger.

Victor

[gnetwerker]

Who is or who disserves to be the real Porsche enthusiast? The brand new purchaser, the racer, the collector, the mechanic, the hobbyist, the historian?

All of the above. Or, to put it another way, I don't know if anyone specifically deserves to be a Porsche owner or enthusiast, but as the owner of two vintage 356s, and (serially) two modern Porsches, I love the look of the car but don't own them to be flashy, and I love how they drive, but am not really interested in racing. However, I don't look down on those who customize their cars, who race them, or who like to tinker. (OK, I look down a little bit at those who try to make standard 911s look like GT3s and whatnot). A modern Porsche is generally a high-reliability car, very safe (if driven responsibly), and (as you've seen) they hold their value pretty well. I recently went shopping for a new car, and I found that modern Mercedes had too many gizmos and gadgets and whatnot for me -- I love my Porsche for its simplicity.

Where should I look for a used Porsche? Craigslist, ebay, clubs?

I recently bought a 2004 996 C4S with 45k miles for $40k, which I thought was a reasonable price. I sourced the car on eBay, but ended up buying it directly from a non-Porsche dealer in another state. The thing I did right was have the seller take it to the nearest Porsche dealership for a complete PPI, which I paid for directly. I got a very complete appraisal of the vehicle. What I did wrong was buying a car in another state, sight unseen. But I really wanted the C4S, it was the color I wanted, had the removable hardtop, and was in excellent condition, so I fell in love with it. I should have either flown there or waited for a car that was closer, as I had trouble with shipping and getting the title. But that is all worked out and I love the C4S. Use eBay (completed listings only), and other sources to get a good idea of price, then get a certified pre-owned car from a dealer in your area. I'm happy with my car and have an excellent independent Porsche mechanic, so I don't rely on the local dealer, but the "certified" label and the warranty that comes with it are probably worth it.

[san_arthur]

I don't have much purchase experience with respect to Porsche's as up until recently i was a Mercedes guy however I found the following seller to be very reputable and straightforward. He specializes in selling used Porsche's although on occassion he will sell other high end cars (i.e. Audi RS4, etc). Anyway, the owners name is Phil Cracco and his website is http://www.weissachautohaus.com/index.html He's located about 45 minutes from me so if you see something that you like and you want to get someone else's perspective on it, I am always looking for a good reason to go for a drive on a sunny day and what better place than to look at some Porsche's. :)

Thanks for your advice, I immediately e-mailed Phil, unfortunately he doesn't have a car for me, but we will be in touch.

[rusty1]

Good luck in your quest!

[san_arthur]

I bought my 911 from a reputable used car dealer who specializes in Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Audis, etc. has been in the business for over 24 years and is honest, does alot of repeat business. Check for individual sales first, there are alot of folks out there now who "bit off more then they can chew" so to speak and have to sell. Go to the For Sale section of this Forum, Also check "Germanautoforums.com" they usually have a few for sale listed.

Take your time, check out the car carefully, check for service records, Car Fax records, etc. Buying a Porsche on first impluse is tempting, you like the car, the way it drives, handles, etc, but do yourself a BIG favor and check into all of the previous listed things first.

As far as who is the "Real Porsche Enthusists"? My answer is that it is anyone who appreciates a well engineered, great handling, Fun to drive car that won't bankrupt you. This is my 3rd Porsche, I bought a 1956 356 in 1977 while stationed in Germany, it is now parked in the garage next the the 911. My second was a 1987 928, Great car, also bought while on my second tour of Germany. (Had to get out of Germany before i bought more!) :D :cheers: and the Beer was Bad not also!

Good Luck and keep us informed

Good idea, let me go for a beer before continuing with the blog. Here the wife and I at the Oktober fest enjoying the german best!

[san_arthur]

I agree that the car you looked at was overpriced and overvalued. Be patient and try to find one with as may options and lowest miles possible. I was fortunate in that I found a 99 C2 Carrera Tiptronic with 48,00 miles, full leather interior, heated seats, rear wiper, optional wheels, aero kit, etc. for $24,500. last May. Bought on eBay from a private owner in Boston. Not a scratch on the car. I'm happy as a clam. Did a carfax and it checked out perfect. There are more of these nice ones out there. Do your homework and look at as may cars as you can before you pull the trigger.

Victor

Thanks Victor, I'm enjoying it more since I let the 1st one go.

[san_arthur]

Who is or who disserves to be the real Porsche enthusiast? The brand new purchaser, the racer, the collector, the mechanic, the hobbyist, the historian?

All of the above. Or, to put it another way, I don't know if anyone specifically deserves to be a Porsche owner or enthusiast, but as the owner of two vintage 356s, and (serially) two modern Porsches, I love the look of the car but don't own them to be flashy, and I love how they drive, but am not really interested in racing. However, I don't look down on those who customize their cars, who race them, or who like to tinker. (OK, I look down a little bit at those who try to make standard 911s look like GT3s and whatnot). A modern Porsche is generally a high-reliability car, very safe (if driven responsibly), and (as you've seen) they hold their value pretty well. I recently went shopping for a new car, and I found that modern Mercedes had too many gizmos and gadgets and whatnot for me -- I love my Porsche for its simplicity.

Where should I look for a used Porsche? Craigslist, ebay, clubs?

I recently bought a 2004 996 C4S with 45k miles for $40k, which I thought was a reasonable price. I sourced the car on eBay, but ended up buying it directly from a non-Porsche dealer in another state. The thing I did right was have the seller take it to the nearest Porsche dealership for a complete PPI, which I paid for directly. I got a very complete appraisal of the vehicle. What I did wrong was buying a car in another state, sight unseen. But I really wanted the C4S, it was the color I wanted, had the removable hardtop, and was in excellent condition, so I fell in love with it. I should have either flown there or waited for a car that was closer, as I had trouble with shipping and getting the title. But that is all worked out and I love the C4S. Use eBay (completed listings only), and other sources to get a good idea of price, then get a certified pre-owned car from a dealer in your area. I'm happy with my car and have an excellent independent Porsche mechanic, so I don't rely on the local dealer, but the "certified" label and the warranty that comes with it are probably worth it.

gnetwerker: I remember back in the 80's some people installing wale tales on their non turbo 911. Some even going as far as widening the bodies, remember seeing some?

I have always been close to Porsches; my brother owned a couple of 930s, I even raced with friends a couple of 356s in 4 Panamericanas (picture attached) but I've never own one myself. Is time to get one for me and best of all, the wife agrees.