Sale Prep Advice Please!

[echoblue]

Hi all
With a house refurb project looming I've had the inevitable discussion with the wife, and lost. My beloved 996 C4S must make way for a new kitchen. Please take a moment to reflect on this sad day :-(

Anyway, onto the topic. I'll be looking to sell privately via the usual channels and am conscious that buyers usually need some confidence in order to buy an old(ish) 911 without the backing of a garage and/or warranty (though I know the latter is usually rare).

The car isn't due a (minor) service until September, but I'll get it done anyway ahead of sale. My question is do you think it is worth me going the extra mile and paying for a 111 point check with an OPC in order to demonstrate to a potential buyer that they're buying a good one? To go one stage further, I could go and get a separate pre-purchase inspection and/or compression test to really put a buyer's mind at rest, to make everything really transparent. I don't mind spending a little in order to build confidence and demonstrate the quality of the car (and of course hopefully achieve a decent price), but don't want to just go spending money if a buyer would simply insist on having the inspections and tests carried out themselves anyway.

Any advice, previous sale experience or 'this is what I look for when buying' guidance welcomed!
Thanks
Mike

[So]

echoblue said:

Hi all
With a house refurb project looming I've had the inevitable discussion with the wife, and lost. My beloved 996 C4S must make way for a new kitchen. Please take a moment to reflect on this sad day :-(

Anyway, onto the topic. I'll be looking to sell privately via the usual channels and am conscious that buyers usually need some confidence in order to buy an old(ish) 911 without the backing of a garage and/or warranty (though I know the latter is usually rare).

The car isn't due a (minor) service until September, but I'll get it done anyway ahead of sale. My question is do you think it is worth me going the extra mile and paying for a 111 point check with an OPC in order to demonstrate to a potential buyer that they're buying a good one? To go one stage further, I could go and get a separate pre-purchase inspection and/or compression test to really put a buyer's mind at rest, to make everything really transparent. I don't mind spending a little in order to build confidence and demonstrate the quality of the car (and of course hopefully achieve a decent price), but don't want to just go spending money if a buyer would simply insist on having the inspections and tests carried out themselves anyway.

Any advice, previous sale experience or 'this is what I look for when buying' guidance welcomed!
Thanks
Mike

I wouldn't pre-empt what a buyer will want to see.

I am wary when someone comes to me with written references that they have obtained themselves. I would be no less uneasy with someone presenting their own inspection report. Unless it was in an auction.

[WindyM]

In my recent experience of selling a 997.2 Targa 4S and buying a 997.1 GT3 (both privately), buyers may inwardly appreciate the peace of mind of OPC extended warranty and 111-point check, but outwardly, they will brush it off, and certainly don't expect to pay for it in the asking price.
Of course, Targas aren't everyone's cup of tea, and so my experience isn't comparable to yours - I would think you will sell your 996 C4S far more easily.
In the end, I was offered trade bids pretty much the same as the price I eventually sold it for privately. With hindsight, I should have taken the trade deal to save some of the hassle (which I kidded myself I could cope with!).
Good luck with the sale, and regarding the kitchen, make sure you go for low, wide drawers instead of cupboards!

[EGTE]

Millers Oils do a very reasonable oil-analysis(£25) service.

That would be of comfort to a buyer.

[echoblue]

Thanks for all the replies (and for the unexpected kitchen advice!). Sounds like it's probably not worth spending out for something that wouldn't be expected, or which a buyer would want to have done themselves. Will let you know how I get on!