Who to buy from without seeing? 996tt

[Nobbles]

I missed a fantastic 996tt last week at JZM. It was my first visit there and due to myself not being prepared and organisd I missed out on a silver 996tt 2002 (anybody here the lucky one?). Anyway I live in France, RHD cars are much cheaper so I am looking for a 996 for 29k. Which specialist/dealer etc would you recommend to buy without seeing? Distance to a local airport can also be a factor? As a side point, I like JZM, dealt with Russ, he seemed really honest. The cheap 997 was not so good though, but he knew that.

[anonymous-user]

Dealers with a solid reputation on this forum in no particular order:-

JZM
RSJ Sports Cars
911Virgin
Paragon - probably the most expensive option but their cars are always immaculate

I think all of the above would be safe bets and especially Paragon if you are prepared to pay more.

Back in the 90's I used to buy LHD Porsches from Europe as they were so much cheaper. How times have changed!!

[MrSimba]

Specialist cars of Malton

[HoHoHo]

My vote goes for 911 Virgin without a doubt

[anonymous-user]

MrSimba said:

Specialist cars of Malton

Only had one very brief encounter with these guys. Although they do have a good reputation the one car I looked at there was a bit ropey to say the least (3.2 Carrera) and especially for the top money they wanted for it. Just be very wary when distance buying from anyone regardless of their reputation. Ask to see lots of detailed pictures, including the grotty parts!

[markmullen]

uktrailmonster said:

Only had one very brief encounter with these guys. Although they do have a good reputation the one car I looked at there was a bit ropey to say the least (3.2 Carrera) and especially for the top money they wanted for it.

Pete, I remember you coming to see a car and me warning you it was just as it had come in and we hadn't prepared it yet (a Baltic Blue 3.2 in July 2008), I explained that nothing had been done to prep the car yet and that you were seeing it in that condition. That car won a concours competition recently, so I would take exception at the suggestion that we were selling a car that was a bit ropey.

[willfinch36]

Another 911Virgin vote here...

[anonymous-user]

markmullen said:

uktrailmonster said:

Only had one very brief encounter with these guys. Although they do have a good reputation the one car I looked at there was a bit ropey to say the least (3.2 Carrera) and especially for the top money they wanted for it.

Pete, I remember you coming to see a car and me warning you it was just as it had come in and we hadn't prepared it yet (a Baltic Blue 3.2 in July 2008), I explained that nothing had been done to prep the car yet and that you were seeing it in that condition. That car won a concours competition recently, so I would take exception at the suggestion that we were selling a car that was a bit ropey.

That is fair comment Mark and I trust it would have been prepared to the highest standard, but I'm sure you agree it needed a fair bit of work from what I saw. You were very helpful at the time and didn't try to hide anything regarding the car. I was just trying to warn the OP about the potential pitfalls of buying a car unseen. But buying from a reputable specialist like you would be the safest option if buying this way.

PS. Good memory by the way Mark!

[g7jhp]

Nobbles said:

I missed a fantastic 996tt last week at JZM. It was my first visit there and due to myself not being prepared and organisd I missed out on a silver 996tt 2002 (anybody here the lucky one?). Anyway I live in France, RHD cars are much cheaper so I am looking for a 996 for 29k. Which specialist/dealer etc would you recommend to buy without seeing? Distance to a local airport can also be a factor? As a side point, I like JZM, dealt with Russ, he seemed really honest. The cheap 997 was not so good though, but he knew that.

I saw this car on the Friday. Was a former Pistonheads members car. Was nice but I decided I really wanted Seal Grey.

Having met Rus (JZM) and Joel (RSJ) I'd look at future cars from either of them. Just need to pay Henry (Virgin 911) a visit!

[dazco]

There has been talk on here of a superb early 996tt owned by a proper enthusiast, it was only about £22k and seemingly wants for nothing.

That is the one I would be zoning in on. It was silver, I believe.

[daveyb662]

Yes...his name was Richard Hamilton I believe. It was approx 70k miles and a tip IIRC. But very cheap!

dazco said:

There has been talk on here of a superb early 996tt owned by a proper enthusiast, it was only about £22k and seemingly wants for nothing.

That is the one I would be zoning in on. It was silver, I believe.

[Steve Baker]

Nobbles said:

I missed a fantastic 996tt last week at JZM. It was my first visit there and due to myself not being prepared and organisd I missed out on a silver 996tt 2002 (anybody here the lucky one?). Anyway I live in France, RHD cars are much cheaper so I am looking for a 996 for 29k. Which specialist/dealer etc would you recommend to buy without seeing? Distance to a local airport can also be a factor? As a side point, I like JZM, dealt with Russ, he seemed really honest. The cheap 997 was not so good though, but he knew that.

Not wanting to high jack your thread, am in a similar position and have seen a suitable car at 911 sports near Lincoln..........are they sound to buy from?

[dazco]

daveyb662 said:

That is the chappy. Many people have said the he keeps his car in top condition, that would be all I need to hear.

[reedman]

I think there are a few people that you could trust.

Just a thought. Find a car you like the look of agree to do a deal subject to an inspection.

Pay for the inspection and then collect the car if all is well.

Happy hunting
JR

[daveyb662]

Steve Baker said:

Nobbles said:

I missed a fantastic 996tt last week at JZM. It was my first visit there and due to myself not being prepared and organisd I missed out on a silver 996tt 2002 (anybody here the lucky one?). Anyway I live in France, RHD cars are much cheaper so I am looking for a 996 for 29k. Which specialist/dealer etc would you recommend to buy without seeing? Distance to a local airport can also be a factor? As a side point, I like JZM, dealt with Russ, he seemed really honest. The cheap 997 was not so good though, but he knew that.

Not wanting to high jack your thread, am in a similar position and have seen a suitable car at 911 sports near Lincoln..........are they sound to buy from?

Hmmmm...911 sport!! Selling a 911 turbo! I seem to remember one they had for sale a while back 'mate'... I personally would buy from one of the companies previously mentioned on this thread. Never had any experience of 911 sport, except THAT ad!

[NeilC4S]

I would recommend Stirlings,Mark Pearce.I bought my car and can't fault the prep. He also dealt with problems in a very helpfull manner.

http://www.stirlings.co.uk/index.php

Neil

[speedyellowrs]

Ignore the previous naysayer.....

Specialist Cars of Malton. Bought my 993RS from them (unseen) and it was exactly as described..... perfect

Pleasure to deal with.

Edited by speedyellowrs on Wednesday 26th October 23:02

[911Thrasher]

I buy all my cars from Clive at www.mr911.com

Except for the first one, a 993carrera, which I saw and bought right away, I have bought everything else from him without seing them in flesh (only pictures or just on his words). He just delivers them at my door step.

So far:
- 993 turbo X50 and full turbo S body
- full fat range rover supercharged
- 360 modena
- 997.1 GT3 RS
- 300SL R107

All been as described, trouble free, fully reliable.

All of them were also resold via Clive very quickly: he actually drove himself the 993turbo to Switzerland to deliver it to the next owner - and when sold it again, picked it up in Switzerland and delivered it back in the South of England.

Note: he sold a black 996turbo cab to my brother (who lives in Paris) based on pictures and bought it back couple years later - again trouble free experience.

[willfinch36]

911Thrasher said:

I buy all my cars from Clive at www.mr911.com

Except for the first one, a 993carrera, which I saw and bought right away, I have bought everything else from him without seing them in flesh (only pictures or just on his words). He just delivers them at my door step.

So far:
- 993 turbo X50 and full turbo S body
- full fat range rover supercharged
- 360 modena
- 997.1 GT3 RS
- 300SL R107

All been as described, trouble free, fully reliable.

All of them were also resold via Clive very quickly: he actually drove himself the 993turbo to Switzerland to deliver it to the next owner - and when sold it again, picked it up in Switzerland and delivered it back in the South of England.

Note: he sold a black 996turbo cab to my brother (who lives in Paris) based on pictures and bought it back couple years later - again trouble free experience.

I agreed - He is also great, have bought from him and 911V

[anonymous-user]

Steve Baker said:

Not wanting to high jack your thread, am in a similar position and have seen a suitable car at 911 sports near Lincoln..........are they sound to buy from?

You decide 'mate'

http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&amp...