In the market for a 996 Turbo but just can't win
Discussion
Having just started on my journey to find a nice 996 turbo and after reading all of the threads etc on here I just can't seem to find a strategy to find a car I want. I'll be honest I haven't actually been to view any yet, I'm abroad on business and so only have the classifieds and autotrader to trawl through to try and find a car I would like to view. The problem is that there seem to be so many available, but there is about 15k between the lowest price and the highest price yet no correlation between year or mileage. I've seen some for 22k with 50,000 miles and then some for 30k with 80,000 miles plus. I know you should always buy on condition and history rather than mileage but in all the cars I've bought I've never seen such a difference.
I'm not helping myself either really, I've seen one that ticks all of the boxes and I probably wouldn't need to do anything with as it has had a lot of work done but with mileage over 90k I think it's too high and once I've put 20k on it in a couple of years it will be deemed a high mileage car and I will have to sell for buttons. On the other hand I've seen a similar priced one that has only 25k miles and I think to myself that it hasn't really been used enough and I'm going to buy it and open a can of worms, like I say I can't win!
I'm planning on keeping it for a few years but I've said that about every car I've had and I think the longest I've kept one is about 18 months and I know I'll probably end up doing the same with this. I know the car will lose money but I don't want to buy for top whack and then end up selling for bottom money. I suppose that's the million dollar question for anyone buying a car though. Anyway my crystal ball is a bit cloudy and being new to the Porsche world I'd appreciate any thoughts on how I should approach this. My only stipulation is I want a black car with black interior so I know I'm limiting myself somewhat.
Cheers
I'm not helping myself either really, I've seen one that ticks all of the boxes and I probably wouldn't need to do anything with as it has had a lot of work done but with mileage over 90k I think it's too high and once I've put 20k on it in a couple of years it will be deemed a high mileage car and I will have to sell for buttons. On the other hand I've seen a similar priced one that has only 25k miles and I think to myself that it hasn't really been used enough and I'm going to buy it and open a can of worms, like I say I can't win!
I'm planning on keeping it for a few years but I've said that about every car I've had and I think the longest I've kept one is about 18 months and I know I'll probably end up doing the same with this. I know the car will lose money but I don't want to buy for top whack and then end up selling for bottom money. I suppose that's the million dollar question for anyone buying a car though. Anyway my crystal ball is a bit cloudy and being new to the Porsche world I'd appreciate any thoughts on how I should approach this. My only stipulation is I want a black car with black interior so I know I'm limiting myself somewhat.
Cheers
Car salesmen have a saying: There's a car seat for every buyer. (Actually the language is a lot cruder but you get the idea.)
Just keep looking. You'll find the car for you. Look everywhere. A good car is where you find it and you need to be sure you are looking in all the right places.
Try to not be so fixated on mileage. Condition and price are your critical criteria. If an otherwise acceptable car comes with 25K miles or 85K miles or even 105K miles what's the beef?
The idea is to find then buy a good car, but do not overpay for it, then once it is yours take care of it and enjoy it.
Just keep looking. You'll find the car for you. Look everywhere. A good car is where you find it and you need to be sure you are looking in all the right places.
Try to not be so fixated on mileage. Condition and price are your critical criteria. If an otherwise acceptable car comes with 25K miles or 85K miles or even 105K miles what's the beef?
The idea is to find then buy a good car, but do not overpay for it, then once it is yours take care of it and enjoy it.
I'm afraid price and condition will vary wildly once the cars are 8-13 years old. Having bought and sold a few classic cars over the years, I'm afraid the only answer is a lot of leg work getting out and about and seeing a few.
Get a good set of questions to ask over the phone and ask for close up photos of things you want to see to limit some wasted journeys.
I would imagine most of the highly regarded specialists only stock good cars, so you could have some confidence that they will be worth travelling to see.
Black and black shouldn't be too hard to find. Most of them are black or silver.
If you find something that looks good, get an inspection and don't be afraid to walk away if it shows up issues.
Best things to limit loss on resale ... service history, condition, std engine, safe colour etc
I'm sure you know, but if you buy at £30k car from a dealer and then sell private, all things being equal you'll probably lose around £5k.
Good luck
Get a good set of questions to ask over the phone and ask for close up photos of things you want to see to limit some wasted journeys.
I would imagine most of the highly regarded specialists only stock good cars, so you could have some confidence that they will be worth travelling to see.
Black and black shouldn't be too hard to find. Most of them are black or silver.
If you find something that looks good, get an inspection and don't be afraid to walk away if it shows up issues.
Best things to limit loss on resale ... service history, condition, std engine, safe colour etc
I'm sure you know, but if you buy at £30k car from a dealer and then sell private, all things being equal you'll probably lose around £5k.
Good luck
Hmm I found a lower miler with FSH and the options I wanted in a day. I think it's the colour that's going to be an issue, you're really limiting yourself. I usually buy private and look for FSH etc. but keep money back for repairs so it's not a shock if something goes wrong. With these cars condition seems to be the most important aspect to keep repair bills to a minimum.
There is no substitute for taking your time and being ruthless on the initial screening when you first phone. There are an awful lot of knackered dogs out there hiding big bills. An indy will probably give you the highest safety factor that comes at a price premium but the bargain basement will be a private sale if you choose carefully.
Dove House have a nice one and I see on Facebook that they have just got an Atlas Grey '53 in as well
http://www.dovehousecars.com/vehicles/vehicle.asp?...
http://www.dovehousecars.com/vehicles/vehicle.asp?...
This is spreadsheet time. Mrs Bert knows that me browsing the classifieds is just a fact of life. But when the spreadsheet comes out it's time to worry.
I have found that when I create a list from the cars I am interested in, a good pattern normally emerges. So I list model, colour, age, miles, private, Indy or OPC, location, options etc. It really helps get a picture of what the market looks like and you can start to find the sweetspot of what you are looking for.
HTH
BErt
I have found that when I create a list from the cars I am interested in, a good pattern normally emerges. So I list model, colour, age, miles, private, Indy or OPC, location, options etc. It really helps get a picture of what the market looks like and you can start to find the sweetspot of what you are looking for.
HTH
BErt
Fat Albert said:
Dove House have a nice one and I see on Facebook that they have just got an Atlas Grey '53 in as well
http://www.dovehousecars.com/vehicles/vehicle.asp?...
very nice. Much prefer that to black on black. Bose, litronics and rear parking are best extras (after x50 I guess!)http://www.dovehousecars.com/vehicles/vehicle.asp?...
after having had k16 and k24 turbos (latter in my turbo S), I am not sure the bigger turbos are better. I actually found that once remapped, the k16s were sweeter to drive on a day to day basis and normal traffic. They are very small and spin quickly. The bigger turbos are lazy and highlight the laggy nature of turbo'd engine cars.
I have no axe to grind as I no longer own a turbo'd porsche. But this is my feeling after many years of owning various 996 turbos. Many will disagree but only a very few people have *real life* experience of all the set-ups.
My choice would be a the mintiest 996 turbo (k16) I could find and get a nice remap and maybe an exhaust on it.
Horses for courses etc...
I have no axe to grind as I no longer own a turbo'd porsche. But this is my feeling after many years of owning various 996 turbos. Many will disagree but only a very few people have *real life* experience of all the set-ups.
My choice would be a the mintiest 996 turbo (k16) I could find and get a nice remap and maybe an exhaust on it.
Horses for courses etc...
magpie21 said:
No I haven't, do they sell cars ? I was under the impression they only do tuning etc.
What do you suggest I ask him? I didn't really want to call them until I had a car of my own to discuss with them.
Firstly, they do sell cars and 9E will know of cars that clients are wanting to move on for what ever reason, however, they may not be advertised.What do you suggest I ask him? I didn't really want to call them until I had a car of my own to discuss with them.
Ken, will also be able to advise you on the the budget required to buy the rights car and standard issues and rectification costs associated with these cars if you don't buy one which has been fully sorted.
A PPI by a well respected specialist is a must.
I can vouch for this one..its been owned by my very close mate for the last 5 years and I helped to find it for him when he bought it..
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Paracetamol said:
I can vouch for this one..its been owned by my very close mate for the last 5 years and I helped to find it for him when he bought it..
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Would he be flexible on price? http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
2001 with 82k on the clock and a private sale is top heavy at the £23k mark - Portiacraft had a newer and lower mileage X50 for only 2-3k more from memory.
I would be interested (subject to a further test drive to confirm a 996 turbo is the way I want to go - see my other thread) but it will need a lower price.
PM if you prefer.
BertBert said:
This is spreadsheet time. Mrs Bert knows that me browsing the classifieds is just a fact of life. But when the spreadsheet comes out it's time to worry.
I have found that when I create a list from the cars I am interested in, a good pattern normally emerges. So I list model, colour, age, miles, private, Indy or OPC, location, options etc. It really helps get a picture of what the market looks like and you can start to find the sweetspot of what you are looking for.
HTH
BErt
+1I have found that when I create a list from the cars I am interested in, a good pattern normally emerges. So I list model, colour, age, miles, private, Indy or OPC, location, options etc. It really helps get a picture of what the market looks like and you can start to find the sweetspot of what you are looking for.
HTH
BErt
steve singh said:
Paracetamol said:
I can vouch for this one..its been owned by my very close mate for the last 5 years and I helped to find it for him when he bought it..
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Would he be flexible on price? http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
2001 with 82k on the clock and a private sale is top heavy at the £23k mark - Portiacraft had a newer and lower mileage X50 for only 2-3k more from memory.
I would be interested (subject to a further test drive to confirm a 996 turbo is the way I want to go - see my other thread) but it will need a lower price.
PM if you prefer.
In terms of is it exciting ...the owner flies fast jets for fun but still gets a thrill from his 996 TT
Edited by Paracetamol on Wednesday 31st July 20:21
steve singh said:
Would he be flexible on price?
2001 with 82k on the clock and a private sale is top heavy at the £23k mark - Portiacraft had a newer and lower mileage X50 for only 2-3k more from memory.
I would be interested (subject to a further test drive to confirm a 996 turbo is the way I want to go - see my other thread) but it will need a lower price.
PM if you prefer.
If the radiators and condensers are good (recently replaced) and the tyres are, then 22k is not a bad price.2001 with 82k on the clock and a private sale is top heavy at the £23k mark - Portiacraft had a newer and lower mileage X50 for only 2-3k more from memory.
I would be interested (subject to a further test drive to confirm a 996 turbo is the way I want to go - see my other thread) but it will need a lower price.
PM if you prefer.
The difference between say 60k miles and 80k miles is not as relevant as having to splash out for new radiators and new tyres, which I just did on mine at 58k miles.
Tolerable, but on a non-DIY basis and even worse at OPC, not.
996TT02 said:
steve singh said:
Would he be flexible on price?
2001 with 82k on the clock and a private sale is top heavy at the £23k mark - Portiacraft had a newer and lower mileage X50 for only 2-3k more from memory.
I would be interested (subject to a further test drive to confirm a 996 turbo is the way I want to go - see my other thread) but it will need a lower price.
PM if you prefer.
If the radiators and condensers are good (recently replaced) and the tyres are, then 22k is not a bad price.2001 with 82k on the clock and a private sale is top heavy at the £23k mark - Portiacraft had a newer and lower mileage X50 for only 2-3k more from memory.
I would be interested (subject to a further test drive to confirm a 996 turbo is the way I want to go - see my other thread) but it will need a lower price.
PM if you prefer.
The difference between say 60k miles and 80k miles is not as relevant as having to splash out for new radiators and new tyres, which I just did on mine at 58k miles.
Tolerable, but on a non-DIY basis and even worse at OPC, not.
You either pay less at the outset or accept you are going to get a massive hit - either way it is a PITA to resell.
Unless the price is right near £19-20k I'd have zero interest.
THIS IS NOT A REFLECTION OF THE OWNERS CAR - JUST MY PERSONAL APPROACH ON HOW I BUY AND SELL CARS GIVEN I TRADE VIRTUALLY EVERY 2 YEARS AND DON'T WANT TO LOSE MY SHIRT IN THE PROCESS!!!
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff