Should independents cars be cheaper?

[rob05]

I would like to hear anybodys thoughts on the used car prices that most independent porsche dealers seem to be asking.Most of these garages are asking more for their cars than the official network and dont and cant offer the same warranty porsche does.Im only talking about newer cars such as the 996 977 boxster shouldnt these cars be a bit cheaper at least?In fact one dealer in the yorkshire is asking absurd amounts of money for some of their cars and anyone who doesnt know what these cars are really worth is going to be in tears at the time of re-sale.Ive owned six porsches and bought three from each.The first three were from independents and at that time 1996 97 98 these cars were much cheaper then the official network and represented real value for money now im not so sure.Im i alone in my thinking or am i missing something?

[simonharrod911]

I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think since the block exemption act in Oct 03 Porsche have to honour the full warranty period if the car has been transferred privately, or from a recognised Porsche Specialist.

As far as prices are concerned there are a few specialists out there who prepare and present their cars far more thoroughly than OPCs. Go and see the presentation of cars at people such as Paragon, Specialist Cars, Phillip Woolley, etc, and they're in a different league.

They also care.

[rob05]

I have been to one of the garages you mentioned and i do agree that the cars there were presented well,but to be honest with you not much better than my local opc.I dont believe that just because they may clean them a bit better that they can charge sometimes 2-4-and sometimes even 8k for a similar car at opc.As far as service goes my opc travels 60 miles to pick my car up and leave me with a nice brand new merc to drive around with, rather than a old ford or similar also the independents wont pick up the car over a certain distance. I have spent around 100k with my local opc in the last 4years and i havent found any problems with there attitude.Your points for me,do not really validate the prices the two garages charge for there cars no matter how much they polish them ,good to hear your thoughts anyway.Ps nice car

>> Edited by rob05 on Friday 9th September 16:06

[Adam B]

I would expect an independent to be a few 000 cheaper. An OPC will throw in a 12 month warranty (£800) and will do the 111 point check. They also prep their cars to a high standard IMHO eg more than 3 stone chips = respray panel

[simonharrod911]

rob05 said:

I have been to one of the garages you mentioned and i do agree that the cars there were presented well,but to be honest with you not much better than my local opc.I dont believe that just because they may clean them a bit better that they can charge sometimes 2-4-and sometimes even 8k for a similar car at opc.As far as service goes my opc travels 60 miles to pick my car up and leave me with a nice brand new merc to drive around with, rather than a old ford or similar also the independents wont pick up the car over a certain distance. I have spent around 100k with my local opc in the last 4years and i havent found any problems with there attitude.Your points for me,do not really validate the prices the two garages charge for there cars no matter how much they polish them ,good to hear your thoughts anyway.Ps nice car >> Edited by rob05 on Friday 9th September 16:06

I should've been clearer, I don't think independents should be more expensive than OPCs, I just don't see why they should be cheaper on newer cars within the Porsche warranty period. Thanks.

[rob05]

I agree with you there,maybe i was the one who should have been clearer,im talking about 4year old boxsters on 51regs with 26thml fo 34k etc that are really worth no more tan 23k trade if that,i know that an RAC warranty doesnt costs 800quid and the cost of a front bumper respray isnt more than 250 etc.I do understand why opc have to raft you because of the overheads they have,but the independents have showrooms in the back of beyond and very few sales staff.It doesnt add up for me,having said that if people are not prepared to do their homework then they cant complain when they get offered 14k less after a years worth of use

>> Edited by rob05 on Friday 9th September 16:53

[rubystone]

Surely if you don't like the price an independent (or OPC) is asking for a car, vote with your feet. Frankly I'm very surprised that one can find a car at an independent that is more expensive that the same spec car at an OPC. Can you share an example with us?

[rob05]

Yes i could but there is a limit to what can be expressed here. Go to www.porsche.co.uk approved used cars and you will find plenty boxsters well below 28-29 grand mark that some independents are asking, with similar specs and miles.I do want to make clear that all independents are not the same and some are doing what they do best which is give real value for money and are'nt busy trying to be what they not i.e official porsche centres,by over priceing cars and using such terms as approved cars???approved by who ??.For me there is a genuine need for both and a good independent should be there to offer value for money and make sure the offical dealers dont think that they can rip the piss out of us with over priced used cars or inflated waiting times for new ones by keeping prices real.By over priceing cars they just end up being not one or the other

>> Edited by rob05 on Saturday 10th September 08:25

[spark_s]

I think the independants often pay more for the cars and if they also offer a better service (plus deal with the older cars) then fair enough if they charge the same.

What I don't get is when they supply new or nearly new cars for more.

Seen that 'approved' advert also, you can get a lot of zymols for £2-3k !!

[rob05]

Some stock is bought at auction or by manic buyer seeks all desperate 996 -boxster owners who need to sell fast and will sell for peanuts, or by part-ex.They might pay a bit more at auction but not much just enough to out bid the official network guy cos hes screwed to the porsche rules of pre-sale must do's.

[Adam B]

well I know of one independent in N London who if i am feeling a bit down i get a price on a car they have (they don't put prices on the net so as not to scare people off) and it always cheers me up and gives me a laugh

nice stock but i have to knock 5k off before we even start to haggle (and their stock is nice but not to OPC finish)

[rubystone]

Adam, I agree with you

[rob05]

On the warranty note just read the thread on engine failures,what about that poor bloke that bought his 52plate targa from an independent with a wipe my ar.e RAC warranty worth upto £1000 in claims only.WHAT USE IS THAT??Now he is faced with a 9k bill.I would love to know where he bought the car from,maybe his dealer cares and will fix it for free!What a crock of sh.t!I will keep buying my cars from the network and if i dont i'll buy private then stick a porsche warranty on it.

[Shed17]

Whether they charge more is immaterial because if you have any sense you would not buy from one of these outlets at the price they are asking for.

There is nothing wrong in asking silly money, you just don't sell many cars.