Buying used: what do you compromise on?
Discussion
Just musing really, but browsing for a used Cayman made me wonder what do people compromise on when they buy used? You never get your ideal spec, exactly as you would have spec'd it from the factory.
What are the must-haves for you? Certain alloys, nav, colour, manual/PDK, PSE, PASM etc etc? I always see a car with some of the spec I want, another with other bits, etc.
Personally, manual is the only absolute must-have to me (sorry PDK fans), after that colour, alloys, PSE would influence me, but after that I'm really not fussed. Don't care about coloured wheel centres, yellow seat belts, full vs partial leather, etc.
And maybe's it's spec that influences the wide variation in prices for on-the-face-of-it similar cars. eg. 2013 16/17k miles, £6.5k diff in price. Maybe the white one due to bucket seats, PSE, etc? (and from a Porsche specialist?).
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1139/981Ca... (was £44.5k before it was sold)
http://www.autoelitesouthwest.co.uk/used-cars/pors...
What are the must-haves for you? Certain alloys, nav, colour, manual/PDK, PSE, PASM etc etc? I always see a car with some of the spec I want, another with other bits, etc.
Personally, manual is the only absolute must-have to me (sorry PDK fans), after that colour, alloys, PSE would influence me, but after that I'm really not fussed. Don't care about coloured wheel centres, yellow seat belts, full vs partial leather, etc.
And maybe's it's spec that influences the wide variation in prices for on-the-face-of-it similar cars. eg. 2013 16/17k miles, £6.5k diff in price. Maybe the white one due to bucket seats, PSE, etc? (and from a Porsche specialist?).
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1139/981Ca... (was £44.5k before it was sold)
http://www.autoelitesouthwest.co.uk/used-cars/pors...
White one is a very nice spec with the buckets which always command a premium. 911 V highly thought of and whilst they don't ask stupid prices can ask better prices because they're a specialist. White also more popular than yellow.
Ultimately the spec of the white car means a dealer can but a big price on it knowing it'll be a must have for someone.
Ultimately the spec of the white car means a dealer can but a big price on it knowing it'll be a must have for someone.
Given the choice still available, I wouldn't compromise on colour, transmission, wheels or seats. Most other things I think I could probably live without. Cars without PCM seem to stick around a while, so if your going to resale within a couple of years I would go for that too. Why this is I don't know, because it was outdated when it was new.
The huge variation in price is mainly specification I think. You could by a base spec S for roughly £49K, whereas a fully loaded one could easily hit £70K.
The huge variation in price is mainly specification I think. You could by a base spec S for roughly £49K, whereas a fully loaded one could easily hit £70K.
I guess just about everyone would have a different list of must haves, for me definitely full leather rather than the VW standard plastic, transforms the ambience of the interior completely. PASM a must. Transmission again entirely down to preference, having had PDK I wouldn't go back to manual. Seat choice is down to Individual choice and comfort, but importantly if you need to carry young children do not choose sport buckets as you must not use child seats or boosters with them. (See other thread here). I would also want navigation and front and rear park assist.
Edited by dreamcar on Saturday 28th January 08:59
For a manual S I think you do need to compromise as there are so few around and consequently quite a spread in prices.
For me I would try to be as flexible as possible but my must haves would be extended leather, PASM if the existing wheels are 20s and transmission. Colour I would narrow down to 3 or 4. Agate,sapphire, rhodium or GT silver.
I know that PSE, SC, cruise, sport design wheel could be added (albeit at a cost), different wheels could be found on Ebay much cheaper than an OPC so would sit down and work out if the cheaper cars are worth buying and putting my desirables on it.
Everyone is different, track users might want the buckets and PTV which I think are quite rare, daily drivers will want PDLS, PCM, Bose etc.
I went into it looking for a poverty 2.7 manual. Ended up with a great deal low mileage fully loaded 2.7 PDK as someone needed a quick sale.
For me I would try to be as flexible as possible but my must haves would be extended leather, PASM if the existing wheels are 20s and transmission. Colour I would narrow down to 3 or 4. Agate,sapphire, rhodium or GT silver.
I know that PSE, SC, cruise, sport design wheel could be added (albeit at a cost), different wheels could be found on Ebay much cheaper than an OPC so would sit down and work out if the cheaper cars are worth buying and putting my desirables on it.
Everyone is different, track users might want the buckets and PTV which I think are quite rare, daily drivers will want PDLS, PCM, Bose etc.
I went into it looking for a poverty 2.7 manual. Ended up with a great deal low mileage fully loaded 2.7 PDK as someone needed a quick sale.
Funnily enough, in the past I've compromised on condition, because I can fix that. Spec priorities for me tend to be the things I touch and that affect the way a car drives, but having said that with my current car, a 996, I "compromised" getting a C4 over a c2. It had EVERYTHING else I wanted - m030, aerokit, gt3 look alloys, sports seats, sports exhaust all original spec, low mileage and a decent colour combination (I was specific about what I didn't want rather than what I did). I don't regret the decision. The C4 has advantages but overall I would conclude I'd is different rather than better or worse. I guess I let my head tick the essentials boxes and then let my heart take over.
As you'll see the "must haves" for some will be the "really don't want" for others. My problem was paying for extras either that I specifically didn't want (big wheels, PSE in my case, though they are popular and good for resale) or really wasn't fussed about (chronosport, any trim options whatsoever, fancy sound system) as much as getting what I did want. If money isn't really an issue (which for most buying secondhand it probably is) then it makes it easier.
In the end I compromised on colour (really didn't want black), got PDK, PASM, parking sensors and PCM which were must haves, climate and rear wiper which I like, and Bose and leather which I wasn't fussed about, and few other bits and bobs like sports tail pipe, coloured wheel centres and seat belts which do nothing for me. And heated seats which are nice to have if you are stuck with leather. But the price was attractive.
In the end I compromised on colour (really didn't want black), got PDK, PASM, parking sensors and PCM which were must haves, climate and rear wiper which I like, and Bose and leather which I wasn't fussed about, and few other bits and bobs like sports tail pipe, coloured wheel centres and seat belts which do nothing for me. And heated seats which are nice to have if you are stuck with leather. But the price was attractive.
Edited by bcr5784 on Saturday 28th January 09:30
Edited by bcr5784 on Saturday 28th January 09:52
Just got my 981 Boxster S, looked at a few and my must haves were as follows:
PDK - prefer manual but gearing is too long for my liking unfortunately
Sports wheel with paddles - so that I dont end up using the car in auto mode/
Sport Exhaust - Sounds better
Leather dash - really raises the standard, feels special when you are inside
PCM Nav and USB -
Upgraded seats - sports plus are nice
Sound package plus minimum - SPP is reasonable but bose would be even better
Carerra S wheels - look great and actually ride well with pasm
PASM - prefer the ride height visually and for 20s
Nice to have but not essential:
Sports Chrono - The clock looks nice but the standard sports button is better in than plus mode.
Heated seats
Dual zone climate
Note that cars with bigger wheels seem to kick up stones onto the skirts and bumpers.
PDK - prefer manual but gearing is too long for my liking unfortunately
Sports wheel with paddles - so that I dont end up using the car in auto mode/
Sport Exhaust - Sounds better
Leather dash - really raises the standard, feels special when you are inside
PCM Nav and USB -
Upgraded seats - sports plus are nice
Sound package plus minimum - SPP is reasonable but bose would be even better
Carerra S wheels - look great and actually ride well with pasm
PASM - prefer the ride height visually and for 20s
Nice to have but not essential:
Sports Chrono - The clock looks nice but the standard sports button is better in than plus mode.
Heated seats
Dual zone climate
Note that cars with bigger wheels seem to kick up stones onto the skirts and bumpers.
I'd agree with cmoose that there is plenty of choice for a Cayman and the majority of people on these forums have a good idea what spec would be ideal for them ( even though many are asking what would you choose !!).
I found that if you are too rigid though and some items on your list are 'rare combinations' them you must act quickly - it seems there is always someone else with your spec in mind too !
I originally had set my sights on a 997 GTS ( but I was picky and wanted the alcantara wheel,seats,centre locks & manual) - very few came to market,Hexagon seemed to be buying up & sending asking prices higher and the one I missed out on would be my last attempt. Seriously thought about a 997.1 GT3 too but that's another story.
I'd taken a couple of test drives in a Cayman S & GTS (both manual) and loved them however after looking at photos of carbon backed sports bucket seats I thought they looked great and would really make my drives feel special ( as it would not be a daily driver).However I realised that once again I may have to wait or compromise - i'd not seen any recently with bucket seats & alcantara wheel & gear lever (plus I wanted PSE & auto folding mirrors !!).
Did I mention I put my deposit down on the white Cayman S shown at the start of this thread ? .............
I found that if you are too rigid though and some items on your list are 'rare combinations' them you must act quickly - it seems there is always someone else with your spec in mind too !
I originally had set my sights on a 997 GTS ( but I was picky and wanted the alcantara wheel,seats,centre locks & manual) - very few came to market,Hexagon seemed to be buying up & sending asking prices higher and the one I missed out on would be my last attempt. Seriously thought about a 997.1 GT3 too but that's another story.
I'd taken a couple of test drives in a Cayman S & GTS (both manual) and loved them however after looking at photos of carbon backed sports bucket seats I thought they looked great and would really make my drives feel special ( as it would not be a daily driver).However I realised that once again I may have to wait or compromise - i'd not seen any recently with bucket seats & alcantara wheel & gear lever (plus I wanted PSE & auto folding mirrors !!).
Did I mention I put my deposit down on the white Cayman S shown at the start of this thread ? .............
I bought my 981 in Dec 2015. I made a list of must haves and definite no's. The
Must Haves
Sports exhaust
F/R parking sensors
Definite No
White or Silver paint
Red roof
No Steering wheel buttons if PDK, paddles only
No light coloured interior.
No diamond cut wheels
The only thing I would have if I could would be electric folding wing mirrors. Everything I wanted or didnt want was met (and more) and I am a happy bunny.
Must Haves
Sports exhaust
F/R parking sensors
Definite No
White or Silver paint
Red roof
No Steering wheel buttons if PDK, paddles only
No light coloured interior.
No diamond cut wheels
The only thing I would have if I could would be electric folding wing mirrors. Everything I wanted or didnt want was met (and more) and I am a happy bunny.
Thought provoking thread OP.
I think if you have your heart set on manual/ buckets you'll just have to take the other choices the original buyer made and live with them.
Any time there is an 'essential' spec thread it reveals that there is a huge diversity - I hate parking sensors and wouldn't buy a car without heated seats, yet a previous poster had the parking sensors as a must have.
I think if you have your heart set on manual/ buckets you'll just have to take the other choices the original buyer made and live with them.
Any time there is an 'essential' spec thread it reveals that there is a huge diversity - I hate parking sensors and wouldn't buy a car without heated seats, yet a previous poster had the parking sensors as a must have.
I never understand why people think PCM is a must.
It's rubbish.
Much prefer Google for nav.
Must haves for me were:
PASM
SC
PDK
Satin Carreras
Sports Design wheel
Heated Seats
PSE
Rear parkers
Phone prep
Had to paint the existing wheels and add a PSE to get the car I wanted.
Would happily do without SC next time.
PTV, Sports Seats plus and black colour were a bonus.
It's rubbish.
Much prefer Google for nav.
Must haves for me were:
PASM
SC
PDK
Satin Carreras
Sports Design wheel
Heated Seats
PSE
Rear parkers
Phone prep
Had to paint the existing wheels and add a PSE to get the car I wanted.
Would happily do without SC next time.
PTV, Sports Seats plus and black colour were a bonus.
n4aat said:
I never understand why people think PCM is a must.
It's rubbish.
Much prefer Google for nav.
I don't think anyone thinks pcm is great and it's certainly vastly overpriced, but a phone or sat nav on a naff bracket with dangling wires looks dreadfully low rent to me on a 50k car. It's rubbish.
Much prefer Google for nav.
Forgot phone prep - definitely a must for me too.
From other posts I'm surprised that dab and cruise don't seem to feature.
Edited by bcr5784 on Sunday 29th January 11:20
i compromised on colour but in return i got a GTS with sports suspension, PTV, buckets, interior alcantara pack and lots of extras.
ended up with a white car which i wouldn't have gone for myself, but the icing on the cake is that i love the colour now.
never ever thought i'd be lucky enough to own a car like it.
ended up with a white car which i wouldn't have gone for myself, but the icing on the cake is that i love the colour now.
never ever thought i'd be lucky enough to own a car like it.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Oh come on - it's no lower resolution than Tomtom or Garmin, and actually the resolution makes precious little difference to the quality of navigation. To suggest the functionality is a "zillion" times better is BS. Using all of Garmin. Tomtom, Wase, and Google (Porsche. Seat, Nissan etc) and lots of others on a regular basis - they all have their pluses and minuses, but none are that dramatically better than the others. But some are much cheaper...bungle said:
Just musing really, but browsing for a used Cayman made me wonder what do people compromise on when they buy used? You never get your ideal spec, exactly as you would have spec'd it from the factory.
What are the must-haves for you? Certain alloys, nav, colour, manual/PDK, PSE, PASM etc etc? I always see a car with some of the spec I want, another with other bits, etc.
Personally, manual is the only absolute must-have to me (sorry PDK fans), after that colour, alloys, PSE would influence me, but after that I'm really not fussed. Don't care about coloured wheel centres, yellow seat belts, full vs partial leather, etc.
And maybe's it's spec that influences the wide variation in prices for on-the-face-of-it similar cars. eg. 2013 16/17k miles, £6.5k diff in price. Maybe the white one due to bucket seats, PSE, etc? (and from a Porsche specialist?).
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1139/981Ca... (was £44.5k before it was sold)
http://www.autoelitesouthwest.co.uk/used-cars/pors...
Try finding a manual 981 Boxster that isn't White, Black or Grey, then add some options! What are the must-haves for you? Certain alloys, nav, colour, manual/PDK, PSE, PASM etc etc? I always see a car with some of the spec I want, another with other bits, etc.
Personally, manual is the only absolute must-have to me (sorry PDK fans), after that colour, alloys, PSE would influence me, but after that I'm really not fussed. Don't care about coloured wheel centres, yellow seat belts, full vs partial leather, etc.
And maybe's it's spec that influences the wide variation in prices for on-the-face-of-it similar cars. eg. 2013 16/17k miles, £6.5k diff in price. Maybe the white one due to bucket seats, PSE, etc? (and from a Porsche specialist?).
http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1139/981Ca... (was £44.5k before it was sold)
http://www.autoelitesouthwest.co.uk/used-cars/pors...
bcr5784 said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Oh come on - it's no lower resolution than Tomtom or Garmin, and actually the resolution makes precious little difference to the quality of navigation. To suggest the functionality is a "zillion" times better is BS. Using all of Garmin. Tomtom, Wase, and Google (Porsche. Seat, Nissan etc) and lots of others on a regular basis - they all have their pluses and minuses, but none are that dramatically better than the others. But some are much cheaper...Cheib said:
The latest with Apple Car Play (as long as you tick that box) look pretty good to me. In theory as long as Apple Car play isn't made obsolete by Apple in an IOS update at some stage in the future you should in theory have a SatNav via Apple Maps that stays up to date.
Pity Android Auto isn't offered as well as Car Play (it is on our Seat, but I personally choose to use the built in one, which, like the Porsche has a mini screen in front of the driver with turn information which I find the best feature of PCM) . Other parts of the VW group do free updates for life on their sat nav systems. Somehow can't see Porsche doing that at the moment, but market pressures may force them to offer upgrades at relatively modest cost, as they did with £150 offer they did in 2013.
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