Buying a 996 turbo
Discussion
If you are like me, chances are you are probably just lurking on this site, trying to gather as much info as possible about safely buying a 996. Anyway, for what it's worth, this is the first contribution I've ever made to any forum of any kind, but since I think I've benefited substantially from all other contributions on this site, here goes:
I have been researching the "what to buy" question ad nauseum, in my price bracket of around £30k ish (996 v 997, different types etc.) for about 9 months on and off, to the point where I am not allowed to mention the "P" word in our house. Anyway, I finally decided that I wanted a 996 turbo so I had Peter Morgan go and look at a private one because it seemed to be priced quite well, but not too cheap, after having a long chat with the seller who was well spoken and who assured me he was a fussy individual who took particular pride in his car. I'll spare you the details on that one but suffice to say it was the best money I ever spent hiring Peter Morgan, and I escaped unharmed (cosmetically the car was fine). I decided that this route might just turn into some sort of fruitless and ultimately more expensive chase, so I noted the positive comments about RSJ and went there. I decided that perhaps they would have found the right cars and I wouldn't have to go through the hassle.
So, I found a car I fancied. The owner Joel told me it had a great history etc and that he felt sure any independent inspector would be happy with the car. I hired Peter Morgan to look at it and as usual got a 13+ page report on pretty much everything you would want to know about the car.
Peter found a few minor nits (not the live kind) which Joel had fixed, and I collected the immaculately prepared car today. Both Joel and Peter were a pleasure to deal with, totally professional. Darren at RSJ was also great. So, for those looking seriously, if my experience is anything to go by, I think you would do well to go to RSJ and to hire Peter Morgan to do an inspection. But wherever you buy a car from, the lesson I have learned is do not buy one of these without an inspection.
That's it, except to observe that, to paraphrase another poster on this site, I am not Joel's mum!
p.s. I drove my car home tonight and it is awesome.
I have been researching the "what to buy" question ad nauseum, in my price bracket of around £30k ish (996 v 997, different types etc.) for about 9 months on and off, to the point where I am not allowed to mention the "P" word in our house. Anyway, I finally decided that I wanted a 996 turbo so I had Peter Morgan go and look at a private one because it seemed to be priced quite well, but not too cheap, after having a long chat with the seller who was well spoken and who assured me he was a fussy individual who took particular pride in his car. I'll spare you the details on that one but suffice to say it was the best money I ever spent hiring Peter Morgan, and I escaped unharmed (cosmetically the car was fine). I decided that this route might just turn into some sort of fruitless and ultimately more expensive chase, so I noted the positive comments about RSJ and went there. I decided that perhaps they would have found the right cars and I wouldn't have to go through the hassle.
So, I found a car I fancied. The owner Joel told me it had a great history etc and that he felt sure any independent inspector would be happy with the car. I hired Peter Morgan to look at it and as usual got a 13+ page report on pretty much everything you would want to know about the car.
Peter found a few minor nits (not the live kind) which Joel had fixed, and I collected the immaculately prepared car today. Both Joel and Peter were a pleasure to deal with, totally professional. Darren at RSJ was also great. So, for those looking seriously, if my experience is anything to go by, I think you would do well to go to RSJ and to hire Peter Morgan to do an inspection. But wherever you buy a car from, the lesson I have learned is do not buy one of these without an inspection.
That's it, except to observe that, to paraphrase another poster on this site, I am not Joel's mum!
p.s. I drove my car home tonight and it is awesome.
Outofoffice said:
If you are like me, chances are you are probably just lurking on this site, trying to gather as much info as possible about safely buying a 996. Anyway, for what it's worth, this is the first contribution I've ever made to any forum of any kind, but since I think I've benefited substantially from all other contributions on this site, here goes:
I have been researching the "what to buy" question ad nauseum, in my price bracket of around £30k ish (996 v 997, different types etc.) for about 9 months on and off, to the point where I am not allowed to mention the "P" word in our house. Anyway, I finally decided that I wanted a 996 turbo so I had Peter Morgan go and look at a private one because it seemed to be priced quite well, but not too cheap, after having a long chat with the seller who was well spoken and who assured me he was a fussy individual who took particular pride in his car. I'll spare you the details on that one but suffice to say it was the best money I ever spent hiring Peter Morgan, and I escaped unharmed (cosmetically the car was fine). I decided that this route might just turn into some sort of fruitless and ultimately more expensive chase, so I noted the positive comments about RSJ and went there. I decided that perhaps they would have found the right cars and I wouldn't have to go through the hassle.
So, I found a car I fancied. The owner Joel told me it had a great history etc and that he felt sure any independent inspector would be happy with the car. I hired Peter Morgan to look at it and as usual got a 13+ page report on pretty much everything you would want to know about the car.
Peter found a few minor nits (not the live kind) which Joel had fixed, and I collected the immaculately prepared car today. Both Joel and Peter were a pleasure to deal with, totally professional. Darren at RSJ was also great. So, for those looking seriously, if my experience is anything to go by, I think you would do well to go to RSJ and to hire Peter Morgan to do an inspection. But wherever you buy a car from, the lesson I have learned is do not buy one of these without an inspection.
That's it, except to observe that, to paraphrase another poster on this site, I am not Joel's mum!
p.s. I drove my car home tonight and it is awesome.
New Cigarette Lighter I have been researching the "what to buy" question ad nauseum, in my price bracket of around £30k ish (996 v 997, different types etc.) for about 9 months on and off, to the point where I am not allowed to mention the "P" word in our house. Anyway, I finally decided that I wanted a 996 turbo so I had Peter Morgan go and look at a private one because it seemed to be priced quite well, but not too cheap, after having a long chat with the seller who was well spoken and who assured me he was a fussy individual who took particular pride in his car. I'll spare you the details on that one but suffice to say it was the best money I ever spent hiring Peter Morgan, and I escaped unharmed (cosmetically the car was fine). I decided that this route might just turn into some sort of fruitless and ultimately more expensive chase, so I noted the positive comments about RSJ and went there. I decided that perhaps they would have found the right cars and I wouldn't have to go through the hassle.
So, I found a car I fancied. The owner Joel told me it had a great history etc and that he felt sure any independent inspector would be happy with the car. I hired Peter Morgan to look at it and as usual got a 13+ page report on pretty much everything you would want to know about the car.
Peter found a few minor nits (not the live kind) which Joel had fixed, and I collected the immaculately prepared car today. Both Joel and Peter were a pleasure to deal with, totally professional. Darren at RSJ was also great. So, for those looking seriously, if my experience is anything to go by, I think you would do well to go to RSJ and to hire Peter Morgan to do an inspection. But wherever you buy a car from, the lesson I have learned is do not buy one of these without an inspection.
That's it, except to observe that, to paraphrase another poster on this site, I am not Joel's mum!
p.s. I drove my car home tonight and it is awesome.
Outofoffice said:
If you are like me, chances are you are probably just lurking on this site, trying to gather as much info as possible about safely buying a 996. Anyway, for what it's worth, this is the first contribution I've ever made to any forum of any kind, but since I think I've benefited substantially from all other contributions on this site, here goes:
I have been researching the "what to buy" question ad nauseum, in my price bracket of around £30k ish (996 v 997, different types etc.) for about 9 months on and off, to the point where I am not allowed to mention the "P" word in our house. Anyway, I finally decided that I wanted a 996 turbo so I had Peter Morgan go and look at a private one because it seemed to be priced quite well, but not too cheap, after having a long chat with the seller who was well spoken and who assured me he was a fussy individual who took particular pride in his car. I'll spare you the details on that one but suffice to say it was the best money I ever spent hiring Peter Morgan, and I escaped unharmed (cosmetically the car was fine). I decided that this route might just turn into some sort of fruitless and ultimately more expensive chase, so I noted the positive comments about RSJ and went there. I decided that perhaps they would have found the right cars and I wouldn't have to go through the hassle.
So, I found a car I fancied. The owner Joel told me it had a great history etc and that he felt sure any independent inspector would be happy with the car. I hired Peter Morgan to look at it and as usual got a 13+ page report on pretty much everything you would want to know about the car.
Peter found a few minor nits (not the live kind) which Joel had fixed, and I collected the immaculately prepared car today. Both Joel and Peter were a pleasure to deal with, totally professional. Darren at RSJ was also great. So, for those looking seriously, if my experience is anything to go by, I think you would do well to go to RSJ and to hire Peter Morgan to do an inspection. But wherever you buy a car from, the lesson I have learned is do not buy one of these without an inspection.
That's it, except to observe that, to paraphrase another poster on this site, I am not Joel's mum!
p.s. I drove my car home tonight and it is awesome.
Congratulations on the 1st post (and the 996 turbo)! I have been researching the "what to buy" question ad nauseum, in my price bracket of around £30k ish (996 v 997, different types etc.) for about 9 months on and off, to the point where I am not allowed to mention the "P" word in our house. Anyway, I finally decided that I wanted a 996 turbo so I had Peter Morgan go and look at a private one because it seemed to be priced quite well, but not too cheap, after having a long chat with the seller who was well spoken and who assured me he was a fussy individual who took particular pride in his car. I'll spare you the details on that one but suffice to say it was the best money I ever spent hiring Peter Morgan, and I escaped unharmed (cosmetically the car was fine). I decided that this route might just turn into some sort of fruitless and ultimately more expensive chase, so I noted the positive comments about RSJ and went there. I decided that perhaps they would have found the right cars and I wouldn't have to go through the hassle.
So, I found a car I fancied. The owner Joel told me it had a great history etc and that he felt sure any independent inspector would be happy with the car. I hired Peter Morgan to look at it and as usual got a 13+ page report on pretty much everything you would want to know about the car.
Peter found a few minor nits (not the live kind) which Joel had fixed, and I collected the immaculately prepared car today. Both Joel and Peter were a pleasure to deal with, totally professional. Darren at RSJ was also great. So, for those looking seriously, if my experience is anything to go by, I think you would do well to go to RSJ and to hire Peter Morgan to do an inspection. But wherever you buy a car from, the lesson I have learned is do not buy one of these without an inspection.
That's it, except to observe that, to paraphrase another poster on this site, I am not Joel's mum!
p.s. I drove my car home tonight and it is awesome.
Did you go for the Silver manual X50 or one of the tips?
madala said:
.....Is that the one that was priced up at about £27K with about 35K miles on the clock....if so I thought it looked a very good buy....pics....we need pics.
Doubt it was £27k....RSJ website is listing two X50's - one at £32k, 55k miles (unsold) and one immediately above it (so more expensive), 52k miles showing 'sold' (presume that's the OP's one).
Then again, if he did get a 35k miles X50 at 27k from RSJ, that sounds like an absolute bargain.
Barry Ashcroft said:
You can also buy great cars privatley without inspections if you know what your doing.
But the scare mungering is great for the inspection companies.
Ps, congrats on your purchase
"If you know what you're doing" which most don't and along with the time to do it and often the distance make getting an inspection a sensible option for most, given the cost relative to the savings if there are faults!But the scare mungering is great for the inspection companies.
Ps, congrats on your purchase
monthefish said:
madala said:
.....Is that the one that was priced up at about £27K with about 35K miles on the clock....if so I thought it looked a very good buy....pics....we need pics.
Doubt it was £27k....RSJ website is listing two X50's - one at £32k, 55k miles (unsold) and one immediately above it (so more expensive), 52k miles showing 'sold' (presume that's the OP's one).
Then again, if he did get a 35k miles X50 at 27k from RSJ, that sounds like an absolute bargain.
http://www.jzmporsche.com/porsche-996-Turbo-for-sa...
Edited by madala on Saturday 24th December 13:38
Sorry for the delay in replying to flat nose. There was nothing to choose between the two cars - I went for the one but could as easily have had the other. Brief report since purchasing about a week ago - done an 850 mile round trip - truly sensational. The only thing it needs right now is a good wash. All I can say is just get one.
I've used Peter Morgan a few years ago (when i bought a privately sold car) and the inspection missed two things (which I subsequently found out to be fairly obvious) and cost me £1,500 to put right. I'd never use him again, but that's just due to my personal experience.
I'd rather take some fussy friends with me to view, and ideally get it inspected by a trusted indie who can get it up on a ramp and drive it to make sure it feels right.
Fully agree with the comments above - buying from a reputable place maes a big difference. Have heard great things about RSJ (never bought from them but they received the £1,500 mentioned above). Well done OP! Glad to hear you're happy with the new toy!
I'd rather take some fussy friends with me to view, and ideally get it inspected by a trusted indie who can get it up on a ramp and drive it to make sure it feels right.
Fully agree with the comments above - buying from a reputable place maes a big difference. Have heard great things about RSJ (never bought from them but they received the £1,500 mentioned above). Well done OP! Glad to hear you're happy with the new toy!
Kananga said:
I've used Peter Morgan a few years ago (when i bought a privately sold car) and the inspection missed two things (which I subsequently found out to be fairly obvious) and cost me £1,500 to put right. I'd never use him again, but that's just due to my personal experience.
I'd rather take some fussy friends with me to view, and ideally get it inspected by a trusted indie who can get it up on a ramp and drive it to make sure it feels right.
Fully agree with the comments above - buying from a reputable place maes a big difference. Have heard great things about RSJ (never bought from them but they received the £1,500 mentioned above). Well done OP! Glad to hear you're happy with the new toy!
What were the 2 things that were missed?I'd rather take some fussy friends with me to view, and ideally get it inspected by a trusted indie who can get it up on a ramp and drive it to make sure it feels right.
Fully agree with the comments above - buying from a reputable place maes a big difference. Have heard great things about RSJ (never bought from them but they received the £1,500 mentioned above). Well done OP! Glad to hear you're happy with the new toy!
MTR
mollytherocker said:
What were the 2 things that were missed?
MTR
Clutch needed replacing and PCM didn't work. The clutch felt stiff with a high biting point but I was told that's how they were, also had a v bad creak from the rear of the car when the clutch was pressed (again, I was told this was common and wouldn't be an issue). The RSJ tech tried and I think there was an issue with the slave cylinder (was a while ago so I don't remember exactly). It was near 85% worn so I had it replaced whilst they carried out the other repair. MTR
Anyway, this was many years ago and I'm older and wiser now so happy to put down as a learning experience.
In general, I think roadside inspections are always limited and these cars really would benefit from being on a ramp for a proper inspection. Also, there isn't any real recourse if things are missed, which I can understand because the inspectors can't really indemnify buyers against faults.
Edited by Kananga on Saturday 31st December 10:27
Kananga said:
Clutch needed replacing and PCM didn't work. The clutch felt stiff with a high biting point but I was told that's how they were, also had a v bad creak from the rear of the car when the clutch was pressed (again, I was told this was common and wouldn't be an issue). The RSJ tech tried and I think there was an issue with the slave cylinder (was a while ago so I don't remember exactly). It was near 85% worn so I had it replaced whilst they carried out the other repair.
Anyway, this was many years ago and I'm older and wiser now so happy to put down as a learning experience.
In general, I think roadside inspections are always limited and these cars really would benefit from being on a ramp for a proper inspection. Also, there isn't any real recourse if things are missed, which I can understand because the inspectors can't really indemnify buyers against faults.
So he didn't actually miss them then - just told you they were okay ?Anyway, this was many years ago and I'm older and wiser now so happy to put down as a learning experience.
In general, I think roadside inspections are always limited and these cars really would benefit from being on a ramp for a proper inspection. Also, there isn't any real recourse if things are missed, which I can understand because the inspectors can't really indemnify buyers against faults.
Edited by Kananga on Saturday 31st December 10:27
What was his response when you told him about the faults ?
Don't quite know how a clutch cylinder can be 85% worn but then I'm not a Porsche expert.
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