Collecting Cayman S What Questions To Ask?
Discussion
I bought a Cayman S sight unseen from a distant OPC 18 months ago. It was my first experience of dealing with an OPC after 15 prior years of "old" Porsche ownership. It was a very steep learning curve for me, and I would make the following suggestions:
1) you are paying a high price for a premium product. It should be a fantastic experience but you should be as cautious as you would be spending a lot if money on any other item
2) remember that in addition to the usual consumer rights you are protected by the laws of distance selling. You can walk away from the car without giving a reason
3) modern warrantied caymans have no user serviceable parts but the oily bits are covered by an excellent warranty. Concentrate on the things that are not covered under warranty, are expensive to correct and might kill you if not done properly
4) do not trust that work you've agreed on has actually been done. Check for yourself. In particular:
5) tyres are expensive. Check treat depth and ask for the condition report that gives a reading on a 1-7 scale (3 is a bare minimum pass). I agreed two new rears but trusted without checking. It turned out later I had one new tyre and one 6 yr old tyre that was bald
6) disks - £900 for a pair of fronts including fitting. Ask for the car to be up on a ramp and visually inspect the brake disks. Preferably take someone with you who knows what they are looking at. Ask for a visual inspection report for the whole car to be supplied on collection and compare what's written on it with what your eyes tell you
7) check how old the battery is (ask to see the battery and look at the date stamp. If its older than 4-5 years it is quite likely to fail within 12 months, especially given harsh winters
8) check when the air con was last gassed
9) check paint work and interior condition including puncture marks or scuffing to leather work
10) test drive the car, make sure the steering wheel is aligned and that the car tracks properly. Do a few hard brakes and ensure the car doesn't veer
11) you will be excited and desperate to get going. temper your enthusiasm a little and be prepared not to drive the car away unless you are happy
And finally - don't ask me how I know all this, it's a long story!
Once you've got the car, and are confident it is sorted, enjoy every second - it is an utterly brilliant car
Good luck
Tim
1) you are paying a high price for a premium product. It should be a fantastic experience but you should be as cautious as you would be spending a lot if money on any other item
2) remember that in addition to the usual consumer rights you are protected by the laws of distance selling. You can walk away from the car without giving a reason
3) modern warrantied caymans have no user serviceable parts but the oily bits are covered by an excellent warranty. Concentrate on the things that are not covered under warranty, are expensive to correct and might kill you if not done properly
4) do not trust that work you've agreed on has actually been done. Check for yourself. In particular:
5) tyres are expensive. Check treat depth and ask for the condition report that gives a reading on a 1-7 scale (3 is a bare minimum pass). I agreed two new rears but trusted without checking. It turned out later I had one new tyre and one 6 yr old tyre that was bald
6) disks - £900 for a pair of fronts including fitting. Ask for the car to be up on a ramp and visually inspect the brake disks. Preferably take someone with you who knows what they are looking at. Ask for a visual inspection report for the whole car to be supplied on collection and compare what's written on it with what your eyes tell you
7) check how old the battery is (ask to see the battery and look at the date stamp. If its older than 4-5 years it is quite likely to fail within 12 months, especially given harsh winters
8) check when the air con was last gassed
9) check paint work and interior condition including puncture marks or scuffing to leather work
10) test drive the car, make sure the steering wheel is aligned and that the car tracks properly. Do a few hard brakes and ensure the car doesn't veer
11) you will be excited and desperate to get going. temper your enthusiasm a little and be prepared not to drive the car away unless you are happy
And finally - don't ask me how I know all this, it's a long story!
Once you've got the car, and are confident it is sorted, enjoy every second - it is an utterly brilliant car
Good luck
Tim
Edited by snapper65 on Saturday 26th January 11:47
Ranjsm said:
Hi guys,
Collecting a second hand Cayman S 2011 next week from a OPC but haven't physically seen it yet. My question is what should I ask and look out for when collecting?
Much appreciated thanx
Still under originally warranty that is pretty bulletproof. Check the consumables, especially the tyres. I have a 2010 and have had nothing significant as an issue. Collecting a second hand Cayman S 2011 next week from a OPC but haven't physically seen it yet. My question is what should I ask and look out for when collecting?
Much appreciated thanx
Again, Snapper's advice is excellent and spot on. Ever since I started buying Porsche's, the consistent costs apart from servicing have been petrol and tyres. Both have been alarming and whilst I was prepared to spend the money, I've never ceased to be amazed at both. It doesn't help driving loads in town and having 19" wheels so Snapper's advice to check the tread depth is something you definitely need to be doing.
To be honest, if the car is an OPC Approved Used car, they define a minimum tread anyway so hopefully you're not likely to have too much to worry about.
I believe it's a good idea to collect in person. You wouldn't want to find something when it was delivered that needs to be attended-to at the dealer. It might just be a small niggle, but at least it can be sorted there and then.
The rest of us have been regular prophets of doom and gloom but I've no doubt you're going to drive away with a fantastic car. Hope you have an enjoyable day out.
To be honest, if the car is an OPC Approved Used car, they define a minimum tread anyway so hopefully you're not likely to have too much to worry about.
I believe it's a good idea to collect in person. You wouldn't want to find something when it was delivered that needs to be attended-to at the dealer. It might just be a small niggle, but at least it can be sorted there and then.
The rest of us have been regular prophets of doom and gloom but I've no doubt you're going to drive away with a fantastic car. Hope you have an enjoyable day out.
Ranjsm said:
Hi guys,
Collecting a second hand Cayman S 2011 next week from a OPC but haven't physically seen it yet. My question is what should I ask and look out for when collecting?
Much appreciated thanx
Unless you have already signed on the dotted line assume nothing works until you verify it does. The car is just a used car so give it a thorough used car check out.Collecting a second hand Cayman S 2011 next week from a OPC but haven't physically seen it yet. My question is what should I ask and look out for when collecting?
Much appreciated thanx
But first, have the seller take you out on a test ride of 15 miles or so during which you can experience as a passenger the car and note how it runs, handles, etc.
Then back at the starting point take the car at as a test driver over the same route and drive the car the same way.
Back at the starting point then if you still like the car have it PPI'd for any signs of issues.
If this is not possible at least have the car raised and with a bright flash light get under the car and check out all gaskets, seals and hose/pipe fittings for any signs of a leak.
Get a DME readout of the engine run time and over revs. You want to be sure that as the last person to drive the car you have the latest over rev readings.
Tire wear should be even. If not have the car aligned. Insist you want before and after printout.
2 keys and valet keys. Be sure all work.
Full set of owners manuals.
Any spare tire/tool kit.
Lug bolt security key. Be sure it fits all 4 of the security lug bolts.
Extra bottle of oil in the trunk to top up in case.
Valet and full tank of gas.
BertBert said:
Really? I think you get protection like that from a credit card, not a debit card.
Bert
Official Porsche Centres (OPCs for SnipST) wont take a balance payment on a credit card. They will take a deposit to secure the car but the balance usually has to be by debit or bank transfer, otherwise they incur a charge (I think 4%) on the transaction. You are right however, AFAIK debit cards dont offer any more protection than handing over cash.Bert
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