New Cayman S 981 - Ready to buy - what do I need to know?
Discussion
Hi chaps.
I am ready to pull the trigger on a new build 981 Cayman S. Just want a bit a bit of advice before I head to the OPC to discuss figures.
1. Am I doing the right thing going for a new build? I absolutely loved the demonstrator and I know it's going to be available for sale soon, it's pretty much the spec I am after, but the discount from new doesn't seem that huge compared to a new car with 3 year warranty and peace-of-mind knowing that it hasn't been ragged from new, especially after reading some of the horror stories about press/demo cars on here.
2. I've specced up a 'reasonable' build for around £66k, that was being restrained, I love my toys. PDK, Nav, PASM and Leather alone are about 10k, perhaps just an insight into the cost of Porsche ownership to come. In light of this, just wondered how much of a discount (if any) I should expect from an OPC off list? I see broadspeed are offering about 2k of list off the stock Cayman S, but read that some people from here have reported they don't have any cars available. What sort of discounts have others been able to negotiate off a new build, the 5% figure seems to be a good target that I've seen a few times, or is that BS?
3. Is December a good time to buy? I hear all sorts about year end targets and Audi/BMW/Merc (from my shortlist) have been calling me every other day to ask if there is anything they can do to get a deal, yet my OPC hasn't called at all (not sure how to take that). They are quoting a build time of four months which would be perfect in time for spring, but can hold out for a better deal if there are new models around the corner?
Thanks all in advance!
I am ready to pull the trigger on a new build 981 Cayman S. Just want a bit a bit of advice before I head to the OPC to discuss figures.
1. Am I doing the right thing going for a new build? I absolutely loved the demonstrator and I know it's going to be available for sale soon, it's pretty much the spec I am after, but the discount from new doesn't seem that huge compared to a new car with 3 year warranty and peace-of-mind knowing that it hasn't been ragged from new, especially after reading some of the horror stories about press/demo cars on here.
2. I've specced up a 'reasonable' build for around £66k, that was being restrained, I love my toys. PDK, Nav, PASM and Leather alone are about 10k, perhaps just an insight into the cost of Porsche ownership to come. In light of this, just wondered how much of a discount (if any) I should expect from an OPC off list? I see broadspeed are offering about 2k of list off the stock Cayman S, but read that some people from here have reported they don't have any cars available. What sort of discounts have others been able to negotiate off a new build, the 5% figure seems to be a good target that I've seen a few times, or is that BS?
3. Is December a good time to buy? I hear all sorts about year end targets and Audi/BMW/Merc (from my shortlist) have been calling me every other day to ask if there is anything they can do to get a deal, yet my OPC hasn't called at all (not sure how to take that). They are quoting a build time of four months which would be perfect in time for spring, but can hold out for a better deal if there are new models around the corner?
Thanks all in advance!
5% is not unrealistic. And there is no harm in trying, especially if you go for lots of options. Start taking off options if they wont move on price, and I expect they will start to move.
Porsche do not need to pressure sell any of their cars at the moment. They are not calling you because it will be someone else if not you...
Porsche do not need to pressure sell any of their cars at the moment. They are not calling you because it will be someone else if not you...
Ask the OPC what other cars they have in the country that aren't registered yet (i.e. new non-demonstrators). You'll have a lot more leverage that way, although admittedly it may not be your dream spec. I believe their targets are based on registrations by year-end, as opposed to orders.
Thanks, some solid pieces of advice.
ORD - like your suggestion of taking off options, should be a good hand to play if things get tough. Moving a few hundred quid might be better for them than the prospect of loosing out a couple of grands worth of spec.
ashleyalbany and SFO seem to be suggesting I go down the pre-registered route. Thankfully I don't have my heart set on a red leather interior and yellow belts, and most pre-regs seem pretty decently equipped, so not a bad suggestion. I suppose I just need to think about the price difference and what that's worth.
Finally, anyone else agree with ORD that 5% is a realistic target for if I go the new build route? Being used to aggressive discounts on the mass car market, I can see why Porsche want to differentiate themselves by saying they don't need to do discounts, but they are a business just like anyone else with margins and targets to meet.
ORD - like your suggestion of taking off options, should be a good hand to play if things get tough. Moving a few hundred quid might be better for them than the prospect of loosing out a couple of grands worth of spec.
ashleyalbany and SFO seem to be suggesting I go down the pre-registered route. Thankfully I don't have my heart set on a red leather interior and yellow belts, and most pre-regs seem pretty decently equipped, so not a bad suggestion. I suppose I just need to think about the price difference and what that's worth.
Finally, anyone else agree with ORD that 5% is a realistic target for if I go the new build route? Being used to aggressive discounts on the mass car market, I can see why Porsche want to differentiate themselves by saying they don't need to do discounts, but they are a business just like anyone else with margins and targets to meet.
Edited by sfboy on Monday 9th December 16:56
sfboy said:
Finally, anyone else agree with ORD that 5% is a realistic target for if I go the new build route? Being used to aggressive discounts on the mass car market, I can see why Porsche want to differentiate themselves by saying they don't need to do discounts, but they are a business just like anyone else with margins and targets to meet.
I do. Mate of mine ordered a 991 C2 to his spec in Oct 13 (car delivered 10 days or so ago). He phoned around 10 dealers, and eventually got 12% discount .. he also took out Porsche Finance, which may have bumped up the discount.
Ok, sounds like I should be a bit more optimistic on discounts then. Good stuff.
Another question - it looks like I'll need to get a tracker fitted (or maybe not - insurance dependant?), yet can't seem to spec the Porsche Tracker on the Cayman using the online builder. Is it not available? What impact does an aftermarket tracker have on the warranty, I am sure I heard rumblings on this forum that OPCs didn't like this, yet it seems like a catch 22 if you can't spec the official Porsche system?
Another question - it looks like I'll need to get a tracker fitted (or maybe not - insurance dependant?), yet can't seem to spec the Porsche Tracker on the Cayman using the online builder. Is it not available? What impact does an aftermarket tracker have on the warranty, I am sure I heard rumblings on this forum that OPCs didn't like this, yet it seems like a catch 22 if you can't spec the official Porsche system?
You will be able to add the Porsche VTS when you order at the dealer. Many dealer demo and showroom cars will have it.
Aftermarket trackers theoretically void any extended warranty (i.e. after 2 years).
You don't *need* it for insurance, but having it widens the number of policies available to you, although I couldn't tell you whether those policies are any cheaper. You might or might not prefer to have it.
S
Aftermarket trackers theoretically void any extended warranty (i.e. after 2 years).
You don't *need* it for insurance, but having it widens the number of policies available to you, although I couldn't tell you whether those policies are any cheaper. You might or might not prefer to have it.
S
Instead of agonising over how much discount a dealer will give you turn the problem on its head and you tell them how much you'll pay for a car in the spec of your choice and make it clear that you'll sign up on the spot if they match your price. If they don't bite move on to the next OPC and the next etc. Don't get too emotional about it .
sfboy said:
Hi chaps.
I am ready to pull the trigger on a new build 981 Cayman S. Just want a bit a bit of advice before I head to the OPC to discuss figures.
1. Am I doing the right thing going for a new build? I absolutely loved the demonstrator and I know it's going to be available for sale soon, it's pretty much the spec I am after, but the discount from new doesn't seem that huge compared to a new car with 3 year warranty and peace-of-mind knowing that it hasn't been ragged from new, especially after reading some of the horror stories about press/demo cars on here.
2. I've specced up a 'reasonable' build for around £66k, that was being restrained, I love my toys. PDK, Nav, PASM and Leather alone are about 10k, perhaps just an insight into the cost of Porsche ownership to come. In light of this, just wondered how much of a discount (if any) I should expect from an OPC off list? I see broadspeed are offering about 2k of list off the stock Cayman S, but read that some people from here have reported they don't have any cars available. What sort of discounts have others been able to negotiate off a new build, the 5% figure seems to be a good target that I've seen a few times, or is that BS?
3. Is December a good time to buy? I hear all sorts about year end targets and Audi/BMW/Merc (from my shortlist) have been calling me every other day to ask if there is anything they can do to get a deal, yet my OPC hasn't called at all (not sure how to take that). They are quoting a build time of four months which would be perfect in time for spring, but can hold out for a better deal if there are new models around the corner?
Thanks all in advance!
I've just gone through exactly this process albeit on a 2.7 Cayman rather than an S. Started looking at factory orders but ended up agreeing a sale on a stock car which was close enough to what I wanted (I was pretty flexible already though). Instead of a 4% discount from my local OPC for a factory order delivered in March I phoned around until I got a double digit discount on the stock car. If you're flexible on spec then there are loads of cars waiting to be sold before the end of the year. You just need to find the right salesperson who will spend a few hours working through the different cars, pricing them up and negotiating a deal- spent most of Sunday doing just this at Hatfield OPC. HTH.I am ready to pull the trigger on a new build 981 Cayman S. Just want a bit a bit of advice before I head to the OPC to discuss figures.
1. Am I doing the right thing going for a new build? I absolutely loved the demonstrator and I know it's going to be available for sale soon, it's pretty much the spec I am after, but the discount from new doesn't seem that huge compared to a new car with 3 year warranty and peace-of-mind knowing that it hasn't been ragged from new, especially after reading some of the horror stories about press/demo cars on here.
2. I've specced up a 'reasonable' build for around £66k, that was being restrained, I love my toys. PDK, Nav, PASM and Leather alone are about 10k, perhaps just an insight into the cost of Porsche ownership to come. In light of this, just wondered how much of a discount (if any) I should expect from an OPC off list? I see broadspeed are offering about 2k of list off the stock Cayman S, but read that some people from here have reported they don't have any cars available. What sort of discounts have others been able to negotiate off a new build, the 5% figure seems to be a good target that I've seen a few times, or is that BS?
3. Is December a good time to buy? I hear all sorts about year end targets and Audi/BMW/Merc (from my shortlist) have been calling me every other day to ask if there is anything they can do to get a deal, yet my OPC hasn't called at all (not sure how to take that). They are quoting a build time of four months which would be perfect in time for spring, but can hold out for a better deal if there are new models around the corner?
Thanks all in advance!
nej606k said:
Instead of agonising over how much discount a dealer will give you turn the problem on its head and you tell them how much you'll pay for a car in the spec of your choice and make it clear that you'll sign up on the spot if they match your price. If they don't bite move on to the next OPC and the next etc. Don't get too emotional about it .
What if they all say no? Makes it a bit difficult if you then go back to them with a higher offer.Agree with you about OPC demo cars, very overpriced and they seem to forget its a secondhand car and at the steepest part of its depreciation curve.
Bear in mind that your desire to have lots of toys will not result in a higher part exchange price in the future.
I went the other way and tried to hold back on too many factory options, I knew what I wanted and rang round about 6 dealers, told them exact spec and wanted 10% discount. Some said no, some had to sit down and take a sharp intake of breath!!!
One dealer did come close with a stock car that was close to my spec and 10% off but wrong colour and had leather
Eventually got the deal I was aiming for on a built to order car and it was linked to taking Porsche PCP finance.
Changing from PCP to my own HP finance 2 months after ordering did cause some problems but we got round it and still with 10% off. Paid £39214 for a Boxster PDK
Bear in mind that your desire to have lots of toys will not result in a higher part exchange price in the future.
I went the other way and tried to hold back on too many factory options, I knew what I wanted and rang round about 6 dealers, told them exact spec and wanted 10% discount. Some said no, some had to sit down and take a sharp intake of breath!!!
One dealer did come close with a stock car that was close to my spec and 10% off but wrong colour and had leather
Eventually got the deal I was aiming for on a built to order car and it was linked to taking Porsche PCP finance.
Changing from PCP to my own HP finance 2 months after ordering did cause some problems but we got round it and still with 10% off. Paid £39214 for a Boxster PDK
Revisiting this topic after over 6 years to say thanks for all the advice and for a (long overdue) follow-up and conclusion.
I ended up holding station and went for a new 981 Cayman GTS. I built the car I wanted, thankfully the GTS model came with most of the options anyway such as the Sports+ and sport exhaust. But at the cost of any wiggle in the negotiations process, thankfully I recovered most of that on the resale, even selling back to a main dealer, total cost of ownership for a new sports car was pretty fair.
The car never missed a beat in the nearly five years I owned it. Think the second horn in the two-tone horn broke, which was replaced under warranty, and that was it.
Some of my closing thoughts:-
As a daily driver, the PDK box is sublime, but perhaps costs some driver engagement? I later drove a manual GT4 at the PEC Silverstone, it seemed hard work?
The soundtrack is sublime, best on the road?
Online services, still don't know what it is or if it was fitted.
Aluminium door sills, totally worth it.
LSD that was extra, did I notice it?
A beautifully crafted machine.
I ended up holding station and went for a new 981 Cayman GTS. I built the car I wanted, thankfully the GTS model came with most of the options anyway such as the Sports+ and sport exhaust. But at the cost of any wiggle in the negotiations process, thankfully I recovered most of that on the resale, even selling back to a main dealer, total cost of ownership for a new sports car was pretty fair.
The car never missed a beat in the nearly five years I owned it. Think the second horn in the two-tone horn broke, which was replaced under warranty, and that was it.
Some of my closing thoughts:-
As a daily driver, the PDK box is sublime, but perhaps costs some driver engagement? I later drove a manual GT4 at the PEC Silverstone, it seemed hard work?
The soundtrack is sublime, best on the road?
Online services, still don't know what it is or if it was fitted.
Aluminium door sills, totally worth it.
LSD that was extra, did I notice it?
A beautifully crafted machine.
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