Options vs Approved used 991.1
Discussion
Bit of a dilemma. Always wanted a 911 and after a pay rise, a 991.1 C2S is in budget. I’m after a manual and they’re quite rare as you can imagine.
I’ve seen one on private sale with just under 20k miles and well optioned (14 way seats, sports chrono, sports exhaust, power steering plus, Bose, heated seats being a few of them). Full Porsche Service History. On at £57.5k private sale although looking at various price guides it is a bit over priced.
The other I’m considering is for a less optioned car (Bose being the only key one for me) with more miles (it’s currently on 46k) and more previous owners (4). However, it’s on for £50k and it’s being sold at an OPC under the Approved programme so it has 2 years Porsche warranty.
Now, I could add Porsche warranty to the other one assuming it passes their checks, but I’m interested in people’s thoughts as to whether the extra peace of mind of buying direct from an OPC is worth more than the more extensive options list and lower miles.
Obviously it’ll come down to personal preference in the end, but you guys are all more experienced than I in this field so I thought I’d seek some views.
I’ve seen one on private sale with just under 20k miles and well optioned (14 way seats, sports chrono, sports exhaust, power steering plus, Bose, heated seats being a few of them). Full Porsche Service History. On at £57.5k private sale although looking at various price guides it is a bit over priced.
The other I’m considering is for a less optioned car (Bose being the only key one for me) with more miles (it’s currently on 46k) and more previous owners (4). However, it’s on for £50k and it’s being sold at an OPC under the Approved programme so it has 2 years Porsche warranty.
Now, I could add Porsche warranty to the other one assuming it passes their checks, but I’m interested in people’s thoughts as to whether the extra peace of mind of buying direct from an OPC is worth more than the more extensive options list and lower miles.
Obviously it’ll come down to personal preference in the end, but you guys are all more experienced than I in this field so I thought I’d seek some views.
For newer cars (I’d say 13/14/15 onwards), as long as Porsche is willing to warranty the car. I’m not too fussed whether it is Approved Used or Private. The failures will either be covered or less expensive consumables.
On an older car, you’ll need to be a bit more careful as the “longer term consumables” such as clutch, for example, won’t be covered. Various fittings, rusting, etc will all not be covered.
On an older car, you’ll need to be a bit more careful as the “longer term consumables” such as clutch, for example, won’t be covered. Various fittings, rusting, etc will all not be covered.
jimmy p said:
When looking at prices of Porsche you need to ignore price guides, they rarely get or understand Porsche pricing and options and are often way out
I’d agree with this but the private car seems very expensive to me...it’ll cost best part of £2k to get a two year warranty on it which puts it at £60k. Needs to be less than £55k including warranty given its private. I'm not averse to buying privately, but private sellers are often too optimistic with their pricing.
They can't offer the security, facilities and preparation of an OPC or good indy, so there is more at risk for the buyer.
At this price level, I would expect an impeccable history, recent service, plenty of Warranty, a high level of preparation, and a starting price midway between trade and retail.
They can't offer the security, facilities and preparation of an OPC or good indy, so there is more at risk for the buyer.
At this price level, I would expect an impeccable history, recent service, plenty of Warranty, a high level of preparation, and a starting price midway between trade and retail.
I’d expect to pay £57.5k for the first car from an OPC, so it’s definitely overpriced as a private sale. Tell the owner you’ll buy it if he gets a 2yr OPC warranty as part of the sale.
Otherwise just keep looking on the Porsche finder site. One will pop up in a few weeks if you just check every day.
Otherwise just keep looking on the Porsche finder site. One will pop up in a few weeks if you just check every day.
I bought mine in Feb from OPC, one lady owner on 45,000 miles full OPC history from the dealership she bought it from new and then she p-xed it for a 992. Feels barely run in, and I would defo go for higher mileage via OPC with the warranty than lower mileage but higher priced non warrantied car. I got 2.5 years warranty with mine as they put 2 years on top of the 6 months that the previous owner had left.
The manual box was a must have for me, and although it takes a bit of learning it is now second nature. I did Route Napoleon to Monaco and back this year and it was sublime. Steering a tiny bit inert compared to say a Lotus and on occasion I felt it could do with just a little more shove (lower gearing) out of the hairpins but overall I couldn't be happier.
The manual box was a must have for me, and although it takes a bit of learning it is now second nature. I did Route Napoleon to Monaco and back this year and it was sublime. Steering a tiny bit inert compared to say a Lotus and on occasion I felt it could do with just a little more shove (lower gearing) out of the hairpins but overall I couldn't be happier.
I was stuck in the same position as Op about buying a GT4 via OPC (hard work) or privately (security)
I was very lucky I missed a GT4 pretty much same spec as mine at OPC at £74K as I bought one privately for £67.5K
Part of the deal was it had a to get a new 12 month MOT from OPC along with 11point check , as both were being done I only paid £150 I think for both. 111 Point check found no over rev issues (critical as this can effect warranty) , only issue was missing rear brake cooling duct which previous owner paid for at cost of £51, so total cost of MOT and 111 point check was really £100 net and great value for peace of mind
Car was then paid for and collected form dealer as he left everything there so it made it a bit more secure buying
In all I would do the same and same again
I think I can get my car up to same warranty level as OPC approved for under £69L which was a handy £5K saving on almost identical car they were selling plus the one I bought has full and I mean FULL as in every panel is covered with PPF. Only thing I need to add as it was missing form spec is cruise control but otherwise turned out to be a great buy for me so far .
Hope that helps
I was very lucky I missed a GT4 pretty much same spec as mine at OPC at £74K as I bought one privately for £67.5K
Part of the deal was it had a to get a new 12 month MOT from OPC along with 11point check , as both were being done I only paid £150 I think for both. 111 Point check found no over rev issues (critical as this can effect warranty) , only issue was missing rear brake cooling duct which previous owner paid for at cost of £51, so total cost of MOT and 111 point check was really £100 net and great value for peace of mind
Car was then paid for and collected form dealer as he left everything there so it made it a bit more secure buying
In all I would do the same and same again
I think I can get my car up to same warranty level as OPC approved for under £69L which was a handy £5K saving on almost identical car they were selling plus the one I bought has full and I mean FULL as in every panel is covered with PPF. Only thing I need to add as it was missing form spec is cruise control but otherwise turned out to be a great buy for me so far .
Hope that helps
I’ll add my experience from last year, to inform future decisions. Through the second half of last year I was looking for a 991.1, scouring both OPCs and independent specialists. The first thing that became clear was that well specced cars in the £50-£60k bracket do not hang around at OPCs - as I found out.
I originally drove a very basic 991.1 Carrera at OPC Bournemouth with a manual transmission but had already decided on PDK as I would occasionally use the car to commute through traffic. In any case this car had literally no options - not even parking sensors.
On the way back I swung by OPC Portsmouth who had nothing available, the sales exec was a very honest chap and said that they literally can’t get enough 991s to keep up with demand despite COVID. He had just taken a deposit, subject to a test drive, on a 991.2 the day before that was being part-ex’d on a new 992. To cut a long story short, the chap drove the 991.2, decided that the seats weren’t as comfortable as his Mercedes and pulled out. I was offered the car and we did a deal at £59k.
It’s a great spec late 2016 car, for me only really lacking PSE, in midnight blue with crayon and graphite blue interior, PDK, adaptive cruise, heated sports steering wheel with paddles, sports chrono, PASM, nose lift and sunroof. Now I’m not sure there’s much moral to my story other than:
1. Porsche warranty was a must have for me, borne out my the fact that it goes in on Friday (hopefully) to have a noise from the AC looked at and a corroded gutter trim replaced.
2. Get friendly with the OPC network and makesure they have your contact details, if you decide to go down that route, as many cars don’t make it onto the website.
I originally drove a very basic 991.1 Carrera at OPC Bournemouth with a manual transmission but had already decided on PDK as I would occasionally use the car to commute through traffic. In any case this car had literally no options - not even parking sensors.
On the way back I swung by OPC Portsmouth who had nothing available, the sales exec was a very honest chap and said that they literally can’t get enough 991s to keep up with demand despite COVID. He had just taken a deposit, subject to a test drive, on a 991.2 the day before that was being part-ex’d on a new 992. To cut a long story short, the chap drove the 991.2, decided that the seats weren’t as comfortable as his Mercedes and pulled out. I was offered the car and we did a deal at £59k.
It’s a great spec late 2016 car, for me only really lacking PSE, in midnight blue with crayon and graphite blue interior, PDK, adaptive cruise, heated sports steering wheel with paddles, sports chrono, PASM, nose lift and sunroof. Now I’m not sure there’s much moral to my story other than:
1. Porsche warranty was a must have for me, borne out my the fact that it goes in on Friday (hopefully) to have a noise from the AC looked at and a corroded gutter trim replaced.
2. Get friendly with the OPC network and makesure they have your contact details, if you decide to go down that route, as many cars don’t make it onto the website.
Edited by T-bagger on Tuesday 5th January 14:01
240Cup said:
Let me know when you do get back in the game as mine might be up for grabs later in the year due to a new toy.
Oooh, what are you getting Lyonel, if you don't mind me asking? I remember making enquiries on your manual 991...before you beat me to it! Have you enjoyed the car? Gassing Station | 911/Carrera GT | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff