Am i expecting too much?

[fidgits]

Okay, finally got to look at a 996 C2 last night.

First, a bloody annoying company, in autotrader as 23k, oh they made a mistake, its 27k, but we could go to 25k...

Of course, it took nearly an hour and half to get through that, talk about pressure sales..
(if i hadnt driven for an hour to get there i would have walked away after 30 mins)..

But eventually i got to drive the car - and now i get it..


However, on the flip side, the car was a 98 (S), and looking very tired. The rear tyres were practically bald, and it needed new fronts, the header tank was covered in white stuff (presumably limescale) and the car was just very tired looking..

I realise im going to an older car, but I kinda expected a bit more from 25 grands worth of machine, this 911 reminded me of some of the 10/12 year old cars i looked at with my missues when she needed a 1k runabout..

So, the big question is, is this the level im going to be looking at? will there be any cared for 996's at 25k? or should i expect them all to be similar?

[warmfuzzies]

Keep looking, as Henry will no doubt say, buy on condition, and if you think you're going to be disapointed, you probably will be later with that one.
Get it inspected, OPC or specialist, not RAC etc.........But I'm sure you knew that already ;-) Be patient, the right one for you is always out there somewhere.

Kevin

[softinthehead]

i think your instincts are sound and no, you arent asking too much. You'll get a much bigger pool to look at if you consider private sales (doesnt stop you getting an OPC warranty) and LHD. there are quite a few private cars around with obsessional owners. try this one

www.pistonheads.com/sales/75076.htm

i happen to know the owner is truly anal and spends spare weekends licking the exhaust clean with his tongue

[fidgits]

yeah, I have already chatted to Matt about that...

and after yesterday I can appreciate the condition its in, it would just require me selling my car privately (which after yesterday might not be as much hassle as some of these bloody companies!)

[turboguru]

buy on condition and consider going up to 30k to get a much better car - or just go for a really nice Boxster S instead. I spent 33k almost 3 years ago on a 996 C2 with 33k miles, in mint condition with loads of options - the same car today would cost you around 27k-28k but buy privately with a good inspection or go a trusted garage such as Paragon or 911 Virgin.

[magic torch]

Nope, mine is on an S, and mint. If I was selling now it wouldn't be far above £25k.

I looked at nearly 30 cars. The private ones were generally better than the 'non-specialist' trade.

You can get the same finance packages, and get a Porsche warranty on private deals, so don't rule it out.

You could try www.alexcreasy.co.uk/default.asp

If you're ever anywhere near me and want a look at mine and a chat you're more than welcome

[fidgits]

Thanks for the offer...

Yeah, i think i just found a bad one for my first viewing, but then i suppose its all upwards from here

[jonny996]

I got my 98 996 a couple of months ago for 26.5 and I looked at a good few..

If it looks older than 3 years, walk away, some cars are bought by fanatics & you can tell them a mile off, they are the ones to go for. they are out there you just have to look be prepared to travel & act fast as they will be snapped up.

I dismissed OPC as they are far to expensive. I went the specialist route, after that I would go private, but I would NOT buy from a "normal" dealer as they are experts in makeing dogs look good.

[meno-porsche]

what about a 993??

A few nice ones around for £25K - and dare I say it - better residuals + classic aircooled technology.

(flame on!!)

[DucatiGary]

I get the impression fidgits is wasting time, not just his own, I just get the feeling hes too cautious for his own good.

[fidgits]

perhaps your right Gary...

but hey, i'd rather been too cautious than foolish

[JamieBeeston]

fidgits said:

I realise im going to an older car, but I kinda expected a bit more from 25 grands worth of machine, this 911 reminded me of some of the 10/12 year old cars i looked at with my missues when she needed a 1k runabout..

It IS a 8 Yr old Performance car! it's not likely to be 'fresh' especially if you're looking at the 'bottom' end of the 996 Market.

You get what you pay for alas. If you want a 'fresh' one, up your budget 20-30% and you'll be inundated.

J

[fidgits]

hey, I realise its 8 years old and its not going to be like new...

But bald tyres aside, are they all likely to have all the images worn off the controls?

If so, then perhaps i should re-think either my budget of choice of car...

[Magic Torch]

fidgits said:

But bald tyres aside, are they all likely to have all the images worn off the controls?

Nope, people literally can't believe the age of mine, they think it's a couple of years old.