Porsche 996 C4 - c16 / c98 spec
Discussion
I looked into c98...it doesn't seem to be a country specification code as c16 appears to be.
98 came up as either,,non stsndard metallic paint finish, or standard full leather interior.
For purchase/re-sale if you want a rhd car,,buy a correct uk registered car or a c16, which will have correct lighting and eec spec for a rhd car,options can differ on c16 cars to make correct uk spec for that particular model year...
98 came up as either,,non stsndard metallic paint finish, or standard full leather interior.
For purchase/re-sale if you want a rhd car,,buy a correct uk registered car or a c16, which will have correct lighting and eec spec for a rhd car,options can differ on c16 cars to make correct uk spec for that particular model year...
C98 is the factory code for "non-specific country" right hand drive, most cars into the Uk seem to have come via Cyprus, I think a company called "specialist cars of Milton keynes & London " (now defunct) used to import lots of these (via Cyprus) & sell them on short delivery times when OPC's were saying 1 year +!!!
The problem is although they are still "proper" factory built right hand drive cars, Porsche GB are very awkward about revealing EXACTLY how the specification compares to the full C16 Uk spec......for example the car will NOT have had a thatcham Cat 1 approved alarm fitted when first imported, although this may have been upgraded since it has been here. The car also has to be declared to an insurance company as an import. Things like top tint, full leather, airconditioning etc are NOT part of the standard C98 spec. & have to be specified as extra's on order, these items are all standard on a C16 car.
This is where the problem lies, you never know if a C98 has all the right goodies on. Aside from the extras above there could be other variances to C16 cars, for example has it got the full Uk spec underseal etc etc ? The only way to be sure is to contact Porsche Germany (or friendly OPC) with the full chassis number & get them to supply it's build spec., but they will be awkward & you will only get it with much hard work. Also in general most OPC's will NOT buy C98 cars & the few that will want them very cheap.
If it is a fantastic bargain, get it checked out by an OPC & it may be worth going for , otherwise stick to a UK supplied or C16 import car (still get it tested at the OPC & check out the chassis number with porsche UK warranty department) best of luck.
For what it's worth I wouldn't risk a C98, although there do seem to be quite a few around !
>> Edited by grant3 on Tuesday 18th November 15:02
The problem is although they are still "proper" factory built right hand drive cars, Porsche GB are very awkward about revealing EXACTLY how the specification compares to the full C16 Uk spec......for example the car will NOT have had a thatcham Cat 1 approved alarm fitted when first imported, although this may have been upgraded since it has been here. The car also has to be declared to an insurance company as an import. Things like top tint, full leather, airconditioning etc are NOT part of the standard C98 spec. & have to be specified as extra's on order, these items are all standard on a C16 car.
This is where the problem lies, you never know if a C98 has all the right goodies on. Aside from the extras above there could be other variances to C16 cars, for example has it got the full Uk spec underseal etc etc ? The only way to be sure is to contact Porsche Germany (or friendly OPC) with the full chassis number & get them to supply it's build spec., but they will be awkward & you will only get it with much hard work. Also in general most OPC's will NOT buy C98 cars & the few that will want them very cheap.
If it is a fantastic bargain, get it checked out by an OPC & it may be worth going for , otherwise stick to a UK supplied or C16 import car (still get it tested at the OPC & check out the chassis number with porsche UK warranty department) best of luck.
For what it's worth I wouldn't risk a C98, although there do seem to be quite a few around !
>> Edited by grant3 on Tuesday 18th November 15:02
guys
thanks for the info - very informative.
The local dealer is saying he'll write me a letter saying that the car although C98 Import has been upgraded to full UK spec (there's loads of extras on it also ) and in the event that it's not UK/C16 spec he'll pay for it to be made up to that spec.
That seems to solve the problems around Thatcham CAT 1 etc.,
On this basis do you think I can proceed - it's a reasonably good deal also.
cheers
thanks for the info - very informative.
The local dealer is saying he'll write me a letter saying that the car although C98 Import has been upgraded to full UK spec (there's loads of extras on it also ) and in the event that it's not UK/C16 spec he'll pay for it to be made up to that spec.
That seems to solve the problems around Thatcham CAT 1 etc.,
On this basis do you think I can proceed - it's a reasonably good deal also.
cheers
Seriously depends how good the deal is.
You are always going to have a problem selling the car on. I have found anyone spending £30k or more, really wants everything to be right before parting with their hard earned.
Unless you are going to keep the car for a long time and run it into the ground, I would walk away.
It may cost a little more to buy a UK car in the first place, but it will definitely be easier to recoup more of your initial outlay both in terms of time and money.
The car may be great, but the above is more or less the market perception.
It was good practice of the dealer to give you the whole story on the car, rather than plead ignorance.
You are always going to have a problem selling the car on. I have found anyone spending £30k or more, really wants everything to be right before parting with their hard earned.
Unless you are going to keep the car for a long time and run it into the ground, I would walk away.
It may cost a little more to buy a UK car in the first place, but it will definitely be easier to recoup more of your initial outlay both in terms of time and money.
The car may be great, but the above is more or less the market perception.
It was good practice of the dealer to give you the whole story on the car, rather than plead ignorance.
Get it in writing that they would buy the car from you.
I had a new c16 carrera last year,,,when i thought about selling a few main dealers wanted to buy it for clients and were keen to buy,,,things changed i kept the car... a few months later i called the dealers back,not expecting them to deal at the same price,but be interested.I was met by excuses about it being a C16 difficult to sell etc....these are the same main dealers!
I lucked out by selling the car to someone wanting a rhd car to take overseas.
As i say get it in writing, otherwise you will have fun selling it...the market for porsches is fairly efficient and there are enough UK cars out there to command the top prices...Good luck whatever you decide!
I had a new c16 carrera last year,,,when i thought about selling a few main dealers wanted to buy it for clients and were keen to buy,,,things changed i kept the car... a few months later i called the dealers back,not expecting them to deal at the same price,but be interested.I was met by excuses about it being a C16 difficult to sell etc....these are the same main dealers!
I lucked out by selling the car to someone wanting a rhd car to take overseas.
As i say get it in writing, otherwise you will have fun selling it...the market for porsches is fairly efficient and there are enough UK cars out there to command the top prices...Good luck whatever you decide!
Paula, Clubsport/Paul is right, my experience says that very few OPC's will buy non-C16 porkers & if they do, they must be cheap. It is generally hard to sell 996's privately (although Paul did his) because of the high prices/Px/finance etc involved, this means you will probably end up trading it to the OPC network.... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
It sounds like you have already made up your mind, but honestly if this car isn't a genuine bargain you will loose out come re-sale. You may pay a little more for a UK/C16 car but it will be easier to sell on & fetch a higher price later !!
One bit of advice, get the Sunday Times & phone a few OPC buyers they are the real experts & fix the Porsche prices in the UK,I have found them very helpful, ask them what they would pay for this car (give them the full spec) as a C98 today. May I ask what price it is up for ?
It sounds like you have already made up your mind, but honestly if this car isn't a genuine bargain you will loose out come re-sale. You may pay a little more for a UK/C16 car but it will be easier to sell on & fetch a higher price later !!
One bit of advice, get the Sunday Times & phone a few OPC buyers they are the real experts & fix the Porsche prices in the UK,I have found them very helpful, ask them what they would pay for this car (give them the full spec) as a C98 today. May I ask what price it is up for ?
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