Dealers

[baldeagle]

I have been talking to Henry Firman at 911virgin about a 1996 993 Targa. What is Henry's reputation as a straight guy who deals in good cars? Have also been to RSJsports cars and would like any views on them too.

I'm not an experienced Porsche owner nor a mechanic I just want to indulge my childhood dream without being ripped off!

Any recommendations on trustworthy dealers would be great.
Russell

[Rico]

You're going to get a good car from either of these dealers. Both are respected on this site.

I've personally heard good views about RSJ from other porsche fans, and read good stuff about both of them.

YHM

[POORCARDEALER]

I think the above comment is untrue.........you will find that there are lots of glowing reports for both of the above dealers within this forum.

[diver944]

baldeagle said:

What is Henry's reputation as a straight guy

Well he's never put his hand on my thigh during a test drive perhaps that's why I never bought them

Henry is a character who is either loved or loathed. His cars tend to be priced at the realistic end of the scale, and he does sell a lot of them, and has many repeat buyers.

It's up to the buyer how you buy the car. Bug price sold as seen, full retail with preparation and warranty, or a mixture of both with the car serviced at cost by a recognised Independant

[Tarka]

I've only used RSJSportscars once, buying a 993 Targa Tip, but it was an excellent experience and I have certainly nothing but praise for the chap I dealt with - Joel. When I collected the car, he had only just taken it in himself, and he immediately pointed out a fault in the sunblind mechanism which I might not have found for weeks. He also insisted on having it repaired at his expense at an OPC - again, good news from my point of view. You might not find the car you want there, but you shouldn't have any worries about using them.

[neon_fox]

Henry is indeed a love or loathe kind of character, and I had a mixed experience with buying my 964C2, though he sticks by his word when things do go pear-shaped, and he came out of the deal the worse for wear than I did.

I guess it comes down to: would I buy another car off him - to which I would answer "yes, but as always with any dealer get it checked by an independant first".

I haven't dealt with Joel, but he's had lots of positive feedback here from others.

Fox
---

[ultra violent]

I think most (if not all) independents work along the following lines: A new car comes to the fold. It may get a wash, but that’s about it. They tend not to invest money sorting the car out before they know they have a buyer. The extent of the sorting out is a function of how much you (or someone you have paid to check the car) notices and makes them aware of. Even then, if it's difficult to check yourself, it still might not get done (i speak from experience…).

So, as everyone will tell you, find a ca, then get it checked.

Remember, whilst buying your dream car might be a once in a life time experience, to an independent it's just another sale. And if they bent over backwards for everyone they'd probably go bust. Business is business. There is nothing wrong selling high mileage cars, if they are priced so.

It's easy enough to work out the fair value for a car; all you then have to do is ask yourself whether the mark up is justified by the pre/post-sale service.

Get it checked, get it checked, get it checked, get it checked……..

[Baldeagle]

Thanks guys this is really helpful. As a first time purchaser I'm quite nervous and your advice is invaluable. If there is anything to add that you can't post please email me at [e-mail]

Russell

[veewhy]

Baldeagle said:

Thanks guys this is really helpful. As a first time purchaser I'm quite nervous and your advice is invaluable. If there is anything to add that you can't post please email me at [e-mail] Russell

Do yourself a favour, Once you decide on the car, and only once you decide. And before you hand over a huge wad, spend a few quid on a full OPC inspection, I saved myself a small fortune by having the first car i settled on checked out. It was a dog waiting to bite me..., the second time i got it right, the OPC came up clean as a whistle. Since then, I have been asked if it is for sale by a large OPC in Reading. If the dealer baulks at an OPC inspection, find one that is happy to accomodate you. as someone said here, it could be your once in a lifetime purchase.

>> Edited by veewhy on Sunday 2nd May 22:17

[Baldeagle]

Thanks guys. Who do you recommend to do individual vehicle checks - in the West London/Slough area?

[guyvert1]

Following on from above, how much does it cost to get a 911 checked at OPC? I take it that it depends on model/yr, also can you buy any sort of under OPC for older cars?

Thanks

John

[bricklayer@freen]

i bought my car off rsj and had no problems



good luck

[Baldeagle]

Have just seen a car I like and was recommended to use Peter Morgan to do the independent check. Any views?

[Melv]

veewhy said:

a full OPC inspection,

Please no!! Use a specialist for the older cars.

Can but recomend GT1 at Chertsey, about half an hour from Henry or RSJ. 01932 569911/944. Mention my name.

Also JZ Machtech at Kings Langley.

Trailer service available (from me )if the dealer doesn't want the car driven there!!

Mel

[fatboyharris]

I have used Peter Morgan twice on vehicle inspections both 911 Turbo cabriolets. He produced excellent reports, mostly based on the road test, service history and visual inspection of the condition of the vehicle and put in context relating to age, condition and mileage. The best aspect of the service was the dialogue between myself, the garage and Peter on items to be fixed etc.his support pulled out a good deal for me on the car. Very freindly service, extremely knowledgeable (written quite a few books on Porsche)and very reassuring to talk to and gave me some very sound advice and reassurance when buying my first Porsche.

[Bins]

IMHO Do NOT use OPC for a PPI.
Only an independent specialist.

[domster]

noony said:

original post by noony talked unfavourably about RSJ and their stock.

I have not found this to be the case, and was at RSJ at the weekend. Joel's cars are generally PRISTINE and a couple of older models (964s) that weren't were simply showing their age. In fact I am not sure Joel will be dealing in anything older than 993s in the future, simply because older cars do tend to look less shiny and have more potential problems.

As for RSJ being '*******', Joel is one of the most pleasant people in the trade in my experience. I can only assume your friend emailed him and got a short reply in upper case. That is Joel's only customer facing crime, if that even warrants the use of the word.

Both Joel and Henry are on this site occasionally and can look after themselves. However, I would remind everyone about the naming and shaming rules - ie don't, and sort your grievances out offline or directly with the dealer in question. If either Joel or Henry ask, your original comments will be removed.


>> Edited by domster on Friday 7th May 15:07

[POORCARDEALER]

well said.

[noony]

domster said:

domster's reply to noony

Alright I'll remove it. My friend went down there and found that some 996s [unsubstantiated allegation refuted by RSJ so removed]... 911virgin, yes they have nice cars, but most of the ones that are cheaper than you expect is because they have above average mileage. Not necessarily a bad thing.

>> Edited by domster on Friday 7th May 15:08

>> Edited by domster on Friday 7th May 15:09

[baldeagle]

Used Peter Morgan and found him excellent, thorough and fair. Good report with colour photos etc.