Buying Used 911 from Independent Dealers

[mansueti]

I have been looking at potentially buying a used 911 from a local independent dealer focuses on selling mainly used European cars. They sell Mercedes, Audi, BMW, VW and Porsche. They usually have 4-6 Porsches on the floor so they sell quite a few. The also provide service on foreign car and they have a good reputation in the area.


This dealer sells the cars in an "As Is" condition. They say this very expressively on the window stickers. But, they do have a good service department who supposedly go thru the cars to check them out before sale. They have been in business for quite a while (started in the 80's) so I do not think they initentionally sell lots of lemons becuase it would come back to bite them

Now my questions...

1) Should I trust the Evaluation from this dealer's service department or should I get a independent PPI? They say they can provide with info like the leakdown test results.

2) If they do not allow me to have an independent PPI (which I will pay for), should I walk from buying a car there?

3) I am sure I will be paying a bit more for the car since it is from a dealer instead of a private seller. Since I may be spending more, is there any other stipulations or questions I should request to give at least some recourse in case i get a lemon or "bad" car?

Any input is appreciated.....

[FenderGuy]

Originally posted by mansueti


This dealer sells the cars in an "As Is" condition. They say this very expressively on the window stickers. But, they do have a good service department who supposedly go thru the cars to check them out before sale. They have been in business for quite a while (started in the 80's) so I do not think they initentionally sell lots of lemons becuase it would come back to bite them

Now my questions...

1) Should I trust the Evaluation from this dealer's service department or should I get a independent PPI? They say they can provide with info like the leakdown test results.

2) If they do not allow me to have an independent PPI (which I will pay for), should I walk from buying a car there?

3) I am sure I will be paying a bit more for the car since it is from a dealer instead of a private seller. Since I may be spending more, is there any other stipulations or questions I should request to give at least some recourse in case i get a lemon or "bad" car?

Any input is appreciated.....

1. Never trust a dealer that is selling a car, get a PPI from an indy that way there will be no bias op

2. I would...What might the Indy PPI bring up that the dealer doesn't want you to know?

3. PPI will tell if it worth the price, of course some things can go bad down the road...But if you search on the archives what to look for you should do good with a PPI...You should study the market both dealer and private party to get an price guess of what is selling and how much.... don’t believe the hype either on certain cars, because there's always one hotter the next month...

[glenncal1]

1. NO! 2. YES 3. Check the laws in your state, most states do not offer much protection for used cars.

[RallyJon]

I don't get the idea of buying a car from a dealer "as is". The entire point of buying from a dealer, paying a markup, putting up with used car salesmen, etc, is that you're getting a car that's been gone through and has the company standing behind it with at least a limited warranty.

If the car's "as is" what are you paying higher dealer prices for? At least when you buy an "as is" car from an individual, and you might get a few maintenance records and you can judge a little bit about the seller's character.

[Rot 911]

What RallyJon said times 2.

[mansueti]

Thanks guys.....

I know my marching order now...

As side note regarding prices....I am here up in Michigan...been looking for a while (many member may be sick of me asking questions...).

I am looking at 911SC, Carreras and some 964s. I am finding here in MI that prices on cars seem to be higher then other sections of the country. It can be between $3k to $8k more....

For Example, I saw a very clean '84 coupe (looked like close to new inside and out) with 90K miles and they got $21K. A '90 964 coupe (in good shape) with 25k miles was sold for $25k. A very good condition '80 SC with 60k miles was purchased for $18.5K.

These are selling prices (not asking) and these seen higher (some slightly, some a bit more) then what I see as selling prices on this board and others....

Just an observations...

[RallyJon]

I am finding here in MI that prices on cars seem to be higher then other sections of the country. It can be between $3k to $8k more

That'll pay for a plane ticket to So Cal, a week in a hotel while you car shop and your gas and tolls back.

[Joe Bob]

Trust dealers as far as you can throw them.....

[imcarthur]

Hey mansueti

I just saw this one on autotrader.ca

86 coupe 135K kms for $ 21K CDN - 1 hour east of Toronto, but the price is right

If you can't find it in a search, PM me, I can email contact info. No affiliation etc.



Ian

[Rick Lee]

$21k for an '84 Carrera? Who was the seller? Richard Sloan? Those prices are nuts. You should see how nice an '83 SC I snagged for $11k. 964's and SC's are worlds apart. What's your max budget, leaving a few $k aside for surpeises and emergencies?

[mansueti]

Rick Lee, sorry for the delay in reply....Was away for the weekend...

My budget....$15k - $20K.....will go up to $25K for the right car....looking for either a coupe or cab...any color EXCEPT black or red...Would like to buy local for my 1st 911 ...Like the power of a 964 but would be happy with a SC or Carrera for starters....

Chris

[glenndeweirdt]

screw the dealer! Check out the PCA website for an enthusiast owned Porsche or the "Porsche Market Letter" a monthly listing of used Porsches for sale by individual owner. I think the link is www.pmletter.com or google it.

Most important, take your time and find the car you want at a fair price and ALWAYS have an PPI.

For $25K you are going to find a very nice car!

[Rick Lee]

For $25k, you should be able to snag a very nice 964. For $15k-$20 you're in the super clean SC area and maybe nice G50 Carrera. I know a guy who got a cherry '95 993 for $25k. Deals are out there. Here's my $11k SC.

[FenderGuy]

Originally posted by Rick Lee
For $25k, you should be able to snag a very nice 964. For $15k-$20 you're in the super clean SC area and maybe nice G50 Carrera. I know a guy who got a cherry '95 993 for $25k. Deals are out there. Here's my $11k SC.

Good looking car even though its red
The duck rules

[Jim Richards]

Originally posted by mansueti
Would like to buy local for my 1st 911

While I can understand the comfort of local shopping, I recommend you keep your options open as your area provides a smaller number of vehicles to choose from, above market prices, and because of the climate, a greater possibility for hidden rust.

[sprbxr]

I have a nice SC for sale for $13500. It needs nothing. I drive it everyday with no problems.

[david.avery]

I agree with the mob here... run away!

I almost bought a 90 C2 from a "dealer" in NY called BimmersBenz.com. These guys brought religion into every conversation, and the boss, Mr. Soprano (not kidding) said "we don't do pre-purchase inspections. Jesus himself would be the only person who I would let inspect this car. They are all liars and crooks and never have anything nice to say about a car". Yep, run away. I did. Bastage even kept my deposit ($500).

This guy was talking "warrantee this" and "warrantee that" and even invoked the state lemon law. Turns out the state lemon law doesn't protect poor sods such as myself buying from out of state, and the "warrantee" was a "lubricated parts" third party warrantee for $2500. Run, Forrest, Run!


Oh, I must add, they had a small showroom, with a testarossa and a Delorean. This was called "the Jesus room", yes there were signs, and only "Jesus" himself could enter.

RUN!

[plymouthcolt]

Originally posted by mansueti
Thanks guys.....

I know my marching order now...

As side note regarding prices....I am here up in Michigan...been looking for a while (many member may be sick of me asking questions...).

I am looking at 911SC, Carreras and some 964s. I am finding here in MI that prices on cars seem to be higher then other sections of the country. It can be between $3k to $8k more....

For Example, I saw a very clean '84 coupe (looked like close to new inside and out) with 90K miles and they got $21K. A '90 964 coupe (in good shape) with 25k miles was sold for $25k. A very good condition '80 SC with 60k miles was purchased for $18.5K.

These are selling prices (not asking) and these seen higher (some slightly, some a bit more) then what I see as selling prices on this board and others....

Just an observations...

Go to California and look around. Thre are P-cars falling from the trees there.

[randywebb]

The earthquakes shake 'em loose...

[911SCfanatic]

mansueti, where in Michigan? who is the dealer? Went your route. Many regrets. Talk to me first, I may even have specific dealer info depending who.