Tired of jerk sellers...Are they this common?

Plecostomus · 04-01-2006, 01:18 PM

As some of you know I am looking for a nice stock black SC. I've been negotiating with a guy who's deadlocked on selling his car for $22k for 3 months, and then dropping to $20K 3 months after that. Recently, he finally gave in and says he should probably sell the car before it gives him trouble, and he'll take $19k for it.
I wanted to see this car last weekend but it rained so I postponed going until this weekend. Well, the forecast was for rain today (even though it is now sunny), so I left a message for the seller that I will be coming up tomorrow morning for sure since the weather is going to be great. For some reason my stupid cellphone doesn't ring occasionally and then it tells me when someone leaves a message. So I go to retreive the message, and its the owner. He tells me not to bother coming up to see him because yesterday, he "coincidentally" ran into his postman (whose been bugging him to sell it, supposedly). The postman offered to buy the car for $22K (The seller originally said he didn't want to sell it to this guy because he didn't ever want to see the car again--wtf?---Exactly the same crap the last seller told me a year ago!). So he then says he rather sell the car to me, but then why should he sell the car for $19k when someone will give him $22k? This car doesn't have a single upgrade either!!
I am mentally exhausted from dealing with these guys. They all sound completely neurotic on the phone, a la Woody Allen. So that's it. I am giving up on my search for a nice black SC. I may take a casual look now and then, but I am genuinely exhausted from two years of this garbage.

Has anyone else dealt with people of this nature? Please tell me I'm not the only one. Thanks to you all who have aided me in my knowledge of buying an SC. I am very grateful and I hope someday I can return the favor.

Regards,

Curt

berettafan · 04-01-2006, 01:24 PM

have you posted on dorkiphus? those guys seem very nice. $20k seems like a lot of cake for a black SC btw.

i'm just getting into the looking and to be honest it's been a mostly positive experience to this point. i've exchanged emails with some really neat car nuts and most seem more interested in helping me find the 'right' car than they are in selling theirs! how cool is that!

no car for me as of yet but it's not a race. well, not until i get my car and then there will be plenty of racing (on a track of course)!!!

PcarPhil · 04-01-2006, 01:30 PM

Here's a black Carrera in NoVA:

http://www.dorkiphus.com/porsche/showthread.php?t=9128

I don't think they come any nicer than this one.

stormmaster · stormmaster's Garage

Just a way of trying to get you to pay his price...there are way too many nice cars out there to deal with people like that....know what you are willing to pay...make the offer...it he doesnt take it...move on to the next car....by the way...cash talks...show him 19 (if you REALLY think it is worth that much) and see what he says....if he doesnt take it....walk...and dont look back....

BoxsterGT · 04-01-2006, 01:43 PM

How would you like a Black 87 Carrera Cabriolet w 82k miles?
Original, unmolested.

I have more pics if needed. Email me if interested:

len@autosportengineering.com

Price is $17,900

Located in Stow, MA.

Thanks,

Len

Plecostomus · 04-01-2006, 03:01 PM

Thanks guys. I never thought someone would be unstable enough to change from $19k to 22k. Perhaps this is the best indication that the car is trouble--knowing that the owner is in conflict with himself. Hopefully I will find a car from guys as nice as you all are.

Len- A beauty, but I'm stuck on an SC Coupe. Thanks

niner11 · 04-01-2006, 03:10 PM

The seller really does not owe you anything and he isn't offering a great deal so who cares. Move on to the next car and you will be better off for it. How would you feel if you paid for a ppi and then he started talking about selling to the mail man?

Good luck but remember that when you sell a specialty car the wackos come out of the woodwork. Some people call to talk about cars and have no intent to buy. It gets old really fast so when you negotiate with a guy who has been trying to sell his 911 for a while he may not be as patient as he probably should be.

masraum · 04-01-2006, 03:33 PM

Holy crap, $22k, $19k? Does it only have 15k miles and he gets it serviced by the dealer every three months??

You shouldn't be paying that much for an SC. Maybe for a late Carrera with a G50, but definitely not an SC.

busteif · busteif's Garage

Curt,

Don't beat yourself over it. It is a sign from God and I mean it, normally things happen for the best and maybe just maybe this thing was not meant to be and would have costed you an arm and a leg in repairs and problems.

Count your blessings and move on, you will find what you want continue to look in Craig list, Hemmings, Pelican etc...and don't forget your PPI.

Same happen to me twice, before I landed my prize. I know the feeling and feel your frustration, but don't let it drive you to make a spontaneous purchase.

Good Luck.

rrsrsr · 04-01-2006, 03:52 PM

Far better cars out there for $22k IMO. You should come back & offer him $14k to account for the problems he anticipates cropping up with the car.

Whats the bet he comes back to you again in a years time with the exact same story?

trader220 · 04-01-2006, 04:06 PM

I'd say "okay thanks I'll pass at 19k then, nice speaking with you" .... then go find a much better deal.

1973911s · 04-01-2006, 04:35 PM

WHy don't you pick up Bob Flat Six car, that is a great Sc for a great price?

Grady Clay · 04-01-2006, 04:45 PM

Curt,

If you want the real experience, try being in the Porsche business today. I’m glad I retired, I would have escorted too many to the door (I could do that since I was 100% owner.) I actually did that a couple of times in the mid ‘80s. I’m still embarrassed about it even today but it was the right thing at the time.

When visiting friends in the business (dealers and Independents) here and around the country, I can’t believe the cr@p that they put up with. It is inevitable that some don’t understand the two-way-street concept but the numbers seem to be going in the wrong direction. Some of this may be why Porsche sometimes distances itself from its customers. The few fools spoil it for everyone else.

Curt, when you run up against those, just smile and walk away. You might show then the $20K Cashier’s check made out to you that you put back in your pocket.

I agree with Pwlican busteif, this was the best for you. For less $ you can find a better car. The key is patients and perseverance. The more 911SCs you look at, the better skilled you will become recognizing quality and what you want.

I carry around a few $100 bills, a couple of small Cashier’s Checks and need to develop a revised version of this ” Purchase agreement”. When you find the right car you want to act right then but cover your derrière. Never buy anything without a PPI and good advice.

Good luck and hang in there. You will be rewarded.

Best,
Grady

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

money talks, bs walks.

You've been searching for an SC 2 years with a $19K budget and haven't found a car?!? Are you sure you really want to buy one? What in the world are you looking for? A Papal blessing?

Dixie · Dixie's Garage

It's not unique to Posrsches. Virtually all cars are over appraised, and over appreciated, by their owners. I suspect dealers handling trade-ins know this. It explains why they add a couple grand to the trade in, and then cover it by adding a couple grand to the price of the new car.

niner11 · 04-01-2006, 05:12 PM

For the most part dealers steal cars that are traded in. There are a few good articles out there written by undercover "salesman" that detail what goes on. I remember a link from OT that was insightful to say the least

Plecostomus · 04-01-2006, 05:43 PM

Much thanks again, everyone. It is alot of money for an SC and I will keep looking.
It hit me that this car doesn't even have a working A/C unit, in addition to zero upgrades. It was also only driven 9k miles in 15 years. I figured I'd have to "invest" $7,000 minimum into the car from the get-go. What was I thinking? (I wasn't!) .

As far as me spending alot for a nicer condition SC, I don't mind as long as it is in original, top cosmetic shape (Mechanical too, of course). When you're looking for this condition car and you see nothing but tired or molested cars, you realize its best just to pay the extra money since they seem to be in short supply.
I rarely see the one that I want (except for DB_NC_SC(Dave's)car) and a few other black SCs here and at Renn. Thank you all so much again for your thoughts,
Regards,

Curt

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Curt, someday when you have your car all these stories will add to the ownership experience. I had to deal with a few jerks when I was looking for my Carerra. One guy agreed to a deal by phone but then backed out before I could arrange to get down there to do a PPI. He claimed he decided he didn't want to sell. About a month later the car was back in Auto-trader. A local guy swore up and down he wouldn't take less than 22k for his beat up car. I told him I won't argue whether it was worth it but I wasn't paying that much and thanked him for his time. I later found that he sold it on flea-bay for under 17k. The third car I tried to buy was at a used dealer in TX. I talked price with him and told him I'd call back. The next day I called and he had just sold it! I started to wonder if God wanted me to have a 911! Then a miracle happened: my wife says "well, isn't there a car that you like in IN?" I told her yes but that it was more than we agreed I should pay. She says "well, if you want it, go get it"

That was 10/03 and the car has been a dream. I get tons of compliments on its condition (even at PCA meetings). I'm so glad I didn't settle for less.
Be patient. Hit all the websites daily. The right one will come.

masraum · 04-01-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Plecostomus
Much thanks again, everyone. It is alot of money for an SC and I will keep looking.
It hit me that this car doesn't even have a working A/C unit, in addition to zero upgrades. It was also only driven 9k miles in 15 years. I figured I'd have to "invest" $7,000 minimum into the car from the get-go. What was I thinking? (I wasn't!)

Yowza, no AC and 9k in 15yrs? For a $20k SC the car should have AC or should somehow else be special. If the car was only driven 9k in 15 years then it will likely need lots of work when you start driving it. When they aren't driven regularly they begin to decompose. It was a blessing that you didn't get this car. The guy selling it is a nut, but people almost always think there stuff is worth more than it really is.

Plecostomus · 04-01-2006, 06:53 PM

Joe- Your car is great. Congrats on finding it--I'm happy for you! Thanks for your thoughts.

Steve- And you're right. I'm sure it has decomposed to some degree sitting around like that. I have a feeling the seller wants to target a sucker. Thanks to you guys for educating me on the 911sc!

Curt