etiquette for inquiring about a car (sc) that isn't for sale

Supergranule · 07-28-2006, 10:17 PM

While riding my bike the other day, I saw a 911sc sitting outside that I haven't seen around. The tail lights were removed, as were the rings around the headlights, and I'm pretty sure a piece was missing from the front bumper. The paint isn't in great shape and the hood had some horrible touch up job. I think there were some other things about it, but I don't recall them(only looked it over briefly). I did glance inside and the interior looked pretty nice and the odo reads 37xxx miles. Oh, and I don't recall seeing a license place. This really got my attention because I have a 71 T that may be a lost cause, but I have been looking for a candidate to backdate with the parts I have. There was no for sale sign, but I plan on asking the owner about the car with the intention of buying it. Any tips on how to ask something like this without sounding like a jerk/nuisance? I Basically I was just planning on introducing myself, ask him about the car, and if he was or would be interested in selling it. If he isn't there, what do you guys think about leaving a note for him in his mailbox? I'll try to get some pics of the car if the owner is cool with it.

DW SD · 07-29-2006, 05:10 AM

Be polite....And just ask. Expect him to say no.

"Don't ask.....don't get" is something I remind my sales team.
I'd follow up in person, if it is convenient, rather than leaving a note.

Doug

Panzer909 · Panzer909's Garage

Yep - you'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Wait for an opportunity to approach him in person and mention the car that you're currently working on. You might be pleasantly suprised. Thw worst thing that happens is him saying "no".

89911 · 07-29-2006, 06:03 AM

Make him an offer he "he can't refuse"!

Blanco · 07-29-2006, 08:51 AM

could be another barnyard find... hmmmm

SandyI · 07-29-2006, 08:59 AM

You could put a note under the windshield wiper -- "Great car. Ever thought of selling it?" Sign it and leave your phone number. If he's interested in selling, he calls you. If he isn't, he tosses the note away.

(Just wondering... why wouldn't you assume the car's mechanicals will be as bad or worse than the cosmetics? I mean, as you describe it, the car sounds like a total wreck.)

Cory M · 07-29-2006, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Make him an offer he "he can't refuse"!

SLO-BOB · 07-29-2006, 09:40 AM

I've bought two cars by placing a note under the windshield. They were not for sale to the best of my knowledge.

mca · 07-29-2006, 09:50 AM

I had a 72 Landrover Series III that was pretty tip top.

I would routinely find notes on the car from people interested in buying it (in fact, people would shout at me on the highway asking me if it was for sale - happend twice).

I was flattered by the notes and tucked each one away in a folder so that I would have them readily available when it came time to sell.

livi · 07-29-2006, 10:03 AM

Why would asking be considered rude ? If anything, the owner would feel proud.

Question is rather - how to present ones interest without seeming too interested and immediately give the owner an upper hand comes negotiations.

ewave · 07-29-2006, 10:30 AM

Ask him: "How much for your wife and kids too?"

nigel911 · nigel911's Garage

You never know, if you take the wife and kids he may cut you a deal on the car.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Def ask but be prepared for the jerks that aren't going to sell but want to jerk your chain by replying "what would you give me for it?" and then turning down whatever you offer so that he can brag about what his car is worth. I would ask him if he had a number in mind and if he shrugs and says not really then start low.

cab83_750 · 07-29-2006, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ewave
Ask him: "How much for your wife and kids too?"

My new co-worker offered me $60,000.00 to steal his wife away. And this is not a joke!

Too bad she's an ugmo!..

cab83_750 · 07-29-2006, 11:41 AM

Back to the etqt:

I often get notes on my windshield and just toss them away. However, if I were to leave a note, what I would do is to take a picture of my car, and on the back write....."Nice car you have. This pic is my car. We share the same taste. I live next door and if you want to sell it, call me at (310) 555...."

Panzer909 · Panzer909's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by cab83_750
My new co-worker offered me $60,000.00 to steal his wife away. And this is not a joke!

Too bad she's an ugmo!..

There's gotta be a story behind that one! Whoa.

johnnyo · 07-30-2006, 05:26 AM

THe way I would approach it is explain that you noticed the car and need a project to keep busy and also always wanted a Porsche but could never afford one, in this way you've established interest at the same time telling him that its a project car he knows that your price limit is affected by the condition of the car, and gives you better negotiating posture, good luck and make the move, let us know how it turns out, Johnny O

wahoofan · 07-30-2006, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Por_sha911
"be prepared for the jerks that aren't going to sell but want to jerk your chain by replying "what would you give me for it?" and then turning down whatever you offer so that he can brag about what his car is worth. I would ask him if he had a number in mind and if he shrugs and says not really then start low.

Just because someone understands the art of negotiation doesn't make them a "jerk." No way do I name a starting price if someone approaches me to buy something that's not for sale.

BTW - My main occupation is as a real estate investor, and only 2 of my 7 properties were actually "for sale" when I bought them. It doesn't hurt to ask!

Jim2 · Jim2's Garage

Don't hesitate, just go ask. I've bought a couple cars and a house this way, prices were fair. The latest car inquiry was for a friend of a friend who wanted a 911. We looked at few 911s which were questionable and overpriced for their condition. Having noticed some old people at the end of my block with a plate-less Carerra sitting in their garage, I went and asked. It was a gift to the mother from her son who worked in Japan. He shipped the car over. On her first drive a large clump of dirt came off a dump truck and smashed a 4 inch circle in the windshield. It scared the old gal so bad she never drove the car again.

They contacted the son and a deal was struck with my friend. A premium condition Japanese (Euro spec) left hand drive 86 Carerra in white with 95K Kms, black leather interior with sport seats, 100% original! Price was less than all the junk we had looked at previously.

Go ask before someone else does!

Jim

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Wahoo: Sorry if I offended you. It seems like you took my statement a little too personally. The operative phrases are:
"that aren't going to sell" (I think that should read "who aren't..") and
"so that he can brag about what his car is worth"
I like a to get a good deal just like everyone else. I just don't want to waste my time. I had a bozo verbally agree to sell me a car (advertised for sale) at a set price but then avoided my calls when I tried to arrange to come get it. I wasted two days until I finally cornered him and he admitted he wasn't going to sell.
Supergranule: Like I said up front, ask but if the person doesn't show any interest in selling move on.