Hi all,

I have been lurking here for some time, gaining valuable information from your posts - it has been incredibly helpful!

I am looking to possibly get my first Porsche, a 2012 991, through CARMAX. It has 8k miles (one owner) and about two years left on the factory warranty. I had a local dealer run the VIN so I could review the warranty history and verify the remaining warranty. Other than campaign updates, the only warranty work was to fix the B pillar trim and the sunroof (noise/squeaks issues). CARFAX shows nothing significant.

I will have it inspected by a local Porsche dealer after purchase (asap, before the 5 day return policy is up - CARMAX doesn't allow 3rd party inspections before purchase but does have a 5 day return policy apparently). The car is in the process of being transferred to my local CARMAX so I haven't even had a chance to test drive it yet.

What are your thoughts on the need for an extended warranty? I've heard good things about CARMAX's extended warranty but with two years left on the factory warranty (and assuming a good report from the PPI I will have a dealer do) is it really worth the cost? (Something like $2700 for 5 years, 60k miles, $100 deductable I think). I've bought nothing but new cars over the past 20 years - maintained them well, kept them for years and never had an extended warranty before (or needed one). But this will be the first time I have ever bought a 'used' car. I am also wondering about the reliability of a first-year model, although two years left of the factory warranty might mitigate that somewhat.

I have owned Corvettes over the past 15 years (a C5 and a C6) and this would be my first Porsche. I've always wanted a 911. The one I am looking at is a nicely equipped 911S coupe.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

 

read Doug Demuro's blog (offshoot of Jalopnik) about his experience with a Range Rover and the CARMAX warranty - WORTH EVERY PENNY.

 

If it were me with 2 years left on the factory warranty, I wouldn't buy an extended warranty. I think the calculation of buying extended warranties versus the actual cost of repairs over one's lifetime would tilt heavily toward costing much more in warranties than repairs. I do understand the consideration of having an extended on such an expensive car, but I would be one roll to the dice.

Good luck on the purchase.

 

If you decide to go the warranty route it may paid to actually go to a porsche dealer and make a offer on a cpo. Every 911 I saw at carmax had curb rash on the rims.

 

Depends on how long you plan to keep the car and how many miles you plan to do.
I can't speak to the CarMax warranty, but extended warranties have saved me a small fortune in the past.

With the way these cars are being put together there is now so much electronic gadgetry, that one issue will probably pay for itself.

I see it as an insurance policy.

It is a 991 or 997? I ask because 2012 had both models.

 

It's a 991.

 

I thought about that. This one kind of jumped out at me because of the low miles and remaining warranty (and the options it had). If this one doesn't work out (PPI finds stuff or when I see it in person it has obvious drawbacks) then I may look closer at CPO.

Curb rash does alarm me, though! Guess I will find out soon!

 

Yes, I have to admit that article did somewhat influence me to take a closer look at CARMAX and its extended warranty. Although I am wondering if Porsche reliability is much greater than that of Range Rover?

That is exactly the thinking I am wrestling with.

 

Curb rash is fixed easy.
There are lots of OEM Take-Off wheels for sale cheap.
So that is the least of your worries but certianly grounds for a discount if discovered.
Do thoroughly check everything else though.

 

Earlier this year I bought a preowned 2012 991 with about 8K miles. I went through the same decision as you to buy an extended warranty or not. I bought mine from a P dealer. They offered to CPO the car for $2400. Since I only drive mine about 4000 miles per year, I decided not to get it at this time. The dealer told me he will CPO the car for me anytime prior to the expiration of the original warranty at cost. I think that was helpful for my decision.

My prior 911 was a 996TT that I bought from a friend. The dealer and my indy mechanic both said for the cost of the extended warranty it would take a lot of repairs to recoup the cost of the warranty. Again, I never bought it and never had issues, only normal maintenance.

Good luck with purchase.