It is a buyers market, but only when dealing with a buyer that needs to sell. When I sold my last car, I essentially ignored buyers that had an offer in the first line of their email or buyers that seemed intent on comparing my asking price with a car that sold somewhere in the hinterlands for a sub-market value price. There are more important things to figure out first (condition, service history etc) before deciding to make an offer.

 

I agree. A prospective Porsche buyer should always ask questions about the condition, history of the car before jumping right to price. I don't mind occasionally low-balling a seller for some things, but certainly not for a Porsche. FWIW

 

I did. It's a nice example, however, it has 100k miles. In the low $30k's I think it represents a fair value, however, you must expect some maintenance. It was one of the first cars I looked at on my quest to purchase, and I didn't buy it because of its high mileage.

FYI - I ended up with a 40k mile, 2001 non-sunroof car out of NorCal for under $40k. GREAT PPI, and I am very happy with it. There are deals to be had out there and it is a buyers market.

I would agree that a known car, with a known history is better, but at some point the massive discount that can be achieved buy doing your own research and inspecting a car, is compelling. How else could one buy a supercar for essentially Honda Accord money. Crazy.

 

I will not negotiate over email...at least the initial negotiation.

First and foremost, I would use email to connect, and have a first conversation- during that call I would focus on the CAR, not the deal. Follow up if needed with emails for more info.

Then, ONCE YOU'VE ESTABLISHED WHAT IS FOR SALE (!!!) ie the condition, etc, then you can discuss price.

Also, NEVER burn a bridge.... My car was on the market for $109k. We spoke, seller was sadly over-priced, but I just politely said I would not be interested at that price. Seven months later I closed on it for $35k less.

Anyway, as pointed out above, qualified and serious buyers get lumped in with all the 'wannabe TT owners' who lowball sellers constantly. The idea is to separate yourself from them.

A

 

I agree with the comment re: higher mileage cars. The higher mileage cars, the bargain, will typically come with some sort of story that the owner may not be too eager to share. Not the case with all of them, but certainly with most. Meeyatch, your sig says you are on the quest for 200mph. I'm selling a turn key 200mph Texas Mile car. I'd be more than happy to provide any information you need.

Cheers.

 

Are you looking for any 996TT? Coupe, Cab? Condition, Distance? you have to factor all these to make an informed purchase.

Buying a 996TT is not easy, it took me a while to get mine, but I tell you I ditched all those crap listing everywhere, cheap cars on ebay, ridiculosly expensive cars on autotrader, local dealers (at least the ones in Houston who are arrogant and always high priced) and instead I put my effort in private cars from local (or close to me at least) meetings and 4-5 ubber reputable brokers, this brought in a car within 30 days...



maybe I could do a write up of my experience if there is enough interest.

 

Frissen, our cars look identical LOL! That is EXACTLY how mine looked when I got it.

 

I think 996TT's in Artic Silver a dime a dozen, hehehehe, this is how mine looks at the moment...

and I believe there is an identical one around here too, same wheels

 

The wheels look great. A set of H&R springs would finish it off nicely! ----------------------- Threadjack OVER.

 

+1 on "You get what you pay for" - I paid up to buy the color combo I wanted from a seller I trusted - All records, older owner, a collector of sorts with a handful of performance cars in his garage and all mods done at one very reputable shop. Obviously a PPI and asking the proper questions are invaluable, but IMO buying from a seller you trust is HUGE.

+1 on "If you smell sh?t, walk" - As much effort as you put into any of these cars, be willing to walk if something doesn't seem right. The $$$ and potential headache down the line simply aren't worth it.

+1 on "don't lead with a price discussion" - The key is the car, not the price. You have no idea what the car is worth within $10k until all of the details of the car are discussed/investigated. I have never lead with price from the buy side and would be hesitant to deal with a buyer who did so. (Accurate "Craigslist" comment from a previous poster)

Bottom line, there are great 996TTs out there. And you may be able to find a deal $5k better than the next guy. Chances are you have to pass on a few, it will take time, a little money up front (PPI, etc), and probably some travel too. But the process is enjoyable! Best of luck!

 

The 931 miles one is still listed for those looking for a time machine 996TT.

I also know of an ubber clean GT2 is that is what you need.

Just bring in the dough and you can have an ubber clean 996TT right now from a couple of searches I did.

 

Where are you searching?

 

net,

this is the 931 miles one


I see plenty sub 20k mile ones, a few sub 10k mile and a handful of 3k ones

 

This is basically an exact description of my transaction. Older gentleman, bone stock car, low miles, part of a "collection" amongst two Ferraris and another Porsche. I think may have paid a slight premium but a well kept car with a document history as people expect nowadays is going to command a slight premium and 9 times out of 10 it will get it.

 

Thank you, everyone. I appreciate the help and feedback.

Here is what I am looking for:

* 2002 - 2005 996 Twin Turbo (* The 2001 does not have a glovebox, and I want one. Seems small, but it would drive me nuts not to have one.)

* Any color EXCEPT Artic Silver, Guards Red, or Speed Yellow (* Silver is too common, red and yellow are too 'look at me'.)

* Mileage I am open to depending on the specific car.

* Documented service history (* I am legitimately O.C.D. and not having records for a car's history would drive me up the wall.)

* Budget is up to a max of $45k. At or below that is where I feel comfortable. Alot depends on the car, but that is where I still feel okay.

* MUST be a coupe.

* MUST be a 6-speed manual.

* Stock or modified does not matter. Again, this depends on the car.

* MUST have H.I.D. lights since I drive a lot of long night drives and need the brightness.

* Distance from home? Can be ANYWHERE in the country. I have gone all over the country to buy cars before, and enjoy taking a day or two to drive them home. My last couple of M3s came from Texas, my NSX from Illinois, and so on. I always have PPIs done on cars to curb my risk, so I will go anywhere for the right car.


Did I miss anything? Again, thank you all for your help and knowledge. It is appreciated.