Who has had experiences with buying and/or selling through independent dealers. I am currently looking for a 996TT. I have never bought through an independent dealer and I guess I'm a little hesitant. It seems that a lot of these cars, even though they may look clean, there's usually no/little history with the car. My biggest fear is buying a lemon, however, I have seen a few cars that I would definitely be interested in. It's not as if they are ridiculously cheap, but appropriately priced, with some mild mods I would be interested in. I guess I'm just skeptical of how cars end up at indy dealers in the first place and if anyone has had any experience (good/bad) buying from one.

 

What's that old saying, "You turn them over and they all look the same"?

An 'indy' and a "Porsche dealer" are - for used cars- simply USED CAR LOTS. No different, just buying cheap and selling for whatever they can. The dealer sells a veneer of 'we stand behind it', but they really don't.

People that evaluate the salesman, or the item, based on the building or the 'other high end cars' or the smarmy attitude of the sales people are missing the point.

You are buying an item- by the item...don't trust anything ANY salesman SAYS.

Protect yourself, do your homework, GET A PPI, listen to what people here will tell you- get educated.

I much prefer a private party sale- remember, used car salesmen are superior liars as they practice every day.

 

What ard says.

 

I definitely prefer private party because you are buying something someone usually cares about. I guess I should go with my gut and pass on cars I don't get the warm fuzzies about. I don't like the idea of paying $200 unless I'm 100% sure I'd buy it. There have been a couple cars I have liked, but don't really want to spend money for a PPI just do get some info on the cars.

 

I had a good experience working with a local independent, high-end dealer near me in Orange County. They were able to get the history of the car I bought and helped with getting any issues I had with the car fixed before I closed the deal. I had looked at some private party cars, but noticed sometimes the owners were emotionally attached to what they were selling, and the price reflected it. On the other hand, you might be able to find a private party who really needs to unload their wheels.

 

I agree with the general thoughts here on this question -- however, I would say that one potential leverage with a dealer (that you wouldn't have with an independent) is that you have another avenue of complaint if the dealer really screws you. I'm not claiming that it's much leverage, but it may be better than nothing. For example, I have had experiences with dealers who care a lot about how the customer (I) will respond to the corporate survey on their service and the customer experience. Probably some incentive involved here from the manufacturer.

 

I have been doing this dance for some time now. In my dealings I have come across all sorts. Its amazing the lies a person can tell then try and back there way out of.

Like ARD said, do you home work and do not trust some salesmans lines. Even carfacts is just another salesmans tool. Carfacts is someones elses way of making money.

If you are going to commit then spend the $ on a more than your basic PPI no matter what someone tells you. You would be more then glad to be out $500 for a good PPI then buy something that would be worth many thousands less to everyone else if they do know the car has a history.

Leverage it with the dealer, tell them if this thing pass's I buy the car and pay for the PPI, if you are full of beans you keep the car and pay for it.

Some of these indy shops have some great cars, but remember they usually have them after paying someone else less money for them them making a profit, it is nice to find the guy selling it before he sells it to the indy for less.

 

I guess the little things bother me like seeing that the dealer is daily driving the car that I'm interested in. The car also supposedly has a GT3RS trans, which, although it seems like it would be a nice upgrade...makes me wonder if it was it replaced because the owner wanted the trans or because the stock one grenaded?

BTW, I'm not one to believe anything a salesman has to say...I guess I just have disposition that dealers usually end up with less than ideal cars....

 

Its a car, they are meant to be used, as long as it looks good and is being well kept then who cares... And if the tranny did grenade then you ended up with something even better. These cars are well made and robust and in the end you will never know what you are getting no matter what. Even a new car could be a lemon.

Google the vehicles serial number, it might surprise you what you can find out from that.

Cheers

 

Mine was great. "The car Depot" in Melbourne Fl. The car was very clean and kept inside at all times. Super nice people to deal with and they'll even buy you a car at an auction if you want to get a good deal.

 

A car dealer is a car dealer whether it's a Ferrari or an indy dealer and they are worth xxxx
A Porsche dealer is not any better then any indy and vice a versa and this is coming from a guy who has bought from both. You will be on your own, when and if it comes down to holding these low life's responsible.

Getting these guys to pay even $25 dolloars after the sale would be like pulling teeth out of Mike Tyson's mouth

Bottom line is, we the buyer has to do our own home work and make sure the car is what we want.

Some of the easy steps to buying successfully a used car are:

1)- Have another member familiar with the car go look at the car for you before you make a trip to buy it although it might not be of any help since he might not know what to look for.

2)- Have the dealer get you the service records.

3)- Have them do the paint meter prior to starting the PPI and never ever believe what they tell you about their own expertise blah blah. PASS ON THE VEHICLE IF THEY FAIL TO DO SO.

4)- Have them give you the report of PPI in writing so that you see what they have checked.

5)- Always bring some one else with you some one who is familiar with that particular model as a second set of eyes 'coz most of the times we get mesmerised when we see our dream cars in person.

6)- Get what you want even if that means you have to pay more for the vehicle.

7)- Never trust any car dealer, period.

 

Wait. GT3RS tranny replacement? Have you spent any time researching this? 15 minutes here, on renntech, with google ...it is amazing what you can learn about cars for sale.

You haven't posted about the car you are seeking...it is a good idea, usually people buying have already seen it and you will not get scooped. The info you get is balanced by the risk of scoop, so to speak.

Searching here, I found this:

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post3395705

 

Yea, that's the car. I followed that thread, but I think it was before I had seen the car and saw the OP ended up buying an M6. Looks like sometimes it just takes someone else to point out 2+2 for you....I guess that validates my concerns with the car as I thought pretty much the same things when I drove it. Visually it was ok, but I just had a feeling it has had a hard life. Even though that's not the right car for me, I think it would be even hard to buy from a dealer (of any sort, Porsche or not). I have plenty of experience buying used cars and have never even considered a dealer car, but there seems to be an abundance of TTs at dealers...

 

I'm going to have a look at these two:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=3

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2688440194.html

 

If you're balking on a $200 PPI (even for a couple to several candidate cars) you better think twice before buying a car that retailed close to $100,000. Just sayin'.