Thanks for all the relplies. Here is what I know about the car's condition:

- Front bumper cover has some minor dents and scatches
- Front chin spoiler absolutely needs replacement
- Driver's door has a noticeable scratch right below the door handle (about 2 inches long)
- Driver's side rear quarter panel has two noticeable scratches right on the top of the fender
- All four wheels have been refinished due to curb rash (currently appear perfect)
- Rear bumper has a few dents and dings
- The left rear tail light is cracked
- The hydraulic spoiler does not always function 100%

I know or at least is seams that this is a long list, but I am trying to get an idea of how much I should discount my offer for the above cosmetic and mechanical issues. Any thoughts? No other known issues at this point in time, but I do plan on getting a PPI. Thanks again!

 

If the current list doesn't sway you, I'd wait for the PPI before haggling because of issues. I say this because the owner likely won't be that happy negotiating price once again after the PPI.

 

If the cosmetic issues bother you you'll have to have a body shop look the car over and give you a quote for taking care of the cosmetic issues.

Front chin spoiler is around $400 at a dealer. There are cheaper units for sale from IIRC eBay. Quality/fit unknown (to me).

If the wheels required refinishing due to curb rash the alignment is suspect unless you know the car was aligned after the wheels were refinished.

Budget roughly $300 for this.

Rear tailight cracked. You better price this from a dealer. This can be an expensive item to replace.

New dealer installed spoiler runs $2K. Some have reworked the hydraulics and reported good (so far) results. There is a solid spoiler mount solution (threaded struts) on eBay. Not sure what is required to eliminate the warning light/message if the spoiler is rendered inoperable and fixed in an extended position.

I would be surprised if there are no some other issues say leaking water pump, or plugs are due, etc.

From the issues you posted, the car is in "fair" condition.

Adjust your offer price accordingly.

 

offer $50k

 

Spoiler fix could be as much as $2K.
Tail light is about $700, though 996 turbo tail lights have those two small cracks in them more often that not.
Chin spoiler $300
Scratches depend on how deep they are if they can be repaired or not. The rear quarter panel one would worry me the most because this is a big panel if respray is needed.
Front bumper chips/scratches are pretty much inevitable and would not really bother me assuming it is not excessive.

Assuming the scratches are not too unsightly, the only thing that would really worry me is the spoiler. This is your bargaining chip. Everything else is cosmetic and somewhat expected for a 12 year old car.

 

The idea is to look until you find the right car at the right price. I looked and waited until I found what made me happy all around. This is why I post the info. Why would I want to sell my car. Got a great car at a great price. Keep looking until you are very happy.

 

I wasn't implying you would want to sell. I was asking, if circumstances warranted you being "forced" to sell (business opportunity, real estate opportunity, divorce, medical issue, who knows why), would you be willing to take $40k? List it for "$41k firm" or something like that?

If not, and you would instead list your price more in line with the 996TT market, where would you anticipate listing for?

 

My car is a freak. It pulls like a bull has crazy options and my wife would never let me sell it. She actually likes this car, hates the 951; solid suspension is to raw for her. These 996tt are way under valued. New they were 150K+ and now they sell for 40-50K depending on the year and model. If you can get one in good shape cheap, buy as many as you can. This is my goal for now.

 

Keep looking, the car has many things you do not like. I have not see anything you do like. Again, keep looking until you find the one that is it. You will know when the car is the right fit for you.

 

please contact me first if so. I have $40k burning a hole in my Levi's.

 

I have a similar car... Bought about 2.5 years ago:

32K Miles
'04 TT x50
PCCB
Cab
3 owners
Carbon fiber package
Deviated stitching (yellow)
Yellow seat belts.
Sport seats
Heated seats

Paid $55K or so. Sticker was $162K.

 

Paid 37k for mine 38k miles. 03. Had some issues. Knock on wood car been runing great for 5months. I dont think 996tt. Will drop any lower. Im keeping this one forever. You cant get rid of something ive been dreaming for a decade

 

I might get flamed but i wouldn't offer more than 45k based on your list and here's why.
1. all those repairs can easily cost about 5k to fix the cosmetics; replacing lips, front bumper cover lights and scratches will add up. Plus your time for going through all the hassle.
2. from the sounds of it, the car was probably not taken care of as it should or the owner parked it where ever. I'm picky about where I park because I don't want others to damage my car. Curb Rash, bumper scratches and dings etc., are a signs of city life parking, I live in the NYC area so I know.
3. if the guy didn't take great care of the body, chances are he didn't take great care of the motor, just guessing. But don't buy the car without a PPI.

Good luck

 

Hey OP - I'm local to you and would be more than happy to get together so you can check out mine and see what a really well-cared for car is like. It's not for sale (well, everything I own is for sale at the right price), but it might help you focus a little more and realize these cars are not something you should settle for - get the right car with the right stuff and pay a fair amount. Like rmc said - lots of guys brag about what a great deal they got, but many times those are followed up with a ton of issues and heartache (and empty wallets).

Worst case is I get to drive my car around to meet up, we both make a new friend, and life goes on. Let me know where you are in DFW and if you want to check it out. I can also recommend some top notch places for a PPI if you get that far.

Thanks,

Todd

 

The car should be in better condition with those miles and agree it was not taken care of properly.