You asked, if it was in very good condition with all books, manuals, at least 2 keys and service records and had been serviced properly I'd keep checking it out. It would need to pass a thorough walk around inspection inside and out and also under the chassis. No corrosion, no excessive road grime, salt damage, etc. or I'd keep looking. No evidence of paint damage or repair, improper jacking, etc. Check for all tools, compressor, spare, battery condition. Must pass a very thorough PPI also. If it all checks out, with a great interior, good tires and wheels, great paint and clear sparkly headlights, clean engine and bay, I'd offer $30,500.

That's in line with NADA average trade in price. I want better than average for average money. I'm basing this on buying 3 Porsches, all in near mint condition over the last few years and still have 2 of them. The seller can always say no and if the car is exceptional and one I'd be unlikely to come across in the next few weeks or months, I can always up my offer. My perspective is when shopping for a toy, don't be in a hurry and look at as many as possible. Get a feel for the market, what's around, and prices. Look long enough that the emotion of having a car right now is gone and you start being practical and can make rational decisions, almost like you are shopping for someone else.

I admit, I've not studied the market recently but I've always been able to buy the right car back of book and have stood by my buying decisions years later.

 

You must watch Pawn Stars all the time and think it's real. Buying a clean 996 Turbo for 30.5 k isn't going to happen unless the seller is really a fool.

 

That is a joke 30k = can not believe anyone would suggest it especially here. Have you looked at asking prices lately and yes I realize they are not prices gotten. I did a search on Auto trader 2001-2003 under 60k miles average over 50k,asking granted most were in 40s.These cars are going go up in value over the next few years no matter how much the naysayers balk. You get what you pay for read the discount buyers after purchase posts its a sad story lol.

 

Just shoot us all in the feet too.....

 

I knew my offer would ruffle some feathers, hence my explanation. KBB, as always much higher and used as a tool to justify asking high prices by vehicle dealers. Believe me, I wish one could not touch a car like that for $50K. Having the values go up and up is very good as far as I'm concerned.

Getting back to the OPs question, I feel I justified my offer with unquestionable substantiation, and as said before, the seller doesn't have to take it and I can keep looking and always up my offer.

 

Only an idiot or someone in dire financial need would continue the negotiation after an offer ridiculous as that.

 

Hey, I'm in the business, it happens more than you may think. NADA is a viable source, like it or not

Want some accurate sales figures? Check Manheim for wholesale and factor from there.

 

I know Manheim as well as you do I'm sure, all be it a long time since last visit. If your going to start using auction car pricing mentality then the conversation is over= the owners of these cars never cease to amaze me in sad ways. Wanted to add you of all people should know NADA goes out the window with these types of cars.

 

This is what Nick would offer and that would be fine. I wouldn't accept that offer unless I was desperate and referring to another recent thread, we probably wouldn't even be driving these cars if we were that tight on dough. That said, some folks might be or are going through a life style change that forces their hand, cash is king.

Never hurts to low ball, I would just hope that piece of information is vetted on the phone rather than wasting everyone's time on an unacceptable price (whatever that may be). This is the drawback of a private sale, tire kickers or those whose price points are dramatically different. When I am selling a car, I have it detailed up and tucked in the garage so its at its best for showing. Inevitably, I need to bail from work to show it in the hopes that I have a credible buyer-- JMO, KH

 

$44K seems like a fair price if it is in excellent condition. Value of these cars has been going up in the last year. Only downside I see is polished wheels. The B&M shifter and GIAC tune were quite popular mods 5-10 years ago, but there are much better options today.

Check NADA for 993 turbo prices and that should tell you just how accurate NADA is for these kinds of cars.

 

Why would someone come to an enthusiast site for a car they own and start suggesting low balling its counter productive and not real smart. Also there will come a time when you will want to sell your car and how would that type of attitude feel let alone the impact on the sale. I like being fair and only will offer a low figure when the car is in need of repairs etc. If people want to hear dealer bs they will go talk to a dealer. Its just ridiculous this is not the place to be bashing a car that you thought enough of to purchase. When I sell my car I will work with the person that shows me respect and make sure the price is fair or better. I went thru this with a house a few years ago and put my money where my mouth is and will do again before I listen to someone trying to steal from me.

 

Appreciate the responses so far, thanks.

Good news: After emailing the buyer a few times, I saw collection of pics and seller seems very meticulous and **** about this car. Seller is 40/50s year old professional and drives less than 5,000 miles/yr.

Up to date records of all service performed; some minor "repairs" he did himself. Also did a recent Blackstone oil analysis that shows the engine in good shape. My "vibe" from the seller is a positive one.

Bad news: Seller has someone out of state 2,000 miles who contacted seller before me, and who is trying to arrange a day to meet up and look at the car. Seller upfront and says this guy would get first dips, but I would be second in line. Personally I'm a little confused by this b/c shouldn't the person who firsts examines/drives the vehicle in person get the chance to make an offer, unless a buyer blindly puts down a deposit/accepted offer without even looking at the car?

Nonetheless I have appointment with seller to personally look at the vehicle this weekend.

To be honest it's RARE for a 996tt to be available local in my area, so I have to jump on this chance; last time a 996tt 6MT was available it was sold before I got to look at it. And I also figure I would save $1-2k in shipping costs if I get one out of state.

Re price: Seller has it listed at $44k OBO. If all is well and out of stater is no longer in picture, I'm thinking $38-39k (as those have who suggested) would be a fair initial offer, on par with Edmunds, and should not be an insulting offer.

I see quite a few 996tt on autotrader/cars.com at $43-$46k and they have been sitting for a few weeks/months. If possible, it would be helpful for those who have recently bought their 996tt to reveal their agreed to price. Thanks!

 

To me, this further indicates the seller's integrity and the fact that he's not desperate to sell. Yes, the first one in with money should "win", but when I have an out of town buyer, I give them a little more latitude.

Yes, I might get burned, but if I am also getting a good vibe from the buyer, I will also slow roll the locals. Especially if I know a ticket has already been purchased. KH

 

Opps, sorry, I didn't see this question, I bought my 2002 MT 25k miles 5 months ago for $47k

For me, it was the perfect color combo, in the right condition, with the mods I wanted anyway (actually more than I need, but that was OK):

PSS9s
X50 tips
EVO exhaust
EVO headers
SSK
GIAC tune

I might have paid full boat, but even if I found the same car for $42k (a steal) and it didn't have suspension, I would have been at the same price point. Hope this helps, KH

 

I agree. Seller's integrity is high here. I don't think he's listing the car for kicks and for the purpose of "flipping."

Variable here would be how serious the out of stater is.

His OBO price would suggest to me that he likely wants to sell, but at the right price. Question is what price. Even at $44k it seems to be a fair enough price for both parties if the car is in as good condition as I think it is.