Turns out the car does indeed have the 305 rear tires (despite the window sticker stating 295). As well as PASM which you guys confirmed (is it activated by the shock symbol button?) What was a major plus for me, is that since the car was purchased pre-owned (with only 1K on the clock at the time), it came with the extended Porsche warranty. The owner is not sure what the length is, nor whether it is transferable. I imagine it is 6 yrs/100K miles or thereabouts? And is it indeed transferable to a new owner? Should be IMO…

 

The sound of the sport exhaust is like no other I’ve ever heard of. So sinister yet sweet! Definitely a worthwhile option. Ditto for the sport shifter, nice short and notchy throws, like butter. The Bose sound system was nice, but nothing worth paying extra IMO if new. For the same money one can do much better with aftermarket solutions, especially if you are an audiophile.

 

Asking price is in low $70s, and with the subtraction of the rim/tire issues, I figure it may end up being a nice round number, which I cannot hope to find in a dealership near you. Even if new ones are discounted as greatly as you guys seem to indicate (say $10K), the differential still remains too large for me to favor the brand new one. The extended warranty of this car is of great value to me, I am not the person that gets a new itch often and can see myself keeping this car for the long haul. I feel this baby screams for some more cosmetic TLC, and definitely for someone to drive her like she was meant to be (owner mentioned he would generally drive the C4S in good weather only to the neighboring ice cream parlor with his son for a weekend father-dad treat).

 

A little bit about my background and why I am looking for a C4S versus other alternatives, since you guys asked. I am a huge car buff, my European heritage has left a deep mark in my desire to drive and own anything that is German. I follow racing like a fanatic, mostly F1, been to many circuits, and can post pictures of myself and many of the F1 drivers face to face, thanks to a good friend of mine who is the Chief Technical Officer of an F1 team.

 

I currently have a highly modified E39 M5, with a bunch of aftermarket stuff (mostly Dinan but others too), including big brake kit, short shift kit, full exhaust (headers through end mufflers), software, suspension, cold air intake, clutch, tech, audio and other (generally small) cosmetic upgrades. I’ve ‘pushed’ the car to the limits its stellar naturally aspirated engine can handle. Have had it for years, the new M5 just doesn’t do it for me, mostly because of the Bangle looks, and the SMG puts me off.

 

Despite the dealer giving me $12K off a 6-spd E60 M5 (manuals only a US option), I just couldn’t do. Spent lots of hours, effort, emotion, love (and money of course) on my current M5 that for all these years it has been almost infathomable for me to part with her.

I considered for the longest time the RS4 as a worthy replacement for the venerable M5, but despite the great character, the car left me wanting more (little low end torque, nose [and overall] heavy feel, somewhat dated interior, and new platform being already released making this one ‘morally’ old).

 

Had I gone for the RS4, the M5 had to be let go. With the C4S, the M5 can be the practical car (never thought I’d live the day I’s say an M5 can be practical ).

Sorry for the long series of posts, hopefully I addressed other peoples questions. And thanks in advance for answering the few remaining questions I have, really hope to join this great family.

 

Having searched this board now for several days, I have to say I really enjoy the maturity of the members, overall comraderie, and knowledge sharing. Very very similar to the M5Board, but nothing like many Audi and M3 forums which often are trolled to extremes, and discussions often can gravitate over topics like ‘my car is better than your car’. Look forward to being accepted in a new family circle.

 

If you can break 70K on this car and it checks out clean --my vote is buy it !

Just a caveat on the preowned "Porsche warranty" --it has a few different conditions and coverage than the original factory warranty.

Nonethess you are taken by many features of the car and the miles are low . The only aspect that flags my skepticism is that two owners are bailing on that car with less than 10K miles . The first owner with only 1K miles. Do make sure that you have it completely checked out.

 

Indeed, I will have the car inspected by a very respectable third party shop that has done a lot of my mods, that is also a well known Porsche tuner. Or would you suggest I have the dealer inspect it? I really trust the former, with the latter I have no control over how detailed of an inspection the dealer will perform...

 

Also, can you please expand (or point me) to where I can read the fine print on the differences between the standard and extended warranty?

In terms of ownership, the original owner let the car go allegedly (this is what dealer told current owner) due ot financial difficulties (or overstretching). Current owner seems to have enjoyed it as much as he needed, and feels the cash is better placed elsewhere. He is visibly in no need to sell it, but feels given how little he uses it the opportunity cost of keeping it all locked up just doesn't make sense.

 

1) The inspection -- I have only bought a used Porsche once and it was from a dealership . Someone else on the thread had mentioned a "CPO" inspection but it seems like you car already had one done at 1K miles . You question of whether it's transferrable is the same as mine . I don't know and I won't guess . If you can't get your answer here you could call Porsche Customer Relations and ask them . Here's the number -
http://www.consumeraction.gov/carman.shtml

If you still can;t get the answer -- have the car inspected by both . The most you lose is time and a few dollars to protect your 70K investment . It covers all bases with two opinions.

2) The original factory warranty covers "bumper to bumper" . The way it was informally explained to me was that after the factory warranty expires the "Porsche warrranty" kicks in . It was also expressed that within the fine print there are specifics which are not covered in both .

It does make sense though . A "certified" Porsche has added pricing but it's NOT as high as if an original owner bought an extended warranty at the Porsche dealership .

Again the specifics are worth asking . Since I don't keep any of my cars more than 2 years (figuring 3yrs on my current Turbo) I don't have these answers but I do feel that asking the right questions is half the task and I hope that much helps you.

 

Regarding CPO warranty -- . Look at this thread on 6speed . https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/....php?p=1680564

Another question --If that car was CPO certified it had to have been done at a Porsche dealership. I wonder why they would CPO a car with only 1K miles?

I do wonder why the first owner got out so soon. Someone fell in love with that car and maybe he really had a valid reason to sell it but I would have the car inspected by both .
If this car does check out --you'll be glad you did the homework .

I hope it does and wish you well.

 

THE BACK of the C 4S alone is worth the extra $$ alone.

 

I ran the carfax report, everything checked out and confirmed owner's statements, EXCEPT that under the VIN # in the CarFax report the car shows as a S, not 4S. I have the window sticker, clearly states 4S (and under the detailed breakdown states full time awd), as do the decals on the doors/trunk (which of course can be placed later). I honestly think this is a carfax blunder, but I have opened a case with their department just to be sure.