Reading other posts on how many good used PCars are gone, I am hoping to find something before prices begin creeping up - or will they? Is the thought that prices may flatten or actually go down as gas prices increase and more cars come off lease? I can go on and on (the waffling part), so bear with me.

I had located a well equipped '06 Atlas C2S Coupe that I was getting ready to pull the trigger on, when I realized that maybe I don't like Atlas after all. After seeing more pics, AND a dirty Atlas, it really did not look that great. Also, I said to myself that Full Leather and Adaptive Sport Seats are a must and this car is minus the Seats on options. End of discussion.

The more I see white (pics and in person) the more it is growing on me. So, off I went to search for White used PCars.

Came across this equipped car that has all the options I want (some I don't, but their not that expensive). And, as usual, we Newbie's ask the Master's for advice and feedback on - $Price$. Where do you think the sweet spot is on a reasonable offer?

Here we go:
2007 C4S Coupe
Ask: $68,997
Mileage: 12,251
Color: White

2-Tone Full Leather Interior Adaptive Sport Seats Navigation for PCM Bose High End Sound Sport Chrono Plus Thicker Smooth Leather Steering Wheel Painted Rocker Panels Remote CD-Changer (6-disc) Floor Mats - Interior Color 5MM Wheel Spacers Heated Front Seats 19" Carerra Classic Wheel Self-Dimming Mirrors Rear Window Wiper Stainless Steel Exhaust Pipes Porsche Crest in Headrest Exterior Color Headlight Cleaner Cover Wheel Caps w/Colored Crest
Thanks to all.

 

I'm certainly no Master (more like little grasshopper), but I'd have to say that price is way to high. Even with the fear of good used car's selling fast, that price is to high. Did I mention I feel the price is to high? I'll hold off on stating what I feel that car is worth and let more of the experts chime in but I think that price is to high.

BTW, is it a dealer or PP?

 

I am in the hunt also, and I think that price is a little high, but not outrageous. That car is pretty well optioned, plus its a "4S". I think $63K is appropriate, but less would be better obviously. Dealer or private party makes a difference also. If its dealer, I'd make them CPO it first.

 

Thanks to you both. It is a P dealer. The car, however, is not CPO.

 

I have read several articles lately regarding Porsche AG's plans to curtail 911production in late Dec - early Jan of this year and next for some period of time in response to current economic conditions and their significantly slower car sales. This might suggest that with fewer new cars available used cars may become harder to find and more dearly priced particularly if said car is somewhat rare and/or well optioned. I don't have a crystal ball but might suggest that if you find the car of your dreams you remain flexible on your price particularly if you're set on certain must have options The ones you list as being must haves can't be that common given the extra $$'s that get added to the sticker price when you order them. I suspect that none of the program cars the dealers get come with these options which again would sigficantly limit their avaliabilty. Good luck on your search for your perfect Porsche.

 

Three months ago dealerships were more desperate to sell used cars . I'd wait.
Your car is overpriced and months ago when CPO numbers were down (instead of up) dealerships were less empowered .

If I over pay for a car .. it better be new . But I already have a Turbo and an M3 so I am not suffering. In fact in my case the satisfaction of walking away from the wrong car deal is almost as enjoyable as finding the right one.

Be patient.

 

Larry, your advice is helpful as always. You said you'd wait... but wait for what? Do you think that the market for used Pcars is going to get softer in a few months (after summer)?

If Porsche really cuts back production on new cars, I don't see how that won't put anything but upward pressure on the value of the cars that are already out there.

I really want a Pcar in my garage, but I want it be a smart decision (if buying a car can ever be considered a smart decision).

 

I have noticed a trend with high end cars where end of October, end of November , end of December are the best time to buy . The weather gets colder , holiday shopping diverts attention from personal gluttony ... cars sit on lots and dealerships get hungrier . Plus new models are mingled with leftovers . That's the time to buy.

Last year 2008 was like a frenzy of bargains because from October to December on top of this usual trend the stock market , real estate, banking confidence plunged and when most saw their statements drop -- high end retail in general dropped .

Lately the economy bounces back and forth and so do these Porsches . If by December media is sounding positive as lending recovers and the Dow climbs to 9k+ then these Porsches will even cost more but if the lows are re tested and the economy dwindles that 55K car will still be on the lot.


It's anyone's guess but I woiuld wait . Every day you don't buy the car you still have that savings and that buys a lot of peace of mind too .

 

I suspect that the Porsche used car market is nearing a bottom. But I don't see any recovery in sight. At least not in the near future. And I don't think that Porsche's actions of delaying or reducing 2010 models portends a change in any of this. I think they are reacting as quickly as they can to a very difficult market. But that doesn't mean they'll turn it around. More likely, they'll mitigate further degradation.
All this means that it is a very good time to buy a new or used one. And it will likely stay that way for some time. But holding out for yet lower prices is likely playing in the margin. When delaying your purchase with the hope of further market erosion, for a discretionary item such as a Porsche, you have to consider your time, and the time you could be enjoying the car versus the potential future savings.

 

Your reasoning and logic are sound, Larry. But Verde makes a great point. Maybe I could get the car I'm seeking for a few thousand less in the fall, but having it now and enjoying 3+ months of summer driving is probably worth $3 - $5K to me... that is if I can find the right car.

 

Larry:

Appreciate the perspective, although I am leaning towards comments made by Verde and Axxlrod. For me, the question is how much lower? If we're talking a few thousand, then in the scheme of things it isn't that significant, other than the point that you can save a few thousand. If we're talking closer to $10k savings over what is advertised today (used market), then it may pay to wait.

You hit the nail on the head when you say, "be patient"; that is not one of my strong attributes. I, like most, look for a PCar that hits the spot - options, color, miles, and price (ok, so maybe price should be first in the list). As a Newbie when I 'find the one' I look for reassurance from the Masters that say "thumbs up" or "thumbs down"; it causes discomfort (the patience thang) when it's "thumbs down".

If I overpay, I suspect I won't be the first or last, and overpay by a little 2-3k is something I guess I have to live with at the end of the day. I always think you'll find someone who paid less for the same vehicle. It comes down with how important the gotta have it factor is vs waiting just a bit longer.

 

I agree with them ( and you) too . The only reason why I didn't buy that car was because I already have a Porsche and still am not sure of who in my family will drive the replacement car for the Honda .

There also can be as much as a 6-10K disparity factoring in region and/or trade in as well as timing and market . A snapshot of today reveals a firmer market . Perhaps its that the CPO sales numbers were the ONLY positive piece of data for Porsche sales last month .

The car I drove BTW was nice . 61K was where it can be had and they were ready to CPO it with four new tires . It had nearly 10K miles and some nice optbions (power seats. bose , chrono. dimming lights) . It did not have full leather , ps2's, or classic wheels (it has sport design) . Plus the exhaust did not have the stainles tips . Some of thse cars in thelow 60's even have PSE but they also have more miles .

Look - today .. what it boils down to is the 55-65K range depending on dealer vs private sale as well as who needs money and who is willing to pay --and that's 10K .

Patience is best . I understand that there is an emotional component to the decision but there also is an amotional component of overpaying too. You must feel that the deal and everything about it is right . Then you will enjoy any car.