Hi all,

[in a cliche voice]

First time poster, long time reader.

[end cliche voice]


Im finally ready to purchase my first Porsche (2006 C4S tip with ~30k miles) and am in need of some advice. Ive covered most of my bases already in my initial contact with the dealer (thanks for all the useful info you guys have posted), but I ran across some not so standard responses from the seller.

First, Im buying the car out of state, I asked the dealer what the procedure was for getting a PPI. His response was we allow it but not at a Porsche dealership. He said that since they are a competitor, he doesnt want his cars going there for PPIs, and that that was the only restriction.

Now, is this normal? I can understand the competitor relationship, but Ive checked the inventory at the nearby Porsche dealer, and they dont have anything I want in my price range. I made that clear to him and he said that doesnt matter.

Also, can anyone reccomend any good reputable places to get PPIs in the DC area?

Second, what do you guys think of an aftermarket install of a Pioneer touchscreen nav system to replace the stock nav? Is there anything I should watch out for in aftermarket installs of this sort?

Lastly, I believe that $52k is high for this car. He said his price is very aggressive. I think the car is probably worth in the mid 40's. Is this a correct assessment? not having seen the car in person yet, I cant give specifics about leather, paint, wheels, etc.

Some highlights of the car: sport chrono, heated seats, auto dimming mirrors, parking assist system, bose audio package.

Thanks in advance!

 

Hi.

As for price - make an offer. You can either play the back and forth low offer, high counter offer, etc. or can pick a number and stick to it - willing to walk. I recommend the latter as it saves time, hassle, and represents how you value the car.

IMO he should let you have the car taken anywhere within reasonable proximity. I'd be suspect that the other dealer knows about some sore spot with the car. I recommend you call that other Porsche dealer's service manager and ask if they'd run a VIN check for service history and if they know anything about that car.

 

Red flag! Red flag!

 

Dont think $52k is high for a non-abused car. GLWP.

 

An update.

I called the closest Porsche dealership to the dealer thats selling this car and ran a VIN check (Thanks Taylorcoleman for the idea).

There isnt much history of this car at the dealership, besides that it was a CPO from that dealership and had the following things done to it.

emissions test
visor replaced
repaired a wheel
front bumper repainted

Also I just saw a post about an aftermarket pioneer nav install. Seems like the owner (SocalSteve) liked it.

Thanks for info so far

 

There are a few private shops on Long Island that are reputable, tune Porsches (auto-x, HPDE, etc.) and can do the PPI. Maybe there is someone similar in the DC area? PCA is a good resource.

As a frame of reference, I purchased my '06 C2 (non-S) with 29K on the clock, sports/chrono, heated seats, and a few other options for a tad under $50k last April.

One last word of caution, I can see that you have already been bitten by the mod bug (the after market nav). Be careful, it is a slippery slope. I started with just changing the side markers to the clear euro ones. Now I am looking into a IPD plenum, fabspeed cats and x-pipe and new wheels. LOL

I see you are in Boston. "Gloves" is a user on this board from the Boston area. He may be able to help out too!

 

Why would you let the dealer dictate where you can take it for a PPI when you're paying for it? He has an interested buyer - his insecurities about his competitor are of no concern to you whatsoever. Once you have the final final numbers set, pending the PPI, then take it where you feel will do the best job. If he says no way no how can you go to the Porsche dealer, tell him to take a flying leap and walk away.

 

Sure, no problem.

Let me make sure I understand this...

This prospective car is at Dealership B
Dealership B said take it for a PPI anywhere but Dealership A
You contacted Dealership A to run a VIN service history
You discovered from Dealership A that:
1) The car had been sold by them CPO
2) Replaced visor, wheel repair, and front bumper spray

I have at least 2 concerns:
1) the prior owner likely traded in the car to Dealership B versus doing the same at the original Dealership A where they bought it. It's certainly possible Dealership B had the better trade-in price and or the right car that it was traded for, but...I think it's unusual that Dealership A did not take that car back in on trade.

2) sounds as if the car was in a minor front-end crash given the service history you mentioned. Porsche dealers typically don't do bodywork. If you take a car to a bodyshop for even modest repair Carfax and other sources pick up on it and report as an accident. I suspect Dealership A did some non-standard work to repair the crash damage without it being reported as a crashed car. You ran a Carfax, right?

A healthy dose of skepticism can go a long way to helping you find the right car with the fewest amount of problems.

Seems as if the whole story is not out on this possible "story" car.

With that said, it could be in fine shape, but I'd spend a little more on a more thorough PPI.

 

Anywhere you do a PPI, be sure to meter the paint. Possible they painted fenders as well. Or perhaps the bumper was only cosmetic. Porsche dealers are the easiest; the "stealer" is consistent and the PPI will be backed up by the brand. Any indi may to a good job, but you had better know who it is and trust them with your 50 grand! Oh, and good luck finding someone other than a dealer to run the DME.

 

Ridiculous! I would not purchase the car on that stipulation alone!



"His response was we allow it but not at a Porsche dealership. He said that since they are a competitor, he doesnt want his cars going there for PPIs, and that that was the only restriction."

 

Red flag ! Never agree to that. Take it to the dealer for PPI.

Also never put down a deposit before PPI.

Finally - I would not buy a tip, PDK is so much better. If you are okay with the tip, the car should be at a solid discount.

 

Amazing that an 07 4S WITH A TIP, could command $63k...

 

Excellent advice! I'm in a similar situation but would never buy a tip unless it was an 09' or newer. Good luck with your negotiations and happy hunting.

 

Bingo !!!!!!!!
Just that alone is enough to walk.

 

PS . Good advice Taylor.

Question to the OP -
Is this the car ?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false