Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get some of the group’s collective wisdom on a potential purchase.

Looking to buy my first P-car, C2 coupe (997.1 or .2), manual transmission. It would mostly be used as a daily driver, approximately 8-10K miles / year, and I plan on keeping it for a while. At some point I would love to attend DE and maybe track the car too. I live in Miami, so I don’t need it to drive in the snow, etc.

I’m currently looking at a 2006 C2 Coupe, manual transmission, 50K miles. Carrera White with blue interior. One owner. Asking price $41K.

As far as I can tell the extras/options are: Bose, Memory seats, ?PSE (button with picture of exhaust tips), clear bra, maybe full leather.

Outside the car looks relatively clean with some chips on the front bumper and a few spots of curb rash on the wheels. The tires seem relatively new. The inside is in very good condition (better than others I’ve looked at with even less miles). No accidents according to Autocheck (FWIW).

I don’t see service records, but gave the VIN to a dealer, who informed me it had yearly service from 13K miles (2007) to 46K miles (2011), and no red flags came up at the last service. I would not buy the car without having PPI/DME done first.

The car is pretty much what I’ve been looking for (White with non-light color interior), with the exception of mileage.

My budget can go about as high 55K, but with a growing family spending closer to 40K is much more appealing.

I wouldn’t buy the car without a PPI first, but I wanted to get some opinions, especially from those of you with cars in this mileage range:

-what is a fair price for this car?
-will any savings on the purchase price be offset by upcoming maintenance required on a car of this mileage (the dealer mentioned drive belt and spark plugs among other things and I have no idea how soon it will need a new clutch). Would I be better off looking for an 07-09 with lower miles?

Thanks in advance guys (and gals?)
JCGMS

 

As long as everything with records/PPI etc check out I think price wise, something closer to $37k would be a better deal considering year option and miles

My opinion is going for one with lower miles, especially if you're putting 12k miles a year, as you'll be at 75k miles within 2 yrs....I would highly suggest finding a CPO car with under 35k miles if you can manage the extra cost upfront

 

A newer model year is 'almost' always better when looking for a used Porsche. If you can get into a 2009 for instance you'll have DFI, a few more ponies and subtle interior/exterior changes.

Unless the car you mentioned is exceptional I think 41K is too much for a non 'S' 2006 w/ 50K miles. If said car carries a factory warranty and/or CPO I'd go mid to hi thirties.

Patience is a virtue when looking for a used Porsche. I'd suggest buying one w/ some factory warranty left and if possible a CPO.

GL on your quest.

 

If you want a conection at Ft Meyers Porsche PM me... You tell them what you want and can do all your dealings by phone (internet saleman) and then if something is interesting drive up. This is how I got mine and I was over 1200 miles away. They held the car and never even ran my CC I gave them as a depo.. As stated , take your time because something better always comes along.

 

Thanks for the replies. To be honest I hadn't even been searching for any cars over 35K miles but came across this one by accident. It's really the price that has me intrigued with this car - I know you pay for what you get, but this car looked to be (superficially) in really good condition. Also, in the grand scheme of things 50,000 miles really isn't that many for a modern automobile....

In either case, my gut confirms what you guys have all suggested - probably better to be patient and wait for a fresher specimen.

Out of curiosity though, does anyone have access to what an auction\wholesale price would be for this car? If it really is down in the mid 30's it may be worth more consideration.

 

Cerbomark - I can't PM given my low post count. Would be great if you could PM me instead. Thanks!

 

Data point for you. In November, wholesale on my 2005 C2S, fully loaded, PCCBs (which don't add much buying second hand) and 50K miles was $36K. It is in excellent condition. Car could be sold private party, at $37K. I have NO dellusions of grandeur, but the car is worth what it is at time of transaction. Good luck with your search. How do I know? I went to Carmax to see what they would give me.

 

Well, I have '06 C2 with 56k miles now and I would not sell it for under $40k.

If you can - get a 997.2 car that still has factory warranty left. 997.1 with no warranty is cheaper but you may get bitten hard if you will have to do any major repairs. Best strategy is to get a car with a bit of any warranty left so you could fix issues previous owner could be negligent about

 

PM sent...

 

+1 on the 2009 and higher purchase and CPO. Good luck on the search. I do own a white C2S with black interior and its a great color combo. -B

 

Received...thanks again.