Hi Everyone,

Although I haven't been a regular poster, I've enjoyed reading the forum all these past 5 years. I learned a lot.

However, my knees have deteriorated to the point that driving my 997.2 C4S CAB is not enjoyable as it used to be, so I'm looking to sell it.

I'm fairly busy with work + medical problems, so when I took the 911 to the dealership for annual maintenance I asked them for a dealer quote and they gave me $51K. I realize they would then sell at a proft after a sales commission, etc and I could get a higher price selling direct, but the question is, do I have the time?

Now to the car: 2009 C4S Cab PDK, Ruby Red Mettalic, Sand Beige Leather interior:

• Bought it CPO in 2010, it's a 2009, still has 2 years of warranty (I believe).
• Was at 9k miles when bought, it has close to 36k miles now - had been my daily driver until last December when I switched to a mid-sized SUV that's more comfortable. Never tracked (I used the PSDS cars for that :-) )
• Bought the car for $89K + taxes
• Car is loaded, only options it didn't have was multifunction steering wheel and voice-activation. Original owner had window tinting done as dealer-installed option when new.
• I added MK steering wheel, aspheric mirrors, Smart-Top controller, European clear side running lights
• In very good condition. Shows some slight wear and a couple of dings, but still very much a looker and great runner.

What I'm interested in are consensus on:


-What would be a good sell-to-dealer price. I would assume mid-$50's, not $51 as offered?
-What could I get selling direct to an individual as a private sale?


I did a quick search on Porsche.com used car website within 1,000 miles of my zip code, and only 3-4 comparable cars came up. None were as well appointed but had lower mileage (10's K miles), and were going in the $60k's.


Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Not looking to get rich, just trying to get a fair price on a quick transaction.


Best,

 

I think you are right, probably $54-55K from a dealer and low 60's from a PP, but we can give you a better idea if you can you provide the original sales price and complete list of options. Pricing seems to be heavily weighted by mileage, but your CPO will help you here. Definitely sell with some remaining warranty to minimize your depreciation.

 

Having looked at a LOT of 2009 C4S Cabrio's earlier this year, I would say if the car has 2yrs of CPO warranty left, decent options, maintenance up to date, and reasonable tire tread left you should be able to sell privately in the mid 60's. $51k for a dealer buy is way too low.

 

Definitely mid 60's. The dealer is trying to clear a nice 10K profit on your car. Good luck with the sale and the knees.

 

$64 to $66k. Post it here and you may be able to get a buyer. GLWS.

 

If pristine, your car is worth mid $60s tops, retail. From a dealer I'd expect $58K on a trade, although they may offer $55K. Preempt that with "don't even think mid 50s".

 

I think trying to get full retail from a Private Party sale is unrealistic. You are not a dealer and don't have the overhead they do. Also, full retail assumes the maintenance is all current and any problems have been fixed. If a Private Party offers you high $50's to low $60's, then you may have some thinking to do. Selling a car private party is a pain in the butt. Lots of emails, calls, tire kickers, etc. What is all that hassle worth to you? The higher your price, the more of this you have to deal with. It's been my experience that cars that sell quickly usually do so because they are priced fairly to begin with.


Sean

 

Go to autotrader and look at comparable cars to get an idea, maybe even post an add on there... That is how I found mine.

 

The mileage and the dings are probably the biggest marks against the car. Color while very nice also may mean it spends a little longer on the lot than compared to a grey or black car. What kind of condtion are the tires in?

 

I concur with Sean. I sold my 997 (non-S coupe) last year and only because I priced it well, basically halfway between wholesale and retail. OK, closer to wholesale. But that's what it takes these days unless you have a lot of patience and a little bit of luck.

We all love to bash on dealers, but they're going to spend a minimum of a few hundred dollars fixing the paint, curb rash, interior blemishes, etc. and then maybe another thousand or two if tires are needed, deferred maintenance, etc. Adding to that, they need to make a profit to keep the lights on, pay salaries, rent on the building, pay interest on the floor plan and give us all a place to go try out new toys. So if they mark it up 10K and end up making $5K profit on the car, that's really not so bad. And that color - although I personally love it and it's my favorite - is going to be a slow sale.

It's up to the OP how much time and effort he wants to put into it. I'd suggest that their offer is just that, an offer. Counter with something a bit more to your liking, and if they want the car, they'll take it. Otherwise, take some really good pictures, write up a good description and put it on eBay at no reserve.


.

 

I was just in the market for a 997. Happy to say I bought a 997.1 4S cab!

I researched the markets in-depth for both a 997.1 and .2. Part of my research included, having a friend search the major auto auctions, both here in Canada and USA, to give me an idea on pricing. Unfortunately, there are very few of them for sale at the auctions, so retail sites is where I gathered most my pricing from. I also modeled pricing looking at lease buy out rates and seeing how options changed the residual price.

I agree with the other posters that mid $60's is the right price retail. At $51k that is a significant hair cut, assuming the car has all the service up to date and no accident stories. Also, if you are selling the car outright, you lose the tax credit savings towards the new car (this applies in Canada, not sure about the US). Considering the hassles associated with selling a car privately, a strong offer in the mid $50's would be worth considering IMHO. I would also exploring the option of consigning the car for a short term, say 30 days or so.

Good luck with you sale.